It’s
November, and you know what that means—we’re “only” six months away from
upfronts! All joking aside, ABC and the rest of the broadcast networks have
already started the development cycle for 2016-2017. Right now, everything is
in the very early stages—most shows in development have no more than a script
ordered. Eventually, ABC will narrow it down to approximately 12 comedy pilots
and 12 drama pilots, of which they will pick up a few.
Right
now, I wanted to take a quick look at a few of ABC’s comedy scripts, and what
may have potential. This may be a fun little article to look back at come
upfronts. To see the descriptions of ALL of the pilots/scripts currently in
development, go to The Futon Critic here. Now, let's take a look at four comedy descriptions that may have some potential based on ABC's brand and the holes they may need to fill.
What Has Potential
1. Splitsville
Main
Production Companies: ABC Studios and Shondaland Productions
Creators:
Emily Halpern (Trophy Wife) and Sarah Haskins (Trophy Wife)
EP:
Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers (Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder,
Private Practice), as well as Halpern/Haskins
Story
Line: Single-cam; About a bunch of divorced adults who come together in an
effort to raise the kids.
Why
Might It Work?: In my opinion, this one will be ordered to series in less the
script/pilot is a massive let down. The fact that they are trying to do more
business with the creators of poor Trophy Wife, as well as the fact that the
one and only Shonda Rhimes has come on board with her own company and colleague
Betsy Beers, tells me that ABC really wants this one to work.
Family
Show
Main
Production Company: 20th Century FOX
Creator:
Danny Zuker (an EP of Modern Family)
Story
Line: Follows the people who work behind the scenes of a family sitcom.
Why
Might It Work?: Family sitcoms has officially become ABC’s comedy brand, and
fans of their returning family comedies for next season may find this
enjoyable. I wouldn’t mess with Wednesdays to launch something like this, but
it seems like a cute little show that could work on a Tuesday night.
3.
The
Fluffy Shop
Main
Production Company: ABC Studios
Creator:
Gabriel Iglesias (Cristela)
Story
Line: Multi-cam; Loosely follows the life of stand-up comedian Gabriel Iglesias
and his home life when he isn’t touring.
Why
Might it Work?: ABC cancelled Cristela, but apparently they are more than
willing to do business with Gabriel Iglesias, who discovered Cristela and
played a recurring role on the show. If ABC can’t bring back Last Man Standing
and want to continue Dr Ken, maybe The Fluffy Shop (possibly with a different
title) is the way to go.
4.
The
Second Fattest Housewife in Westport
Main
Production Company: ABC Studios
Creator:
Sarah Dunn
Executive
Producer: Aaron Kaplan (The Neighbors, Life in Pieces, The Mysteries of Luara,
Instant Mom)
Story
Line: A single-cam family comedy narrated by a “slightly larger wife” who lives
in a dysfunctional family in a world where everyone else is perfect
Why
Might it Work?: Despite the terrible name, this one seems to be on ABC’s family
comedy brand, from the voiceover to the dysfunctional family to the
assimilation aspect. If they don’t focus on the weight of the woman and focus
more on a dysfunctional family, maybe they could have something. Of all those
listed here though, I like it’s chances the least.
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What do you think? Any script descriptions listed on Futon Critic that you found more interesting? Let me know!