 |
 |
[04/18/08 - 06:01 PM]
Development Update: Friday, April 18
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!
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
|
|
|
 [april 2008]  |
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
[10/15/26 - 01:00 PM]
Fandango Expands Into Original Programming with "Bad Girls Club: Unfinished Business"
The special event reunites six unforgettable personalities from Season 7 of the iconic "Bad Girls Club" franchise, Fandango's most-watched season: Angie Castillo, Judi Jackson, Priscilla Mennella, Shelly Hickman, Stasi Townsend, and Tiara Hodge.
|
[10/15/26 - 12:01 PM]
National Geographic's "Wolves Up Close with Bertie Gregory" Premieres Nov. 6
Reconnecting with a pack of wolves he has followed for seven years, Bertie sets out to capture one of the Arctic's most dangerous and rarely filmed hunts: wolves taking on a bull moose, prey roughly ten times their size.
|
[10/15/26 - 12:00 PM]
Peacock's "Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together" Season Two Premieres on Thursday, Nov. 19
In the eight new episodes, the couple navigates love, family, and demanding careers while taking control of their legacy.
|
[10/15/26 - 11:01 AM]
Comedy Central Announces "The Daily Show Presents: Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse: Red Flags"
The special premieres immediately following "The Daily Show" on Monday, October 26 at 11:30pm ET/PT and will be available on Paramount+, "The Daily Show's" YouTube Channel, and VOD on Tuesday, October 27.
|
[10/15/26 - 11:00 AM]
The CW Network Sets Broadcast Schedule for 2026-27 Men's and Women's College Basketball
The network will also introduce "CW Courtside Wednesday" this winter, highlighting midweek marquee games across all three conferences in primetime.
|
[10/15/26 - 10:29 AM]
ESPN Delivered Its Most-Watched WNBA Playoffs Ever!
Across eight games, ESPN networks averaged 1.4 million viewers, up 23% compared to coverage through the semifinals last year.
|
[10/15/26 - 10:00 AM]
Skydance TV Networks to Re-Air "The Concert for New York City," Marking Its 25th Anniversary
Staged in the aftermath of 9/11, the landmark concert brought together the music community, first responders, dignitaries and New Yorkers in an extraordinary demonstration of unity, generosity and resolve.
|
[10/15/26 - 09:12 AM]
Paramount+ Scottish Highland Drama "Laird" Announces Additional Casting
Jennifer Ehle,Peter Mullan, Phia Saban, Ruaridh Mollica, Holliday Grainger, Douglas Hodge, and Corey Mylchreest are the latest additions.
|
[10/15/26 - 09:08 AM]
"Pardon the Interruption" Marks 25 Years of Must-See Sports Debate with Special Anniversary Celebration on ESPN
On Thursday, October 22, ESPN celebrates the silver anniversary of "PTI" with a special double-episode event.
|
[10/15/26 - 08:02 AM]
Al Pacino to Be Honored with the 2026 SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award
Pacino will be presented with the union's top tribute at The 33rd Annual Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA, which will stream live on Netflix Sunday, February 28, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT from the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall.
|
[10/15/26 - 08:01 AM]
Video: Paramount+ Reveals December 18 Premiere Date & Teaser for "Frisco King," Starring Samuel L. Jackson
Written by Taylor Sheridan, "Frisco King" follows seasoned New Orleans gangster Lee Washington as he lands in Frisco, Texas, and discovers a hustler's playground hidden beneath the polished surface of American suburbia.
|
[10/15/26 - 08:01 AM]
Video: "The Fall of El Mayo" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, longtime partner of "El Chapo", and a ghost to authorities for over three decades. The documentary that tells the story of his downfall.
|
[10/15/26 - 08:00 AM]
CBS Wins Its Premiere Week with Eight of the Top 10 Broadcast Shows and Delivers +9% Year-Over-Year Growth
Weekly viewership averaged 4.43 million viewers, growing +9% from its 2025 premiere week (4.08m viewers).
|
[10/15/26 - 07:01 AM]
TNT Sports & DAZN Present World Championship Boxing Doubleheader on "The Fight", Saturday, Oct. 17
Headlining the evening, WBC Super Welterweight Champion Sebastián "The Towering Inferno" Fundora (24-1-1, 16 KOs) will put his title on the line against unbeaten challenger Ermal Hadribeaj (23-0-1, 8 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round showdown.
|
[10/15/26 - 07:01 AM]
Video: "In a Holidaze" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Maddie Ziegler stars in this festive romantic comedy about second chances, tangled feelings, and a chosen family you'll want to spend the holidays with.
|
|
|
|
