ABC Sitcom Pilots for 2003-2004 Season

[Pavan]

ABC probably will have the most sitcoms on the air next fall. They were the most successful last fall with three new sitcoms and three sitcoms they already had on air, now they are planning on adding about four news ones this coming fall, for a total of ten sitcoms on the air, by far the most on the big three networks.

Here is all the sitcom pilots that are in contention to being added to the fall. After you read what the show is about, who it stars, etc, post which 'four' do you think will make it to next fall's line-up. ABC will announce which ones will make it on Tuesday, May 13, when they announce their 2003-2004 plans and line-up.

FALL 2003 SITCOM PILOTS:
"The Dan Show"
Half Hour

Cast:
Dan Finnerty: Dan
Gerald McRaney: Ray
Michael DeLuise: Patrick
Emily Deschanel: Sam
Miriam Shor: Mary Alice
Rino Wilson: Henry

Credits:

Production Companies: Mohawk Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television
Teleplay: Bruce Rasmussen, Matt Ember
Story: Bruce Rasmussen, Dan Finnerty
Executive Producers: Bruce Helford, Deborah Oppenheimer,
Bruce Rasmussen McG
Director: John Pasquin

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them... complete with back-up singers. Meet Dan, a moderately talented, deeply aspiring wannabe songwriter whose life has reached a crossroads. Dan's father wishes he would trade his creative streak for a regular job (bartending would be good). But it's Dan's free-spirited, unconventional aunt Kitty, a singer herself, who finally inspires Dan to pursue his dream.

So Dan sets out to blend the best of both worlds. He's managing the bar for his dad. But he's also performing nightly in Buffalo, New York, with his version of Kitty's act: Can a guy make it singing I am woman, hear me roar?

Inspired by Dan Finnerty's wildly successful act, The Dan Band, this refreshing new comedy about the joys of not conforming is executive produced by the director of the hit film Charlie's Angels (McG) and the team that produced The Drew Carey Show.



"It's All Relative"
Half Hour

Cast:

Reid Scott: Bobby
Maggie Lawson: Liz
John Benjamin Hickey: Philip
Chris Sieber: Simon
Lenny Clarke: Mace
Harriet Harris: Audrey

Credits:

Production Companies: Touchstone Television, Paramount Television
Executive Producers/ Writers: Ann Flett-Giordano, Chuck Ranberg
Executive Producers: Craig Zadan, Neil Meron
Director: Andy Cadiff

So you think Romeo and Juliet had family issues? Listen to this.

Bobby's a bartender – the only son of gregarious, salt-of-the-earth Boston Irish Catholic parents. His fiancé, Liz, is a toney Harvard medical student and she's Protestant (no, that's not the problem). Liz has two dads, not one, and they're a worldly pair of well-heeled gay men.

The moment Bobby popped the question to Liz, they knew their families would have to meet. And the first time they brought his Mom and Dad together with her Dad and Dad... well, things did not go well.

Aside from the obvious, there's a culture gap between these in-laws-to-be that makes the Grand Canyon look like a seam in the sidewalk. Liz's parents are devotees of the arts. Bobby's are devotees of the Red Sox. Liz's parents are into St. Laurent. Bobby's parents swear by St. Patrick. Did we mention that Bobby's sister, Maddy, loves throwing gasoline on the fire?

From Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, acclaimed producers of the Oscar-winning Chicago.



"Hench at Home"
Half Hour

Cast:

Craig Bierko: Terry
Tracy Pollan: Kay
Michael Charles Roman: Jake
Molly Ephraim: Ally
Nicholas Reese Art: Tyler
Lyndon Byers: Orillia

Credits:

Production Companies: DreamWorks in association with
Touchstone Television
Executive Producer/ Writer: Michael J. Fox
Executive Producers: Mitch Hurwitz, Danelle Black
Director: John Fortenberry

TV favorite Michael J. Fox knows exactly how it feels when a personal star sets... and a celebrity comes home to stay. Blending his first-hand experience with his first loves– comedy and hockey – Michael has created an endearing alter ego named Terry Hench.

With the last body-check safely behind him, pro hockey legend Hench finds himself retired and homebound with psychologist wife, Kay, and three growing kids. After years of absentee fatherhood, Hench is determined to make amends. He vows that he'll assume his rightful place as head of household – a full-time stay-at-home dad who takes the lead in rearing his brood.

Well, Hench may be a legend on the ice – but he's a rookie when it comes to kids. And when the principal slams daughter Ally into the penalty box for fighting on the bus, and first-born son Jake wants to trade his hockey skates for figure skates, well, Hench is going to have to learn new moves.

Can a retired forward score a hat trick on home ice?


"Hope & Faith"
Half Hour

Cast:

Faith Ford: Hope
Kelly Ripa: Faith
Josh Stamberg: Charley
Harve Presnell: Jack
Macey Cruthird: Hayley
Brie Larson: Sydney
Slade Pearce: Justin


Credits:

Production Company: Touchstone Television
Co-Executive Producer/Writer: Joanna Johnson
Executive Producers: Guymon Casady, Emile Levisetti, Michael Edelstein
Director: Gil Junger

Stay-at-home mom, Hope, leads a busy, family-centered suburban life with her husband, children and live-in father. Her celebrity sister, Faith, has been living the high life in Hollywood as a daytime soap opera diva. But when Faith's character is suddenly killed-off on The Sacred and the Sinful, she flees Tinseltown and the relentlessly enquiring minds of the tabloid press, and seeks refuge in suburbia with Hope.

In a flash, Hope's sensible, down-to-earth world goes star-struck. Raising three kids –including two rebellious teen girls – has never been easy. But with trendy, theatrical Faith at the dinner table, parenting turns into crisis management for Hope.

HOPE & FAITH is a comedy about what happens when the fast lane collides with the carpool lane. It's about the moments that make you want to hug your sister... and the times you want to write her out of your life.


"I'm with Her"
Half Hour

Cast:

David Sutcliffe: Patrick
Teri Polo: Alex
Danny Comden: Stevie
Rhea Seehorn: Cheri

Credits:

Production Companies: Tollin-Robbins Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television
Executive Producers/ Writers: Chris Henchy, Marco Pennette
Executive Producers: Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola
Director: Ted Wass

Writer Chris Henchy's real life marriage to Brooke Shields is the inspiration for this fresh romantic comedy: He's an average guy living with a woman who can't even pick up their dry cleaning without being asked for an autograph! Which means he's got plenty of funny stories to bring to this series about a high school teacher who falls for a movie star.

On the day that would change his life, delightful young everyman Patrick Owen is drinking his mid-morning latte when he's bitten by love. Literally. The gnashing jaws belong to Monroe, the easily-excited puppy of movie star Alexandra Young. When she tries to apologize – and when Patrick recognizes her famous face – he's awestruck, dumbstruck, and so very charming.

Alex sets her sights on Patrick, but he's unprepared for the add-on's that come with this little flirtation. His anonymity and privacy go up in the flash of a hundred paparazzi cameras. And he's an overnight sensation with his young male students, for reasons that have nothing to do with his brilliant classroom banter. All of which makes him wonder if it's possible to find true love in the hot spotlight of the media.

From the producers of Smallville comes a unique look at a guy dating out of his league. Way out of his league. This comedy proves nice guys don't always finish last. Sometimes they go the distance.



"Jenny McCarthy Project"
Half Hour

Cast:

Jenny McCarthy: Portia
Missi Pyle: Georgeanne
Robin Bartlett: Emmy
Geoff Stults: John
Dan Lauria: Ed

Credits:

Production Company: Touchstone Television
Executive Producer/ Writer: Donald Beck
Director: Gil Junger

Beautiful young socialite Portia Carlton has it all: chic friends, a loyal maid, designer attitudes... and a very, very, very rich daddy. Then, one day, Portia finds out that Daddy's been busted for insider trading. Overnight, she's left without a penny, or a clue about how real life works.

Poverty takes a stunning toll on Portia's lifestyle. Suddenly, her Valentino heels are pounding the pavement as she looks for work. Then, in a great stroke of luck, her former caterer gives her a shot as his full-time event planner and this uptown girl goes from schmoozing the in-crowd to serving them. From blue-blood to blue-collar, Portia proves how brightly this silver spoon can sparkle.

Jenny McCarthy stars as the debutante learning the true meaning of a change in the fortunes.


"The Big House"
Half Hour

Cast:

Kevin Hart: Kevin
Arnetia Walker: Tina
Keith David: Clarence
Yvette Nicole Brown: Eartha
Aaron Grady: CJ
Faizon Love: Warren

Credits:

Production Companies: Imagine Television in association with
Twentieth Century Fox Television
Executive Producer/ Writer: Stephen Engel
Executive Producers: David Nevins, Brian Grazer
Director: Mark Cendrowski

Kevin had a sweet set-up in L.A.: a kick-ass crib, a Platinum card and big college plans. But in one month, he's gone from being the fresh prince of Malibu to the new pauper of Philly. Soon, he'll be starting life over from the bottom... of his relatives' house.

When Kevin's dad was busted for embezzlement, his family's condo was put on the block, and his expensive college dreams were left out in the cold. Now, he's enrolled at Temple University and moving into the basement of his aunt's privacy-challenged Philadelphia home. In no time at all, his family's all over his life... and all up in his business. And it's no easier when his extra-large relatives start throwing their weight around. He instantly clashes with his meddlesome cousins: a mama's boy slacker, a smug overachiever and a pre-teen punk. Can his family stay out of his way long enough for him to get a life? Fat chance.

There's no telling what will happen when the City of Brotherly Love gets a new cousin. But, pound for pound, his super-sized family guarantees family-sized laughs!


"My Life with Men"
Half Hour

Cast:

Wendie Malick: Emily
Sam Robards: Jess
Geoffrey Lewis: Paul
Nadia Dajani: Genvieve
Michael Angarano: Ben
Shawn Pyfrom: Sam
Sam Lerner: Marty
Josh Flitter: Patrick

Credits:

Production Company: Touchstone Television
Executive Producers/ Writers: Denise Moss, Sy Dukane
Executive Producer: Nena Rodrigue
Director: Andy Cadiff

A father, a husband, and four growing sons. This is Emily's pack. The dirty tee-shirt, shout-'em-down, testosterone-driven hurricane she lovingly calls her family.

Every waking hour, Emily is either comforting a head-banging six-year-old... wrangling three hormone driven teenagers... trying to raise a father who never wanted to grow up... and living with a husband who thinks she's over-reacting.

Amid this beguiling gaggle of lost boys, radio commentator Emily stands for truth, honesty, a modicum of civility, and the occasional shower. But teaching these Neanderthals good manners and respect for the opposite sex will not only be a challenge. It may take a miracle.

A raucous, unpredictable comedy set deep, deep, deep in the gender gap.


"Platonically Incorrect"
Half Hour

Cast:

Tom Everett Scott: Scott
A.J. Langer: Darlene
Kali Rocha: Katie
Brian Scolaro: Bob

Credits:

Production Company: Touchstone Television
Executive Producers: Tom Shadyac, Michael Bostick, Gabe Sachs,
Jeff Judah
Writer/Supervising Producer: Darlene Hunt
Director: Andy Cadiff

Darlene and Scott were meant for each other. Always have been, always will be. Everyone can see it, except them. And therein lies a romantic comedy for our times.

As co-hosts of a popular TV show, Darlene O'Dair and Scott Monte are likeable local celebrities. Okay, so she's neurotic (but adorable). And maybe he is immature (but lovable). Together, they share one important characteristic: they're both relationship-challenged.

Fast friends since college, Darlene and Scott rely on each other for everything from pep talks to reality-checks. They screen each other's dates. They know each other's quirks. And they know how to push each other's buttons. In fact, they like being friends so much, they've sworn a solemn pact that puts falling in love with each other strictly off-limits.

Will Darlene and Scott see their way to love? Or is love really blind as a bat? In the tradition of When Harry Met Sally, PLATONICALLY INCORRECT is an irresistible comedy for contemporary romantics.


"These Guys"
Half Hour

Cast:

Currie Graham: Tom
Patrick Warburton: Bud
Jsu Garcia: Rick
Todd Stashwick: Carl
Monica Keena: Carrie
Anita Barone: Gillian
Aria Wallace: Mattie
Hayden McFarland: Sam

Credits:

Production Company: Carsey-Werner-Mandabach Productions
Executive Producers/ Writers: Tim Allen, Mark Brazill, Ron Zimmerman
Executive Producers: Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner, Caryn Mandabach
Director: Gary Halvorson

Ten years ago Tim Allen embodied the American male in his breakthrough comedy smash, Home Improvement. This Fall, Tim returns to ABC with a show that redefines the American male for the 21st century.

Meet Tom, Bud, Rick, and Carl – four lifelong friends in the prime of life, or so they keep telling each another. Trouble is, their home lives are far from the American dream. Is the husband-father-provider a dying species? Tom is divorced and sharing custody of his kids; Bud is married and wishes he wasn't; Carl wed his best friend, but the kids they hoped for never came; and Rick lives alone, with all the toys and hardware of single adulthood.

THESE GUYS is a series that probes the great human comedy of mid-life manhood: Its pastimes, pleasures, penalties, and temptations. And it asks the burning question grown-up men ask themselves every day: Should I fight my bad habits... or just sit back and enjoy them?

From Tim Allen, Ron Zimmerman, and the executive-production team of That '70s Show, Carsey-Werner-Mandabach and creator Mark Brazill.



"Married to the Kellys"
Half Hour

Cast:

Breckin Meyer: Tom
Meredith Monroe: Susan
Sam Anderson: Bill
Nancy Lenehan: Sandy
Emily Rutherfurd: Mary
Josh Braaten: Chris
Derek Waters: Lewis

Credits:
Production Companies: Brad Grey TV in association with
Twentieth Century Fox Television
Executive Producer/ Writer: Tom Hertz
Executive Producer: Brad Grey
Director: Ted Wass

In Tom's marriage to Susan Kelly, everything is relative. Everything. Tom, an only child, quickly learns that Susan's family is not only larger-than-life... it's larger than most. Now, his toughest challenge is fitting in without freaking out.

Tom and Susan moved from New York to Kansas to be closer to the quirky, tight-knit Kellys. But it's a little too close for Tom's comfort. The in-jokes, the family quirks... every get-together tests Tom's nerves, but nothing compares to his worst nightmare – game night. From befriending Susan's weird, bug-collecting brother to schmoozing with her smug, condescending uncle, Tom tries his best to become one of the family... whether he likes it or not.

From exec-producer Brad Grey (The Sopranos, Just Shoot Me) comes a family-sized comedy with a super-sized heart. It's the show about a mild-mannered guy discovering that in a big family, it's all for one... and every man for himself.


So out of these ten sitcoms, probably about four will make it on the air actually this fall. The rest will go in what is called pilot hell, where tons of pilots each year go.


My picks on which will be added to the fall line-up:
"Hope & Faith" -- I think it will air after 8 Simple Rules, Tuesdays at 8:30pm, since According to Jim is doing much better than Life With Bonnie at 9pm.
"Hench at Home" -- ABC might add a new sitcom night, either Thursdays or Fridays, and this show will be great for it.
"These Guys" -- See "Hench at Home"
"Platonically Incorrect" -- I think this will fit well on Tuesdays at 9:30pm after 'Jim'. I also think 'Bonnie' and Less than Perfect will move to a new night, possibly on the new sitcom block night.

Some of these pilots have photos already. I'll post them, though 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.

[*GoodMorningCalgary*]

1. Hench at Home
2. These Guys
3. Married to the Kellys
4. My Life with men

[Pavan]

"Hench at Home" cast photo:

[Pavan]

"Platonically Incorrect" cast photo:

[Pavan]

"Jenny McCarthy Project" (name will be determined soon, if it makes it) cast photo:

[Pavan]

"These Guys" cast photo:

[Pavan]

"I'm With Her" cast photo:

[Pavan]

"The Dan Show" cast photo:

[Pavan]

"My Life With Men" cast photo:

[Pavan]

Still to come:
"The Big House," "It's All Relative," "Hope & Faith," and "Married to the Kellys."

[dawsongirl]

Ah...a couple of Dawson's Creek castoffs I see.

[Pavan]

Here is a sneak peek at what might be on the schedule for the fall, sitcom wise:

- Hope & Faith, a comedy starring Kelly Ripa (Live With Regis and Kelly) as a failed soap star who adjusts to small-town life with her sister, played by Faith Ford (Murphy Brown). Ripa will continue to co-host her talk show.
- I'm With Her, a romantic sitcom about a movie star (Teri Polo) who dates a high school teacher. It's from writer Chris Henchy, who is married to Brooke Shields.
- It's All Relative, a comedy about a man from a conservative family engaged to the daughter of gay dads.
- Married to the Kellys (Back to Kansas, Tom Hertz's Project), a comedy about a shy New Yorker who marries into a large Midwestern family.

Stay tuned tomorrow, when this is official, though they can change it...

[Pavan]

Official Release:

May 13, 2003

FOUR NEW COMEDIES AND THREE NEW DRAMAS JOIN ABC'S 2003-2004 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE THIS FALL

Building on the Momentum of its Returning Series, ABC Adds "10-8," "Back to Kansas," "Hope & Faith," "I'm with Her," "It's All Relative," "Karen Sisco" and "Threat Matrix" to its Fall Lineup New Lineup Includes the Return of TGIF Critically Acclaimed Drama "The Practice" Returns to Sunday at 10:00

"Line of Fire" and "Stephen King's Kingdom Hospital"
Picked up for Mid-Season

The Next "Bachelor" and Trista & Ryan's Wedding Are Announced

Building on the momentum created by its successful slate of comedies, Lloyd Braun, Chairman, ABC Entertainment Television Group, outlined ABC's plans for next season, and Susan Lyne, President, Entertainment, announced the network's new 2003-2004 primetime schedule. The new schedule includes the addition of seven new entertainment series for the fall -- four comedies and three dramas -- plus two midseason dramas, from every major studio.

The two spoke before representatives of the advertising and media communities at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

The new fall schedule includes the new comedy series "Back to Kansas," "Hope & Faith," "I'm with Her" and "It's All Relative," and the dramas "10-8," "Karen Sisco" and "Threat Matrix."

Highlights include the return of ABC's long-running Friday night comedy franchise, TGIF, with the hit series "George Lopez" as the 8:00 p.m. anchor, and the renewal of the critically acclaimed and award-winning drama, "The Practice," which returns for its eighth season to Sunday at 10:00 p.m.

In addition Ms. Lyne announced two drama series for midseason, "Line of Fire" and "Stephen King's Kingdom Hospital."

She also made two announcements regarding the phenomenal relationship reality series "The Bachelor": The next "Bachelor" will be the endearingly funny Bob Guiney from "The Bachelorette," and this fall ABC will broadcast four hours documenting the wedding of "The Bachelorette," Trista Rehn, to the love she found on the show, Ryan Sutter.

Commenting on the announcement, Ms. Lyne said: "For the coming season, ABC is embracing the idea of being America's broadcasting network, and with that, introducing scripted programming that reflects the lives and values of our viewers. While many networks have struggled with comedy development, we believe we've found our comedic voice. We're bringing back our entire slate of comedies, including '8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter' and 'George Lopez,' and adding four new ones, making ABC home to 10 comedies next season -- the most of any network.

"We've brought the same focus to our drama development this year," Ms. Lyne continued. "We looked for stories and characters that our viewers can relate to, characters they'll want to get to know better. The return of 'NYPD Blue,' 'The Practice' and 'Alias' signal the importance of this kind of relationship, and the three new dramas we'll debut this fall further illustrate our commitment to creating shows and characters that our viewers will want to invite into their homes every week."

Mr. Braun added: "We are confident today's new schedule will continue our upward ratings momentum, build on our success in comedy, and introduce a new generation of signature dramas."


ABC's complete 22-hour fall primetime schedule, which will premiere in September, is as follows (all times listed are Eastern, with new shows in bold):

DAY TIME SERIES

MONDAY: 8:00 p.m "Primetime Monday"
9:00 p.m "Monday Night Football" (through January)
8:00 p.m "ABC Movie of the Week" (in January after football)

TUESDAY: 8:00 p.m "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter"
8:30 p.m. "I'm with Her"
9:00 p.m "According to Jim" (new time period)
9:30 p.m "Less Than Perfect"
10:00 p.m "NYPD Blue"

WEDNESDAY: 8:00 p.m "My Wife and Kids"
8:30 p.m. "It's All Relative"
9:00 p.m. "The Bachelor"
10:00 p.m "Karen Sisco"

THURSDAY: 8:00 p.m "Threat Matrix"
9:00 p.m "Extreme Makeover" (new day and time)
10:00 p.m "Primetime Thursday"

FRIDAY: 8:00 p.m "George Lopez" (new day and time)
8:30 p.m "Back to Kansas"
9:00 p.m "Hope & Faith"
9:30 p.m "Life with Bonnie" (new day and time)
10:00 p.m "20/20"

SATURDAY: 8:00 p.m "The Wonderful World of Disney" (new day and time)
10:00 p.m "L.A. Dragnet" (new day and title)

SUNDAY: 7:00 p.m "America's Funniest Home Videos" (new day and time)
8:00 p.m "10-8"
9:00 p.m "Alias"
10:00 p.m "The Practice" (new day and time)

Descriptions of the seven entertainment series joining ABC's primetime schedule this fall, listed in alphabetical order, follow (all times are Eastern):

"10-8" (one-hour drama, Sundays at 8:00 p.m., ET) ‚ Brooklyn bad boy Rico Amonte was sliding into a life of crime. Then his policeman brother caught him in the act ‚ and hauled him off to Southern California to get him on the straight and narrow. Two years later, Rico is a graduate of the Los Angeles Sheriff's academy ‚ a Deputy Sheriff trainee about to hit the streets in uniform, and with a gun and a badge.

New York's streets were dangerous, but nothing has prepared Rico from the hazing he gets from his own department. His training officer, John Henry Barnes, is the meanest, toughest veteran on the force and is determined to hammer Rico into a by-the-book officer of the law -- or break him in the process.

This edgy, humorous and very real take on the lives of rookie cops is based on the experience of Sheriff Paul Pietrantoni.

Cast:

Danny Nucci "Titanic," "The Rock"): Rico Amonte
Ernie Hudson ("Oz"): John Henry Barnes
Indigo: Tisha Graves
Scott William Winters: Matt Jablonski
Mercedes Colón: Sheryl Torres
Travis Schuldt: Chase Williams
Executive Producer/Writer: Jorge Zamacona
Executive Producers: Aaron Spelling, E. Duke Vincent
Production Companies: Spelling Television and Touchstone Television
"Back to Kansas" (working title -- half-hour comedy, Fridays at 8:30 p.m., ET) -- In Tom's marriage to Susan Kelly, everything is relative. Everything. Tom, an only child, quickly learns that Susan's family is not only larger-than-life... it's larger than most. Now his toughest challenge is fitting in without freaking out.

Tom and Susan moved from New York to Kansas to be closer to the quirky, tight-knit Kellys. But it's a little too close for Tom's comfort. The in-jokes, the family quirks... every get-together tests Tom's nerves, but nothing compares to his worst nightmare ‚ game night. From befriending Susan's weird, bug-collecting brother to schmoozing with her smug, condescending uncle, Tom tries his best to become one of the family... whether he likes it or not.

From exec-producer Brad Grey ("The Sopranos," "Just Shoot Me") comes a family-sized comedy with a super-sized heart. It's the show about a mild-mannered guy discovering that in a big family, it's all for one... and every man for himself.

Cast:

Breckin Meyer ("Road Trip," "Go," "Kate & Leopold"): Tom
Meredith Monroe: Susan
Sam Anderson ("From the Earth to the Moon"): Bill
Nancy Lenehan: Sandy
Emily Rutherfurd: Mary
Josh Braaten: Chris
Derek Waters: Lewis
Credits:

Executive Producer/ Writer: Tom Hertz
Executive Producer: Brad Grey
Director: Ted Wass
Production Companies: Brad Grey Television in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
"Hope & Faith" (half-hour comedy, Fridays at 9:00 p.m., ET) -- Stay-at-home mom, Hope (Faith Ford, "Murphy Brown"), leads a busy, family-centered suburban life with her husband, children and live-in father. Her celebrity sister, Faith (Kelly Ripa, "Live with Regis and Kelly," "All My Children"), has been living the high life in Hollywood as a daytime soap opera diva. But when Faith's character is suddenly killed-off on "The Sacred and the Sinful," she flees Tinseltown and the relentlessly inquiring minds of the tabloid press, and seeks refuge in suburbia with Hope.

In a flash, Hope's sensible, down-to-earth world goes star-struck. Raising three kids ‚including a rebellious teen girl ‚ has never been easy. But with trendy, theatrical Faith at the dinner table, parenting turns into crisis management for Hope.

"Hope & Faith" is a comedy about what happens when the fast lane collides with the carpool lane. It's about the moments that make you want to hug your sister... and the times you want to write her out of your life.

Cast:

Faith Ford ("Murphy Brown"): Hope
Kelly Ripa ("All My Children," "Live with Regis and Kelly"): Faith
Josh Stamberg: Charley
Harve Presnell: Jack
Macey Cruthird: Hayley
Brie Larson: Sydney
Slade Pearce: Justin
Co-Executive Producer/Writer: Joanna Johnson
Executive Producers: Guymon Casady, Emile Levisetti, Michael Edelstein
Production Company: Touchstone Television
"I'm with Her" (working title -- half-hour comedy, Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m., ET) -- Writer Chris Henchy's real life marriage to Brooke Shields is the inspiration for this fresh romantic comedy: He's an average guy living with a woman who can't even pick up their dry cleaning without being asked for an autograph! Which means he's got plenty of funny stories to bring to this series about a high school teacher who falls for a movie star.

On the day that would change his life, delightful young everyman Patrick Owen is drinking his mid-morning latte when he's bitten by love. Literally. The gnashing jaws belong to Monroe, the easily-excited puppy of movie star Alexandra Young. When she tries to apologize ‚ and when Patrick recognizes her famous face ‚ he's awestruck, dumbstruck, and so very charming.

Alex sets her sights on Patrick, but he's unprepared for the add-ons that come with this little flirtation. His anonymity and privacy go up in the flash of a hundred paparazzi cameras. And he's an overnight sensation with his young male students, for reasons that have nothing to do with his brilliant classroom banter. All of which makes him wonder if it's possible to find true love in the hot spotlight of the media.

From the producers of "Smallville" comes a unique look at a guy dating out of his league. Way out of his league. This comedy proves nice guys don't always finish last. Sometimes they go the distance.

Cast:

David Sutcliffe: Patrick
Teri Polo ("Meet the Parents"): Alex
Danny Comden: Stevie
Rhea Seehorn: Cheri
Credits:
Executive Producers/ Writers: Chris Henchy, Marco Pennette
Executive Producers: Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola
Production Companies: Tollin-Robbins Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television
"It's All Relative" (working title -- half-hour comedy, Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m., ET) -- So you think Romeo and Juliet had family issues? Listen to this.

Bobby's a bartender ‚ the only son of gregarious, salt-of-the-earth Irish Catholic parents from Boston. His fiancée, Liz, is a toney Harvard student and she's Protestant (no, that's not the problem). Liz has two dads, not one, and they're a worldly pair of well-heeled gay men.

The moment Bobby popped the question to Liz, they knew their families would have to meet. And the first time they brought his Mom and Dad together with her Dad and Dad... well, things did not go well.

Aside from the obvious, there's a culture gap between these in-laws-to-be that makes the Grand Canyon look like a seam in the sidewalk. Liz's parents are devotees of the arts. Bobby's are devotees of the Red Sox. Liz's parents are into St. Laurent. Bobby's parents swear by St. Patrick. Did we mention that Bobby's sister, Maddy, loves throwing gasoline on the fire?

From Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, acclaimed producers of the Oscar-winning "Chicago."

Cast:

Reid Scott: Bobby
Maggie Lawson ("Nancy Drew"): Liz
John Benjamin Hickey ("Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows"): Philip
Chris Sieber: Simon
Lenny Clarke ("The Job"): Mace
Harriet Harris ("Nurse Betty"): Audrey
Paige Moss: Maddy
Credits:

Executive Producers/ Writers: Ann Flett-Giordano, Chuck Ranberg
Executive Producers: Craig Zadan, Neil Meron
Production Companies: Touchstone Television, Paramount Television
"Karen Sisco" (one-hour drama, Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m., ET) -- Smart. Sexy. Tough. Karen Sisco is a United States marshal on Miami's Gold Coast. In pursuit of dangerous fugitives, Karen must pick her way through the dark underbelly of South Beach nightlife and the sunshine and glitz of Palm Beach highlife... while she struggles to win the respect of her supervisor and fellow officers.

Karen is a barely concealed weapon who can take down a suspect twice her size. The only man she truly trusts is her father ‚ a retired marshal with a wealth of life experience and street smarts. He's Karen's confidant, counselor, confessor ‚ and her rock when her confidence waivers... which it does every time she tries to connect romantically with a man.

Based on the character portrayed by Jennifer Lopez in Elmore Leonard's "Out of Sight," "Karen Sisco" is that rare combination of action and character-drama, with a fresh and original young lead.

Cast:

Carla Gugino ("Spy Kids"): Karen Sisco
Robert Forster ("Jackie Brown"): Marshall Sisco
Bill Duke ("A Rage in Harlem"): Amos Andrews
Credits:

Executive Producers/ Writers: Jason Smilovic, Scott Frank
Executive Producers: John Landgraff, Danny DeVito, Stacy Sher, Michael Shamberg
Director: Michael Dinner
Production Companies: Jersey Television, Universal Network Television
"Threat Matrix" (one hour drama, Thursdays at 8:00 p.m., ET) -- Our nation is a target. Al-Qaeda and other deadly enemies are determined to destroy our way of life. An attack could come at any time, from anywhere around the globe.

Against this rising threat, the Homeland Security Agency has created a highly specialized, elite task force trained and equipped to counter anyone or anything that threatens our nation. The head of this super-secret team is Special Agent John Kilmer. He reports only to the President and has authority to call upon the technical skills, firepower and the specialist agents of the FBI, CIA and NSA.

Working with cutting-edge technology ‚ and vast stores of chutzpah ‚ this clandestine team fights the many faces of terror to keep America safe. The one wrinkle in Kilmer's dream-team is his ex-wife, Frankie. She's as beautiful as she is fearless and lethal. Together they've averted disasters of all kinds, except their marriage.

With stories ripped from headlines, "Threat Matrix" is a drama with a ticking clock in an arena as deep and complex as today's world.

Cast

Jamie Denton ("Primary Colors," "Philly"): John Kilmer
Kelly Rutherford ("Melrose Place"): Frankie Ellroy Kilmer
Will Lyman: Colonel Roger Atkins
Kurt Caceres: Tim Serrano
Mahershalalhashbaz Ali: Jelani
Melora Walters: Anne "Lark" Larken
Anthony Azizi: Mo
Shoshannah Stern: Holly Brodeen
Credits:

Executive Producer/ Writer: Daniel Voll
Executive Producers: Emile Levisetti, Michael Edelstein, Keith Addis
Production Company: Touchstone Television, Industry Television
MIDSEASON

"Line of Fire" (working title -- one-hour drama) -- Strap on your weapon and try to survive another day on the streets. It's the same on both sides of the law. If you want to make it to the top, you've got to learn the ropes, outwit the competition and take down your enemies.

Welcome to the war between the FBI and organized crime. One side enforces the law as the other breaks it, but brains, brawn and intimidation are often the tools of both trades. The Richmond-based Malloy Crime Syndicate is run by Jonah Malloy, a charismatic but dangerous father figure. The Richmond FBI branch has its own dynamic leader in Special Agent-In-Charge Lisa Cohen. Like any business, they must justify operations and produce results while wrangling lieutenants who are as flawed as they are hard-working.

This fast-paced drama is a gritty look at a world that viewers have only imagined. These titanic organizations work side-by-side, completely aware of each other, but are unable and often unwilling to completely destroy the enemy that stands in their way.

Cast:

Leslie Bibb ("Popular"): Paige Van Doren
Anson Mount ("Boiler Room"): Roy Ravelle
David Paymer ("The Hurricane"): Jonah Malloy
Leslie Hope ("24"): Lisa Cohen
Jeffrey Sams ("Soul Food"): Todd Stevens
Brian Goodman: Donovan Stubbin
Michael Irby: Amiel MacArthur
Julie Ann Emery: Jennifer Sampson
Credits:

Executive Producer/ Writer/Director: Rod Lurie
Executive Producer: Marc Frydman
Executive Producer: Jeff Melvoin (series only)
Production Companies: DreamWorks Television in association with Touchstone Television
"Stephen King's Kingdom Hospital" (drama, Thursdays at 9:00 p.m., ET, beginning in January) -- Using the Danish miniseries "Riget" (a.k.a. "The Kingdom") as a point of inspiration, master of horror Stephen King gives this story a unique and menacing American touch. King himself describes it as "ER" crossed with "The Shining."

Kingdom is a hospital whose bizarre population includes a brilliant surgeon who lives in the basement, a nearly blind security guard and a nurse who regularly faints at the sight of blood. But when patients and staff hear the voice of a girl crying through the halls and a patient destined for life as a paraplegic miraculously recovers, they are dismissive of any suggestion of mysticism or unseen powers... at their own peril.

Credits:

Executive Producers: Stephen King and Mark Carliner
Production Companies: Columbia TriStar Television in association with Touchstone Television.

[Pavan]

Originally posted by pavanbadal
Still to come:
"The Big House," "It's All Relative," "Hope & Faith," and "Married to the Kellys."

Funny three of the four above made it. So we'll never see The Big House photos, the only one we didn't get to see.
I'll post the photos here for the other three. The other sitcom that made it was already posted, "I'm with Her."

Starting off with "Hope & Faith," my personal favorite for this fall (last fall I was high on "8 Simple Rules"):

[Pavan]

"Married to the Kellys" cast photo: (notice Mr. Gorpley from "Perfect Strangers" in the red shirt)