At the moment, at various Hollywood studios, there are 81 pilots that may or may not be made into series for the 2016-2017 U.S. broadcast network season. That means that as you read this, creative teams and TV executives are frantically casting those shows and making tweaks to the scripts, all in hopes that they’ll be picked up, and help the networks stand out not just amongst the fellow broadcast nets, but increasingly digital services like Amazon, Hulu and Netflix, which are all creating content — and often critically acclaimed — at rapid speeds.
As usual, there are quite a few legal and government dramas in the works. And the networks seem to be taking it rather cautiously, ordering up pilots that are part of already successful film brands — among them Lethal Weapon (FOX), The Exorcist (FOX) and Cruel Intentions (NBC). Shows like MacGyver (CBS) and Prison Break (FOX) are getting reboots. And, unsurprisingly, we’re likely to see a whole bunch of DC and Marvel Comics inspired dramas (NBC is even considering a DC Comics comedy called Powerless!) this coming fall.
In the meantime, here’s what’s already been picked up, and what VideoAge knows will be hitting your TV (and/or computer, iPad and phone) screens soon. The complete list of pick-ups and pilots vying for a slot on the new U.S. TV season will be published in the MIP-TV edition of VideoAge.
American Gothic (CBS) (summer series)
A murder-mystery drama set among a prominent Boston family grappling with the fact that their recently deceased patriarch may have been a serial killer.
Braindead (CBS) (summer series)
A comic-thriller about a young Hill staffer in her first year in Washington, D.C.
Designated Survivor (ABC)
A conspiracy thriller drama, starring Kiefer Suherland, about a low-level U.S. cabinet member who is suddenly appointed president after a catastrophic attack during the State of the Union kills everyone above him.
Good Place (NBC)
A comedy, starring Kristen Bell and Ted Danson, about a woman who wrestles with what it means to be good.
Prison Break (FOX)
A new event series based on the popular show about a guy determined to prove his convicted brother’s innocence and save him from death row by creating an elaborate plan to escape from prison.
Shots Fired (FOX)
A dramatic event series that explores the dangerous aftermath of racially charged shootings in a small Southern town.
Son of Zorn (FOX)
A hybrid live action/animated comedy series, starring Jason Sudeikis and Cheryl Hines, that centers on animated warrior Zorn who, upon arriving home on Earth for the first time in 10 years, finds that reconnecting with his live-action son and ex-wife Edie and dealing with a mundane job are harder than waging war in his mystical homeland.
Patient Zero (NBC)
An outbreak pushes characters to the limit, bringing out the best and worst in them.
Taken (NBC)
A prequel based on the 2008 action thriller.
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