Although Fox may have retreated from conspiracy-thriller territory with the cancellation of 24 -- hey, eight seasons is a good run -- NBC is staking its claim with The Event, a compelling-looking drama about a disparate group of people who become caught up in a web of international intrigue.

The Event follows Sean Walker (Jason Ritter of The Class and Parenthood), described by the network as "an Everyman" who investigates the disappearance of his fiance Leila (Sarah Roemer of Disturbia), and in the process unwittingly begins to expose the biggest cover-up in American history. His search sends ripples through the lives of several strangers, including: newly elected President Martinez (Blair Underwood of Dirty Sexy Money); Sophia (Laura Innes of ER), the leader of a mysterious group of government detainees; and Sean's "shadowy" father-in-law (Scott Patterson of Gilmore Girls).

The show's full-length trailer, which you can watch it below, plays its cards close to the vest, repeatedly teasing us with what is not "the event." The coyness could be annoying, but I'm enough of a sucker for an intricate storyline to be drawn in by the bait.

The Event will air Mondays at 9 p.m. on NBC.