ABC Drama Pilots for 2010-2011 Season

[Pavan]

It's that time of the year again! Our 8th Annual ABC drama pilot development! The last six years we provided in-depth coverage of all the drama pilots on ABC:
2003-04: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...threadid=68839
2004-05: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...d.php?t=107245
2005-06: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...d.php?t=135757
2006-07: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...d.php?t=167870
2007-08: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...d.php?t=196895
2008-09: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...70&postcount=2
2009-10: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...d.php?t=244454

(Head on over to the General Sitcom Discussion board for the sitcom pilots.)

This year, we'll do the same. This thread will be updated constantly, so keep checking back for title updates, cast updates, photos, which make it and more. There are 11 drama pilots in development. Which do you think will make it? Only between 3-5 will make it I think, so make your picks now.


187 Detroit
1 Hour

CAST
Michael Imperioli: Det. Joseph Fitch
Jon Michael Hill: Det. Damon Washington
James McDaniel: Sgt. Jesse Longford
Shaun Majumder: Det. Aman Majan
Aisha Hinds: Lt. Maureen Mason
Natalie Martinez: Det. Ariana Sanchez
D.J. Cotrona: Det. John Stone
Erin Cummings: Dr. Hailey Cork

CREDITS
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Showrunner: David Zabel
Executive Producer/Writer: Jason Richman
Executive Producers: David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman
Director: Jeffrey Nachmanoff

What does it take to be a detective on America's most dangerous streets? Get ready to be part of the action when a documentary crew rolls with some of Detroit's finest. The cameras give us an insider's view of the homicide unit, capturing the professional crises, as well as the raw personal heartbreak and heroism of these inner-city cops.

There's the damaged but driven Detective Joseph Fitch (The Sopranos' Michael Imperioli), a wily homicide vet who is the most respected – and misunderstood – man in the division. His new partner is Detective Damon Washington, who in addition to the pressure of his first day working Homicide is also expecting his first baby. Then there's sexy, edgy Detective Ariana Sanchez, who has emerged from a rough background to become a rising star in the department. Detective Sanchez has recently been teamed with the streetwise, smooth talking Detective John Stone – a combustible pairing rife with conflict and sexual tension. Headed by strong-willed single mom Lieutenant Maureen Mason, the men and women of Detroit Homicide are as tough as they come. They have to be, working the neighborhoods of the once and future Motor City, a rebounding bastion of middle class America still saddled with one of the highest murder rates in this country.

Written by Jason Richman (Swing Vote) and executive produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman (The Proposal, Monk) as well as executive producer/showrunner David Zabel (ER), 187 Detroit is a documentary-style drama that gives a realistic, gritty and, at times, darkly comic, portrayal of the group of men and women bringing justice to one of our most dangerous cities.




Body of Proof
One Hour

CAST
Dana Delany: Dr. Megan Hunt
Nic Bishop: Peter Dunlap
Geoffrey Arend: Dr. Elliot Gross
Windell Middlebrooks: Dr. Curtis Brumfield
Jeri Ryan: Dr. Kate Murphy
John Carroll Lynch: Det. Bud Morris

CREDITS
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Christopher Murphey
Executive Producer: Matt Gross
Director: Nelson McCormick

When a brilliant and driven neurosurgeon's career is cut short, she turns her unrivaled medical skills toward solving murders. Every body has a story to tell and Dr. Megan Hunt will find out what it is.

Dr. Megan Hunt was a top neurosurgeon until a car accident ended her career as a surgeon. Now that she can no longer help the living, Dr. Hunt is Philadelphia's most notorious medical examiner. Although she's amazing at her job, Dr. Hunt's reputation of being difficult precedes her wherever she goes. She's never encountered a boundary that she wouldn't cross. Her powerful boss tries to protect her – as long as she doesn't step too hard on the wrong toes. Although he grudgingly acknowledges her skill, seasoned police detective Bud Morris is not as enthralled with her methods.

Luckily, Dr. Hunt does have a few fans. Her junior medical examiners rely on her expert advice and her investigative partner, Medical Investigator Peter Dunlap, accepts her unorthodox behavior. Maybe that's because he's the only one who knows that Dr. Hunt's challenging personality is partly rooted in guilt. Before she gave up neurosurgery, Dr. Hunt accidentally killed her last patient. Add in a touch of bitterness from a hostile divorce that awarded her ex sole custody of their teenage daughter and you have one sad social life. You see, when it comes to understanding the dead, Dr. Hunt is amazing. But when it comes to her relationships with the living, she has a lot of work to do.

From executive producers Matt Gross and Christopher Murphey comes a fascinating new procedural built on a strong and compelling female lead. Each week, as Dr. Hunt and her colleagues close a new case, she will come a tiny step closer to letting other people into her life.




Cutthroat
1 Hour

CAST
Mía Maestro: Nina Cabrera
Jon Seda: Frankie
Escher Holloway: Ivan
Sarah Wynter: Lily Cabrera
Teo Briones: Alex Cabrera
Peggy Lipton: Sandy
Isa Briones: Sophia

CREDITS
Production Company: 20th Century Fox Television
Executive Producers/Writers: Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters
Executive Producer/Director: Bronwen Hughes

By all appearances, Nina Cabrera has a perfect life: a fantastic home in Beverly Hills, three beautiful children, great cars, great clothes. But things aren't always as they seem. In addition to everything else she's handling, Nina Cabrera is also running a multi-million dollar Mexican crime syndicate.

As a single mom, Nina has learned to juggle - whether it's getting her youngest child into an exclusive school, helping a friend whose cheating husband is demanding a divorce, or managing the numerous businesses she owns. Nina has a lot of people depending on her. Oh... and she's also laundering money for the syndicate.

The daughter of a legendary Mexican drug kingpin, Nina grew up in the business, but has struggled to give herself and her family a normal life. This isn't always easy in the often-snobby society of Beverly Hills, which she finds just as brutal as the criminals she deals with on a daily basis. Nina sometimes feels like an outsider in both worlds. Her closest relationships are with her ex-beauty queen mother and her cousin Frankie, her trusted advisor and chief lieutenant. He handles most of the dirty work, from carrying out a hit on a corrupt Mexican crime boss, to bribing rich families so Nina's son can get into school.

When push comes to shove, Nina is not above taking matters into her own hands - and she'll do anything to make sure her family is safe. Marrying the criminal elements of The Sopranos with the suburban intrigue of Desperate Housewives, Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters, the creators of Reaper, offer a fresh take on the cutthroat world of Beverly Hills and the killer maternal instinct it takes to survive there.





Edgar Floats
1 Hour

CAST
Tom Cavanaugh: Edgar Floats
Alicia Witt: Sandra
Robert Patrick: Nicholas Breakey
Derek Webster: Richard Tunick

CREDITS
Production Company: Warner Bros. Television
Executive Producer/Writer: Rand Ravich
Executive Producer: Far Shariat
Director: Jace Alexander

Does every man need to get punched in the face at least once? After a lifetime of playing it safe, police psychologist Edgar Floats suddenly feels something's missing from his drab, grey, civil servant life. Overwhelmed from days of listening to troubled cops, he starts moonlighting for his ex-wife's bail bond company.

Sandra, his tough-cookie ex, is less than thrilled with this arrangement, but technically it's her father Nicholas' company. Nicholas still has a soft spot for Edgar, so despite his daughter's objections and Edgar's complete lack of qualifications, he hires him. Edgar is an amazing psychologist, but with his Clark Kent glasses and soft-spoken manner, how will he fare on the mean streets of Los Angeles? It turns out, even criminals love to talk – and Edgar is the perfect listener. He gradually earns the respect of Sandra and her team but nothing beats a black eye to impress his 9-5 co-workers. What none of them know is that Edgar's seeing visions of a cop who killed himself a couple of months ago – a cop who was one of his clients. They also don't know that he's giving money from his second job to the policeman's widow and five-year old son. All anyone knows is that for the first time in his life, Edgar Floats is taking a stand.

Created by Life's Rand Ravich and Far Shariat, Edgar Floats is a unique, off-beat procedural that is as funny and touching as it is action-packed. Edgar's police clients and bail bond jobs will cross over as he continues to discover what it takes to be a real life hero.





Generation Y
1 Hour

CAST
Michael Stahl-David: Steven Foster
Jaime King: Jacqueline Fox
Keir O'Donnell: Kenneth Finley
Kelli Garner: Dawn Barbuso
Mehcad Brooks: Rolly Marks
Daniella Alonso: Brenda Serrano
Julian Morris: Anders Holt
Sebastian Sozzi: The Falcon
Anne Son: Caroline Chung
Elizabeth Kenner: (Recurring)

CREDITS
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Noah Hawley
Executive Producer: Warren Littlefield
Director: Craig Gillespie

What a difference ten years can make. A documentary crew captured Greenbelt High School's class of 2000 on film, highlighting all their hopes and dreams for the future. Now, it's ten years later and as these former classmates return home, they'll discover that just because you're not where you planned doesn't mean you're not right where you need to be.

In 2000, a documentary crew visited Greenbelt High School in Austin, Texas. To portray the spirit of real American teenagers, they followed students like Steven Foster – "The Overachiever," Jackie Fox – "The Beauty Queen," Ken Finley – "The Nerd," Dawn Barbuso – "The Punk" and – most popular couple, Brenda Serrano – "The Brain" and Anders Holt – "The Rich Kid." Each of these students couldn't wait to graduate and head out into the real world. But the world they were entering got very real, very fast. As these classmates return home to revisit their old hopes for their future, they'll discover that even if you don't get exactly what you thought you wanted out of life, it's not too late to get what you need.

Creator Noah Hawley (The Unusuals, Bones) delivers a captivating dramedy about a new lost generation. Full of both humor and heart... Generation Y shows that even if you don't have it all figured out, it's never too late to find your way.




Richard Hatem Project (aka: Boston's Finest)
1 Hour

CAST
Katee Sackhoff: Julia Scott
Will Yun Lee: Eddie Lao
Richard T. Jones: Lt. Gerald Jaglom
Treat Williams: Jack Holt
Goran Visnjic: Angus Martin
Nia Long: Taylor Sanchez
Jason Wiles: Christian Holt
Miles Williams: Brandon

CREDITS
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Richard Hatem
Executive Producers: Chris Brancato and Bert Salke
Executive Producer/Director: Gary Fleder

When a committed young Boston detective stumbles upon a corruption ring within her own police department, she joins forces with a rogue ex-cop to expose the truth. These unlikely partners will work together to solve new crimes while slowly investigating the truth behind the crime ring.

Promising young detective Julia Scott is nearly killed in the line of duty, but at the last minute, a mysterious stranger saves her life. The stranger turns out to be the last person Julia ever expected. Angus Martin is a legend in the Boston police department. A decorated cop, Angus was exposed as a crook and "died" attempting to escape justice. Apparently, he's not as dead as everyone thinks. How do you separate fact from fiction when someone who's supposed to be a brutal killer just saved your life? At first, Julia is reluctant to believe Angus' story that he was framed and faked his own murder after discovering a major corruption ring in the Boston police department. But the more Julia looks into Angus' case, the more she begins to see that he was onto something.

This rich, atmospheric new thriller from Richard Hatem (Supernatural) explores the intersection between right and wrong. Sometimes, when the truth is hidden in plain sight, you need to look at it from a new perspective. To expose the corruption ring, Julia and Angus will have to combine her access to the police with his connections to Boston's criminal underworld. Each week, they will solve new cases together, but can they uncover the truth behind the conspiracy that keeps them apart?




Matadors
1-Hour

CAST
Zach Gilford: Alex Galloway
Jonathan Scarfe: Mitch Galloway
Stephen Lang: Victor Galloway
Michelle Borth: Juliana Lodari
Jason Behr: Gabriel Nicastro
David Strathairn: Roman Lodari
Merle Dandridge: Brooke Comas

CREDITS
Production Company: Sony Pictures Television
Executive Producer/Writer: Jack Orman
Executive Producer/Director: Yves Simonea

Two lovers have never been more star-crossed than young lawyers Alex Galloway and Juliana Lodari. Their powerful families have dominated the Chicago justice system for the past 30 years – as opposing council. Now the sparks between Alex and Juliana, both in, and out of the courtroom, will either unite their families once and for all, or drive them apart forever.

A matador must be a showman and strategist, combined with pure killer instinct. That's what made it the perfect mascot for the secret society Victor Galloway and Roman Lodari started in law school. Back then, they were inseparable, but jealousy and misunderstandings drove them apart – sparking a rivalry that has nearly consumed them. Victor used his connections and charisma to become the city's most successful Defense Attorney. Roman had to fight his way up to District Attorney. Both are legends in the legal field and have inspired their children to carry on their legacy. Part of that means being brilliant lawyers but the other part is to crush the other side, no matter the cost.

Despite the family rivalry, Alex Galloway and Juliana Lodari have secretly been attracted to each other for years, but one case will force them to admit their undeniable passion. The Galloways and Lodaris have fought for so long, they barely remember how their animosity began, but they do know that they will do anything in their power to keep their two youngest apart.

Created by ER's Jack Orman, Matadors is a sexy, absorbing legal procedural with epic sweep and a powerful Romeo and Juliet love story at its heart.




No Ordinary Family
1 Hour

CAST
Michael Chiklis: Jim Powell
Julie Benz: Stephanie Powell
Jimmy Bennett: JJ Powell
Kay Panabaker: Daphne Powell
Romany Malco: George St. Cloud
Autumn Reeser: Katie Andrews
Christina Chang: Det. Yvonne Cho

CREDITS
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Jon Feldman
Executive Producers: Greg Berlanti, Morgan Wandell
Executive Producer/Director: Dave Semel


The Powells are pretty much your average, everyday American family. That is until their plane crashes in the Amazon jungle. After that, well, let's just say the Powells are a little less ordinary.

Jim is a frustrated police sketch artist married to Stephanie, a brilliant and successful scientist. Although they still love each other, their marriage has lost some of its spark. All of that changes, though, when Stephanie takes Jim and their two teenage kids along on a research trip to the Amazon. The Powell's plane crashes into a swampy river; they manage to escape, but, their pilot, unfortunately, isn't so lucky.

As the Powells gratefully return to their old lives, they are shocked to discover that they have suddenly developed some rather extraordinary abilities. Jim is super strong with amazing reflexes. Stephanie can suddenly move at lightning speed. Daphne can hear everyone's thoughts – including those of her 16-year-old-boyfriend, ick! Then there's JJ, who miraculously goes from clueless to brainiac, seemingly overnight. The Powells are reinvigorated by their new powers, but they quickly discover that the toughest challenges may be the most ordinary ones. Sure, they can stop criminals, but all the super powers in the world can't fix emotional problems. The Powells better get their act together, soon, though, because that pilot they left for dead at the bottom of a river... he just woke up.

From Brother & Sisters' Greg Berlanti and Jon Feldman comes a wild new dramedy about a totally relatable family who just happen to be a little bit amazing.






Off the Map
1 Hour

CAST
Caroline Dhavernas: Lily Brenner
Mamie Gummer: Mina Mital
Enrique Murciano: Manny Diaz
Martin Henderson: Ben Keeton
Valerie Cruz: Zita (Zee)
Jason George: Otis Cole
José Julián: Charlie

CREDITS
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Jenna Bans
Executive Producers: Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers
Director: Dan Minahan

Why would a gifted surgeon with a brilliant career, beautiful family and bright future give it all up to go to a barely staffed, under-stocked clinic in a small South American town? Escape, of course. In this ensemble drama, five doctors who have lost their way will go to the ends of the earth to try to remember the reasons why they wanted to become doctors in the first place. Because sometimes in order to find yourself... you have to get lost.

Welcome to "la ciudad de las estrellas" (the city of stars), a tiny town in the South American jungle. That's exactly where idealistic young Dr. Lily Brenner just landed, along with her fellow-doctors Mina Minard and Manny Diaz. All of these young ex-pats are running away from personal demons, but they aren't the only ones with emotional baggage. Take the legendary and enigmatic Ben Keeton, who was the youngest Chief of Surgery at UCLA. He walked away from it all to found the clinic. Together with his right-hand doctor and sometimes thorn in his side Otis Cole, he'll teach these newcomers how to save lives in the most challenging environment they've ever worked in.

With more patients than they can handle and very little traditional medicine available, these doctors have to perform medical miracles using any means necessary. And as their lives become intimately intertwined, secrets will be revealed and relationships born. With the pressure always mounting, these doctors will need to let off some steam. Luckily, there's a spectacular hidden beach nearby.

Leave it to Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice) to bring you an uplifting medical procedural like nothing you've ever seen before. Featuring a hot, young ensemble cast, Off the Map from creator Jenna Bans (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice) explores how far you have to go to truly heal.




True Blue
1 Hour

CAST
Marc Blucas: JD
Poppy Montgomery: Katherine Miller
Scott Foley: Peter Sullivan
Malcolm-Jamal Warner: Walker McRae
Eric Lange: Malcolm Gold
Ana Ortiz: Maureen Minillo
Rachael Carpani: Detective Tess Flynn

CREDITS
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producers/Writers: Jon Feldman and Chris Brancato
Executive Producer: Bert Salke
Director/Executive Producer: Peter Horton

Friends. Partners. Lovers. Ten years ago, these San Francisco detectives were everything to each other. They rode together, protected each other and never let anything come between them. Times have changed and they've fallen out of touch. Now the murder of one of their own is about to bring them back together.

When tough, charismatic cop Kevin Ulster is shot point blank in his own apartment, his old friends and colleagues regroup to investigate the case. They owe it to him. Ten years ago, he taught them everything they know. Even though they've drifted apart, the Mission Crew is still tight and they refuse to let Kevin's murder investigation get buried. Joining forces, this investigative team will work side-by-side on new cases while they struggle to uncover the truth behind Ulster's death. With their long history together, each new investigation will force the crew to revisit old wounds, reignite past passions and rediscover what made them a force to be remembered. It's a good thing they have each other, because while they look for the truth... someone else is keeping a close eye on them.

Boomtown's Chris Brancato and Berte Salke, along with Dirty Sexy Money's Jon Feldman, deliver an atmospheric, character-driven police drama that's part The Big Chill and part NYPD Blue. Sometimes old friends are the only friends you've got.




The Whole Truth
1 Hour

CAST
Rob Morrow: Jimmy Nolan
Joely Richardson: Kathryne Peale
Eamonn Walker: Senior ADA Terrence 'Edge' Edgecomb
Anthony Ruivivar: Alejo Salazar
Sean Wing: Chad Griffin
Christine Adams: Lena Gaudet

CREDITS
Production Company: Warner Bros. Television
Executive Producer/Writer: Tom Donaghy
Executive Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman
Executive Producer/Director: Alex Graves

There are two sides to every case. By the time the prosecution rests, you'll swear the defendant is guilty. Then the defense begins and you'll be just as convinced of the defendant's innocence. The Whole Truth invites you to experience firsthand the nerve-wracking job of deciphering where the truth lies.

Every trial leaves lives hanging in the balance. While victims and defendants wait breathlessly to learn their fate, lawyers are working behind the scenes and in the courtroom, making frantic moves and countermoves of complex legal wrangling to tilt justice in their favor. For District Attorney Kathryn Peale, it's a challenge she relishes. Serious, meticulous, and brilliant, she scares her employees with both her demeanor and her considerable skill. Her legal counterpart and law school friend Jimmy Nolan is just the opposite – he's a hotshot, fun-loving defense attorney who wears vintage Reebok sneakers to court. As they rally their teams around their arguments and prepare to go head-to-head, the viewer sees their cases from the perspective of both the prosecution and the defense.

While the guilt or innocence of the accused will keep you guessing until the final scene, the sparring and maneuvering, both in and out of the courtroom, will keep you enthralled. Somehow, when the verdict is read, no matter what happens, Kathryn and Jimmy always manage to stay friends – outside of the courtroom, that is.

From executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer and writer Tom Donaghy (Without A Trace) comes The Whole Truth, an innovative law drama that presents both sides equally, putting the viewer in the jury hot seat.

----


My picks on which will be added to the fall line-up:

3/25/10
We have 11 dramas in development on ABC this season. ABC always has great dramas in development, especially since 2004. Every year they have ones that are the most buzzed about. They haven't had a big drama hit since 2006 really, though, despite some goodies like Dirty Sexy Money, Eli Stone, and Pushing Daisies. They are going for more unserialized type shows this development season.
It is too early to tell which will make it, because some have not been even filmed yet. It is hard to pick something that hasn't been seen yet, but going by plot and casting I already have some favorites.
Anyway, I hope we REALLY see these dramas for 2010-2011, whether it be fall or mid-season: Body of Proof, Richard Hatem Project, No Ordinary Family, Off the Map and True Blue

Other shows that sound decent: Generation Y and 187 Detroit. Skeptical on the broad appeal of Generation Y, though.


DISCLAIMER:
Cast photos coming soon. Please remember most of these pilots will not make it, so it will be kind of cool having a photo of a cast of a show that does not make it. So out of these 11 pilots, probably about 3-5 will make it on the air actually next season. The rest will go in what is called pilot hell, where tons of pilots each year go.

Please post your thoughts on which you think will make it.

[benjamoon]

My thoughts:

187 Detroit: I initially thought this might be a pickup when I heard about it way back when but now I'm not so sure. I'm not sure that people will buy the documentary format. I say it's 50/50 on this one

Body of Proof: I feel like this needs a better title and it looks like it could be promising, I wouldn't be surprised to see it get either a fall or midseason pickup

Cutthroat: I think this looks terrible - a far-fetched and uninteresting plot with no big names, I don't see this one getting off the ground

Edgar Floats: another premise that I'm not really buying. It sounds like a pilot destined for the wasteland

Generation Y: this show sounds really interesting to me and that could taint my opinion on if it'll get picked up but I do think it could fit on Wednesdays at 10 after comedy Wednesday because it sounds lighter than a lot of these drama

Richard Hatem Project: this sounds like a thriller movie meets a crime procedural, but I'm intrigued by the week-to-week cases layered with longer running plots. I could see this one getting a pick-up.

Matadors: this doesn't sound all that promising, the glitzy soapy court dramas don't seem to do that well typically and this plot doesn't sound that appealing.

No Ordinary Family: I already saw this plot in "The Incredibles" haha. I'm not sold on the premise but I DO think it'll get picked up and I could see it going to Sundays at 10. Maybe it will surprise me, who knows

Off the Map: this sounds kinda interesting but I'm not sure it would have wide appeal. I say it's a midseason pickup at best

True Blue: this sounds like a movie's plot (Mystic River-ish) and while it has a decent cast, I don't see it going anywhere

The Whole Truth: this sounds like a better legal drama than Matadors and networks can hardly resist putting at least one new legal drama on every year so I think this gets the edge over "Matadors"

Summing Up: I say we see "No Ordinary Family," (Sundays at 10) "Generation Y," (Wednesdays at 10) and "The Whole Truth" or "Richard Hatem Project" on the fall schedule with "187 Detroit" and the other one (Whole Truth or Richard Hatem) as midseason shows

[browneyes106]

The only pilot that sounds interesting is Generation Y.

[TVgeek14]

My Picks

187 Detroit (Fall)
Body Of Evidence (Fall)
Generation Y (Fall)
Boston`s Finest (Mid-Season)
True Blue (Mid-Season)

Maybe
No Ordinary Family
Off The Map
The Whole Truth

[Sethplate]

Originally Posted by browneyes106

The only pilot that sounds interesting is Generation Y.

For me i pick up:
Edgar Floats

[TV Knowledge Fan]

...of the 11 proposed pilots, seven of them are co-produced and owned by ABC/Disney. Years ago, it would have been the reverse. This is what happens when conglomerates are allowed to control, produce AND syndicate their own network's programming. This is why most of these pilots, for want of a nicer word, "stink". There IS no "innovation" on network television these days because of the mindset (and greed) of those conglomerates who control the broadcast networks. It's the same old formats- cop, doctor, lawyer- in "new trappings". In fact, ABC scheduled yet another lawyer series around mid-season (from 20th Century-Fox TV), "THE DEEP END", which lasted just a few weeks. To them, it was just "filler" until their own "FLASHFORWARD" returned on Thursday nights {god forbid "THE DEEP END" should have been a hit, as ABC/Disney wouldn't have been able to make any money from the projected DVD "box sets" because they don't own the series}. Yet they'll keep grinding out those kind of shows because they think viewers can't get enough of "legal intrigue"....

And, because of their successful series like "CASTLE", "GREY'S ANATOMY", and "DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES", we'll get more of the "the same" next season ["THE WHOLE TRUTH" {the network desparately wants a "Jerry Bruckheimer hit", like his unending monopoly on CBS' schedule; they tried with "the forgotten", and they'll try again}, "TRUE BLUE" (a series under that title was scheduled- and flopped- on NBC way back in the 1989-'90 season), "187 DETROIT", "BODY OF PROOF"] - that means slightly "innovative" ideas like "GENERATION Y" and "NO ORDINARY FAMILY" won't be produced because they're "too different" from the "norm". See, I could have told you ABC's previous series like "ELI STONE" and "PUSHING DAISIES" were doomed because THEY were "too different" from what a mass audience usually expects. To put it bluntly, "fan-based" shows with a "cult" following really don't pay the network's bills...it's as simple as that. Yes, that sounds cruel, but it's true.



Or maybe 'benjamoon' is right....

[Pavan]

Yes, ABC-Disney would prefer something in-house, but that is not always true. 2 of 3 their Comedy Wednesday hits are not even produced by them. Modern Family is 20th Century Fox and The Middle is Warner Bros. And as for dramas, they are making a big push for the return of V (more so than in-house's FLASHFORWARD), which is Warner Bros.

No Ordinary Family will be picked-up likely. It is one of the hottest pilots and has a great chance of a pick-up with that cast. It was nice ABC took a chance with Eli Stone and Pushing Daisies at least. They both got second seasons after decent ratings in first season. Pushing Daisies was hurt by the strike, or it would have lasted a while.

[Sethplate]

Pavan, Could you speak or better write a little bit about Edgar Floats? is a good script? and are they still try something with Jerry Bruckheimer? When we known what show get good buzz???

Thanks!

[Pavan]

I haven't read the script for that one. We will have a better idea at the end of April on what pilots are frontrunners, as most are still being shot now.

[TV Knowledge Fan]

...for your personal insight. Yes, two of the three series on "Comedy Wednesday" are from "independent producers" outside the network.

Perhaps "NO ORDINARY FAMILY" will be added to ABC's Fall schedule; it's about time something "offbeat" was included once more. I recall reading about the genesis of Marc Cherry's "DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES", and how ABC was a bit wary of scheduling it at first because it was "different", yet it soon became the "tentpole" of their Sunday night schedule. Sure, why not a live-action variation of "The Incredibles"? I'd be interested in seeing the pilot...

As listed, 'Sethplate', Jerry Bruckheimer is co-executive producer of "THE WHOLE TRUTH"; his company co-produced the pilot with Warner Bros. Television [as he did this season on "the forgotten"]. As I've said, the network would like nothing better than to "jumpstart" a series of successful Bruckheimer series on their schedule (as he's given CBS over the past decade)....and one of them definitely co-produced with ABC Studios.

[Pavan]

Picked-up officially are No Ordinary Family (Tuesday at 8), Detroit 1-8-7 (Tuesdays at 10), The Whole Truth (Wednesdays at 10), My Generation (Thursdays at 8) and Body of Proof (Fridays at 9). Off the Map will air mid-season (Sundays at 10 in January). There could be an additional pick-up or two for mid-season still.