or


[06/28/05 - 12:00 AM]
Development Update: June 27-28
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!

THE 9/11 PROJECT (NBC) - The Peacock has reportedly pulled the plug on its planned eight-hour mini-series, which would have chronicled the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The decision comes despite scripts being completed by writer/producer Graham Yost and pre-production already being underway on the project, a planned co-production of Imagine Television and NBC Universal Television. No formal reason was given by NBC or Imagine however industry insiders suggest financial worries over the planned $20 million budget not to mention competition from ABC's own 9/11 project for casting and other resources were the major issues. While ABC has yet to formally announce its 9/11 project, Marc Platt ("Legally Blonde") is attached to executive produce while offers are said to be out to such actors as Harvey Keitel ("Be Cool").

COLD CASE (CBS) - Creator/executive producer Meredith Stiehm has inked a three-year overall deal with Paramount Network Television. The pact calls for her to create, develop and executive produce new series projects for the studio. The deal won't be completely exclusive however as it's understood Stiehm is expected continue in her showrunning duties on "Cold Case" for at least one more season with Paramount loaning out her services to producer Warner Bros. Television. Stiehm had previously been set up at Warner Bros. Television for the past five years.

CRASH (FX, New!) - Writer/producer Paul Haggis ("Million Dollar Baby") is looking to bring his successful feature film "Crash," a gritty drama about race relations in Los Angeles, to the small screen. Haggis, who won an Emmy for his writing on ABC's "thirtysomething," has pacted with Lions Gate Television to develop the series for cable channel FX. In addition, talks are said to be underway with Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, Brendan Fraser and Ludacris (among others) to reprise their roles from the feature film as well as co-writer Bobby Moresco to write the show's pilot script. Haggis then would likely serve as an executive producer along with Moresco.

DALLAS S.W.A.T. (A&E, New!) - Production is underway on a "Dallas S.W.A.T.," a pseudo-spin-off of the network's popular reality series "The First 48." "Dallas," which comes from Granada Television, tracks the day-to-day operations of the Dallas police department's high-stakes tactical unit. A&E has committed to six hours of the project, which likely launch early next year.

MTV ORIGINAL SERIES (MTV, New!) - The cable channel has detailed its latest development slate, which includes nine new projects: "Yo Mamma," from Evolution Film & Tape, features Wilmer Valderama ("That '70s Show") as he searches for the country's most outrageous trash talkers; "Welcome to Crunkville" has contestants moving in with Atlanta-based hip-hop artists The Ying Yang Twins with the chance to win the deed to their mansion; the self-titled "Omarion" features the recording artist's attempt to becoming a corporate mogul a la Sean "P. Diddy" Combs; "Mr. Rooney's Barbershop," which comes from Sony Music CEO Tommy Mottola, offers a look into the Queens, N.Y.-based barbershop where local cutters scout for hip-hop talent from the 'hood; "Homewrecker" has former "Jackass" star Ryan Dunn helping revenge-seeking viewers wreak havoc on someone's home; "There and Back" details the potential comeback of former O-Town singer Ashley Angel who is now broke, engaged and about to become a father; "Beyond Normal" tracks MTV News correspondent Gideon Yago as he helps young people whose lives have been turned upside down by crisis or conflict; "8th & Ocean" is a docu-soap about the lives of wannabe fashion models in Miami Beach; and "Ten Years Later" is a scripted comedy based on the real-life story of former public-access star Jake Fogelnest ("Squirt TV").

SCRUBS (NBC) - Buena Vista Television has cleared off-network repeats of the veteran NBC comedy on local stations covering more than 50% of the country, including 18 of the top 20 markets. Among the stations signing on for the "Scrubs" run, which starts in September 2006, are: WNYW/WWOR New York, KCAL Los Angeles, WFLD/WPWR Chicago, WPHL Philadelphia, WLVI Boston, KTVU/KICU San Francisco, KDFW/KDFI Dallas and WTTG/WDCA Washington. With 93 episodes already in the can, "Scrubs" would traditionally have begun its off-network run this fall however limited demand forced Buena Vista to delay the sale until 2006. Stations won't pay cash for the "Scrubs" episodes, but rather give three minutes of ad time per half-hour to Buena Vista for national ad sales.

UNTITLED GARY FLEDER/JAMES YOSHIMURA PROJECT (New!) - Director Gary Fleder ("Blind Justice," "The Evidence") and Peabody-winning writer James Yoshimura ("Homicide: Life on the Street") are set to team for a new drama project for Touchstone Television. The untitled project, no details of which were specified, is the result of a two-year deal Fleder recently signed with the studio and a blind script commitment Touchstone had made to Yoshimura. Said pact also sets up Fleder's Mojo Films (and his producing partner Eric Timm) at the studio.

WALKER, TEXAS RANGER (CBS) - The Eye has greenlit production on "Walker, Texas Ranger: Ring of Fire," a new two-hour revival of the 1993-2001 series. Chuck Norris, Sheree Wilson and Judson Mills will all reprise their roles for the project with Aaron Norris directing from a script by original series writers John Lansing and Bruce Cervi. As for plot specifics, "Ring of Fire" reportedly sees Walker (Norris) investigating whether one of his Ranger buddies is a serial killer - or just being framed - as well as trying to track down a teen on the run from a crime syndicate. Aaron Norris also told Daily Variety "Ring of Fire" shouldn't be considered a reunion as the action will pick up "as if we've been doing the show the whole time." He added: "Reunions are more about one-offs... I would like to do more of these." Nevertheless, there will be some changes to the "Walker" franchise, most notably a more urban feel thanks to shooting taking place in Dallas (instead of Vancouver or California) and more use of technology to assist the Rangers. Production is set to begin July 20 with Al Ruddy, Leslie Grief and the Norris brothers executive producing via Paramount Network Television.

Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters





  [june 2005]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
   


· 8TH & OCEAN (MTV)
· 9/11 PROJECT, THE (NBC)
· BEYOND NORMAL (MTV)
· BLIND JUSTICE (ABC)
· COLD CASE (CBS)
· CRASH (STARZ)
· DALLAS SWAT (A AND E)
· EVIDENCE, THE (ABC)
· FIRST 48, THE (A AND E)
· HOMEWRECKER (MTV)
· JACKASS (MTV)
· OMARION (MTV)
· PATH TO 9/11, THE (ABC)
· SCRUBS (ABC)
· SHOP, THE (MTV)
· TEN YEARS LATER (MTV)
· THAT '70S SHOW (FOX)
· THERE & BACK: ASHLEY PARKER ANGEL (MTV)
· WALKER, TEXAS RANGER (CBS)
· WALKER, TEXAS RANGER: TRIAL BY FIRE (CBS)
· WELCOME TO CRUNKVILLE (MTV)





[07/07/26 - 02:14 PM]
Jennifer Beals Joins New CBS Original Series "NCIS: New York"
Jacqueline Byers, Shane Harper and Devin Druid also join the cast of the series, led by LL Cool J and Scott Caan.

[07/07/26 - 02:09 PM]
FOX Scores 11.107 Million Viewers for Portugal-Croatia - Most-Watched Non-USMNT FIFA Men's World Cup Telecast in English-Language U.S. History Excluding a Final
Said coverage hit a peak viewership of 16.023 million viewers from 8:45 - 9:00 PM ET.

[07/07/26 - 01:22 PM]
OWN Reveals "Put a Ring on It: Cheathab," A New Love and Relationship Series Premiering Friday, July 31
The new spin-off series follows long-term couples whose relationships have been rocked by infidelity as they move into the Miami-based "Cheathab House" to confront the trust issues, jealousy, and unresolved wounds threatening their futures.

[07/07/26 - 01:19 PM]
FX's "The Shards" to Feature Original Music from Troye Sivan, Leland and Hayes Warner
Inspired by the 1980s setting of the show, the songs help drive the suspense, seduction and obsession of "The Shards," premiering Wednesday, August 5 with two episodes.

[07/07/26 - 12:47 PM]
NFL Network Presents 2026 NFL Preseason Slate, Featuring 19 Live Games; ESPN Expands Its Schedule with 12 Additional Matchups on the ESPN App
The 32-game live preseason slate (with all 48 games available via replay on NFL Network) adds to ESPN's expansive Year of the Super Bowl programming.

[07/07/26 - 12:05 PM]
Ian Ziering to Host "The Great American Road Rally," New Celebrity Road-Trip Television Event Premiering This Fall on The CW
Originally scheduled for May 13 through July 22, the series will now premiere on Wednesdays from September 2 through November 25.

[07/07/26 - 11:27 AM]
FOX Sports Sets All-Time U.S. Soccer Viewership Record with 30 Million Watching Belgium-USMNT
The network's coverage reached a peak audience of 36.895 million viewers from 9:15-9:30 PM ET.

[07/07/26 - 11:26 AM]
"Shark Tank" Returns for Season 18 with a Powerhouse Roster of Guest Sharks
Additionally, Kendra Scott and Rashaun Williams have been elevated to permanent Sharks, joining Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Daniel Lubetzky and Kevin O'Leary.

[07/07/26 - 11:01 AM]
Video: 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby - Official Teaser - Netflix
The best sluggers in baseball put their power to the test and chase home run glory live from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

[07/07/26 - 10:59 AM]
MLB on ESPN Schedule Updates: July 20 Doubleheader Features Dodgers-Phillies and Cardinals-Angels; Tigers Visit Cubs on July 22
ESPN's exclusive Major League Baseball coverage throughout the season also includes MLB Game of the Day on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited plan subscribers, plus "Baseball Tonight" coverage surrounding marquee matchups.

[07/07/26 - 10:13 AM]
Video: Disney+ and Hulu Debut "Rabbit Hole" Trailer
The half-hour 10-episode original series will debut as the largest ensemble of digital stars ever brought together for a premium series.

[07/07/26 - 10:11 AM]
The Maine Cabin Masters Take on Their Biggest Project Yet in New Series "Maine Cabin Masters: All Inn"
The series follows the team as they transform a rundown bed and breakfast into a stunning 12-acre lakeside inn.

[07/07/26 - 10:01 AM]
First Look - "Let's Marry Harry" Premieres August 5 on Netflix
The series follows heartthrob Harry Jowsey, who is done playing the field and is handing over the reins of his love life to those who know him best.

[07/07/26 - 10:00 AM]
Mariska Hargitay to Host 78th Emmy Awards on NBC
The ceremony is set for Monday, September 14 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live, airing live coast-to-coast on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

[07/07/26 - 10:00 AM]
New Episodes of AspireTV's "Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo" to Return Thursday, August 6
In this fun series, Grammy-nominated rapper and foodie Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker is whipping up some of her favorite dishes, cocktails, desserts and more.