[05/24/11 - 10:33 PM] Development Update: Tuesday, May 24 By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC)
LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- The latest development news, culled from recent wire reports:
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CHAOS (CBS) - The Eye has quietly slated the short-lived drama for Saturdays at 8:00/7:00c beginning this weekend. Back-to-back episodes will kick off said run, which lasted just three episodes last month.
LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT (NBC) - Christopher Meloni is departing the veteran drama after 12 seasons. TVLine.com reports talks broke down with the actor despite NBC topper Bob Greenblatt's telling reporters last week that there isn't "any impediment to closing Chris's deal." Producers are currently searching for a new male lead to join co-star Mariska Hargitay, who's on board for the show's 13th year.
MARRIED YOUNG (MTV, New!) - The cable channel has ordered a pilot for a new reality series which will focus on couples in their first year of marriage. Unlike current network staples "Teen Mom" and "16 & Pregnant" however, the series won't spotlight young parents or parents-to-be. No auspices were given about the project.
PYRATES (FOX, New!) - The network is developing a 17th century pirate drama from writer Barry Schindel ("NUMB3RS") and director Stephen Hopkins ("The Unusuals"). Ensemble Entertainment and Scott Free Productions are behind the project, "a gritty portrayal of the men and women who pulled off the largest heist on pirate history - the capture of the Spanish silver fleet in 1628," which is being eyed as a 10-13 episode limited series for next summer. The latter's Ridley and Tony Scott then will executive produce alongside Schindel while Endemol will handle international distribution thanks to a first-look deal the company signed with Ensemble last fall.
