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[01/07/09 - 06:27 PM]
Development Update: Wednesday, January 7
Updates include: Neil Flynn joins Patricia Heaton in ABC's "The Middle"; Kelsey Grammer lands a pilot at ABC; and newcomer Amy Gumenick to play Natalee Holloway for LMN.

[08/13/08 - 06:59 PM]
Development Update: Wednesday, August 13
Updates include: ABC locks casting on 18 pilots; Cynthia Stevenson set for "Surviving Suburbia" at The CW; and Jennifer Lopez to bring "Maid in Manhattan" to the small screen at ABC.

[07/08/08 - 06:21 PM]
Aftra Members Ratify Primetime Television Contract
The three-year primetime television agreement was passed by a 62.4% margin.

[05/23/08 - 05:22 PM]
Development Update: Friday, May 23
Updates include: "24" prequel adds trio; Kelsey Grammer to head ABC's "Roman's Empire"; and Ron Perlman signs up for FX's "Sons of Anarchy."

[05/16/08 - 06:24 PM]
Development Update: Friday, May 16
Updates include: Rob Estes rounds out The CW's "90210" cast; "Dog the Bounty Hunter" to return to A&E; and Danielle Nicolet joins USA's "The Starter Wife" series.

[05/13/08 - 02:59 PM]
The Futon's Upfront Notes: Abc
Updates include: "Boston Legal" to end; "Here Come the Newlyweds" and "Dance War" may return; and details on the 17 pilots under consideration for midseason.

[04/03/08 - 12:00 AM]
Development Update: Thursday, April 3
Updates include: E! renews "Sunset Tan"; ABC adds three new single-camera comedy pilots; and Al Roker to host NBC's "Celebrity Family Feud."







ROMAN'S EMPIRE (ABC)
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY:
4/3/08 - 1/7/09
STATUS:
previously in development (2008-2009 season)
DEVELOPMENT STAGE:
ordered to pilot
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
7-10 minute presentation
DESCRIPTION:
(from ABC's press release) You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family. What happens when your family picks you? Ask Leo Park. Leo gets caught up in a whirlwind that is the Pretty family. This family, who seemingly has everything, just doesn't work without Leo. He is the one thing that keeps the Prettys just this side of crazy. Leo also comes to realize that he doesn't quite work without the Prettys either. For the last 10 years Leo and Nikki (the middle of three Pretty daughters) have been in love. Everything changes when Nikki dumps Leo for Seb. Roman, the patriarch of the family and one of the richest men in America feels bad for Leo, but can see why Seb has won her over. Seb is interestingly bizarre and entertaining. Even though Leo is no longer dating his daughter, Roman won't let Leo out of his life. Roman insists on smothering Leo with his wonderful, crushing love. The rest of the family can't bear to lose him either. Leo has always been the brother they've never had. He set up his good friend Jace with the eldest daughter Jenny. He also counsels the smartest and youngest daughter Kelly who is desperately trying to be a tabloid star. Perhaps most importantly Leo is a protector for a family that isn't equipped to protect themselves. From Executive Producer Ashton Kutcher (Miss Guided, Beauty and the Geek, Punk'd) and Tiger Aspect (Mr. Bean). Based on a 2007 BBC series that instantly achieved cult like status.
PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:
· Brad Beyer as Seb
· Carla Gallo as Jenny
· Christine Woods as Nikki
· Kelsey Grammer as Roman
· Laura Leigh as Kelly
· Nick Thune as Leo
· Zachary Knighton as Jace
CREW INFORMATION:
· Alan J. Higgins as CRTR/EP
· Andrew Zein as EP
· Ashton Kutcher as EP
· Ben Cavey as EP
· Jason Goldberg as EP
· Karey Burke as EP
· Marc Buckland as DIR (Pilot)
GENRE(S):
· comedy (all)
· comedy (single-camera)
STUDIO INFORMATION:
· CBS Television Studios
· Katalyst Films
· Tiger Aspect Productions