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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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[12/04/25 - 01:31 PM]
Heroes Rise Together! Disney+ Original Series "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" Official Branded Merchandise Now Available
Inspired by the series' rich storytelling, the dedicated e-commerce store will feature a wide variety of Camp Half-Blood-themed merchandise tailored for enthusiasts of the acclaimed series.
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[12/04/25 - 12:56 PM]
Video: HBO Releases Official Trailer for the Original Drama Series "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," Debuting January 18
From the world of Westeros comes an endearing tale centered on the adventures of an unexpected duo.
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[12/04/25 - 12:07 PM]
Video: "Mo' Waffles" - Official Trailer - Tubi Original
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[12/04/25 - 12:00 PM]
Video: A New Generation of Camp Rockers Vie to Become the Opening Act for Connect 3 in First "Camp Rock 3" Teaser
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[12/04/25 - 11:02 AM]
"The Masked Singer" Returns with an All-New Season of Epic Themes and Massive Unmaskings on FOX!
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[12/04/25 - 11:01 AM]
Video: AMC Networks Debuts Official Trailer for Sports Docuseries "Rise of the 49ers," Narrated by Executive Producer Tom Brady
The limited series event, exploring the dramatic and iconic run of the San Francisco 49ers during the '80s and early '90s, premieres with the first two episodes on Sunday, February 1 at 9pm ET/PT, followed by the remaining two episodes on Monday, February 2 at 9pm ET/PT on AMC and AMC+.
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[12/04/25 - 10:39 AM]
Meryl Streep, Jon Batiste, Kathryn Hahn, Regina Hall, Parker Posey, Zachary Quinto, Kelly Ripa and Adam Scott to Present Honors in the 19th Annual "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute"
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[12/04/25 - 10:31 AM]
"The Hunting Wives" Season 2 Adds Kim Matula and Alex Fitzalan
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[12/04/25 - 10:28 AM]
"A CNN Special Event: Roy Wood Jr.'s Very Very Very Merry Holiday Special" Airs Sunday, December 14 at 8pm ET on CNN
Filmed in front of a live audience in the nation's capital, Wood Jr. will dive into the joy, and occasional chaos, of the holiday season with his signature blend of sharp wit and warm humor.
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[12/04/25 - 10:01 AM]
The World Knew Him as Dirty John: New Documentary Series Exposes the Real John Meehan
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[12/04/25 - 10:01 AM]
Video: Trailer & Key Art Debut - Hularious Original "Kumail Nanjiani: Night Thoughts"
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[12/04/25 - 09:41 AM]
Hallmark Media Announces That Matthew Lawrence and TLC's Chilli Will Host an All-New, Original Series "Second Chance Love"
The all-new, unscripted series gives five couples, ranging from their 30's to 70's and who dated 5 to 40 years ago, a second chance to reconnect with the one who got away against the backdrop of a romantic Italian resort.
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[12/04/25 - 09:32 AM]
Food Network Will Kick Off 2026 with a Fresh New Competition Series, "Baking Championship: Next Gen"
Duff Goldman and Kardea Brown are the hosts and judges of the series, due on Monday, January 5 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
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[12/04/25 - 09:31 AM]
First Look - Bert Kreischer Stars in Netflix's "Free Bert"
The new scripted comedy series, starring Bert Kreischer, premieres on Netflix in January 2026.
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[12/04/25 - 09:06 AM]
PBS and WETA Announce Four-Part Documentary "Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History" with Henry Louis Gates Jr. to Premiere February 3, 2026
Black and Jewish Americans began on fundamentally different footing, but by the early 20th century, they were drawn together by entrenched racism and rising antisemitism.
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