Canadian actor Eric McCormack is to star in the TNT drama pilot Perception from ABC Studios.

The former Will & Grace star is to play Dr. Geoffrey Pierce, an eccentric neuroscientist who uses his knowledge of the human mind to help the FBI solve complicated cases.

Kenneth Biller and Mike Sussman (Star Trek: The Voyager) wrote the drama pilot.

McCormack, besides starring in the pilot, snagged a producer role.

The Canadian actor previously starred in the TNT ad agency drama Trust Me, the cable channel’s answer to Mad Men which was eventually picked up by Super Channel, and co-produced the TNT pilot Imperfect Union.

McCormack earlier this year received an award of distinction at the Banff World Television Festival, and more recently a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto.