 |
 |
[05/25/07 - 07:19 PM]
Development Update: Week of May 21-25
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 signature "Devwatch" section. There visitors can view our listings by network, genre, studio and even development stage (ordered to pilot, cast-contingent, script, etc.). It's updated every day!
BREAKING BAD (AMC) - The cable channel is reportedly close to ordering the drama pilot to series. The project stars Bryan Cranston ("Malcolm in the Middle") as a middle-aged New Mexico high school teacher who becomes a crystal-meth dealer after he learns he has terminal cancer. Vince Gilligan is behind the hour, which is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and Mark Johnson�s Gran Via Productions.
CARPOOLERS (ABC) - Sitcom veteran Marsh McCall ("20 Good Years") has been tapped as the executive producer/showrunner of the upcoming comedy, which follows the lives of four men (Fred Goss, Jerry Minor, Jerry O'Connell, Tim Peper) who carpool to work together each day. Said involvement is tied to McCall's overall deal with producer ABC Studios. Creator Bruce McCulloch, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank and David Miner also serve as executive producers on the half-hour.
CASHMERE MAFIA (ABC) - Writer/producer Jeff Rake ("Bones") is set to join the midseason drama as its executive producer/showrunner. Rake recently reupped his two-year overall deal with producer Sony Pictures Television. It's understood he'll stay focused on "Mafia" for the next two years, turning to development after that. Darren Star, Gail Katz and creator Kevin Wade also serve as executive producers on the project, which stars Lucy Liu, Frances O'Connor, Miranda Otto and Bonnie Somerville as four successful female executives, friends since college, who rely on one another as they juggle the demands of career, family, hard choices and high ambitions in New York.
DATELINE NBC (NBC) - The Peacock has opted not to renew the contract of its veteran anchor Stone Phillips, who has been with the series since its launch in 1992. It's understood he won't be replaced when it expires in June. Co-anchor Ann Curry then will instead serve as the main anchor of the newsmagazine, which will return next season on Saturday nights in the fall and Sunday nights after football wraps.
GAY ROBOT (Comedy Central) - The comedy pilot, about a robot who discovers after an unfortunate incident involving a wine cooler and his circuit boards that he is gay, is reportedly being redeveloped as an animated project by Comedy Central and Sony Pictures Television. Nick Swardson co-wrote the original pilot (as well as voiced the title character) with Tom Gianas and executive produced alongside Happy Madison's Adam Sandler, Jack Giarraputo and Doug Robinson. Said development is apparently the result of positive feedback from the pilot and various clips being available on such sites as MySpace (where Gay Robot has his own page), BitTorrent and Sony-owned Grouper.
THE LAST LARRY (Comedy Central, New!) - Dana Gould ("The Simpsons") is developing a "Shaun of the Dead"-esque sitcom at the cable channel set in a post-apocalyptic world in which the few remaining survivors are trying to get on with their lives. The network has commissioned a script for the project, which Gould will write, executive produce and potentially star in. Tom Lassally and Dave Becky of 3 Arts Entertainment will also serve as executive producers. Gould most recently served as co-executive producer on the FOX comedy, exiting after the show's 18th production cycle last fall.
LAW & ORDER (NBC) - Rene Balcer, who has been attached to the franchise since its first season (not to mention developed spin-off series "Criminal Intent"), is moving back to the mothership for the show's 18th season. The veteran returned to the drama this past spring, helping shape the last batch of episodes. This season he'll take over for Nick Wooton as showrunner, a role which he previously served from 1996-2001.
LIFE (NBC) - "House" mainstay Daniel Sackheim has come aboard the freshman drama as an executive producer. The move comes as the director/producer inks a new two-year overall deal with NBC Universal Television Studio, the producer of both "House" and "Life." There he'll serve alongside creator Rand Ravich and fellow executive producer Far Shariat.
OCTOBER ROAD (ABC) - Co-creators Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec have landed a seven-figure, multiyear overall deal with ABC Studios, the show's producer. The pact will cover their duties on the show's sophomore season as well as any future development. It's understood the deal was signed prior to ABC renewing the series for a second season, a sure sign of the studio's faith in the duo.
UGLY BETTY (ABC) - Bill Wrubel ("Will & Grace") has inked a two-year overall deal with ABC Studios. The pact calls for the writer/producer to come aboard "Betty" as a co-executive producer as well as develop new series projects for the studio. Wrubel's addition comes as "Betty's" writing staff goes through a heavy turnaround. At least five writers have been let go to date. On the flip side, Dawn DeKayser ("The Geena Davis Show") has joined the staff as a producer.
THE WATCH (NBC) - Charles McDougall, who helmed ABC's drama pilot "Big Shots" this past development season, has signed on to direct the hour, about a suburban Neighborhood Watch group gone awry. His involvement lifts the director-contingency off the pilot's production. Ed Decter and John J. Strauss are behind the Sony Pictures Television/Pariah-based project, which is also executive produced by Gavin Polone and Jamie Tarses.
WEEDS (Showtime) - Andy Milder, who plays Dean Hodes, the husband to Elizabeth Perkins's character, has been upped to series regular for the show's third season. Look for the show's junior go around to launch on Monday, August 13 at 10:00/9:00c.
WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB (ABC) - "ER" alum R. Scott Gemmill has come aboard the drama as its showrunner while Gretchen Berg and Aaron Harberts ("Pepper Dennis") have also signed on as co-executive producers. The group, each of which has an overall deal with producer 20th Century Fox Television, will serve alongside executive producers Liz Craft, Sarah Fain, James Patterson, Brett Ratner and Joe Simpson. "Club" stars Angie Harmon, Laura Harris, Aubrey Dollar, Paula Newsome as four girlfriends who solve tough murder cases in San Francisco.
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters
|
|
|
 [may 2007]  |
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
[11/04/26 - 01:01 PM]
Australian Original "Who the Hell Is Hamish?" Premieres Thursday, December 10 Exclusively on Paramount+
The six-episode drama features an all-star ensemble cast led by Dominic Cooper and Claire van der Boom.
|
[11/04/26 - 12:31 PM]
"Saturday Night Live" Hits Season High with Host Inde Navarrette and Musical Guest Gracie Abrams
It was also the top Peacock performance of the season and best since March 14, 2026, with host and musical guest Harry Styles.
|
[11/04/26 - 12:00 PM]
CBS Announces New Broadcast Agreement for the Tony Awards Through 2032
The 80th Annual Tony Awards will air from Radio City Music Hall live to both coasts, Sunday, June 13 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET, 5:00-8:00 PM, PT), on the CBS Television Network.
|
[11/04/26 - 11:01 AM]
Top 10 Most-Watched Prime Original Films & Series for the Week of October 26
"The Terminal List," "Carrie," "Reacher," "Neagley," and "Helluva Boss" led all original series worldwide.
|
[11/04/26 - 10:55 AM]
USA Sports Announces Commentators for 2026-27 College Basketball Season, Featuring 100+ Games Across Pac-12 And Atlantic 10 on USA Network
The college basketball season on USA Network gets underway this weekend with two Pac-12 men's non-conference matchups as San Diego State hosts Colorado this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET and Boise State hosts Butler Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.
|
[11/04/26 - 10:01 AM]
"Beef" Creator Lee Sung Jin Announces New Production Company Lila Pictures with a New Limited Series in Development at Netflix Starring Ali Wong
Lee will continue to create new projects across scripted series and feature films exclusively for Netflix.
|
[11/04/26 - 10:01 AM]
Video: Penny Proud Must Save Christmas in Official Trailer for New Stop-Motion Holiday Special "A Proud Family Wizmas"
The song-filled stop-motion holiday special follows Penny Proud after she inadvertently destroys Christmas as we know it and then reluctantly agrees to make things right and save Christmas for the children of Emilyville and the world.
|
[11/04/26 - 09:31 AM]
Video: "Bobby Lee: Finally" - Official Trailer - Hulu
The powerhouse podcast host and comedy veteran turns his wild stories, brutal honesty, and beautifully chaotic energy into an unpredictable hour only he could deliver - outrageous, unfiltered, and unapologetically real.
|
[11/04/26 - 09:15 AM]
The 75th Miss Universe to Air Live on Reelz on Tuesday, November 24 at 8PM ET/5PM PT
The 75th edition of Miss Universe 2026 takes place in Puerto Rico with up to 120 delegates from around the world expected to participate in the international beauty pageant.
|
[11/04/26 - 09:06 AM]
Video: "Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: The Getaway" - Streaming December 4 on Disney+
Get ready for a holiday vacay the wimpy way.
|
[11/04/26 - 09:01 AM]
Video: The Official Trailer of "The Good Boss," the New Series Starring Luca Zingaretti on Netflix on December 2
Giulio Zagni (Luca Zingaretti) is "the perfect boss", the undisputed and beloved ruler of his steering wheel factory and his family.
|
[11/04/26 - 08:44 AM]
WWE Crown Jewel Streams Saturday, Nov. 7 Exclusively on the ESPN App with ESPN Unlimited Plan
Headlining WWE Crown Jewel, Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn square off for the Men's Crown Jewel Championship in a champion vs. champion showdown.
|
[11/04/26 - 08:01 AM]
Apple TV Announces Heartwarming New Comedy-Drama "Lenni," Starring Toni Collette
"Lenni" is a darkly comedic mystery about family - what it means to have one, to lose one, to pull one apart.
|
[11/04/26 - 08:01 AM]
"CMA Country Christmas," Hosted by Lady A, Returns Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 9/8c on ABC, Next Day on Disney+ and Hulu
Filmed in front of a live audience in Nashville, Lady A brings warmth and holiday cheer to the stage as they guide viewers through a night of one-of-a-kind musical performances of festive classics from Country Music's biggest stars.
|
[11/04/26 - 07:01 AM]
Video: "Marcos: Another World Is Possible" - Official Trailer - Netflix
In 1994, a masked man became the face of the Zapatista uprising. Through Subcomandante Marcos, this documentary explores the movement's resistance today.
|
|
|
|
