ABC Upfront: Fall 2009

[Pavan]

12 drama pilots were ordered last year:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...d.php?t=244454

14 sitcom pilots were ordered last year:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...+sitcom+pilots

[tvcrazed]

really i thought it was usually closer to 15 each. I wonder if they are done with drama now.

Out of teh procedural one, I think THE WHOLE TRUTH sounds interesting and EDGAR FLOATS could be something - Rand Ravich did LIFE and that was very acclaimed. he is a good writer. Casting is key. part of me wants an a great unknown because i think TV makes people stars more than the otehr way around. Would love to see more African American leads.

[Pavan]

They need to use some of those stars from Defying Gravity (Livingston, Yoba, Cox, Harris, Garces). They were good, despite the show being a bit weird. Christina Cox especially was good.

[mtlguy]

I really liked Defying Gravity and we got to see it all here in Canada and the ending was satisfying, but I agree the cast should be used in other project. I am surprise none of the 'high profile' named pilot like Star Chamber orSt Elmost Fire have not been picked up.

Also would have like to see the kevin Falls pilot Merrimac Circle or Dorchester Heights be picked up. As for Shonda Rhimes projects. of the 3 I think they picked the worst one, I haven't read scripts, but another medical drama from the same people...2 medical drama on air is already enough no? her other 2 projects, Especially Year to Year seemed better, then again, they should have just redo Inside the Box.

[tvcrazed]

yeah was curious about Kevin falls too.

seems like some of the more interesting pitches are not going to pilot in favor of stuff that sounds more familiar. the Richard Hatem project they just greenlit sounds like so many shows that have been done. hope the script is good.

[Pavan]

I hope the casting has names like Rob Lowe, Christina Applegate, Lee Pace, Natasha Henstridge, Krista Allen, Barry Watson, Lindsay Price and some of the stars of Defying Gravity, all returning to ABC in pilots that are for sure to be picked-up. Too bad Natalie Zea has moved to FX for a pilot. And hopefully Julie Gonzalo will be available as it looks like NBC won't go further with Day One. I'd also like to see Sarah Michelle Gellar get on ABC, maybe in a comedy.

And if Charlie's Angels gets picked-up, I'd go with Kristen Bell, Lindsay Price and Jill Wagner as the Angels.

[tvcrazed]

ABC is making this the final season of "Ugly Betty." Here is the statement from ABC and producers:

"We’ve mutually come to the difficult decision to make this Ugly Betty’s final season, and are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion. We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series, and felt it was important to give the fans a proper farewell."

[tvcrazed]

Like I said, I'd like to see more unknowns and more diversity in leads.

[tvcrazed]

please Marc and Amanda spinoff, even in a hour hour version.

Ana Ortiz in a leading role.

They should try to retain ever member of this cast

[tvcrazed]

This is about as ugly as it gets, folks.

ABC has just informed Ugly Betty producers that the show’s current fourth season will be its last. What’s more, the network has trimmed the show’s episode order from 22 to 20.

Although not a complete shock given the show’s heinous ratings, the news is nonetheless a total bummer — particularly in light of Betty’s creative resurgence this season.

The good news is that ABC has given Betty’s bosses enough time to craft a satisfying series finale. Exec producer Silvio Horta and ABC president Steve McPherson confirmed as much in this joint statement: “We’ve mutually come to the difficult decision to make this Ugly Betty’s final season, and are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion. We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series, and felt it was important to give the fans a proper farewell.”

But back to the bad news: Betty is about to hang up her poncho for good. The comments sections is currently accepting heartfelt eulogies…

[Pavan]

Hearing the series finale will air Wednesday, April 7. That would mean there will be a two week break during the Olympics on Feb. 17 and 24 (since the comedies will be repeats then, too). I hope ABC goes with Primetime specials those two weeks.

[tvcrazed]

i was hoping when it was gonna be 22 eps that there would be a 2 hr finale apr 7th and RC premiering on the 14th. With 7 eps it still can work. Im not expecting them to do that, but its just a hope.

[mtlguy]

So Happy Town will premiere April 14th?

[tvcrazed]

Happy Town In my opinion is the worst fit for wed at 10p, and with SVu there it will get trounced.

[Pavan]

Originally Posted by mtlguy

So Happy Town will premiere April 14th?

Maybe, not sure. I would go with comedies or even reality instead and have Happy Town either air in early March in a bulk (Mondays before DWTS starts?) or hold it for summer.