Pilot Buzz from Variety - *Updated 9th May 2016*

9th May 2016
Thanks to omabin for the heads up.

With less than one week to go until network execs have to make final decisions for the 2016-2017 television season, buzz on which pilots will be getting greenlit is becoming more clear. Since Variety‘s last pilot buzz report, a few projects have been deemed dead, while others continue to heat up.

Of course, anything can change before upfronts, which kick off May 16 in New York City, but here’s the latest on the broadcast pilots.

ABC

Already Ordered: “Designated Survivor”

Top of the Crop: “Presence,” “The Second Fattest Housewife in Westport”

Hot: “Conviction,” “The Jury,” “Notorious,” “Time After Time,” “The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez,” “Dream Team,” “Speechless,” “Downward Dog”

In The Mix: “Broken,” “Marvel’s Most Wanted,” “Toast,” “Pearl,” “Chunk & Bean,” “Imaginary Cary”

ABC is looking to pick up around four new dramas and either five or six new comedies, sources say. While the network is hot on many of their pilots, two are seen as major frontrunners: John Ridley’s “Presence” in the drama department, and “The Second Fattest Housewife in Westport” in the comedy crop.

Many of the favored dramas fall into the legal or political categories with “The Jury,” “Notorious” and “Conviction” all worthy of good shots. Insiders explain that execs may pick either “The Jury” or “Conviction,” which stars Hayley Atwell. (“Agent Carter” is a long shot for a third season renewal.) “Most Wanted” is still in the mix, but has cooled down a bit, as has “Broken,” which hails from exec producer Reese Witherspoon and stars Anna Paquin.

As for comedies, “Downward Dog” is next in line after “Fattest Housewife.” The Alphabet will have many female-led family comedies, as ABC is still gunning for Minnie Driver’s “Speechless.” The network really likes Scott Foley’s “Toast,” making it Shondaland’s first comedy. As for Candice Bergen’s “Pearl,” a source says it probably won’t be greenlit for air, as the net is considering the cancer-themed dramedy as a digital series.

Source:

Full Article @ Variety

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2nd May 2016

May is here, which means that new broadcast TV shows are almost here.

This week, network execs are sitting in screening sessions, gathering final thoughts on pilots, some of which will be unveiled as official 2016-17 series later this month at upfronts in New York City.

Though the nets will have a better sense of their pilot slates by this week’s end, certain projects are emerging as hot — or not.

Diversity will shine this next TV season across the board, as will recognizable brands and talent. Female-led comedies are dominating ABC’s list of potential favorites, along with female-led dramas that appear to pack more procedural flare. Major male TV stars will topline the majority of programming at CBS. Fox is full of reboots, as well as some really big swings, while NBC is eyeing properties and hitmakers that have done well for them in the past. The CW is looking at yet another project from Greg Berlanti with industry insiders saying “Riverdale” is gearing up for a greenlight.

ABC
The network that brought Kerry Washington, Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra to the forefront of broadcast TV will yet again showcase female stars, both in comedy and drama.

“Speechless,” starring Minnie Driver, impressed both the studio and network, while Candice Bergen’s comedy “Pearl” is said to be a favorite. Casey Wilson could be returning to the Alphabet with “Hail Mary” heating up, as is “The Second Fattest Housewife in Westport,” which stars “Mike & Molly’s” Katy Mixon. Another unconventional title that’s still standing is Allison Tolman’s “Downward Dog,” which has been at the top of ABC’s list since put into development. “Chunk & Bean,” which will bring “Breaking Bad’s” Anna Gunn into a family sitcom, is also strong.

On the drama side, Kiefer Sutherland’s “Designated Survivor” was ordered straight-to-series, securing a major TV name for ABC’s new slate. But the network is looking for more women to bring the drama next season with “The Jury,” starring “The Good Wife” alum Archie Panjabi, and John Ridley’s detective show “Presence,” starring breakout Stephanie Sigman, both getting positive reception. On the soapier side — which sources say ABC is trying to limit — Anna Paquin’s “Broken” from exec producer Reese Witherspoon was said to have turned out “beautiful,” while “The Death Of Eva Sofia Valdez” with “Suits” star Gina Torres pleased ABC brass.

And expanding ABC’s Marvel universe — though “Agent Carter” will likely be axed (with Hayley Atwell’s “Conviction” pilot getting great buzz) — “Marvel’s Most Wanted” isn’t quite a lock, but has a very good chance of going to series, say sources.

The CW
Berlanti’s “Riverdale,” based on the “Archie” comics, is seen as a lock with an insider firmly telling Variety, “This is getting ordered.” The younger-skewing net is looking to stay in business with more of its proven hitmakers, as “Vampire Diaries” co-creator Kevin Williamson’s paranormal drama is attracting attention.

Meanwhile, rumors are again flying that “Supergirl” could shift over to the CW, should it get renewed. While sources tell Variety there have been discussions, a network insider shot down the speculation.

Source:

Read Full Article at Variety