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[02/05/09 - 06:53 PM] Development Update: Thursday, February 5 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!
THE BIG D (CBS) - Jackie Filgo and Jeff Filgo's comedy has been given a pilot commitment by the network. Based at Warner Bros. Television, the multi-camera project centers on a New York couple who moves to the man's hometown of Dallas, where his Southern-belle mother makes life complicated for his East coast wife. The Filgos penned the half-hour and are executive producing.
BLACK PANTHER (BET) - Kerry Washington ("Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer"), Alfre Woodard ("My Own Worst Enemy"), Carl Lumbly ("Alias") and Stan "The Man" Lee have all joined the cast of the animated series, a small screen adaptation of Reginald Hudlin's "Who Is The Black Panther" run of the Marvel Comics title. Djimon Honsou was previously cast in the title role. Washington is set to provide the voice for Princess Shuri with Woodard as Dondi Reece, Lumbly as Uncle S'Yan and Lee as General Wallace. Production is underway on the series for a third quarter premiere.
THE BODY POLITIC (The CW) - The netlet has ordered a pilot to Jason Rothenberg and Bill Robinson's long-in-the-works drama about a group of you Washington, D.C. staffers. The project was originally sold to The WB back in November of 2005 by ABC Studios (then known as Touchstone Television). The CW has since redeveloped the hour, which is now based at CBS Paramount Network Television. Peter Horton is still on board to executive produce although it's not clear if he's still attached to direct. As for specifics, the show will focus on a young woman who comes to work in D.C. for the first time and becomes an aide in order to get close to her estranged biological father.
GOSSIP GIRL (The CW) - Krysten Ritter ("Gilmore Girls") is the first to be cast in the potential "Gossip Girl" spin-off, about the teen exploits of Lily van der Woodsen (played as an adult by Kelly Rutherford). Ritter is set as Carol Rhodes, Lily's older sister, whom the casting notice details as follows: "Female, 20-25. Caucasian. Lily's sister. Adorable and sweet, but a bit of a disaster. Less mature and responsible than her younger sister. Always making mistakes - dating the wrong guy, making bad decisions about her career as an actress and otherwise. Must be strong with comedy." Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage are penning the Warner Bros. Television-based hour, which will air as a backdoor pilot episode of "Gossip Girl" on May 11.
IMAGINE TELEVISION PROJECTS (FOX, New!) - In addition to pilot orders at NBC ("Parenthood") and FOX ("Maggie Hill"), Brian Grazer and David Nevins's Imagine Television has lined up three comedy projects at the latter network. Daniel Palladino ("Gilmore Girls") is behind "The Chairman of Chatsworth," a single-camera half-hour loosely based on Grazer's father, Tom - a lawyer with a slightly questionable moral compass. FOX is also looking at a redeveloped version of the failed 2007 ABC pilot, "Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office," starring Jayma Mays and Jane Curtin. Jennifer Robinson, Dyanne Stempel and Rob Lotterstein are penning an updated version, which will also use Lois Frankel's book of the same name (subtitled "101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers") as a springboard. (Jeff Ventimilia and Josh Sternin wrote the ABC incarnation.) And finally, Lela Lee's comic book "Angry Little Girls" is being developed as an animated series. Originally based at Oxygen by Jennifer Love Hewitt's Love Spell Productions in 2006, "Girls" has likewise moved to FOX, which has given it a six-minute presentation commitment. Josh Weinstein is on board to shepherd the adaptation, taking over for Alex Borstein.
MAGGIE HILL (FOX) - Stephen Hopkins ("Californication") has been tapped to direct the drama pilot, about a brilliant female surgeon who has schizophrenia. Ian Biederman is behind the project, which comes from 20th Century Fox Television and Imagine Television.
NCIS (CBS) - Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J are in talks to topline the much-ballyhooed "NCIS" spin-off, which will air as a backdoor pilot episode of the parent series later this season. O'Donnell would play Callen, "an average guy born to do undercover work as the ultimate chameleon, taking on different identities," with LL Cool J as Sam Hannah, "a former U.S. Navy Seal who is tough but charming." "NCIS" showrunner Shane Brennan is penning the installment with Tony Wharmby directing.
VAMPIRE DIARIES (The CW) - Kevin Williamson's small screen take on L.J. Smith's young adult novels has been given a pilot order by the netlet. Originally published in 1993, pre-dating the similarly-themed "Twilight," "Diaries" revolves around a young woman who's torn between two vampire brothers - one good, one evil - battling for her soul, and the souls of her pals, family and the small town where they live. Warner Bros. Television and Alloy Entertainment ("Gossip Girl," "Privileged") are behind the hour, which Williamson co-wrote with Julie Plec ("Kyle XY"). The pair then are executive producing alongside Alloy's Leslie Morgenstein and Bob Levy.
THE VINEYARD (The CW, New!) - 25/7 Productions ("The Biggest Loser") is casting for a new reality series set in the famed Massachusetts vacation spot. The casting notice for the show details the project as follows: "There are moments in life that change who you are - one summer that defines you... New friends are made, others fade away, lust simmers, and sometimes, mistakes are made with no regret. But one thing is for sure, you'll never forget your summer on The Vineyard. On an Island inhabited by high-profile residents, movie stars, politicians, writers and artists you join a prominent clique. Whether you're returning to the Island in search of a good time, are a first timer looking for a new experience, or are a local who's seen it all, what you'll ultimately find, is your place. The friends you choose, the parties you attend, and the decisions you make will define who you are. Summertime at Martha's Vineyard: finally get away from the pressures of home, school, family and discover where you belong. The CW network in association with 25/7 Productions and Doron Ofir Casting is currently seeking groups of friends who are available to spend the summer on Martha's Vineyard for a groundbreaking Docu-Soap. Year-round locals of the vineyard, returning summer revelers and first time visitors between the ages of 19 and 28 are encouraged to apply."
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters
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[06/12/25 - 02:00 PM] Adult Swim Reveals New and Returning Series and a Forthcoming Special Featuring Top Industry Creators at Annecy International Animation Film Festival Adult Swim also announced that the new quarter-hour comedy "Women Wearing Shoulder Pads" will premiere globally beginning Sunday, August 17 at midnight ET/PT.
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[06/12/25 - 12:43 PM] Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe Developing "Hit Squad" Animated Series Based on Gerry Anderson's Imaginative and Groundbreaking World Set in 1990s London, the series follows an international team of talented spies hellbent on putting death before dishonour as they battle the murky world of hidden foes and dangerous villains.
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[06/12/25 - 12:01 PM] The History Channel and A+E Factual Studios Announce a Sweeping Nonfiction Event Series Building on the Legacy of History's Blockbuster Hit with "The Bible Revealed" (wt) The 10-hour series represents a bold return to one of the network's most successful and influential properties, "The Bible," which remains one of the highest-rated titles ever for The History Channel.
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[06/12/25 - 12:00 PM] We TV Unveils All-Star Lineup of Celebrity Guest Judges for Season 2 of "Deb's House" This season, Ms. Deb will be backed by an all-star lineup of famed artists who know what it takes to make it to the top.
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[06/12/25 - 11:45 AM] Prime Video Renews "Surf Girls" for Second Season The five-part second season - titled "Surf Girls: International" - will premiere later this summer on Prime Video.
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[06/12/25 - 11:31 AM] Video: Peacock Debuts Trailer for New Original Series "Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together" The eight-episode unscripted series is led by Nelly and Ashanti Haynes, who not only star in the show but also serve as executive producers, bringing their real-life chemistry and creative vision to the screen.
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[06/12/25 - 11:01 AM] ESPN Showcases the 2025 UFL Championship Game Presented by Underdog on Saturday in Primetime This Saturday, the XFL Champion DC Defenders take on the USFL Champion Michigan Panthers from The Dome at the America's Center in St. Louis, both competing for a chance to hoist the trophy for the first time.
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[06/12/25 - 10:31 AM] Video: "Almost Cops" - Official Trailer - Netflix When an overeager community officer and a reckless ex-detective are forced to team up, plenty of chaos ensues on the streets of Rotterdam.
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[06/12/25 - 10:15 AM] NBC Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of "Jaws" in Three-Hour Airing with a Special Introduction from Director Steven Spielberg on Friday, June 20 at 8 P.M. ET/PT Plus: beginning June 15, "Jaws" will start streaming exclusively on Peacock through July 14.
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[06/12/25 - 10:00 AM] HBO Original Documentary "Enigma" Debuts June 24 Chronicling the divergent paths of iconic pioneers April Ashley, Amanda Lear, and others, acclaimed filmmaker Zackary Drucker explores questions of identity and survival, revealing the disparate but intertwined stories of women whose lives helped shape trans culture and history.
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[06/12/25 - 09:50 AM] Video: Preview - "Christmas at Sea" - Hallmark Channel The series premieres Monday, July 7 at 8:00/7:00c on Hallmark Channel as part of Christmas in July.
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[06/12/25 - 09:09 AM] ESPN "Sunday Night Baseball Presented by Capital One" Schedule Update: American League-Leading Detroit Tigers to Host Minnesota Twins on June 29 The Tigers and Twins are currently in first place and second place, respectively, in the American League Central.
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[06/12/25 - 09:02 AM] Netflix Gets Animated at Annecy! Throughout the festival, award-winning filmmakers and creators, like Raphael Bob-Waksberg, Alex Woo, Genndy Tartakovsky and more, pulled back the curtain to reveal exclusive clips and sneak peeks of Netflix's upcoming animated slate - giving festivalgoers an early taste of the magic to come!
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[06/12/25 - 09:01 AM] The Emmy Award-Winning "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman" Renewed for Two More Seasons The sixth season will premiere later this year.
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[06/12/25 - 09:01 AM] "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+" Debuts July 21 on Disney Jr. and Next Day on Disney+ The series continues the adventures of Mickey and pals from the original global hit which aired from 2006-2016 and is still breaking records as a Top 3 series for preschoolers on streaming and over 5 billion views on YouTube.
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