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[04/18/08 - 06:01 PM]
Development Update: Friday, April 18
By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC) |
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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!
ALEVY PRODUCTIONS PROJECTS (New!) - Howie Mandel's Alevy Productions has lined up several new projects around town in addition to today's series commitment from NBC for "Howie Do It" (read the story). Former Brillstein-Grey executive Mike Marks ("Samantha Who?") is shepherding the company's development. On the scripted front, there's "Kill Switch," a one-hour drama at Sci Fi from writer Don Mancini ("Child's Play"). The project, which was originally developed at ABC Studios with Marc Cherry, revolves around a woman who can jump into the bodies of people about to be murdered. Universal Media Studios and Blueprint Entertainment are co-producing the script alongside Mandel and Rick Kellard ("The Closer"). Alevy also has a one-hour dramedy in the works from scribe Scott Gimple about an insurance claims worker turned doctor however no network was mentioned. And back on the reality side, NBC is said to be close to ordering a pilot presentation for "Would You Rather," a game show in which people have to choose between two equally unappealing options. Zobmondo Entertainment, Scott St. John ("Deal or No Deal") and Imagination Television are producing the project with Alevy.
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (Sci Fi) - Executive producer David Eick has inked a two-year, seven-figure overall deal with Universal Media Studios. The pact, which begins on June 1, covers his duties on his various studio-based projects, including the "Galactica" prequel "Caprica" for Sci Fi. Also in the works: "AKA," a family adventure described as "Little Miss Sunshine" meets "Thelma and Louise" from writer Kerry Ehrin ("Friday Night Lights") and an untitled hour from Dario Scardapane likened to a modern-day "Hart to Hart." It's not clear if a network is attached to the latter projects.
LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT (NBC) - Co-stars Adam Beach and Diane Neal won't be returning to the veteran drama next season, various sources confirmed this week. Both exits were believed to be mutual despite rumblings that the latter was fired. Nevertheless, it's not clear if casting will begin for new characters to fill the void in the ensemble. No mention was made about how their characters, Chester Lake and ADA Casey Novak, will be written out.
UNTITLED VICTORY FRESCO PROJECT (ABC) - Victor Fresco's untitled half-hour is the latest project to earn a presentation order from the network. The single-camera project, from 20th Century Fox Television, revolves around a moral guy trying to do the right thing in an amoral corporate world. Fresco penned the pilot and will executive produce.
THE UNUSUALS (ABC) - Stephen Hopkins ("24") has signed on to direct the pilot presentation for the project, a dramedy set at a New York police precinct. He'll work from a script by Noah Hawley. Said effort is set up at Sony Pictures Television with Peter Tolan also executive producing.
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters
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[01/30/26 - 07:01 AM]
Apple's Neo-Noir Detective Story "Sugar" Set to Return for Season Two on June 19
The eight-episode second season of "Sugar" will make its global return on Friday, June 19 on Apple TV with one episode, followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday through August 7.
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[01/30/26 - 06:20 AM]
ABC News' "Nightline" Ranks No. 1 in Total Viewers
"Nightline" was also up year to year in Total Viewers for the week of January 19.
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[01/30/26 - 06:01 AM]
Video: "In the Mud" Season 2 - Official Trailer - Netflix
Five female prisoners forge a unique bond after a deadly accident... until corruption and turf wars within a ruthless prison threaten to destroy them.
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[01/30/26 - 12:16 AM]
The Danish Crime Series "The Asset" Returns for a Second Season
The second season brings back returning cast members Clara Dessau, Maria Cordsen, Afshin Firouzi, and Nicolas Bro, among others, who will encounter their greatest challenges yet in the fight for survival and justice.
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[01/30/26 - 12:01 AM]
Video: "The Museum of Innocence" - Official Trailer - Netflix
In 1970s Istanbul, a man's forbidden love for a shop-girl evolves into a lifelong journey of obsession and longing. Based on Orhan Pamuk's iconic novel.
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[01/29/26 - 07:02 PM]
NBC Comedy Pilot Orders: "Newlyweds" & "Untitled Lizer, Lynch and Sagal Pilot"
Gail Lerner is behind the former; while Kari Lizer is behind the latter, which stars Jane Lynch and Katey Sagal.
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[01/29/26 - 12:56 PM]
"Dirty Rotten Scandals" Premieres Wednesday, March 4 at 9PM ET/PT on E!
This season explores the darker side of some of America's most beloved television shows by delivering untold stories from past participants and new original reporting.
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[01/29/26 - 12:19 PM]
Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Coogan, Caleb Jonte Edwards, Marissa Long, Alexander Ludwig, Chris Messina, and AJ Michalka Are Headed to "The White Lotus"
Reservations confirmed.
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[01/29/26 - 12:11 PM]
Mandy Patinkin Signs on to Play Odin in Prime Video's "God of War" from Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios
Based on PlayStation's massively popular ancient mythology-themed video game, the series has received a two-season order, with pre-production underway in Vancouver, and casting has begun.
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[01/29/26 - 12:00 PM]
Presenters Announced for "68th Annual Grammy Awards," Sunday, Feb. 1 on CBS
Carole King, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, Doechii, Harry Styles, Jeff Goldblum, KAROL G, Lainey Wilson, Marcello Hernández, Nikki Glaser, Q-Tip, Queen Latifah and Teyana Taylor are among the featured talent.
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[01/29/26 - 11:17 AM]
ESPN NBA Schedule Update: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors on February 11
This matchup replaces the previously scheduled Memphis Grizzlies vs. Denver Nuggets game.
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[01/29/26 - 11:03 AM]
Paramount+ to Premiere True-Crime Documentary "Wild Boys: Strangers in Town" on February 18
The two-part documentary chronicles the astonishing true story of two young brothers who emerged from the forests of British Columbia in the summer of 2003, claiming they had been raised entirely off the grid - without schools, doctors or any record of their existence.
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[01/29/26 - 11:01 AM]
HBO Orders New Limited Series "The Chain" from Damon Lindelof
Details are under wraps, but Lindelof is said to be expanding the mythology of Adrian McKinty's award-winning thriller.
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[01/29/26 - 10:11 AM]
Olafur Darri Olafsson Signs on to Play Thor in Prime Video's "God of War" from Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios
Previously announced cast members include Ryan Hurst as Kratos and Max Parker as Heimdall.
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[01/29/26 - 10:10 AM]
CNN Original Series Releases First Look and Introduces "Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever"
Produced by EverWonder Studio, the series will premiere later this spring as part of CNN Originals' anticipated 2026 programming slate.
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