In just two week’s time, we will have arrived at my favorite time of year: The Network Upfronts. That is, the time when the networks lay out the shows, both new and returning, that will be gracing their schedules next fall/spring. However, since I don’t have access to any of the pilot scripts, I will look toward Jace Lacob of The Daily Beast for some guidance on this one. But based on his article and the buzz about the industry lately, I do have a few front-runners that are definitely piquing my interest.
For my money, REM, Pan Am, and Touch are the three to take a good look at. After Lone Star was prematurely cancelled, Kyle Killen deserves a second round with network TV for sure - and REM seems even more ambitious than his previous project about a man living alternate lives - or in this case, in two alternate worlds. It has been described as Inception comes to a serialized drama…umm, yes, please! Second - Pan Am. I would love for that Mad Men-period feel (and the quality that has come with it) to make its way to a network drama. Plus attaching Thomas Schlamme, a notorious collaborator of Aaron Sorkin is just music to my ears. And finally, Touch. Even though it sucked in its final seasons, Tim Kring really had something in season one of Heroes. Here’s to hoping a serious infusion of Jack Bauer can bring Mr. Kring to the next level of sustained-quality sci-fi drama with.
For more, read “The 8 Best Pilot Scripts of 2011” by Jace Lacob HERE.
