ABC is ahead of the pack with four drama (The Crossing, Deception, untitled Marc Cherry/Reba McEntire) and two comedy pilots (Libby and Malcolm, Raised By Wolves) plus the straight-to-series Marvel drama The Inhumans and a planted Black-ish spinoff. The network is making a push in dramas that reflect everyday Americans and are more “hopeful, joyful” tonally in the tradition of Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty. Last season, ABC ordered 11 drama and 11 comedy pilots (in addition to off-cycle pilots, comedy Downward Dog and drama Marvel’s Most Wanted). The network is looking to go for a similar tally this year on the drama side and fewer comedy pilots as ABC has built a solid comedy roster while some of its dramas have struggled, including freshmen Conviction and Notorious.
The CW, which already has renewed seven scripted series for next season — the four DC shows, as well as veteran Supernatural and comedies Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Jane the Virgin — is expected to stick to its usual pilot count of 6-7. Hourlong comedies are still on the menu though they may not be as singularly female-centered. And the network is making a major return to the primetime soap genre with its Dynasty reboot, which, along with Rob Thomas’ The Lost Boys reimagening, have been among the highest-profile titles at the network this development cycle.
The CW, which already has renewed seven scripted series for next season — the four DC shows, as well as veteran Supernatural and comedies Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Jane the Virgin — is expected to stick to its usual pilot count of 6-7. Hourlong comedies are still on the menu though they may not be as singularly female-centered. And the network is making a major return to the primetime soap genre with its Dynasty reboot, which, along with Rob Thomas’ The Lost Boys reimagening, have been among the highest-profile titles at the network this development cycle.
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