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Broadcast Pilot Buzz: Summer 2024 Edition

What Pilots Will Make It To Air?

 


As Hollywood gears down for the Fourth of July holiday, broadcast networks are still making critical decisions about several pilots ordered earlier this year. The traditional TV cycle ending with the May upfronts no longer binds network development. This has led to an extended timeline for producing and evaluating pilots. Here’s a comprehensive look at where the Big 4 stand as we head into the summer.

ABC's Pilot Prospects

ABC is gearing up for the next season with two new drama series, "High Potential" and "Dr. Odyssey," both scheduled for the fall. However, the network currently lacks new comedies. This will soon change with two multi-camera pilots in the pipeline: "Shifting Gears," starring Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, and "Forgive & Forget," headlined by Ty Burrell. Both pilots are strong contenders for series orders.

"Shifting Gears" is further along in production, with a cut already delivered and reviewed. "Forgive & Forget" is taping this week. ABC has a significant need for comedies as "The Conners" prepares for an abbreviated final season, leaving "Abbott Elementary" as the sole returning series. Given the cost-effectiveness of multi-camera formats and the popularity of stars like Allen and Burrell, there’s a strong chance both pilots will make it to series.

Tim Allen, a Disney fixture, has been given a choice between two scripts, signaling ABC’s intent to bring him back on air. The network’s enthusiasm for "Forgive & Forget" is equally high, especially with Modern Family co-creator Christopher Lloyd consulting.

NBC's Strategic Deliberations

NBC has two hourlong pilots pending: "Suits: L.A." and "Grosse Pointe Garden Society." Both have completed production and are undergoing testing, with final cuts expected soon. Under normal circumstances, both would likely receive series orders.

NBC faces a unique challenge with its $2.5 billion bid for NBA rights, which requires a significant primetime commitment starting in the 2025-26 season. This could delay pilot decisions until the NBA deal is finalized. One scenario could see both pilots picked up for midseason, with "Grosse Pointe Garden Society" potentially moving to Peacock if NBC secures the NBA package.

The internally well-received "Grosse Pointe Garden Society," produced by NBC sibling Universal Television, benefits from new multi-year deals with co-creators Jenna Bans and Bill Krebs. "Suits: L.A." leverages the global recognition of "Suits" and carries the original series’ signature wit, making it a strong candidate for series pickup.

Fox's Expansion Plans

Fox is entering next season with three new drama series: "Rescue HI-Surf," "Murder in a Small Town," and "Doc," along with the comedy "Going Dutch." With an extra night to fill following the departure of WWE SmackDown, Fox is likely to add more series.

Fox Entertainment CEO Rob Wade hinted at a new drama in the works, believed to be "State Patrol" from "Burn Notice" creator Matt Nix. This potential pickup follows a direct deal with Fox Entertainment. Another drama could also be in contention, though it is not the Baywatch reboot, which remains in early development.

The multi-camera comedy "Meet the Kumars," a follow-up to the BBC series "The Kumars at No. 42," is progressing more slowly but remains in the running. Other single-camera comedies considered alongside "Going Dutch" are no longer in contention.

CBS’s Early Moves

CBS leads the pack with the first scripted series order for the 2025-26 season, the "Fire Country" spinoff "Sheriff Country." The network also has the most new scripted series for 2024-25, including dramas "NCIS: Origins," "Matlock," and "Watson," and comedies "Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage" and "Poppa’s House."

CBS continues its strategy of making early series-pickup decisions and plans to greenlight some writers' rooms this summer, potentially adding a comedy pilot or two. The medical drama "The Pact," initially announced alongside "Watson," is still in development, focusing on reworking its original pilot script.

As the summer unfolds, the decisions made by ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS will shape the landscape of next season's broadcast offerings, promising a mix of returning favorites and fresh new series.

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Vertical Bar Media 

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Source: Deadline

Photo Credit: AI

Social Media Hashtags: #TVPilots #BroadcastNews #NewSeries2024 #HollywoodBuzz


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