It's pilot season, which means TV networks are looking at lots of potential projects to potentially add to their portfolios. On paper, just about anything can look good (or bad), but with brilliant early casting and a snappy log line, certain ideas stand out from the pack. These are the 20 in-production pilots that caught our attention as the best of the bunch (with a few artist's renditions of what they might look like).
(Note: These projects are all in pilot stage, meaning networks have commissioned a premiere episode to review. They are in no way guaranteed a spot on the 2011-2012 TV schedule.)
Don't Trust the Bitch in Apt. 23
Network: ABC
Log Line: This comedy centers on an earnest, honest, optimistic girl from the heartland who, due to circumstances beyond her control, is forced to move in with a sexy, unstable New York City party girl with the morals of a pirate.
Starring: Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad, as the party girl), James Van Der Beek (as himself)
Why this show should be made: In addition to its fantastic title (and thanks for abbreviating "apartment"!), the core cast is solid. With the title and its meta role for Dawson, we get the feeling this show's tone will be eccentric and unique.
Why it might not get made: Sometimes a concept that looks good on the page falls flat when it's actually shot, and that could happen here.
REM
Network: NBC
Log Line: REM is described as an Inception-like thriller in which a cop wakes up after an accident to discover he's living in two different realities.
Starring: Jason Isaacs (Brotherhood, as the cop)
Why this show should be made: Boom! You had me at Inception! The potential for stories that will twist our minds into pretzels is high here, and TV could use more shows like this. The always-awesome and in-demand Isaacs is a perfect choice for the cop.
Why it might not get made: This has serialized sci-fi drama written all over it, which is always a risky gamble due to production costs and finicky audiences. Will NBC make the gamble? Hopefully yes, and not just in our dreams within dreams within dreams.
More As the Story Develops
Network: HBO
Log Line: A behind-the-scenes look at a cable news network.
Starring: No cast has been announced yet.
Why this show should be made: This project comes from Aaron Sorkin, who wrote Sports Night, The West Wing, and The Social Network. This guy could write a show about the behind-the-scenes goings-on at a children's show and it would still be compelling, but in this age of infotainment and the 24-hour news cycle, there's plenty of dirt to shovel around.
Why it might not get made: No reason. This is a show that could, should, and will be made.
Powers
Network: FX
Log Line: Based on the comics of the same name, Powers is a police procedural set in a world where superpowers are relatively common. It centers on two detectives who deal with cases involving people with superpowers.
Starring: No cast announced yet. But... (see below)
Why this show should be made: With the huge success of The Walking Dead's translation from comics to the small screen, the powers behind Powers should follow that lead and stay close to the comic's tone. If it can do stay true to the source material, this should be a winner. Plus, Katee Sackhoff is rumored to be interested in playing the female lead.
Why it might not get made: FX isn't known for straying from reality, so a foray into science-fiction might make the network a little nervous.
How to Be a Gentleman
Network: CBS
Log Line: Loosely based on John Bridges' book How To Be a Gentleman: A Contemporary Guide to Common Courtesy, this show is described as a buddy comedy about an uptight guy who's learning to live his life with the help of an old high school classmate.
Starring: David Hornsby (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Rickety Cricket), Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords), and Dave Foley (News Radio)
Why this show should be made: Hello? Did you see that cast? I laugh just by reading Rhys Darby's name, that's how great he is. Hornsby is an upcoming talent, and Foley is a classic TV comic who still has it.
Why it might not get made: Can Hornsby and Darby parlay their cable stardom into network success? And on rigid CBS, no less?
17th Precinct
Network: NBC
Log Line: Labeled as an adult Harry Potter, 17th Precinct is a cop drama that's set in a world where super elements and magic rule over science.
Starring: Eamonn Walker, Stockard Channing, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer
Why this show should be made: This is Battlestar Galactica creator Ronald D. Moore's newest baby, so at least you know it won't be cheesy. Of the many "cops in supernatural situations" pilots, this one seems the strongest (though we admit that we're saying that based solely on Moore). Plus, we love the epic BSG reunion with Bamber, Helfer, Callis, and Moore.
Why it might not get made: It's a sci-fi serial drama, and those often go over well with critics but not mass audiences. Plus, if NBC tries to make it too family-friendly, it could sink.
Rookies
Network: CBS
Log Line: The project is about six NYPD rookies who must balance their personal lives with learning the beat on the streets of Manhattan.
Starring: Adam Goldberg (The Unusuals), Leelee Sobieski
Why this show should be made: Gritty cop dramas have been done before, but how many have had Robert De Niro executive producing them? Expect it to redefine "network-TV gritty."
Why it might not get made: Will it be different enough from other "gritty" cop shows?
The Crossing
Network: NBC
Log Line: A period drama about a civil war soldier who crosses the country and settles into a complicated town where he is welcomed as its savior, whether he likes it or not.
Starring: No major names attached yet.
Why this show should be made: The log line may make it sound like a snoozer, but this idea was originally in development at FX, and its unique setting will stand out from the rest of television. C'mon, get some culture for a change.
Why it might not get made: Try selling a period piece that's set just after the Civil War to advertisers. It won't be easy.
Secret Circle
Network: The CW
Log Line: A drama about a California teen who moves to her mom's hometown of New Salem and discovers that she is a witch.
Starring: Britt Robertson (Life Unexpected, as the teen)
Why this show should be made: We've already reserved a spot for this one in our guilty pleasures treasure chest. Based on the books by L.J. Smith (author of The Vampire Diaries), we think this show will cast a similar spell on us. Plus, Robertson proved to be a star-in-the-making on LUX, and we're eager to see more of her.
Why it might not get made: It fits perfectly with The CW's demographic. We can't fathom a reason why this won't get a green light.
Tagged
Network: Fox
Log Line: A workplace comedy that's set in the Los Angeles County coroner's office.
Starring: Gary Cole (The Good Wife), Tommy Dewey (Roommates)
Why this show should be made: If The Office can make working at a paper company funny, imagine what Tagged can do with dead people. This should be made based on the concept alone.
Why it might not get made: Where's the star? If this idea doesn't pull in a big name (apologies to Gary Cole), it might not get the love from executives.
NEXT: J.J. Abrams's latest, a Prime Suspect remake, and a period piece about Playboy >>
I'll definatly watch REM. Just hope it doesn't suffer the fate of 90% of other TV shows.
I'd watch REM and 17th precinct
i agree with EdPeixoto.
wow, that lineup really sucks.
We don't watch TV actually; we wait and watch specific series when they show up on DVD. In this lot, 17th Precinct is the best possibility (if they can do what Battlestar Galactica did!). Possibly REM (sound alot like another Life on Mars) or Powers.
Some of the pilots sound pretty good and I am anxious to see them. Hope they dont disappoint us.
With NO apologies... Gary Cole is awesome. Though I admit I didn't know his name for a while. He's been great in every role I've seen, especially comedic ones (e.g. Will Ferrell's dad in Talladega Nights). I would give Tagged a shot just because he is in it. Maybe if it is well written he will become a bigger name like he should be.
ugh! not much to choose from. The Crossing sounds like something I'd watch, not sure if it would work on t.v. Powers is intriguing but who wants to get excited over another Heroes, I don't ever want to be that badly let down again. Secret Circle sounds good too, but I think it'll be another Vamp Diaries or The Gates. The only one that got me was 17th Precinct...but I remember what Syfy did to Dresden Files :-( GOD I MISS THAT SHOW
Not one of these sounds good to me. About 80% of them are cop shows or supernatural cop shows, and even the one show about a witch (my specialty), Secret Circle, sounds like it's going to be another teenie-bopper bore a la Vampire Diaries. Bad crop again this year.
There are quite a few here I would actually watch! A lot of paranormal elements... Must be popular now. I like it!
I hope 'Poe' gets picked up. I really would love to see Tabrett Bethell on my screen again.
Powers and Secret Circle sound interesting
"More As the Story Develops" Aaron Sorkin is one of the greatest writers in the business today. He may not write high literature and his female characters are either weak or tomboyish but... for back and forth male banter,there's nobody better. He's at his best when morality, efficts and duty are brought into conflict. Cable new is a perfect forum for him. He's arguably obsessed with the plight of writers and the presure of fame power and "the publiv eye". Both "Sports Night" and "Studio 60" were brilliant, clever and meaty ... BUT... Despite the fact that I worshipped the shows; the general public just simply doesn't seem to care about what happens behind the camera or what it takes to sustain a career in show business in a cut throat 24 hour media cycle. Sorkin's fresh of his Oscar for "The Social Network" (AWESOME script) so I'm sure this will get made and I'm equally sure that both critics and I will fawn over it but will audiences care. The West wing had the weight of the oval office behind it. TV producers, camera men, anchors PAs, censorship and th ambiguity of the truth aren't exactly audience grabbers. Thank god he's making it for HBO. With Sorkin attached the cast will be most likely be too good for TV. I can't wait!!!moreless
Apt.23 : I really liked JvdB in Mercy, so this could be funny - REM : Sounds great, but so did The Event last year - HBO/Sorkin : I'll watch - Powers: Don't know the comic, can be anything between great and awful - Gentleman : Does not sound interesting - 17th Precinct : For this stuff to work, it has to be really character driven and dark, no fairy The Cape - Rookies : I like Rookie Blue, but how is this different? - The Crossing : If it's like Deadwood, this can be good... - Secret Circle : I'll join the circle - Tagged : Has potential, would watch - Alcatraz : Yes please! - House of Lies : This sounds really, really boring...but it's on Showtime and has Kristen Bell...gee - I hate my... : I hate it already - Playboy : I hate it even more - Pan Am : I don't want more boring 60's shows...even with Ricci - The River : If it's well done, it could be exciting, but when are shows like this well done? - Prime suspect : Phew, aren't there enough excentric cops out there? - Brave new world : No way, sir! - Locke and Key: Yes way!moreless
I am interested in Alcatraz, Locke & Key, and House of Lies. I do hope they get picked up. Others do sound either too boring or familiar...
Alcatraz and Prime suspect sounds interesting, Secret Circle maybe, Locke and Key and Pan Am: DEFINITELY NOT! Hate soaps and horrors.
House of Lies, I hate my teenage Daughter, they look like they could really work.
Rookies? Sounds a bit like "Rookie Blue"?:/
network tv? yawn
I am looking forward to: The Crossing (NBC), Locke & Key (Fox), The River (ABC), Alcatraz (Fox), Secret Circle (The CW) - so nice to get away from the typical cops & robbers "who did it?" mysteries!!!
I am so sick of the supernatural, and over half of the new possibles fall into that genre. I might watch a couple of the new "ideas", but not many. Good new shows are hard to find. "Justified" is one of my very favorites, and "Blue Bloods" is also a good watch.
Nada!! Guess I'll just do "Retro TV"
On why The Secret Circle wouldn't get made: Because L.J. Smith has, in the grand tradition of writers of vampire novels, gone completely around the bend. It would all depend on who holds the rights and how much she's already signed off on. But I was a huge fan of the books (all of her books, almost) when I was a kid and I think they'd make an awesome CW series, though I wonder how they'll tweak it to get it to last more than a few series.
what about Ringer? With Sarah Michelle Gellar!
"According the CBS, Ringer follows “a troubled young woman (Bridget) on the run who hides out by living the life of her wealthy twin sister (Siobhan), until she learns her sibling’s life has a bounty on it as well.†The cast includes Lost’s Nestor Carbonell and Fantastic Four’s Ioan Gruffudd. Continue reading on Examiner.com: Sarah Michelle Gellar's pilot has the makings of a hit - San Francisco TV | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/tv-in-san-francisco/sarah-michelle-gellar-s-pilot-has-the-makings-of-a-hit#ixzz1G7ZkiBcm "
REM - Done right and it's too confusing for most. Dumbed down and it's "Life on Mars" again.
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Powers - Faithful to the source material like "The Walking Dead", then it's a hit. Superhero mystery of the week? Doomed...
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17th Precinct - NBC, really? After standard 3 month midseason hiatus it'll get canned.
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The Crossing - Remember "Carusoe"? Yeah, no one does...
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Secret Circle -Angst filled teens with supernatural powers. Sadly, there's a market for this....
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Alcatraz - If it keeps faithful to the original mystery and doesn't ignore early questions or meander like Lost did in the middle.
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Playboy - 1960's "sexual revolution" soap opera on NBC... blah
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Pan Am - Even with Ricci - sounds boring and expensive (1960's international location shots?)
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The River - Miniseries! Why can't the networks realize their "big" scifi/horror/mystery shows usually aren't strong enough story for even 22 episodes?
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Prime Suspect - No Helen Mirren? No good....
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Brave New World - Good SNL skit, but a series? Carnac says 3 episodes and poof...
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Locke & Key - Fox and horror - 6 episodes or less, if it gets made...moreless
Post this again when the pilots are actually up.
Alcatraz for sure and I hate my teenage daughter!!!
Am I the only one that just ignores the ones coming to NBC..
I want to see Alcatraz, Powers, 17th Precinct, Secret Circle, and REM
Powers, 17th Precinct, and The Crossing are the only ones i would try none of the others sound any good to me.
I would like to see Prime Suspect and Rookies
I would like to see The River , Secret Circle and Prime Suspect.
I would like to see Secret Circle, 17th Precinct, Powers, Don\'t Trust the *** in Apt. 23.
Powers and REM sounds good. :)
more of the same nauseating crap...take a chance, roll the dice, be the first!
Please stop with the cop shows... please....
I want no more cop. hospital and lawyer shows, so bring on Secret Circle, Powers and otherworldly stuff.
I hope The Secret Circle, Alcatraz, REM, Locke and Key and Powers make it to series.
17th looks awesome, hope most of these will be made into at least 1 season, just get rid of all the reality tv shows
rem, powers, 17th precinct, the crossing, tagged and locke and key seem to be interesting so far... but as many have said before there's a huge difference between an idea and a real pilot... so i'll keep my fingeres crossed and wait and see.
I would like to see the secret circle. Although I am in my forties, I read the books as my then teen daughter finished them. Have read all of the author's books and series.
i would like to see The Secret Circle,The House of Lies,I Hate My Teenage Daughter.
lol so the spirit of their old car is haunting them in locke and key :P
REM sounds awesome!
I like the idea of 17th Precinct, I love Eamon Walker and Jamie Bamber, though I could do without Callis. The rest I think are just trash or idiodicy.