Video Age International April 2016

24 April 2016 V I D E O A G E T he pilots for the new U.S. broadcast TV season have been ordered, and most of the casting done. And before you know it (next month to be exact), we’ll find out which of the 92 dramas and comedies indicated below will be making it to a TV screen near you this summer, fall and next winter. This year, the U.S. broadcast networks ordered their pilots early — before the end of January — thanks in large part to the year-round launch schedule put in place by cable networks and digital nets. Expect these shows to roll out across the calendar year, too, as a result. In addition, the networks also green-lighted earlier 11 pilots to become series. These are indicated below with an asterisk. Now, let’s talk trends: You’ll likely notice a lot of series based on movies, like FOX’s Lethal Weapon and The Exorcist , CBS’s Training Day , NBC’s Cruel Intentions and Taken , and CW’s Frequency. There are also plenty of pilots based on well-established TV series, like FOX’s updates to 24 and Prison Break and even oldie MacGyver on CBS. Some shows are new twists on much older stories — like Still Star Crossed , an ABC drama which picks up where Romeo and Juliet left off and Nancy Drew , the well-known (now vintage) detective, who may be coming back to CBS. And, perhaps unsurprisingly given their success on big screens and little screens, comic book heroes — both Marvel and DC — continue to be everywhere, including ABC’s Marvel’s Most Wanted and NBC’s Powerless. A new comic book series is also getting a chance at a TV series — Archie Comics, in CW’s Riverdale . Plus, we can’t help but notice quite a few shows about men finding their home lives rather difficult. There’s FOX’s Son of Zorn , a straight-to- series action/animated show about an animated warrior who finds home life harder than waging war on his mystical homeland, ABC’s The Fluffy Shop , about a stepfather who’s only home and off the road a couple of times a week, NBC’s Marlon , about a guy trying to co-parent with his polar opposite wife, CBS’s Untitled Matt LeBlanc Project about a man whose wife goes back to work, and an untitled Kevin James comedy for CBS about a recently retired police officer, among others. Early Pilot Orders, Early Announcements Mark a Season of Film Remakes For TV The New U.S. Broadcast TV Season Series Contenders for the 2016-2017 U.S. TV Broadcast Networks TV Season ABC Comedy Chunk and Bean Two misfits living next door to each other —who happen to have two very different sets of parents — have an unlikely friendship. Downward Dog A single-camera comedy about a disorganized, unapologetic woman and her dog. Dream Team A single-camera comedy that centers on a coach who knows how to win in the world of girls club soccer. The Fluffy Shop A stepfather navigates his home life during the few days he spends off the road each week. Hail Mary A small town mayor named Mary has dysfunctional siblings, a dying father, disgruntled citizens, a nearly bankrupt town and the Mafia on her tail. Pearl A larger-than-life family matriarch finds out she has cancer and becomes intent on controlling and orchestrating everyone’s life before she dies. The Second Fattest Housewife in Westport Katie is a strong-willed mother who’s raising her family in a wealthy town filled with “perfect” mothers and kids. Speechless A special needs child deals with challenges and creates new ones. Square Roots Aman from a family of logic-driven engineers is determined to use his “gift” to help others—whether they like it or not. Toast A hybrid comedy that starts at Max and Page’s wedding rehearsal dinner. Untitled AdamGoldberg/DavidGuaracio Project A comedy that combines live-action and CGI animation and follows a 30-something bachelorette. Untitled Hannah McKay and Ed Weeks Project An unapologetic lesbian and her best friend, a neurotic straight male, navigate their dysfunctional, co-dependent friendship and the world of dating. Drama Conviction A ne’er-do-well daughter of a former president is blackmailed into taking a job as the head of Los Angeles’ newly created conviction integrity unit. The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez An immigrant who rose from rags to riches is a celebrated Miami entrepreneur and champion for immigrant rights. Designated Survivor* A conspiracy thriller drama about a low-level U.S. cabinet member who is suddenly appointed president after an attack during the State of theUnion kills everyone above him. The Jury Theultimate social experiment happens thousands of times aday in theU.S.: Aperson’s fate is placed in thehands of 12 strangers. Marvel’s Most Wanted A drama that will focus on popular Shield characters. Model Woman A fictionalized family soap inspired by the book “Model Woman: Eileen Ford and the Business of Beauty.” Notorious Inspired by the true-life stories of famed criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos and cable news producer Wendy Walker, it looks at how criminal law and themedia intersect. Presence A former army veteran begins a career as an unlicensed private investigator in Los Angeles. Spark Set in an alternate history where gas and coal fuel the world, this soap centers on the battle for power between two families and a rebellious young woman that could level both their empires. Still Star Crossed A period drama that picks up where Romeo and Juliet left off, charting the stories of the Montagues and Capulets. Time After Time Using the 1979 novel andmovie as a starting point, it chronicles the adventures of Young H. G. Wells and his timemachine. Untitled Meaghan Oppenheimer Project A ruthless Dallas divorce attorney’s life begins to unravel when her emotionally damaged, love-addicted sister resurfaces exposing family secrets. CBS Comedy Furst Born Australian format about a wife and mother who learns she was adopted, and that her birth parents are a flamboyant but loving family of drag racers. The Great Indoors An adventure reporter must adapt to the times when he becomes the boss of a group of millennials in the digital department of the magazine. The Kicker An oddball athlete drives family, friends and strangers insane after he unexpectedly finds himself cut from a professional football team. My Time/Your Time A hybrid comedy that chronicles the relationship of a young couple as they begin dating long distance. Real Good People A conservative, small town family that is forced to reconcile their values when they discover their children’s lives are less than perfect. Superior Donuts Based on the play by Tracy Letts, it follows the relationship between the owner of a doughnut shop, his new young employee and their patrons in a gentrifying neighborhood in Chicago. Untitled Kevin James Project* A newly retired police officer discover faces much tougher challenges at home than on the streets. Untitled Matt LeBlanc/Filgos Project A contractor learns that raising his kids is more challenging than expected when his wife goes back to work. What Goes Around Comes Around Two 40-something parents who were wild and reckless as teenagers and now face their worst nightmare — raising three teenagers of their own. (Continued on Page 26)