'West Wing' star is playing a cop in a comedy pilot

Emmy winner Bradley Whitford is back on the series beat at NBC, starring in a comedy pilot called "Off Duty."

Whitford will also be a producer of the show, which is about the relationship between two detectives (Whitford and Romany Malco of "Weeds") with different styles. The show received a cast-contingent pilot order a few months ago and has now been given the go-ahead after landing its two leads, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Whitford, who won an Emmy in 2001 for "The West Wing," will play a decorated cop whose best days are behind him. Malco will play a rising star in the department who finds his life, both on the job and off, becoming more complicated after he's partnered with Whitford.

Upright Citizens Brigade member Jason Mantzoukas is writing the pilot script and will be a co-executive producer. Scot Armstrong ("Old School," "Semi-Pro") and Ravi Nandan will executive produce, and Whitford will have a producer credit.

In addition to "The West Wing," Whitford starred in NBC's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" in the 2006-07 season. He currently co-stars in the indie film " Bottle Shock."

Malco played pot dealer Conrad on the first three seasons of Showtime's "Weeds." His movie credits include "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and " Baby Mama."