The TV Chick

The Upfronts are almost upon us! For those not aware, Upfronts take place every spring, and each network makes presentations to advertisers and the media regarding their new shows that have been picked up to series, and old shows that are returning in the fall or mid-season. One of my new guest writers, Andrea Towers (please welcome her), put together a comprehensive look at some new pilots that might be picked up (and some that have gotten early pick-ups). She shares which ones she’s excited about (or not so much) and predicts which ones she thinks will get picked up. Check it out:

As a lover of television, May brings about feelings of both sadness and happiness. I get sad because shows I love are over (some for good, some for just a few months) but I also get excited because there tends to be some new and awesome stuff to look forward to. This year is no exception. Personally, I’m amped for a bunch of pilots that are on deck, both because of their potential stories and because of the actors that are involved.

If you’ve been overwhelmed with trying to keep up on the many shows hoping for a spot in their network’s line up next season, fear not – I’ve compiled a helpful list what you might be able to look forward to come September. As there are over 50 pilots currently vying for pick-up, I won’t talk about all of them…but I’ll try to give as thorough a run-down as possible on the ones you should definitely (in my opinion) keep an eye on, as well as information on what has garnered early pick-ups from the networks.

Alcatraz (FOX)
Starring: Jorge Garcia, Sam Neill and Parminder Narga

Masterminded by the great JJ Abrams, the show is based on a group of presumed missing prisoners and guards who reappear in the current day and the efforts of the FBI agents who track them down to unravel their mystery. Alcatraz is one of Fox’s early pick-ups, and I couldn’t be happier about it. I think that basis of the show, combined with Abrams’ name, is an excellent launching ground for what could be the next Fringe-type hit – in fact, I could see it as the lead-in to Abram’s already-popular Fringe next season. Personally, I think this is going to be a really great show and as a bonafide Lost fan, putting Jorge Garcia in a lead role makes me want to watch even more.

Charlie’s Angels (ABC)
Starring: Racheal Taylor, Minka Kelly, Annie Ilonzeh

A modern reboot of the famous series, produced by modern Angel Drew Barrymore, where the girls have slightly different names and updated personalities. Thanks to the successful reboot of shows like Hawaii 5-0, audiences have proven that they take a strong interest in revivals of old classics – especially if said revivals have new twists and actors that are appealing. In a world where girl power is becoming more and more profound, I think ABC would be foolish not to put this on the schedule and I really can’t wait to see how it’s received by the public.

Grimm (NBC)
Starring: David Giuntoli

In an interesting twist, Grimm is a cop drama whose characters are inspired by none other than Grimm’s Fairy Tales. That’s certainly enough to gain our viewership, but will it be intriguing enough to KEEP it? Or will it be met with more frustration than intrigue if it gets picked up? No matter what the outcome is, this show is one to keep an eye on, given its interesting subject matter that could result in some really cool plotlines and characters. Hopefully the network gives it a chance to shine. I’m usually not a huge fan of cop dramas, but this is right up my alley in terms of creativity, so I’d definitely tune in.

Prime Suspect (ABC)
Starring: Brian O’Bryne, Maria Bello

This show was given an early pick-up by ABC, and it’s an American adaptation of the British series by the same name. Prime Suspect centers on a female detective struggling to make it in a precinct dominated by men. Could it be another Office-like hit? If it plays its cards right, it definitely has a chance – Americans love adaptations of British shows, and the network could certainly benefit from having a new “buzz” series. But shows like this are generally a hit or miss, and I’m a little skeptical about tuning in for this reason. I’ll probably end up giving it a chance, though, if nothing else because Anthony Stewart Head apparently makes a cameo appearance in the pilot episode!

Hallelujah (ABC)
Starring: Jesse L. Martin, Terry O’Quinn, Frances O’Connor

Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry has a new project – about a town in Tennessee that is being torn apart by forces of good and evil, and a stranger who arrives to bring justice to the world. Not intrigued enough? You haven’t heard the best part: the show will frequently have songs that are sung by a gospel choir (the choir will serve as a comical Greek chorus.) It’s a risky gamble, but it’s different than most shows on television right now which could certainly help its case. As long as Hallelujah can withstand the inevitable comparisons to Glee, the talented cast should be able to convince us that this is worth watching. As a Broadway fan and a Desperate Housewives fan, I’m really looking forward to seeing where they go with this and will definitely be tuning in if it gets picked up.

Once Upon A Time (ABC)
Starring: Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin, Lana Parilla

A woman with a troubled past is drawn into a small Maine town, where it appears that the magic of fairy tales may not be just a myth. Helmed by Lost executive producers Adam Horowitz and Eddie Kitsis, this promises to be different, fun and smartly written. The big question is, will it survive on a network that has struggled to regain a strong science fiction show since Lost ended in 2010? If the show is as strong as the buzz it’s getting, we can hope that ABC may finally have another fantasy-type hit on their hands. Personally, I think the premise looks great – interesting characters, good writing and a creative team that, coming from the world of Lost, won’t fail us in the twist department. This show pretty much tops my list of “hopeful must sees” for next season and I’m crossing my fingers for a pick-up.

Pan Am (ABC)
Starring: Christina Ricci, Kelli Garner

Pan Am is exactly what it sounds like – a show based on the stewardesses and pilots of the once dominant air liner. Primarily a soap opera with a focus on nighttime adventures and other aircraft specific situations, its vibe could work in the show’s favor considering the recent cancellations of popular soaps. Additionally, having Christina Ricci as a star should certainly should give viewers a reason to tune in, at least for the first few episodes. Personally, I’m not sure how this resonate with an audience, and I have a feeling it will inspire a love or hate type relationship with critics. That being said, it could end up being a surprise hit if the writing is good enough to sustain interested viewers and I’d be willing to give it a shot based on its plot.

Person of Interest (CBS)
Starring: Michael Emerson, Jim Caviezel

Person of Interest centers on an ex-CIA agent who, presumed dead, teams up with a mysterious billionaire to help prevent violent crimes in New York City. Another project helmed by JJ Abrams, its plot and cast gives it a pretty anticipated buzz. Tack the name of Michael Emerson (who, in my opinion, makes anything worth watching) on there and it’s pretty likely that we’ll see this show on our schedule come September. I know this is one show I’ll be placing on my DVR list no matter what – the premise sounds way too good to not be full of interesting drama and the acting will be consistently strong. That’s enough for my vote!

Poe (ABC)
Starring: Tabrett Bethell, Chris Egan

One of the most interesting new dramas to be presented this season, Poe is a crime procedural in which Edgar Allan Poe plays the world’s first detective, using unconventional methods to investigate mysteries in 1840s Boston. The plot is certainly enough to hook us in, and the top-lining cast of Bethell and Egan will no doubt resonate with younger viewers. This is yet another show that could be ABC’s ticket to a fantasy hit, as long as the stories are interesting enough to keep an audience. It’s one that I really am excited to see come to fruition. The concept is fun and interesting, and being a big fan of Bethell from her Legend of the Seeker days, I know she’ll give a top-notch performance.

REM (NBC)
Starring: Jason Isaacs, B.D. Wong

REM has been heralded as an Inception-like thriller, about a cop who wakes up after an accident and finds that he’s living in two different realities. The dreamscape hook might be useful in pulling people in, but the real test is if the series can sustain enough mystery to keep viewers past the first few episodes – and if it can flourish where shows like Flash Forward failed. As long as it’s given a chance to find its footing, I’m optimistic that this show will succeed and I look forward to hopefully watching it. It has a great premise and a great cast, which pretty much means I’ll be tuning in.

Ringer (CBS)
Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nestor Carbonell, Ioan Gruffud

A thriller about twin sisters, where one dies in a boating accident and the other assumes her life…soon finding out that someone wants revenge. Sound a bit creepy? The show is the creation of Supernatural writers Eric Charmelo and Nicole Snyder, who definitely know how to grab an audience and keep their attention. Between fanbases of Buffy and Lost, the show should have no trouble finding an audience, and I have reason to believe that aside from the hype concerning Sarah Michelle Gellar’s return to primetime, the show will be well-written enough to hold our attention for more than a few episodes. I know it already has my attention, and it hasn’t even been officially picked up yet!

Rookies (CBS)
Starring: Leelee Sobieski, Adam Goldberg

Six NYPD rookies have the challenge of balancing their personal lives with learning how to survive in the cutthroat universe of Manhattan. The potential downfall of this show? On the surface, Rookies could be any recently produced cop show, which makes it harder to stand out and avoid comparison. I’m not sure if I can get into another cop show, as they tend to be hard for me to really sink my teeth into and I don’t watch them all that often. Rookies may have a plot and cast that will allow it to flourish where other cop shows have failed, however, so who knows – I may end up eating my words come September.

Secret Circle (CW)
Starring: Britt Robertson

Kevin Williamson’s newest project, based on novels of the same name by L.J Smith, centers on a teen who moves to her mom’s hometown of Salem and discovers that she’s a witch. Given Williamson’s great track record and his explosively popular Vampire Diaries series, this pilot should have no trouble finding its niche – especially on a network that caters towards younger fans and guilty pleasure shows. Add in the potential Vampire Diaries fans who are sure to tune in based on Smith’s novels and Williamson’s name, and you pretty much have the word “pick-up.” I’m a big fan of The Vampire Diaries and plan to tune into this show if it makes it on the air, because I think it has a great hook. Hopefully Williamson doesn’t let me down!

Smash (NBC)
Starring: Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Katharine McPhee, Megan Hilty

This was given an early pick-up by NBC, and it’s based on an idea from Steven Spielberg. Smash follows characters that come together to put on a Marilyn Monroe-inspired Broadway musical. The cast is strong enough that pulling off the plot shouldn’t be a problem (both McPhee and Hilty are trained performers), but will it find an audience in a world where Glee is already so popular with viewers? It’s the type of show that could appeal to both families and young adults and I think this will be really fun to have on the network’s schedule. I definitely think it will be able to find a dedicated audience.

Wonder Woman (NBC)
Starring: Adrianne Palicki

Aside from Charlie’s Angels, David E. Kelly’s Wonder Woman is the other anticipated reboot of the television season that got an early pick-up from NBC. The show promises to be a modern day adaptation of the original series, but with more violence and more character background. It’s a pretty safe to assume Wonder Woman will have an already built-in audience in the form of viewers of the original series and science fiction geeks – so as long as there’s enough sustained interest, the show looks pretty firm in terms of a pick-up. Personally, I wasn’t a big fan of the original series, but I love any science fiction action hero (especially if a women is front and center) so I am definitely on board with what promises to be a fun show filled with action and adventure. I have a feeling the general public will be, as well. Updated 5/12: NBC has supposedly passed on Wonder Woman.

Pilot season is a tough time for both the networks and the viewers. As TV watchers, it’s hard for us to get attached to shows since we don’t know if our favorites will have a lasting spot on the schedule. Additionally, networks often have to take big risks accepting or not accepting a show that they think will make them the most money and gain the highest level of interest.

Out of all the shows that will be pitched to executives, only a few of them will make their way into the schedule, and even less of them will survive long enough to be a staple – and perhaps a hit – in the next television season. The networks will announce their full schedules for the 2011-2012 season at May’s annual Upfront celebration. Until then, all we can do is wait with baited breath and hope that our favorites make the cut.

What are you most looking forward to (hopefully) seeing on a weekly basis? Did I leave off a show you really want to see? Weigh in!

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