The Canceled Shows of Tomorrow: Pilot Season

[Shifty]

Any news on scripts ordered, roles cast and pick ups later in the year for the networks and cable channels. Here are some pilot orders:

NBC

Stuck in fourth place and now free of Leno taking five hours of real estate NBC looks to slowly climb back this fall with their best development in a while. Granted two are "remakes" and there is potentially another Law & Order spinoff, but overall it still sounds better than Mercy, Trauma, Celebrity Apprentice, five nights of The Jay Leno Show and two hours of Dateline.

On the drama side, "Prime Suspect" is based on the award-winning BBC series centering on a courageous female detective who investigates complex mysteries in a politically explosive big city. Casting will be announced later. The pilot is produced by Universal Media Studios and ITV. Hank Steinberg ("Without a Trace") and Erwin Stoff ("The Blind Side") are the executive producers.

In "The Rockford Files," the successful NBC drama from the 1970s is re-imagined by executive producers David Shore ("House") and Steve Carell (NBC's "The Office"). The title character, Jim Rockford, remains a roguish private eye who tackles the dangerous, quirky and unpredictable cases that no other detective wants to handle. The pilot is from Universal Media Studios and Carousel Productions.

"The Event" is a thriller with a unique storytelling device that features multiple points of view concerning a decent, regular fellow who battles against mysterious circumstances that envelope a larger conspiracy. Universal Media Studios produces the pilot that includes Steve Stark ("Medium") as the executive producer; Nick Wauters ("The 4400") is the co-executive producer/writer. Casting will be announced later.

In "Undercovers," a domesticated husband and wife return from years in retirement and are re-activated as CIA agents. As they work together for the first time on new cases, they discover new aspects from their past - even as they re-ignite their passion for each other. J.J. Abrams ("Lost," the 2009 feature film "Star Trek"), Bryan Burk ("Lost," "Star Trek") and Josh Reims ("Dirty Sexy Money") are the executive producers; Abrams and Reims are the writers. The pilot is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Bad Robot Productions.

"Chase" is a new action-procedural drama from Emmy Award-winning executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer (the "CSI" franchise, "The Amazing Race," "The Pirates of the Caribbean" feature films). "Chase," based on a real-life group and set in the American Southwest, follows a crucial fugitive apprehension team comprised of U.S. Marshals that tracks down the nation's most notorious criminals. Tension builds as the cat-and-mouse game of the ultimate search escalates in each episode. The series is from Warner Bros. Television and Jerry Bruckheimer Television. Joining Bruckheimer as executive producers are Jennifer Johnson ("Cold Case") and Jonathan Littman ("CSI," "Cold Case").

"Kindreds," created by Emmy Award winner David E. Kelley ("Boston Legal," "The Practice," "L.A. Law"), follows a curmudgeonly ex-patent lawyer and his group of misfit associates as their lives come together to form an unconventional kind of law practice. The series is from Warner Bros. Television and David E. Kelley Productions. Kelley is the writer and executive producer.

"Love Bites" is an hour-long romantic comedy produced by Universal Media Studios and Working Title Films. Writer Cindy Chupack ("Sex in the City," "Everybody Loves Raymond"), Timothy Bevan & Eric Fellner (both for "Love Actually," "Bridget Jones' Diary") and Shelley McCrory are the executive producers. Casting and producer credits will be announced later.

Among the comedies is the Adam Carolla comedy project that features the humorous radio and TV personality Carolla ("The Man Show," "The Hammer") as a contractor who sets out to re-build his life following a divorce. The pilot is produced by Universal Media Studios and BermanBraun. The executive producers are Carolla, Kevin Hench (The Hammer"), Jon Pollack (NBC's "30 Rock"), Jimmy Kimmel ("The Jimmy Kimmel Show"), Gail Berman (NBC's "Mercy"), Lloyd Braun (NBC's "Mercy"), Daniel Kellison ("The Jimmy Kimmel Show," "The Man Show") and James Dixon ("Ace in the Hole").

With CBS only having weak spots on Sundays, Fridays and their comedies on Wednesdays there really isn't much room for new shows, NBC will be full of them this fall. Chuck Lorre has the two top rated comedies on television so his new show could find a home on Mondays.

MIKE & MOLLY - "Two and a Half Men" and "The Big Bang Theory" mastermind Chuck Lorre has landed another multi-camera project at the Eye. He'll executive produce the half-hour, which revolves around "a couple who struggle with overeating and meet at Overeaters Anonymous." Mark Roberts penned the Warner Bros. Television-based project, which has a pilot commitment. Roberts then will executive produce alongside Lorre.

OPEN BOOKS - Gail Lerner ("Will & Grace") has scored a pilot order from the Eye for a new multi-camera comedy which "revolves around book editor June and her circle of friends." It's understood the project is semi-autobiographical - Lerner spent time as a temp in the publishing world at the beginning of her career while her sister worked as a book editor for 15 years. Warner Bros. Television is behind the half-hour, which Lerner wrote on spec.

TRUE LOVE - Matt Tarses has landed a pilot commitment from the Eye for a new comedy about "four people in their 20s in New York looking for love." The multi-camera half-hour comes from Sony Pictures Television, where Tarses will write and executive produce alongside his studio-based sister Jamie Tarses.

CRIMINAL MINDS SPINOFF - Entertainment Weekly has revealed casting breakdowns for the show's much-ballyhooed spin-off. Said group is detailed as follows: Cooper ("the B-team's leader, a middle-aged alpha male who's as loyal to his team as he is sketchy about his past"), Gina ("escaped the mean streets of Baltimore, only to wind up being sent back to them as an undercover agent"), Mick ("ex-British Special Forces operative, a sniper who's as good with words as he is with a firearm") and Prophet ("a born-again African-American ex-con who's eager to clean the slate he so completely filled pre-prison.") An upcoming episode of the parent series will serve as a backdoor pilot for the spin-off.

MTV's

TEEN WOLF Newcomers Tyler Posey, Tyler Hoechlin, Crystal Reed and Dylan O'Brien are the first to be cast in the drama pilot, a reinvention of the 1985 movie of the same name. Posey will play the title character, Scott McCall, "a dorky high-school student who gets a rush of new powers, including the ability to attract girls, after a wolf attack." O'Brien then is set as Scott's best friend "who is initially dismissive of Scott's theory that he was bitten by a wolf but then begins research on human-werewolf transformation" with Reed as "a sweet new girl at school who is immediately smitten with Scott" and Hoechlin as "a handsome local boy who in fact is a vicious and predatory werewolf capable of great harm." Jeff Davis is behind the pilot presentation, which is also executive produced by Marty Adelstein and Rene Echevarria.

A&E

THE QUICKENING - Jeffrey Nordling ("Desperate Housewives"), John Heard ("Southland") and Michael Arden ("Kings") have all joined the cast of the drama pilot, about a homicide detective demoted to a desk job after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Radha Mitchell was previously cast in the lead role of Maggie Bird. Nordling will play her former partner, "an ex-cop who left the force to run a detective agency after Maggie took a bullet for him and saved his life," with Arden as "an enthusiastic doctor assigned Maggie's evaluation" and Heard as Maggie's boss. Jennifer Salt is behind the hour, which comes from Fox Television Studios.

SUGARLOAF - Matt Passmore (FOX's "Masterwork") is set to topline a new drama pilot for the cable channel about "an ex-Chicago cop who gets kicked off the force after being shot by his ex-captain, who wrongfully accused him in having an affair with his wife." Passmore will play said role, Jim Longworth, "an observant detective with a sly sense of humor, [who] moves to a small Florida town and joins the state police." Clifton Campbell penned the hour and is executive producing with Gary Randall for Fox Television Studios. Peter O'Fallon is attached to direct.

ABC

Titled "187 Detroit," the pilot marks ABC's first drama pickup that will be in the running for next season. "Detroit" is shot in the style of a fictional documentary crew following a top homicide division and has a realistic yet sometimes humorous tone.

SHOWTIME

IT'S A BIG YES FOR THE BIG 'C' - SHOWTIME Picks Up New Original Comedy Series Starring Laura Linney

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 8, 2010) Three-time Academy Award nominee, three-time Emmy winner, and SAG and Golden Globe Award winner Laura Linney comes to series television on SHOWTIME as star and executive producer of the provocative new half-hour original dark comedy series, THE BIG 'C' (working title). Linney plays a reserved suburban wife and mother whose recent cancer diagnosis forces her to shake up her life and find hope, humor and the light side of a dark situation, while managing her immature but well-meaning husband, played by Oliver Platt. THE BIG 'C' will begin shooting 13 episodes later this spring for a fall 2010 debut, it was announced today by SHOWTIME President of Entertainment Robert Greenblatt.

SHAMELESS - Emmy Rossum, Allison Janney and Justin Chatwin have all landed roles on the pay channel's import of the veteran U.K. drama about the Gallaghers, "a working-class Chicago clan dealing with the recession." The previously cast William H. Macy plays the patriarch of said family who "usually ends up passed out on the living room floor, so their smart but unpredictable 18-year-old daughter Fiona (Rossum) is tasked with keeping her five younger brothers and sisters on the straight and narrow." Chatwin then is set as Steve, "a car thief who falls in love with Fiona," with Janney in the recurring role of "a pivotal character that will become a love interest for Macy." Mark Mylod is directing the Warner Bros. Television-based pilot from a script by Paul Abbott and John Wells.

Credit goes to The Futon Critic

 

[TheComicbookKid]

Really, David E. Kelly? Another law show. How about you put a bunch of tickets in a hat with different careers and pull something out.



The only good thing about NBC's debacle is maybe Mercy will stay on another year!

 

[Sawyer]

Chuck Lorre should just stop.

 

[Shifty]

Chuck Lorre should just stop.

Both his shows are getting 13-15 million viewers each. No show on NBC gets that. He's going to be the Bruckheimer of sitcoms and have a new show each year.

FOX

13 EPISODE ORDER FOR JACK & DAN - Diana-Maria Riva ("Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") has both joined the cast of the upcoming drama, about "Jack (Colin Hanks), an ambitious, by-the-book detective whose habit of undermining himself has resulted in a dead-end position at the Los Angeles Police Department. He's partnered with Dan (Bradley Whitford), a drunken, lecherous cop who hangs onto his job only because of a heroic act years before." She'll play Lt. Katherine Anderson, the guys' boss and lead detective who once was partnered with Dan. In addition, Tim Matheson ("Covert Affairs") has been tapped to helm the show's opening installment to be written by "Notice" creator Matt Nix. Fox Television Studios is producing.


RIDEALONG - The ever-busy Shawn Ryan has landed a put pilot order for a drama about police officers in Chicago. The project, which plans to film in the Windy City, will track three groups of police officers, including a Polish-American cop who plays up his heritage and the female chief of police. Ryan, a native of nearby Rockford, Illinois, is set to pen and executive produce the hour, which is set up at 20th Century Fox Television.

WORTHY - Davey Holmes ("In Treatment") is developing a new drama at the network about "an Arizona politician named Worthy whose struggle to do the right thing takes a wrong turn after he is involved in a hit-and-run and gets blackmailed by a mob boss." The project is set up at 20th Century Fox Television, where it's on track to hire a casting director. FOX's commitment includes a penalty should it not move forward to pilot. Holmes, who penned the hour on spec, is executive producing with Gavin Polone.

 

[ttotheusher]

Welcome to the world of tomorrow!!! (is what I read when I first saw the title of this thread)

Those look like a crappy bunch of pilots. JJ Abram's might be good, only because he hasnt misfired yet. Is it sad that the only appealing synopsis of all of them is a remake of a classic? (i.e. The Rockford Files)

Also, am I going mad or is "Rex Is Not Your Lawyer" not on that list?

 

[Shifty]

That may air this spring as early as March, the executives are watching the pilot this week.

 

[TheComicbookKid]

I'm kind of excited to see that Colin Hanks show. I'm never been able to decide if he has genuine charisma or is just coasting. Even though the descripton sounds like the Odd Couple as cops.

 

[X-Ray]

"The Event" is a thriller with a unique storytelling device that features multiple points of view concerning a decent, regular fellow who battles against mysterious circumstances that envelope a larger conspiracy. Universal Media Studios produces the pilot that includes Steve Stark ("Medium") as the executive producer; Nick Wauters ("The 4400") is the co-executive producer/writer. Casting will be announced later.

The only one I find slightly interesting.

 

[Dr. Evil]

CRIMINAL MINDS SPINOFF - Entertainment Weekly has revealed casting breakdowns for the show's much-ballyhooed spin-off. Said group is detailed as follows: Cooper ("the B-team's leader, a middle-aged alpha male who's as loyal to his team as he is sketchy about his past"), Gina ("escaped the mean streets of Baltimore, only to wind up being sent back to them as an undercover agent"), Mick ("ex-British Special Forces operative, a sniper who's as good with words as he is with a firearm") and Prophet ("a born-again African-American ex-con who's eager to clean the slate he so completely filled pre-prison.") An upcoming episode of the parent series will serve as a backdoor pilot for the spin-off.

As a fan I am of Criminal Minds, I find it interesting that there isn't any mention of Nicholas Brendon's character for this show.

 

[Shifty]

ABC to develop comedy with Matthew Perry
by Lynette Rice
EW.com

ABC announced today that it will develop a sitcom pilot called Mr. Sunshine that will star Matthew Perry. Written by Perry, Alex Barnow, and Marc Firek through Sony, the comedy focuses on a man (Perry) who realizes that, at 40, he can no longer fall back on his charm and sense of humor. His character also manages a local sports stadium in San Diego. Tommy Schlamme (The West Wing) will direct the pilot, which will be executive produced by Perry and Jamie Tarses, the former ABC entertainment president who now operates her own production shingle, Fan Fare. Perry told EW.com about the project in October. “We’re trying to do a show that’s really, really funny and can slow down and play some heartfelt moments” Perry said. “All of this stuff originally came from watching a lot of Alan Partridge and the British Office, and just wanting to go be funny again.”

 

[Shifty]

AMC looks to continue streak with pickups
Cable net picks up dramas 'The Walking Dead' and 'The Killing'

By Nellie Andreeva
Jan 20, 2010, 04:09 PM ET

Updated: Jan 20, 2010, 08:30 PM ET
AMC is looking to extend its perfect development record with the pickup of drama pilots "Walking Dead" and "The Killing."

They mark the fourth and fifth pilots ordered by the basic cabler, with its first three -- "Mad Men," "Breaking Bad and "Rubicon," which premieres in the summer -- all going to series.

They also continue "the tradition of delivering premium cable quality shows on basic cable," AMC president and GM Charlie Collier said.

"Dead" is based on Robert Kirkman's comic book. It chronicles the months and years following a zombie apocalypse and focuses on a group of survivors, led by policeman Rick Grimes, who travels in search of a secure home.

Frank Darabont is writer, director and executive producer of the project, with Gale Anne Hurd of Valhalla Pictures and David Alpert of Circle of Confusion also executive producing.

"The Walking Dead," a monthly black-and-white comic, had been a sought-after property since it was published in 2003 by Image Comics. After healthy bidding, it landed at AMC in August in one of the network's biggest development deals to date.

"Killing," from Fox TV Studios, is based on the Danish series "Forbrydelsen."

Written by Veena Sud ("CBS' Cold Case") and set in Seattle, the AMC project chronicles the investigation of a young girl's murder through the perspective of the police, the victim's family and the mayor's office.

Denmark-born producer Mikkel Bondesen (USA Network's "Burn Notice"), who is based at FtvS, brought the format to the studio and is executive producing with Sud.

"It's 'Prime Suspect' meets 'The Wire,' " FtvS exec VP David Madden said. "We're cutting between the three interconnected worlds that are all affected by the killing and everything that has come out in the investigation."

AMC's first three pilots and series were original concepts. The fact that "Dead" and "Killing" are based on underlying material is a coincidence, AMC senior vp original programming and production Joel Stillerman said.

"We think that both of these pieces are incredibly original and distinctive," he said.

AMC is coming off of a record-setting best series Golden Globes award for "Mad Men," which became the first drama to win the top category three consecutive years.

Any show that is "The Wire meets something" is a show to pay attention to. They'll be looking into the detectives, the family and the politicians involved with the murder.

Breaking Bad has shown the evolution of Walter White over the course of 20 episodes, so seeing the continuation of The Walking Dead should be enjoyable.

NBC picks up comedy pilot
'The Strip' is from 'Reno 911's' co-creators/stars

By Nellie Andreeva

Jan 19, 2010, 10:19 PM ET
Fox, CBS, ABC pick up pilots
ABC picks up two drama pilots
The pilot pickup season kicked into high gear Tuesday.

Capping a steady steam of orders throughout the day, NBC picked up multicamera comedy "The Strip," from "Reno 911" co-creators/stars Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant.

The project, from UMS, centers on a former child star (Lennon) who now owns a Hooters-type restaurant in a strip mall on the outskirts of Vegas. Garant is set to play a supporting role in the pilot he and Lennon co-wrote together.

The premise of the show, produced by UMS, had been kept under wraps since it was set up at NBC in October with a sizable commitment.

Lennon and Garant are executive producing with Peter Principato and Paul Young.

This may be good but it has canceled written all over it. Would work on cable not while NBC tries to climb up from the sewers. NBC needs to find another young sexy group of friends sitcom where everyone has sex with each other, like how CBS has HIMYM.

Fox, CBS, ABC pick up pilots
'Nevermind Nirvana,' 'Odds,' 'Happy Endings' greenlighted

By Nellie Andreeva

Jan 19, 2010, 06:21 PM ET
Updated: Jan 19, 2010, 07:58 PM ET
Related
ABC picks up two drama pilots
NBC picks up comedy pilot
Three more pilots hit the runway Tuesday.

Fox picked up "Nevermind Nirvana," a comedy from writer Ajay Sahgal; CBS greenlighted "The Odds," a drama from feature writer-director Jeff Wadlow and producer Joel Silver; and ABC ordered "Happy Endings," a comedy from producer Jamie Tarses.

"Nevermind Nirvana," from 20th TV, is described as "Everybody Loves Raymond" with Indian Americans.

It is an ensemble multicamera comedy about two grown-up sons, their Indian immigrant parents and their friends, including one of the son's Caucasian girlfriend.

"It's about how their lives intersect in often polarizing ways and about the clash of the old Indian values and the new American values," Sahgal said.

"Nirvana" is largely based on real-life experiences by Sahgal, who is the son of Indian immigrants and is married to "Lie to Me" co-star Kelli Williams.

He first developed "Nirvana" for NBC and NBC Studios during the 2003-04 season under Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly, who then was NBC's president of primetime development.

The project was picked up to pilot starring Kal Penn and Judy Greer and directed and produced by David Schwimmer.

In the fall of 2004, NBC redeveloped it as "Nearly Nirvana," with Schwimmer as director-producer and, in a last-minute recasting of Arj Barker, Sahgal as the lead opposite Greer.

While it ultimately didn't make the cut at NBC, Reilly remained a fan of the concept, and when Sahgal ran into him at a "Lie" event last year, Reilly encouraged him to revisit it, which Sahgal did under a blind script deal he had with 20th TV.

"Maybe third time is the charm," Sahgal said, dismissing any possibility for him to star in the new pilot.

"I'd like it to be successful," he quipped.

"The Odds," from Warner Bros. TV, is a buddy cop show set in Las Vegas where the cops are just as outrageous as the crimes they solve.

Wadlow ("Never Back Down") penned the script and is exec producing with Silver. Beau Bauman serves as producer.

"Happy Endings," from Sony TV and Tarses' Fanfare, was written by up-and-coming writer David Caspe, who was recently featured on the 2009 Black List with "I Hate You Dad," a feature comedy he has in development at Sony and Happy Madison.

The single-camera comedy centers on a couple that breaks up at the altar, forcing them and their group of friends to figure out how to maintain their friendships after the split.

Tarses is exec producing.

And more crap from ABC

ABC picks up two drama pilots
'Off the Map,' 'Body of Evidence' given green light

By Nellie Andreeva

Jan 19, 2010, 08:10 PM ET
Related
Fox, CBS, ABC pick up pilots
NBC picks up comedy pilot
ABC on Tuesday picked up two more pilots, a new medical drama from "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes, and "Body of Evidence," both from ABC Studios.

"Off the Map," executive produced by Rhimes, revolves around three doctors, each anxious for a fresh start. They leave the comfort of the States to work at an isolated tropical clinic, where they face both exotic and unusual medical challenges as well as personal ones.

"Grey's Anatomy" co-exec producer Jenna Bans wrote the script and is executive producing with Rhimes and Betsy Beers.

"Body of Evidence," is a procedural that centers on Megan Hunt, a former neurosurgeon-turned-medical examiner who brings a unique and crime-solving perspective to the ME's office that often puts her at odds with her superiors.

Chris Murphey
 wrote the script and is exec producing with Matt Gross, on whose idea the project is based.

Gross described "Body of Evidence" as "a female postmortem 'House'."

"New" CBS Sunday show?

CBS books 'em: 'Hawaii Five-O' greenlighted
Scribes Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci exec producing

By Nellie Andreeva
Jan 15, 2010, 05:57 PM ET
"Hawaii Five-O" is a go.

CBS has greenlighted an updated version of the classic cop series from hot feature scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci and "CSI: NY" executive producer Peter Lenkov.

The project, from CBS Studios, scored a sizable commitment when it landed at CBS in October.

It is described as an updated take on the original series that is centered on an elite branch of the Hawaii State Police headed by Steve McGarrett and answerable only to the governor.

The classic procedural, created by Leonard Freeman, ran on CBS from 1968-80 and became famous for its opening music and for its staple "Book 'em, Danno" closing line.

Kurtzman and Orci co-wrote the story for the pilot with Lenkov, who penned the script under their supervision. All three are executive producing.

CBS and CBS Studios, which has the rights to "Hawaii Five-O," first took a stab at developing a contemporary take last season with "Criminal Minds" executive producer/showrunner Ed Bernero.

Kurtzman and Orci, co-creators/exec producers of Fox's sophomore drama "Fringe," know a thing or two about reinvigorating TV series: They recently penned the J.J. Abrams-directed blockbuster "Star Trek." Their feature writing credits also include the two "Transformers" movies and "Mission: Impossible III."

Lenkov serves as exec producer/co-showrunner on CBS/CBS Studios crime drama "CSI: NY" alongside Pam Veasey.

 

[Shifty]

Matthew Broderick takes TV role
Actor attached to star in NBC comedy pilot 'Beach Lane'

By Nellie Andreeva
Feb 1, 2010, 08:31 PM ET

The actor, who had been courted by TV networks for years to headline a show, is attached to star in NBC's multicamera comedy pilot "Beach Lane," which was given the green light Monday.

Also on Monday, the network picked up another multicamera comedy pilot, "Perfect Couples."

"Beach Lane," from UMS, Lorne Michaels' Broadway Video and writer Paul Simms ("NewsRadio"), stars Broderick as a celebrity author hired by an irresponsible millionaire heir to run his struggling small-town newspaper in the Hamptons.

Broderick was approached to do the project months ago but would only commit after reading the final script.

His involvement in "Beach Lane" follows his guest stint on NBC's "30 Rock," which is exec produced by Michaels.

Michaels is exec producing "Beach Lane" with Marci Klein.

"Couples," from UMS and writers Jon Pollack ("30 Rock") and Scott Silveri ("Friends"), is a romantic comedy revolving around three couples, all with varying definitions of relationship perfection.

Beach Lane sounds like NewsRadio meets 30 Rock, Broderick was awesome as Cooter Burger on 30 Rock.

 

[BlackLantern]

I did love Newsradio....30 Rock, not so much...I like it for Baldwin and that's about it

 

[The Question]

I don't expect much from that past lives show. Looks hella gimmicky.

 

[Sawyer]

I did love Newsradio....30 Rock, not so much...I like it for Baldwin and that's about it

I dont get the hype around that show at all... aside from Baldwin and Morgan, I have barely ever laughed when watching that show.

 

[Dr. Evil]

Well, here's a name from NBC's past making a return:

http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/02/09/paul-reiser-is-thinking-about-a-return-to-nbc/

 

[Shifty]

Its supposed to be like Curb and be based around his family life. So.. CYE with kids on network TV I'm guessing.

 

[BlackLantern]

Katee Sackhoffs pilot (Lost and Found) didn't get picked up, probably how she landed on '24'

 

[Sawyer]

Its supposed to be like Curb and be based around his family life. So.. CYE with kids on network TV I'm guessing.

So basically a watered-down version of Curb without any of its charm.

 

[Shifty]

So basically a watered-down version of Curb without any of its charm.

Likely. But better than Two and a Half Men or The Middle.

 

[Sawyer]

Likely. But better than Two and a Half Men or The Middle.

Pssh... a mentally ******ed midget having sex with a pair of conjoined twins would be better than Two and a Half Men.

 

[Shifty]

NBC's Heroes looks to be done so ABC does Heroes meets The Incredibles.

'Dexter' actress joins ABC drama pilot
Julie Benz cast in 'No Ordinary Family'; other pilots expanding

By Nellie Andreeva
March 1, 2010, 11:33 PM ET

"Dexter" alumna Julie Benz has been tapped to star opposite Michael Chiklis in ABC's drama pilot "No Ordinary Family."

In other pilot castings, Christina Chang also has come aboard "No Ordinary Family," Jaime King and Mehcad Brooks have joined ABC's hourlong "Generation Y," Fran Kranz has landed a role on NBC comedy "Friends With Benefits," Alexandra Breckenridge has come aboard Fox's comedy "Traffic Light," "Friday Night Lights" alumna Adrianne Palicki and Bryce Johnson are set for Fox's drama "Midland," and veteran Peggy Lipton and Escher Holloway have been added to ABC's dramedy "Cutthroat."

"Family" revolves around a typical American family led by Jim (Michael Chiklis), a once aspiring artist-turned-police artist, who suddenly finds themselves with new "abilities."

Benz, who recurs on ABC's dramedy "Desperate Housewives" this spring as a lap dancer taking up residence on Wisteria Lane, will play Jim's wife, a gifted scientist who develops a power for superspeed.

Chang, who has recurred on "CSI" Miami" and "24," will play a young police officer who works at the same precinct as Jim. She is repped by APA and MJ Management.

"Generation Y" is a documentary-style dramedy that revolves around a disparate group of former high school classmates, tracking their paths during the past 10 years and the events that have shaped their lives.

King, repped by Gersh and Raw Talent, will play the beauty queen who is now an unhappily married failed actress. "True Blood" alum Brooks will play the jock, a lieutenant in Afghanistan trying to get back to his pregnant wife. The actor, who is co-starring on ABC's "The Deep End," is repped by Innovative and Mosaic.

"Benefits," directed by David Dobkin, explores modern-day romance through the eyes of five friends, each looking for "the one" but in the meantime settling for "friends with benefits."

Kranz, repped by UTA and the Hofflund Co., will play one of them, a nerdy but cute hopeless romantic who is worth $12 million after selling an algorithm to Google.

Fox's "Traffic" revolves around Adam (Nelson Franklin), a magazine editor who recently moved into a new house with his girlfriend (Breckenridge), and his two best buddies. Breckenridge ("Life Unexpected") is repped Kohler and Kritzer Levin Wilkins Griffin.

The Marc Webb-directed "Midland" centers on a con artist (Jimmy Wolk) juggling two lives in two Texas cities with two women (Palicki, Eloise Mumford). Johnson, repped by Fortitude and Untitled, will play Palicki's brother.

"Cutthroat" centers on Nina Cabrera (Roselyn Sanchez), an upscale Beverly Hills widow and soccer mom who runs an international drug cartel.

Lipton will play her mother, a former Miss California. Holloway, repped by APA and Evoluton, will play her 16-year-old stepson.
'Dexter' actress joins ABC drama pilot
Julie Benz cast in 'No Ordinary Family'; other pilots expanding

By Nellie Andreeva

March 1, 2010, 11:33 PM ET
"Dexter" alumna Julie Benz has been tapped to star opposite Michael Chiklis in ABC's drama pilot "No Ordinary Family."

In other pilot castings, Christina Chang also has come aboard "No Ordinary Family," Jaime King and Mehcad Brooks have joined ABC's hourlong "Generation Y," Fran Kranz has landed a role on NBC comedy "Friends With Benefits," Alexandra Breckenridge has come aboard Fox's comedy "Traffic Light," "Friday Night Lights" alumna Adrianne Palicki and Bryce Johnson are set for Fox's drama "Midland," and veteran Peggy Lipton and Escher Holloway have been added to ABC's dramedy "Cutthroat."

"Family" revolves around a typical American family led by Jim (Michael Chiklis), a once aspiring artist-turned-police artist, who suddenly finds themselves with new "abilities."

Benz, who recurs on ABC's dramedy "Desperate Housewives" this spring as a lap dancer taking up residence on Wisteria Lane, will play Jim's wife, a gifted scientist who develops a power for superspeed.

Chang, who has recurred on "CSI" Miami" and "24," will play a young police officer who works at the same precinct as Jim. She is repped by APA and MJ Management.

"Generation Y" is a documentary-style dramedy that revolves around a disparate group of former high school classmates, tracking their paths during the past 10 years and the events that have shaped their lives.

King, repped by Gersh and Raw Talent, will play the beauty queen who is now an unhappily married failed actress. "True Blood" alum Brooks will play the jock, a lieutenant in Afghanistan trying to get back to his pregnant wife. The actor, who is co-starring on ABC's "The Deep End," is repped by Innovative and Mosaic.

"Benefits," directed by David Dobkin, explores modern-day romance through the eyes of five friends, each looking for "the one" but in the meantime settling for "friends with benefits."

Spoiler

Kranz, repped by UTA and the Hofflund Co., will play one of them, a nerdy but cute hopeless romantic who is worth $12 million after selling an algorithm to Google.

Fox's "Traffic" revolves around Adam (Nelson Franklin), a magazine editor who recently moved into a new house with his girlfriend (Breckenridge), and his two best buddies. Breckenridge ("Life Unexpected") is repped Kohler and Kritzer Levin Wilkins Griffin.

The Marc Webb-directed "Midland" centers on a con artist (Jimmy Wolk) juggling two lives in two Texas cities with two women (Palicki, Eloise Mumford). Johnson, repped by Fortitude and Untitled, will play Palicki's brother.

"Cutthroat" centers on Nina Cabrera (Roselyn Sanchez), an upscale Beverly Hills widow and soccer mom who runs an international drug cartel.

Lipton will play her mother, a former Miss California. Holloway, repped by APA and Evoluton, will play her 16-year-old stepson.

LUCK (HBO) - Two-time Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman ("Kramer vs. Kramer," "Rain Man") is set to topline the drama pilot, which is "described as a provocative look at the worlds of horseracing and gambling told through a diverse group of characters surrounding a racetrack." He's on board as Chester "Ace" Bernstein, an ex-con who "teams with Gus Economou (Dennis Farina), his longtime chauffeur and muscle, to craft a complex plan involving the track." John Ortiz also stars in the hour, which Michael Mann is directing from a script by David Milch. The pair are also executive producing alongside Carolyn Strauss. Henry Bronchtein also serve as a co-executive producer. Production is set to begin this month for a potential January 2011 series o

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3
By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC)

LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- The latest development news, culled from recent wire reports:

Looking to keep track of all the various projects in development? Click here to visit our signature "Devwatch" section. There visitors can view our listings by network, genre, studio and even development stage (ordered to pilot, cast-contingent, script, etc.). It's updated every day!

187 DETROIT (ABC) - Michael Imperioli ("Life on Mars") has booked the lead role on the drama pilot, about "Detroit's top homicide division as seen through the cameras of a fictitious documentary crew." He'll play Joseph Fitch, "a smart, tough-minded veteran detective with a short fuse who has a near-perfect record for clearing cases and putting murderers in cages." Aisha Hinds, D.J. Cotrona, John Michael Hill and Natalie Martinez also star in the ABC Studios-based hour, to be directed by Jeff Nachmanoff. Jason Richman is the creator.

CUTTHROAT (ABC) - Jon Seda ("The Pacific") is the latest addition to the drama pilot, about Nina Cabrera (Roselyn Sanchez), "an upscale Beverly Hills widow and soccer mom who runs an international drug cartel." He's on board as Frankie, Nina's stylish cousin and second in command. Seda joins the previously cast Escher Holloway and Peggy Lipton. Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters are behind the hour, which Bronwen Hughes is directing. 20th Century Fox Television and ABC Studios are co-producing.

EPISODES (Showtime) - Claire Forlani ("CSI: NY"), Kathleen Rose Perkins ("'Til Death") and Stephen Mangan ("Free Agents") have all joined the cast of the upcoming Matt LeBlanc-led comedy, about "a British couple whose hit UK show is turned into a dumbed-down American sit-com starring LeBlanc (as himself)." Forlani and Mangan will play said duo, Beverly ("a strong, self-possessed woman who suffers no fools") and Sean ("bright, both in his intelligence and his sunny outlook"), while Perkins is set as Carol Ranson ("A real person. Or an incredible facsimile."), the head of primetime programming at the network. David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik are behind the half-hour, which is set up at Jimmy Mulville's Hat Trick Productions.

GAME OF THRONES (HBO) - The pay channel has given a series commitment to its adaptation of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series of fantasy novels. A total of 10 episodes have been ordered of the project, about "an epic struggle for power set in a vast and violent kingdom," with production set to begin in Belfast this summer for a spring premiere. Mark Addy, Sean Bean, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage and Lena Headey are among the show's ensemble cast. Tom McCarthy helmed the pilot from a script by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, who are also executive producing the series. Carolyn Strauss, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis, Ralph Vicinanza and Martin himself serve as co-executive producers with Joanna Burn, Mark Huffam and Frank Doelger producing.

HAPPY ENDINGS (ABC) - "Scrubs" co-star Eliza Coupe has scored a role on the comedy pilot, about Alex and Dave, "a couple who, after breaking up at the altar, must figure out how they and their four friends can maintain their relationship." She'll play Jane, one of Alex's bridesmaids, who's married to Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.), one of Dave's groomsmen. Coupe's involvement is in second position to her duties on "Scrubs," should it return. Casey Wilson also stars in the Sony Pictures Television-based half-hour, which Anthony and Joe Russo are directing from a script by David Caspe.

HOW TO BE A BETTER AMERICAN (ABC) - Missi Pyle ("Grey's Anatomy") and Johnny Sneed ("Unhitched") have each been cast in the comedy pilot, about "a father (Jason Jones) who embarks on a journey to be a better person and drags along his family kicking and screaming." She's on board as Hughs wife Katie, "a stressed out whirlwind of efficiency," while he's playing Chad, Nate's "overweight, unemployed brother." Brian Bradley and Steven Cragg are behind the half-hour, which is set up at ABC Studios.

MATADORS (ABC) - Jason Behr and Merle Dandridge are the latest to book roles on the drama pilot, about "two feuding families' battle against each other as one populates the state attorney's office and the other manages an influential private law firm." Behr is playing Gabriel Lodari ("handsome, focused"), Juliana's (Michelle Borth) cousin, who also works as a prosecutor. Dandridge then is set as Brooke Comas ("charm meets no-nonsense attitude"), an investigator for the other family. David Strathairn, Jonathan Scarfe and Zach Gilford also star in the pilot, which Yves Simoneau is directing from a script by Jack Orman. Sony Pictures Television is producing.

OFF THE MAP (ABC) - Jason George ("Grey's Anatomy") has joined the cast of the drama pilot, about "three doctors who leave the comfort of the U.S. to work at an isolated tropical clinic, Cruz del Sur." He's on board as Dr. Otis Abbot, a brilliant ER doctor who "enjoys being brilliant, the ladies, and a good dirty joke." Enrique Murciano, Martin Henderson and Valerie Cruz also star in the Jenna Bans-penned hour, which comes from ABC Studios and Shondaland Productions.

OUTSOURCED (NBC) - Diedrich Bader and Jessica Gower are both the latest additions to the comedy pilot, about "a recently demoted manager (Ben Rappaport) at a novelties company who is shipped to India to manage a ragtag group of customer-service reps." Gower is set as Tonya, "an athletic, statuesque blonde" Australian who runs a call center, while Bader is on board as Charlie Davies, "one big, sweaty American" who runs "another call center who refuses to assimilate to Indian culture and has American junk food shipped to him." The half-hour is set up at Universal Media Studios where Ken Kwapis is directing from a script by Robert Borden.

PAWN STARS (History) - The cable channel is reportedly on track to order New York and Miami-based spin-offs of its popular reality franchise, about the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. Brent Montgomery and Colby Gaines of Leftfield Pictures are behind the series, which posted 5.1 million viewers on Monday, a series record for the network. No other details were given about the potential spin-offs.

PERFECT COUPLES/UNTITLED ADAM CAROLLA PROJECT (NBC) - "30 Rock" alum Jon Pollack has inked a two-year overall deal with producer Universal Media Studios. The pact, financial details of which weren't released, covers his duties on the studio's pilots "Perfect Couples" and the untitled Adam Carolla project, both of which he co-created (with Scott Silveri on the former and Adam Carolla and Kevin Hench on the latter). Most recently Pollack served as a consulting producer on NBC's "Community," which he departed at midseason to focus on his development.

PLEADING GUILTY (FOX) - Jason Isaacs ("Brotherhood") has been tapped for the lead role on the drama pilot, about Mack Malloy, "an ex-cop and recovering alcoholic now serving as a partner in a top-drawer corporate law firm." His casting as Malloy ("early 40s, a big handsome Irish lunk") lifts said contingency off the pilot's production. Jason Tracey is behind the 20th Century Fox Television-produced hour, which is based on Scott Turow's book of the same name. Hart Hanson also serves as an executive producer, as do Katherine Pope, Peter Chernin and Jon Avnet, who's attached to direct.

THE REMEMBERER (CBS) - The Eye has postponed production on the drama pilot, about a female FBI agent who remembers everything, which helps her career but makes for turmoil in her personal life. Said decision is tied to difficulties casting the lead, Carrie Wells, who's detailed as "mid 30s, loose black curls, pale cheeks with a hint of freckle [and] enormous luminous violet eyes, intensely focused, hyper-alert." Ed Redlich and John Bellucci penned the hour, which is based on J. Robert Lennon's short story of the same name. CBS Television Studios, Sony Pictures Television and Timberman-Beverly Productions are co-producing.

ROUGH JUSTICE (NBC) - Jesse Bradford ("The West Wing") is the first to book a role on the drama pilot, about Cyrus Garza, "a conservative Supreme Court justice who goes into private practice." He'll play Eddie Franks, one of Garza's clerks, "a short, tightly wound Brooks Brothers conservative." Terry George is helming the hour for Conaco Productions and Universal Media Studios. John Eisendrath penned the script.

WHO GETS THE PARENTS? (ABC) - Lindsay Price ("Eastwick") has joined the cast of the comedy pilot, about "a couple (Jane Kaczmarek, Adam Arkin) who are divorcing after 30 years and take more active roles in the lives of their three adult children." She'll play Brenda, the "loving but slightly spoiled" wife of sensitive middle child Neil (Derek Richardson), who's "always caught between his wife and mother." Joe Port and Joe Wiseman are behind the ABC Studios-based half-hour, which also stars Andrew West.

Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters

 

[Dr. Evil]

I heard that Alex O'Loughlin is starring in Hawaii Five-O.

If that show gets canceled, he needs to seriously fire his agent.

 

[Shifty]

And stop signing with shows on CBS. CBS is going to have to start canceling some long running shows they have two hours to fill for next year.

I could see them moving Old Christine to Mondays for a season to make room for another new drama on Wednesdays.

 

[Dr. Evil]

And stop signing with shows on CBS. CBS is going to have to start canceling some long running shows they have two hours to fill for next year.

I could see them moving Old Christine to Mondays for a season to make room for another new drama on Wednesdays.

If Old Christine moves to Mondays, it'll probably end up being watched by 15 million people.

I think that Alex O'Loughlin needs to go on an established show. Look at Kevin McKidd. After Journeyman was canceled, he ended up on the more established Grey's Anatomy instead of taking a risk and going after another new show that would have been canceled after a few episodes.

As for long running shows on CBS, I hear that Cold Case is on the bubble.