Just hours after NBC made decisions about the majority of its bubble comedy programming, ABC has abandoned almost all of the remaining pilots.
The Disney-backed broadcaster has been leaking drama The injured unit And judgement as well as comedies stick together (earlier duties) And public defender, tell sources The Hollywood Reporter. Only of the four drama and two comedy pilots ABC has developed this season The good doctor spin off, The good lawyerremains controversial as a Kaitlin Olson drama high potential was previously ordered in series.
Comedies also remain on the bubble housekeeping (awaiting news of a fourth season) and The beginner spin off, federal agencies (waiting for news on season 2). Sources say producer ABC Signature is set to buy a medical drama The wounded unit whose cast includes Ben McKenzie and Michelle Ortiz.
ABC officials declined to comment.
The decisions come at a time when piloting options are about to expire and broadcasters must make decisions about whether to pay for the stars’ renewal or pass altogether. NBC did the same on Friday when it canceled two of its three bubble comedies: young skirt And Big crew.
With the labor unrest in Hollywood, networks are taking a wait-and-see attitude towards bubble shows and pilots. The writers’ strike is entering its sixth week with no plans to return to the negotiating table, and the artists’ union has voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if talks with studios and streamers fail. The longer a work stoppage lasts, the greater the impact it will have on broadcasters and their fall and mid-season programming.
For its part, ABC has taken a realistic approach to its fall programming, compiling a breakdown of all unwritten fare — along with repeats of Abbott Elementary School as the only screenplay series. This has reduced the need for expensive custom script dishes. So far, ABC has only ordered one new scripted series for the 2023–24 broadcast season: high potential, from executive producer Drew Goddard. Fox’s 911 will also be moving to ABC for the upcoming season.
judgement has been described as a high-risk legal soap opera by writer Joey Falco and EP Melvin Mar starring Sarah Shahi (sex/life) attached to the star. stick together was an ensemble comedy about parenting starring Ellie Kemper, Judy Greer and Michaela Conlin. Public Defender was a legal comedy with leading roles Black Alum Anthony Anderson. judgement And Public Defender are also expected to be purchased by Disney’s 20th television.
housekeeping And The newcomer: feds Stay in the bubble next to The CW’s All American: Homecoming, Gotham Knights And Superman & LoisFox is animated Potty trained And Welcome to Flatch and NBC’s American car. Several pilot pilots remain in the race. Decisions on all – whether extending cast options or going through/cancellation outright – are expected to be made by the end of the month when cast options expire.
