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Networks Rethink New Shows

Writers strike shakes up how new shows are developed

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 31, 2008 6:03 PM CDT

(Newser) – Networks are rethinking how they develop new TV shows after the writers strike, the Wall Street Journal reports. NBC is switching to a staggered debut schedule, and many networks are shying away from traditional, expensive pilots. With fewer chances to test-drive possible shows, networks are sticking especially closely to trusted concepts and remakes of previous hits.

NBC is leading the way in picking up shows without pilots, green-lighting My Own Worst Enemy on the strength of its star, Christian Slater. Advertisers aren't so pleased by this development, the Journal notes, because they previously used pilots in making choices about which shows would grab the best audiences for their ads.

"Beverly Hills 90210" will be brought back in a modern-day update. (ThatWILAYGuy (YouTube))

Justin Bruening, of the NBC "Knight Rider" TV-movie and his car, KITT, appear on the NBC "Today" televison show in New York's Rockefeller Center Friday Feb. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Actors Zachary Quinto, Hayden Panattiere and Masi Oka, from left, from the series "Heroes" attend the NBC All-Star Party Tuesday, July 17, 2007, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Phil McCarten)

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Networks Rethink New Shows

Writers strike shakes up how new shows are developed

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For New Season, Networks Look to Go Big, Brash

Don't expect your average cop shows and sitcoms

Minorities Finally Get Lead Roles in TV Dramas

This year's network pilots include four with non-white stars

New Shows Offer NBC Ray of Hope

Southland , Parks and Recreation lead upturn

Some Stations Go Digital Next Week

Hundreds of stations switch despite delay

Thanks for the Memories, Bob, 'Cuz 2008 TV Stunk

The golden age of TV may have died this year

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

television • NBC • CBS • Fox • pilots • Christian Slater

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

For New Season, Networks Look to Go Big, Brash

Don't expect your average cop shows and sitcoms

Minorities Finally Get Lead Roles in TV Dramas

This year's network pilots include four with non-white stars

New Shows Offer NBC Ray of Hope

Southland , Parks and Recreation lead upturn

Some Stations Go Digital Next Week

Hundreds of stations switch despite delay

Thanks for the Memories, Bob, 'Cuz 2008 TV Stunk

The golden age of TV may have died this year

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?