News, updates, and (mostly viable) rumors relating to development of science fiction / fantasy television productions. If you have tips or more info on these or other productions, please pass them along in the comments.
Since we are in the midst of pilot season, I will probably be running this column more frequently to keep up with the announcements. Last week, The CW announced pilot pickups for three genre shows as that network continues to aspire to be the broadcast network Sci Fi Channel. Those pilots will be considered as schedule additions for the network’s 2015-15 slate. And USA is finally adding a genre entry (as it lags behind most of the other cable nets in this area) as it teams up with Lost alum Carlton Cuse.
Tales from the Darkside: The CW has ordered a pilot for an updating of this classic 80’s horror anthology originally created by George R. Romero. Joe Hill (who also wrote the Locke & Key pilot) will pen this one and executive produce and frequent J.J. Abrams collaborators Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci will be onboard as well.
Cordon: The CW has picked up the pilot for this one based on a Belgian TV series. According to Entertainment Weekly the series “tells the story of a deadly epidemic that breaks out in Atlanta, forcing a large city quarantine that leaves those stuck on the inside to fight for their lives.” Vampire Diaries / The Originals executive producer Julie Plec is attached.
Dead People: This CW pilot comes from J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot productions and Entertainment Weekly offers the following description:
After a near-death experience, a down-on-his-luck, semi-alcoholic but roguishly charming cab driver suddenly has the ability to interact with ghosts, including his late ex-wife who he has never gotten over.
Tom Kapinos (Californication) will write and executive-produce the pilot.
Colony: USA Network has ordered ten episodes of this previously announced series from Lost veteran Carlton Cuse and it will star another alum from that series, Josh Holloway. Deadline Hollywood gives the following description for the show:
Set in the near future, Colony takes place in Los Angeles, which exists in a state of occupation by a force of outside intruders. Some people choose to collaborate with the authorities and benefit from the new order, while others rebel and suffer the consequences.
This will likely hit USA’s schedule late 2015 or early 2016.
