or


[02/25/05 - 12:00 AM]
Development Update: February 25
By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC)

LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- The latest development news, culled from recent wire reports:

Looking to keep track of all the various projects in development? Click here to visit our newly revamped "Series in Development" charts. Visitors can now filter our listings by network, genre and even development stage (ordered to pilot, cast-contingent, script, etc.). It's updated every day!

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF (ABC) - Caitlin Wachs ("Cracking Up") is the latest addition to the drama pilot, about the first female president. She'll play Helen Allen, described as: "15. She is a rebellious youngster who has a fractious relationship with her mother, and is always looking for ways to express her discontent. Twin sister to Horace, a golden boy who understands his role in unfolding history, Helen can't see beyond her own narrow and selfish interests - at least not yet. Instead of accompanying and supporting her mother, who is making her first speech as President, Helen insists that she's staying at home - much to the disgust of her brother, who urges her to get some perspective on the situation." Wachs joins the previously cast Ever Carradine in the Touchstone Television/Battle Plan Productions project, the production of which still remains contingent on casting the lead role.

COOL MONEY (USA) - The cable channel has rescheduled the telefilm, the second in its four-movie "true crime" series. The project, which stars "Buffy" alum James Marsters, will now air Saturday, March 19 at 9:00/8:00c. "Ladies' Night," the previous entry in the series, was also rescheduled in a similar fashion - moving from Friday, February 18 to Saturday, February 19.

E-RING (NBC) - Aunjanue Ellis has joined the cast of drama pilot, where she'll join Benjamin Bratt and Sarah Clarke. The project, from the Warner Bros. Television-based Jerry Bruckheimer Television, revolves around the inner workings of the Pentagon. Ellis will play Sgt. Jocelyn Pierce, described in the casting notice as: "Late 20s-Early 30s, African American. Hardened, defensive, a good soldier and wife and mother who lets her boundaries be known, she's a Marine sergeant who works with J.T. in Special Ops. Pierce has served at the Pentagon for 8 years and met her husband there. Her job is to anticipate problems, and when they happen, clean up the mess, and make sure her superiors aren't blamed. anal to the T, she is unnerved by the unorthodox antics of both McNulty and J.T."

HOT PROPERTIES (ABC) - Sofia Vergara ("Soul Plane") has joined the cast of the comedy pilot, about four women who run a real estate office in New York. She joins the previously cast Nicole Sullivan in the Warner Bros. Television-based project, which was created by Suzanne Martin.

INCONCEIVABLE (NBC) - Ming-Na ("ER") and Jonathan Cake ("Empire") have each joined the cast of the drama pilot, a potential new soap set at a high-end fertility clinic, where a team of doctors and other specialists assist clients who cannot conceive children through traditional methods. Ming-Na is set as Rachel Seeger, who's described as "Late 30s. Co-founder of the fertility clinic, a very attractive attorney who left law when her humanity became a liability. A divorced, single mother, Rachel's passionate, fiercely intelligent, an adult - but not above singing too loud to bad '80's music in her car." Cake then will play Malcolm Bowers, MD: "37s. Charming, handsome, incredibly smart, and ruthlessly ambitious, this renowned specialist has a well-earned God complex. Ethically ambiguous, but a lovable rogue. Has personalized license plates: "BABYMAKER." Likes to Google himself." Touchstone Television and Tollin/Robbins Productions are behind the project, with Marco Pennette, Oliver Goldstick, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola executive producing.

MURDER BOOK (FOX) - Paula Patton ("Hitch") is set as Angela Kellog in the drama pilot, about a team of L.A.-based cops and the beat-by-beat way they go about their business, including compiling reams of info about a case in one giant book. No other details were given about Patton's character. She joins the previously cast Josh Brolin in the project, which comes from creators Chris Brancato & Bert Salke and 20th Century Fox Television.

SIX FEET UNDER (HBO) - The pay channel has confirmed the fifth and final season of the veteran drama will air on Monday nights come June, a significant change from HBO's typically Sunday-based original series programming. Said move is understood to try and expand HBO's original platform, which has been driven by Sunday nights since 1998. "The Comeback" and season two of "Entourage," both of which are set to debut in June, will air on Sunday nights at 9:00/8:00c and 9:30/8:30c respectively with an encore of "Six Feet Under" at 10:00/9:00c.

STROLLER WARS (CBS) - Tiffany Amber Thiessen ("Fastlane") is the first to be cast in the comedy pilot, about a couple who are forced to grow up when they have kids of their own. In addition, Paramount Network Television has reportedly come aboard to co-produce the project in addition to Sony Pictures Television. Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa ("The King of Queens") created the pilot and will executive produce.

THE SUZE ORMAN SHOW (Syndication) - Twentieth Television has opted to postpone the syndicated entry's launch until the fall of 2006 at the earliest. The development comes in spite of recent clearances in the three largest markets - WCBS New York, KNBC Los Angeles and WMAQ Chicago. Twentieth nevertheless couldn't pull the show's national clearance to a profitable level. "While momentum for the strip has been building, fewer available attractive time periods in fall 2005 and the current economics of launching a daytime strip constrain the manner in which we wish to bring this very important program to viewers," the distributor said in a statement to the press. "In our view, there is much greater potential for 'Suze Orman' in fall 2006 or possibly earlier." Fellow Twentieth newcomers "Judge Alex" and "A Current Affair" remain on track for their respective fall and spring launches later this year.

UNTITLED DEBORAH KAPLAN/HARRY ELFONT PROJECT (ABC) - Julie Bowen ("Ed"), Michael Landes ("Special Unit 2") and Alan Tudyk ("Firefly") have all joined the cast of the single-camera comedy pilot, about the dating lives of a group of thirtysomething singles in Philadelphia. Bowen will play Jane, who's described in the casting notice as: "Late 20's-early 30's, any ethnicity, pretty, smart, demonstrative, upbeat, romantic, and definitely a "blurter." Although she could be considered a bit flaky when it comes to relationships, Jane owns a bakery, so she's got it together in that area of life. She was dating a handsome doctor [yet to be cast] before she hit it off big time with Sam [yet to be cast]. That was six weeks ago. Jane still hasn't gotten around to dumping Dr. Steven - but that's because she's not quote sure where she stands with Sam. In an effort to save face, she lets her best friend, Paige [yet to be cast], talk her into joining her at a blind date restaurant."

Landes then is set as Todd - "Late 20's-early 30's, any ethnicity. Attractive, charismatic, womanizing, gregarious, compulsive, easily bored, and a whiz at rationalizing, Todd is one of Sam's closest friends. Todd is one those guys who can get away with anything. He is forever searching for the perfect girl, car, life, and doesn't plan on settling for less any time soon. Todd works with Sam at a telecommunications company" - while Tudyk will play Oakes - "Late 20's-early 30's, any ethnicity. Brainy, edgy, prone to melancholy, awkward with the ladies, he's an odd bird who left Harvard following his quasimeltdown in the library. Oakes now lives alone at his parent's mansion. (They moved to Europe after his college fiasco). Oakes has a unique view on most topics, but sometimes can be too smart for his own good. He has been Sam's pal since childhood." Touchstone Television and The Untitled Burke/Tarses Project are behind the project, which was created by Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont.

UNTITLED FREDDIE PRINZE JR. PROJECT (ABC) - The Freddie Prinze Jr.-led comedy pilot is set to tape on Tuesday, April 12 at Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles. Prinze plays a guy who after finally breaking free of his overbearing family must return home to a household of women who drive him crazy after his brother dies.

UNTITLED PETER DINKLAGE PROJECT (ABC) - The Alphabet has greenlit production on the Peter Dinklage-led comedy pilot, however Dinklage reportedly may have moved on to a different project: CBS' drama pilot "Threshold." The ABC/Touchstone Television project, originally announced in December (read the story), revolves around an unconventional teacher (to be played by Dinklage). Said effort was the result of a talent deal the actor signed with Touchstone back in August (read the story). It's understood then that Dinklage's deal may have expired, leading to his attachment to "Threshold," or his involvement with the CBS pilot was done in second position to the ABC project. Dinklage and his reps have yet to clarify the situation however ABC and Touchstone insist he is indeed attached to their project.

THE WAR AT HOME (FOX) - The comedy pilot, which stars Michael Rapaport and Anita Barone as hypocritical parents who have lost control at home and try to regain the high ground, is currently scheduled to tape on Wednesday, March 23 at Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles.

WESTSIDE (ABC) - Charlotte Ross ("N.Y.P.D. Blue") has signed on to the Warner Bros. Television/Class IV Productions pilot, about an upscale L.A. real estate agency specializing in high-end homes. She'll play Vanessa (one of said real estate agents) in the project, which also stars Ashley Scott. Silvio Horta, Andrew Plotkin and Steve Pearlman are the executive producers of "Westside," which was created by Horta.

WHAT ABOUT BRIAN? (ABC) - Polly Shannon, recently seen in the CBS original movie "Stone Cold," has scored the final principal role in the drama pilot, about a single man in his 30s (Barry Watson) still trying to figure out his life after all his friends have gotten hitched. She'll play Marjorie, described in the casting notice as: "28-38. A willowy, pale brunette with dark, intelligent eyes, Marjorie is a pediatric surgeon and the newly minted fiance of Brian's best friend Adam [Matthew Davis]. Bright, sensitive, fun, passionate about her work, Marjorie is also a woman of integrity, dignity and strength. She and Brian share a special bond which comes dangerously close to crossing the line into something romantic." Rosanna Arquette, Amanda Detmer, Rick Gomez and Raoul Bova also star in the Touchstone Television/Bad Robot Productions-based project, which comes from executive producers J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Dana Stevens and Thom Sherman.

Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters and Audiences Unlimited





  [february 2005]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
  


· COMEBACK, THE (HBO)
· COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF (ABC)
· COOL MONEY (USA)
· CRACKING UP (FOX)
· CURRENT AFFAIR, A (SYNDICATION)
· ED (NBC)
· EMPIRE (ABC)
· ENTOURAGE (HBO)
· ER (NBC)
· E-RING (NBC)
· FASTLANE (FOX)
· FIREFLY (FOX)
· FREDDIE (ABC)
· HOT PROPERTIES (ABC)
· INCONCEIVABLE (NBC)
· JUDGE ALEX (SYNDICATION)
· KING OF QUEENS, THE (CBS)
· LADIES' NIGHT (USA)
· LOVE LIFE (ABC)
· MURDER BOOK (FOX)
· NYPD BLUE (ABC)
· SIX FEET UNDER (HBO)
· SOLD! (ABC)
· SPECIAL UNIT 2 (UPN)
· STONE COLD (CBS)
· STROLLER WARS (CBS)
· SUZE ORMAN SHOW, THE (SYNDICATION)
· TESTING BOB (ABC)
· THRESHOLD (CBS)
· WAR AT HOME, THE (FOX)
· WHAT ABOUT BRIAN (ABC)





[03/18/24 - 01:59 PM]
Chrissy Metz, Jaime Ray Newman, Katie Lowes, and George Ferrier Join as Series Regulars for Starz's New Drama "The Hunting Wives"
Production on the thrilling new series has started in Charlotte, North Carolina.

[03/18/24 - 11:30 AM]
Video: ALLBLK Releases Trailer for the World Premiere of New Thriller, "The Influencer" Premiering Thursday, April 4
The original film stars Christina Cooper as Niecy Fields, a social media influencer on the cusp of stardom.

[03/18/24 - 10:06 AM]
E! Announces Trendsetting Guest Judges and Pioneering Disruptors for New Cutting-Edge Design Competition Series "OMG Fashun" with Julia Fox
Handcrafted is the new haute couture on "OMG Fashun" as Julia inspires pioneering fashion disruptors to upend traditional style convention, break the rules and redefine cool.

[03/18/24 - 10:00 AM]
Video: Peacock Debuts Trailer For New Original Documentary "Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal" Premiering April 1
The documentary looks at the remarkable career of the late Windham Rotunda also known as Bray Wyatt, one of the most skillful, tenacious, and creative WWE Superstars of all-time.

[03/18/24 - 10:00 AM]
NBC Is the Official Home of Competition and Games This Summer with a Slate of Powerhouse Hit Series
NBC is the summer home for both the Paris Olympic Games and high-stakes competition with a robust lineup of returning powerhouse favorites, including "America's Got Talent," "American Ninja Warrior," "Password," "The Wall" and "Weakest Link."

[03/18/24 - 09:02 AM]
Netflix Announces News About 26 Upcoming Nordic Titles - Including 12 Brand New Titles
Plus: the streamer offers new looks at "Deliver Me," "The Helicopter Heist," "Ronja the Robber's Daughter," "Billionaire Island" and season two of "Baby Fever."

[03/18/24 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver" - Official Trailer - Netflix
The rebels gear up for battle against the ruthless forces of the Motherworld as unbreakable bonds are forged, heroes emerge - and legends are made.

[03/18/24 - 09:01 AM]
Video: Disney's "Wish" - Streaming April 3rd - Disney+
Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Wish" is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force - a little ball of boundless energy called Star.

[03/18/24 - 08:01 AM]
Video: "Our Living World" - Cate Blanchett - Official Trailer - Netflix
This stunning nature series narrated by Cate Blanchett explores the intelligence, resourcefulness and interconnectedness of life on our planet.

[03/18/24 - 08:00 AM]
Acorn TV Fan-Favorite "Harry Wild" Returns Monday, May 13
Season three consists of six episodes and will be available on Acorn TV in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

[03/18/24 - 08:00 AM]
Prime Video Orders "Beast Games" from MrBeast and Amazon MGM Studios
Based on his already successful YouTube show, "Beast Games" is set to become the biggest reality competition series ever with 1000 contestants competing for a $5 million dollar cash prize which will be the biggest single prize in the history of television and streaming.

[03/18/24 - 07:14 AM]
ESPN+ Original Series "Full Court Press" Presented by State Farm Featuring Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso and Kiki Rice to Premiere May 11 & 12 on ABC and ESPN+
From Iowa's historic preseason game that broke attendance records all the way through the WNBA draft in April, the series uses unparalleled access, exclusive interviews, and unique game footage, to transport audiences into the lives of these exceptional athletes.

[03/18/24 - 06:01 AM]
Video: "Scoop" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Inspired by real events, this fictional dramatization gives an insider account of how the women of Newsnight secured Prince Andrew's infamous interview.

[03/18/24 - 06:01 AM]
Video: Apple TV+ Debuts Trailer for Season Two of Iconic Emmy Award-Winning Series "Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock," Premiering Globally March 29
Award-winning season two cast includes the return of Daveed Diggs alongside Ariana DeBose, Brett Goldstein, Catherine O'Hara, Adam Lambert and K-pop group aespa in guest star roles.

[03/18/24 - 04:01 AM]
Video: "Joy" - First Look Teaser - Netflix
Starring Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton and Bill Nighy, the new film based on the story of the birth of IVF.