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[01/08/09 - 06:55 PM]
Development Update: Thursday, January 8
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!
AMC AT THE TCA - AMC topper Charlie Collier confirmed that despite prolonged contract negotiations between creator/executive producer Matthew Weiner and Lionsgate Television, the Emmy-winning drama will indeed return for a third season this summer. "As long as we get the writers' room up and running over the next few months, we're fine," Collier told reporters, adding that he's optimistic a deal with Weiner will be reached. Meanwhile, "Breaking Bad" is set to roll out its second season on Sunday, March 8 at 10:00/9:00c while the mini-series "The Prisoner" will launch in November.
ER/POLICE (A.K.A. LAPD) (NBC) - After weeks of heated negotiations, NBC is set to order six episodes of John Wells's new drama "Police" as well as three additional installments for "ER's" final season. The Peacock had originally hoped to order 13 episodes of the newcomer, however producer Warner Bros. Television was hesitant to commit to deficit-financing such a large commitment with so few real estate options on the network next season due to Jay Leno taking over the 10:00/9:00c hour. As for "ER," the three extra episodes will push the previously announced March 12 finale of "ER" into April with "Police" potentially assuming the Thursday, 10:00/9:00c slot on the following week. The Peacock is expected to finalize the shows' respective end and start dates - as well as a new home for "Kings" (previously set for a March 19 launch) - during the TCA Winter Press Tour next week. Arija Bareikis, Benjamin McKenzie, Kevin Alejandro, Michael Cudlitz, Michael McGrady, Regina King, Shawn Hatosy and Tom Everett Scott all star in "Police," the pilot of which was directed by Christopher Chulack from a script by Ann Biderman.
THE MORNING SHOW WITH MIKE & JULIET (Syndication) - Citing economic concerns, Twentieth Television has decided not to renew the syndicated talk show for the 2009-10 season. "Over the past two years, we set out to produce a high-quality show that provided viewers with an engaging source of entertainment; we believe we accomplished this goal," Twentieth's Bob Cook said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the current serious economic conditions made it challenging to continue producing the type of unique program that we wanted to deliver." Despite the cancellation, the series will continue to air until September with first-run installments being produced through June. It's believed participating stations, mostly Fox owned-and-operated, will opt to expand their local news programming rather than program the time periods with other offerings.
MY NAME IS EARL (NBC) - Distributor Twentieth Television has cleared the show's off-network run in more than 25 markets, bringing its clearance to stations covering 47% of the country. "Earl," along with a syndicated take on "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" hosted by Jeff Foxworthy, are both being offered for a fall 2009 start.
RONNA & BEVERLY (Showtime, New!) - "Weeds" creator Jenji Kohan is set to team with Jessica Chaffin and Jamie Denbo for a new comedy at the pay channel based on the latter pair's sketch of the same name. Said half-hour then would revolve around two middle-aged women in Boston (played by Chaffin and Denbo) who decide to self-publish and aggressively promote a dating guide for Jewish singles, "You'll Do a Little Better Next Time." Paul Feig ("The Office") is already attached to direct the project, which is on track to shoot a presentation reel in early February. In addition to reprising their roles, Chaffin and Denbo will co-write the script alongside Kohan for Lionsgate Television.
UNTITLED STEPHEN GAGHAN PROJECT (ABC, New!) - Oscar-winner Stephen Gaghan ("Traffic") has inked a seven-figure put pilot commitment from the network, following a bidding war with FOX. The pact calls for Gaghan to write, executive produce and direct - should his schedule permit - a new drama pilot for the Alphabet. No other details about the hour were given, which has yet to be set up at a studio however Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios are said to be in the running.
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters
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[10/26/26 - 12:02 PM]
From Tipoff to One Shining Moment: CBS Sports & TNT Sports Unveil 2026-27 College Basketball Schedule
For the 29th time, CBS Sports will present the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Semifinals (Saturday, March 13) and Championship (Sunday, March 14), as well as the Big Ten Women's Basketball Championship on Sunday, March 7.
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[10/26/26 - 11:32 AM]
ESPN's NBA Opening Week Delivered Its Largest Audience Since 2014
The Philadelphia 76ers' victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers averaged 2.5 million viewers, up 26% from last year's comparable game.
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[10/26/26 - 11:04 AM]
Ready for More Magic? "Coven Academy" Season 2 Is Coming
Freeform confirmed the news on social media this morning.
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[10/26/26 - 11:00 AM]
FOX's All-New "Baywatch" Series Premiere Wednesday, January 6 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)
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[10/26/26 - 10:00 AM]
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[10/26/26 - 09:26 AM]
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[10/26/26 - 09:23 AM]
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[10/26/26 - 09:05 AM]
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The two-hour special premieres Thursday, November 19 at 8PM ET/PT.
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[10/26/26 - 09:01 AM]
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[10/26/26 - 08:31 AM]
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[10/26/26 - 08:14 AM]
MGM+ Greenlights the Supernatural Horror Investigation Series "The Black Tapes" Starring Emmy-Nominee Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
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[10/26/26 - 07:01 AM]
Prime Video Announces November 5 Premiere Date for "Terrell & T.O."
The documentary captures the turbulent rise from childhood to Hall of Fame of NFL trailblazer Terrell Owens, whose undeniable talent and outspoken personality made him one of the most celebrated, scrutinized, and misunderstood figures in NFL history.
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[10/26/26 - 06:01 AM]
Netflix Announces the Start of Production on "Jotade", the Adaptation of Santiago Diaz's Novel
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[10/26/26 - 12:01 AM]
This Diwali, Home Is Where the Heart Is: Netflix Announces a Heartwarming New Film "Dilwali Diwali" Premiering November 5
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[10/24/26 - 04:11 PM]
Jackpot, Bravoholics! BravoCon Returns to Las Vegas Oct. 22 - 24, 2027
Fans will enjoy unparalleled access to their favorite Bravolebrities through must-see panels, immersive activations, exclusive meet-and-greets, photo opportunities and exciting surprises, experiencing the Bravo universe like never before.
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