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Drama Spec Script 2013 — What is hot and what is not

by Alex on May 21, 2013

in Featured Posts,TV Analysis,Writing

Post image for Drama Spec Script 2013 — What is hot and what is not

Like every year, it is now time to review which TV shows are good to spec, and which are not.
Dedicated posts will be made respectively for the best comedies (half-hour) and the best dramas (one-hour).
As the title says, this post is all about the dramas.
In addition, you’ll also find (when available) a script for the corresponding show.
Canceled or dead shows have been removed since last season’s spec list.

NOTE:
Given Warner Bros’ new rules for their fellowship, I have indicated with an asterisk (*) series that they will not accept specs for (mainly first-season shows).

Let’s do another quick recap of how the list works:
The shows are divided into five categories regarding their appeal to readers and how well they are known/read:
– Over-specced (shows that have passed their prime, try to avoid doing them)
– Mainstream (shows that have matured enough that they have become on-the-nose speccers–and a lot of people are speccing them)
– Wild Cards (soon, everyone will spec those, maybe you can get a head start)
– Outsiders (specs that will get you out from the pack)
– Gamblers (risky shows that could pay off, or bomb)

There is also a grade regarding the show’s longevity in relation to its speccability.
Meaning, how long can you keep your spec script fresh without having to throw it in the trash?
To do this, we will use the greatest grading system on Earth; stars:
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Very Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Fair
★★★★★ — Poor

And here we go.


Over-Specced
Re-tool your spec if you have one, but you probably shouldn’t bother beginning a new one for these shows.

Bones/Castle (FOX/ABC)
Type: Light police procedural
They’re not the most popular choices for specs, however the length of the shows calls for a category reassessment.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — They may continue for decades on end (doubtful), but there are so many mystery twists one can handle.

Breaking Bad (AMC)
Type: Serialized character/family drama
Shoulda gone with it when it was not almost over.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Everything breaks loose this season.

Burn Notice (USA)
Type: Light action procedural
Tic-toc…
Longevity: ★★★★★ — …the final season is coming up.

CSI/Criminal Minds (CBS)
Type: Police procedurals
Lol.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — It’ll outlast all of us probably.

Dexter (Sho)
Type: Serialized crime drama
After eight years, it’s tough to keep this one fresh.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Season 8 is (finally?) the final season.

Glee (FOX)
Type: Light serialized high-school dramedy
Glee was one of the hotest specs when it first premiere, and although the heat has died down a lot, the overflood of specs cries out for originality.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — It’s difficult to keep up to date with the show when the relationships are like musical chairs.

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
Type: Medical procedural
The last of the medical mohicans.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — No.

Mad Men (AMC)
Type: Serialized historical drama
For the longest time, Mad Men was the top-dog when it came to fancy drama specs. No longer worth it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Probably only has another season left in it.

The Mentalist (CBS)
Type: Police procedural
The momentum has shifted for this 5-year old show.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — There won’t be massive changes in the show, but who’s to say when your case will be done.

True Blood (HBO)
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
By this point, the show has become too repetitive.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — With Alan Ball gone, who the hell knows how many seasons will keep stagnating.

The Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Ensemble/horror drama
Probably the most shocking displacement this season, The Walking Dead has been a very hot spec since the first episode aired. And that was three season ago. Crafting a brand-new Walking spec may prove, well, unoriginal. Time to make room for fresh blood.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — The recent changes in the show proved that it is finally starting to follow the comics a little bit more. In other words, massive cast changes ahead.



Mainstream
The current and new widespread shows in town that are getting read.

Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Type: Serialized historical drama
Who doesn’t love those eyes?
Longevity: ★★★★★ — New faces, but still going strong.

Game of Thrones (HBO) *
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
This is one tough show to spec. Either you’re rehashing the books (not really original), or you go out of the story too much.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Difficult to predict, unless you’ve read the books.

The Good Wife (CBS)
Type: Legal procedural
The lack of running storylines this past year has allowed for a renewed focus on “cases of the week.“
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Constantly on the bubble.

Hart of Dixie (The CW)
Type: Serialized medical/family drama
Not that specced, but new enough that storylines can be told.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Careful with the soapy aspect.

Hawaii Five-0 (CBS)
Type: Police/Action procedural
There are two go-to action procedural specs. This is number one.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Insert story, add action.

Homeland (Sho)
Type: Serialized thriller
Clearly in its prime. The show has now become the spec front-runner, now that both Mad Men and Breaking Bad are leaving us.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Watch out with Brody’s future. You never know what season 3 will be like.

Justified (FX)
Type: Police procedural
Another hot police spec, with a more dramatic twist than the rest. Definitely a fan-fave.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Keep up the good work.

NCIS:LA (CBS)
Type: Police/Action procedural
There are two go-to action procedural specs. This is number two.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — It’s a spin-off on CBS. What could possibly go wrong?

Nikita (The CW)
Type: Action/spy procedural
Like most of the network’s series, Nikita is not that widely specced, which is ironic considering it’s…
Longevity: ★★★★★ — …one of CW’s only watched show.

Once Upon A Time (ABC)
Type: Fantasy family drama
The show has succesfully reinvented at least twice over, with the third time coming up this fall.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Dwindling in the ratings, but a spin-off on the way.

Parenthood (NBC)
Type: Serialized family drama
The classic family drama spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — NBC isn’t giving up so “soon.”

Person of Interest (CBS)
Type: Crime procedural
Yet another CBS procedural, although this one has a twist to it. And successful enough to actually be a one of the most specced shows around.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — It’s still a procedural.

Revenge (ABC)
Type: Serialized family drama
Creative shift in the second season meant a different storyline.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — How long can they sustain these character arcs?

Sons of Anarchy (FX)
Type: Serialized ensemble drama
Critical darling that, like its brother in arms (Justified), is fairly popular.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Can you keep up?

Suits (USA)
Type: Light legal procedural
Suits is the unsung hero of USA, and a fast-rising spec choice.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — When has USA canceled anything that went beyond a first season?

The Vampire Diaries (The CW)
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
Replace True Blood with The Vampire Diaries. Boom.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — So. Many. Changes.

White Collar (USA)
Type: Light crime procedural
Hey, look, USA has another popular spec choice. And also underrated.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — So many twists and turns, it’s very hard to follow. Or not.



Wild Cards
Not quite fully widespread but will get there given the chance.

American Horror Story (FX) *
Type: Serialized horror
One of the hardest shows to spec as storylines constantly change.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — New theme every year, but an FX success.

The Americans (FX) *
Type: Serialized thriller
If you love period shows with a more political bend, this might be the jackpot.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — It’s serialized.

Arrow/Beauty & The Beast (The CW) *
Type: Action/Fantasy procedural
Chances are you can dust off that old Smallville spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Why would CW cancel anything?

Elementary (CBS)*
Type: Police procedural
The new procedural kid on the CBS block.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — CBS’ biggest hit isn’t going anywhere.

The Following (FOX) *
Type: Serialized police procedural
Kevin Bacon is on TV!
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Who knows how long FOX will keep this “limited series.”

Nashville (ABC) *
Type: Musical/Family drama
Well-received, stars Connie Britton, and contains music. What’s not to love?
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Despite a strong open, it ended up spending much of its season as a bubble show. Fortunately, it’s still considered a success for ABC.

Revolution (NBC) *
Type: Serialized post-apocalyptic family drama
Its very, very slow mythology reveals may be a good thing for your spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — NBC has a hit?



Outsiders
The shows (mostly cable) you may be tempted to take a risk on, getting you on top of the reading pile. Beyond that, it depends on the willingness of the reader and his/her knowledge of the show. Who knows, maybe the showrunner is into less popular shows and will value your risk-taking.

Bates Motel (A&E) *
Type: Serialized family drama/horror
Who knew a Psycho prequel could be a decent show?
Longevity: ★★★★★ — A&E may wanna keep one of its most popular series.

Being Human (Syfy)
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
Take a look at its UK counterpart for some inspiration.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — It’s Syfy, so who knows how long the show has.

House of Cards (Netflix) *
Type: Serialized political thriller
Pretty tough to spec for Kevin Spacey (and a serialized political drama), but you can always try it out.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Netflix’s major production may not last past a second season.

The Killing (AMC)
Type: Serialized police drama
The cop drama without a pay-off may actually be a good spec choice.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Back from the dead. But for how long?

Royal Pains (USA)
Type: Light medical drama
Another USA show that could work very well on spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — It got the rare double-renewal last September.



Gamblers
For one reason or another, these are much riskier specs to do right now. You have been warned.

Chicago Fire (NBC) *
Type: Serialized drama
It’s not Rescue Me, but it’s…
Longevity: ★★★★★ — …another (!) NBC success.

Covert Affairs (USA)
Type: Action procedural
4th USA show on this list. You better believe it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Not the most well-known USA show, and often on the bubble.

Dallas/Major Crimes (TNT) *
Type: Serialized family drama
Two different shows on the same network. They’re not that well-seen (and therefore read) however.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Could be difficult to create new spec stories for old concepts.

Defiance (Syfy) *
Type: Science-fiction procedural
Syfy has a sci-fi show? Shocker. Great mythology and the small-town procedural aspect, although annoying as a viewer, may work great for a spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — It just got renewed.


Forty-seven shows are listed this time around. As always, a few things can be noted.

First off, nearly half of the listed shows are brand-new ones from this past season. Although network dramas came back in force last year, the aging cable dramas have left their spots to brand new forays, including Netflix and A&E. In other words, the network’s turf is still slowly being eaten away by new territories.
With a few surprise hits, NBC is back on the board with 3 shows, while CBS continues to be the classic procedural king. The big shocker in the list is FOX’s near-absence (save for a dwindling musical and a limited series). USA meanwhile is gaining momentum with 4 dramas on the list, over-taking, of all networks, HBO.

Serialization is slowly starting to take a step back with procedurals back at the forefront of this year. The increasing popularity of speccing serialized shows from the get-go (e.g. Walking Dead or Homeland) has put a strain on the type (there are only so many popular series of the kind).
First and second-season series continue to be fairly popular. It looks like fresh is still considered the best for most people.

This leads to a continuing question from last year: Are people aiming for “throwable specs” that barely last a full seasons? The focus being still on original pilots. Only time will tell.

Show your voice, write original, and make your choice.

Click here for the Comedy Spec Script list.

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Drama Spec Script 2012 — What is hot and what is not

by Alex on April 20, 2012

in Featured Posts,News,TV Analysis,Writing

Post image for Drama Spec Script 2012 — What is hot and what is not


UPDATED:
A brand new 2013 list has been posted.
Click here to access it.


Like every year, it is now time to review which TV shows are good to spec, and which are not.
Dedicated posts will be made respectively for the best comedies (half-hour) and the best dramas (one-hour).
As the title says, this post is all about the dramas.
In addition, you’ll also find (when available) a script for the corresponding show.
Canceled or dead shows have been removed since last season’s spec list.

NEW ADDITION:
Given Warner Bros’ new rules for their fellowship, I have indicated with an asterisk (*) series that they will not accept specs for (mainly first-season shows).

Let’s do another quick recap of how the list works:
The shows are divided into five categories regarding their appeal to readers and how well they are known/read:
– Over-specced (shows that have passed their prime, try to avoid doing them)
– Mainstream (shows that have matured enough that they have become on-the-nose speccers–and a lot of people are speccing them)
– Wild Cards (soon, everyone will spec those, maybe you can get a head start)
– Outsiders (specs that will get you out from the pack)
– Gamblers (risky shows that could pay off, or bomb)

There is also a grade regarding the show’s longevity in relation to its speccability.
Meaning, how long can you keep your spec script fresh without having to throw it in the trash?
To do this, we will use the greatest grading system on Earth; stars:
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Very Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Fair
★★★★★ — Poor

And here we go.


Over-Specced
Re-tool your spec if you have one, but you probably shouldn’t bother beginning a new one for these shows.

Burn Notice (USA)
Type: Light action procedural
The fact it’s entering its sixth season should give you an idea of why Burn Notice is here.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Very formulaic but with enough of a twist to keep its fresh vibe.

CSI/Criminal Minds (CBS)
Type: Police procedurals
“Never give up, never surrender” should be their motto.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Past its prime for about five years now.

Dexter (Sho)
Type: Serialized crime drama
Following last season’s cliffhanger, it is hard to tell where the series is headed
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Only two seasons left.

Grey’s Anatomy/Private Practice/House (ABC/FOX)
Type: Medical procedurals
I’m going to bet a lot of people are able to say: “Been there, specced that”.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Virtually all medical storylines have already been explored through those three shows.

Mad Men (AMC)
Type: Serialized historical drama
“Out of sight, out of mind” does not hold true for the AMC classic that is still amongst the most popular.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — One of the over-specced shows with possibly the longest longevity factor attached to it. Doesn’t mean the competition isn’t fierce.



Mainstream
The current and new widespread shows in town that are getting read.

Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
Type: Serialized historical drama
A lot of people have fallen in love with Steve Buscemi’s eyes apparently.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — A third season, good ratings, great cast, big producers.

Bones/Castle (FOX/ABC)
Type: Light police procedural
Possibly the last season in the mainstream category for Bones. Castle on the other hand probably has at least a few years ahead of it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — One is renewed for an eighth season, the other is still awaiting its fate on a fifth.

Breaking Bad (AMC)
Type: Serialized character/family drama
One of the best shows on TV, and one of the hardest ones to spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — This is going be its last season, albeit cut in two, which gives a bonus year before you can say farewell to it.

Fringe (FOX)
Type: Science-fiction procedural
There’s only so much science-fiction shows on TV right now, and Fringe is clearly the go-to drama in its genre. This will probably be the last season where I can say it hasn’t been over-speced already.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Highly volatile.

Glee (FOX)
Type: Light serialized high-school dramedy
As popular in the spec world as on TV, the danger of a Glee spec continues to be that a major part of it will end up being lyrics. Some people might take that for laziness.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Beware: major cast overhaul upcoming.

The Good Wife (CBS)
Type: Legal procedural
A very smart show to spec, if only for its near-perfect hybrid mix of procedural and serialization. Plus it’s on a network, which makes it more well-known than some of its cable counterpart.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — A slow-burner that will probably garner a few more seasons.

Gossip Girl/90210 (The CW)
Type: Teen dramas
Last season for at least one of the two as being considered “mainstream”. Perhaps there are better show alternatives to consider.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Potentially entering its sixth season this fall, Gossip Girl has still some life left into it. 90210 continues to be hit or miss on the cancellation scale.

Hawaii Five-0 (CBS)
Type: Police/Action procedural
As expected last season, Hawaii Five-0 has become a great action-procedural mainstream spec to add to your arsenal.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Renewed and with a long life ahead of it.

Justified (FX)
Type: Police procedural
Justified is another series that completely exploded into the Mainstream category and has become one of the top specced show around.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — A fourth season is upcoming, and me thinks it will keep on going.

The Mentalist (CBS)
Type: Police procedural
In its prime.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Already going on to its fifth season, The Mentalist is still the most solid police procedural around.

NCIS:LA (CBS)
Type: Police/Action procedural
Similar to Hawaii Five-0, NCIS:LA seems to deliver to people looking for an action/police hybrid drama.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Let me guess; renewed?

Sons of Anarchy (FX)
Type: Serialized ensemble drama
Similar to Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy’s serialized elements may prove difficult to spec. With that said, the FX series has definitely grown into becoming a high speccer.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Those storylines, they keep on moving!

True Blood (HBO)
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
Although on the verge of being overspecced, the (supposed) unpredictability of the show makes it prone to fresh takes on the main characters. Or so they say.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — The upcoming season is the last for Alan Ball, and the show is catching up on the books. Be careful.

The Vampire Diaries (The CW)
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
On paper, it seems like a great, popular choice when it comes to fantasy series, with that said…
Longevity: ★★★★★ — …the constant flux in storylines may make you mad enough that you’d want to avoid speccing this one.

The Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Ensemble/horror drama
Undeniably a very popular show, both on screen and on the page. The strong stand-alone aspect of the series makes it prone to lessen the serialized elements within your spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Regardless of your stance about how good or bad the show is, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.



Wild Cards
Not quite fully widespread but will get there given the chance.

Game of Thrones (HBO) *
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
People think they can easily write great adaptations, which makes Game of Thrones the best candidate for top-specced show of 2013. But just because you love the book doesn’t mean you can write it. And there’s also this small issue of coming up with original stand-alone stories not found in the novels.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Hugely successful and over six books. Enough said.

Homeland (Sho) *
Type: Serialized thriller
The Showtime series made it surprisingly big last season, which inevitably transformed it into a popular spec show.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — The serialization may put some people off, but it shouldn’t be that difficult to craft an episode around a specific subset of Abu Nazir’s terrorist plot (oh, look, free advice).

Leverage (TNT)
Type: Light heist/con/action procedural
Take it now before it goes over the hill.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Five seasons and still going strong; however, the amount of original cons left are dwindling by the episode.

Nikita (The CW)
Type: Action/spy procedural
The only spy drama option as of now (that will surely change next year).
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Average ratings and a pricey show means The CW could pull the plug, but Nikita is almost its only viable alternative series to the teen dramas.

Once Upon A Time (ABC) *
Type: Fantasy family drama
The most family-friendly show on this list, OUAT will probably be very specced by this time next year.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — A near-infinite pool of fairy tales coupled with big ratings means ABC has found its new long-standing drama.

Parenthood (NBC)
Type: Serialized family drama
First world problems: family edition.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — The serialized nature of Parenthood makes it hard to create a true stand-alone storyline, but a renewal is quasi-certain.

Person of Interest (CBS) *
Type: Crime procedural
The sci-fi touch is light but nonetheless makes Person of Interest an interest new addition to the crime procedural arena.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Renewal is a done deal.

Revenge (ABC) *
Type: Serialized family drama
The ultimate breakout soap of the past season, Revenge will clearly become a great series to spec…
Longevity: ★★★★★ — …depending on where the dominoes will fall at the end of this season.

The Secret Circle (The CW) *
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
If you feel The Vampire Diaries has been overdone, then this is for you.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Is it going to last? Two words: Kevin Williamson

Smash (NBC)
Type: Serialized musical drama
Make way for another musical series. Unlike Glee, you can showcase your lyrics talent given the show’s use of original songs.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Already renewed.

Touch (FOX) *
Type: Serialized fantasy/family drama
It is probably too soon to begin thinking about writing a spec for this mid-season show.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — There’s too much serendipity in Touch for me to care, but at least it adds an interesting dynamic to the usual “problem-solving” storyline.

Treme (HBO)
Type: Serialized historical drama
Even if Treme is not that well known to be a good stand-out spec, let’s just say going toe-to-toe with David Simon is not recommended.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — A third seasons premiering this fall and a fourth one already planned; looks like New Orleans is en vogue.



Outsiders
The shows (mostly cable) you may be tempted to take a risk on, getting you on top of the reading pile. Beyond that, it depends on the willingness of the reader and his/her knowledge of the show. Who knows, maybe the showrunner is into less popular shows and will value your risk-taking.

Hart of Dixie (The CW) *
Type: Serialized medical/family drama
If you’re aiming for broad appeal with a cute soapesque family/medical drama, Hart of Dixie will suit you just fine.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — More WB than CW, the series will most likely always be on the bubble.

Psych (USA)
Type: Light crime procedural
A little less used (and known) than its spy counterpart making it not quite as overspecced.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Psych’s run is impressive, with a recent renewal for another full-16 episode season order, continuing its records as the longest-running series on USA Nework.

Southland (TNT)
Type: Police procedural
Southland offers a great option in the “edgy/realistic” police drama procedural.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Once upon a time, the show was on its deathbed. It is now a popular basic-cable drama, in more ways than one.

Warehouse 13 (Syfy)
Type: Science-fiction procedural
Despite growing old, there are almost no purely procedural contenders in this genre. Like Eureka, Warehouse 13 will probably keep this slot until it bites the dust.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — You can never tell what crazy move Syfy will do next to shoot itself in the head.

White Collar (USA)
Type: Light crime procedural
A clear new winner for the blue-sky dramas from USA.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — No way Jose that this show is biting the dust anytime soon.



Gamblers
For one reason or another, these are much riskier specs to do right now. You have been warned.

Blue Bloods (CBS)
Type: Police/family drama
Blue Bloods is still too much under the radar to be considered as a main spec to send out, however the series offers an interesting family/procedural dynamic not really found on any other network shows.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — It’s on Fridays, so you can never know for sure.

Body of Proof/Harry’s Law (ABC/NBC)
Type: Medical/Legal procedurals
The shows are fairly weak to begin with, so trying to break out of the crowd by speccing either of them is disrespectful to your writing.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Even if renewed, it would be quite hard to write a compelling episode.

Forty-five shows are listed this year and, like last season, a few things can be observed.

Network dramas are coming back in force, slowly eating away the piece of older, aging cable dramas from the big five (AMC, FX, Syfy, USA, and TNT). HBO continues to be home to bigger, grander series that are always more hazardous to spec. NBC continues to be absent for the most part, while CBS and (surprisingly) ABC are taking over the lion share, leaving FOX in the wind.

A clear trend is forming this time around when it comes to popular specced show: serialization.
With a growing and fiercer competition, people are ready to take more risks with bolder choices. Stand-alone procedurals have mostly fallen out of favor for most people, even diminishing the light character serialized dramas’ dominance of the past few years.
Interestingly enough, “fresh is best” seems also to be a new intrinsic concept for now, with first and second-season series being extremely popular out of the gate.

With pilots being the most requested samples, are we moving towards “throwaway specs”, lasting merely a season?
Fudging with mythology, choosing new shows, the classic spec rules are slowly starting to fade away.

Serial or not, as long as a script and the show reflect your voice, it ends up being all about the writing.
Make your choice.

Click here for the Comedy Spec Script list.

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Pilot Pick-Up Review (Cable) — 2011–2012 Season

by Alex on April 30, 2011

in Featured Posts,TV Analysis

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Development season is right now, and with the scripts picked to pilot about to be (or already) shot, the next best thing besides watching the finished product is reading them. As well as reviewing them.
Here is our final installment for the season, with some of the most anticipated cable pilots around.
(Given that most of these pilots have either already been picked up to series or will have their fate announced in several months, I thought it best to focus on the reviews.)


FX
Dramas (One-hour)
American Horror Story (Brad Falchuk/Ryan Murphy)
Logline: A dramatic series that explores a subversive modern horror tale.
With: Connie Britton, Jessica Lange, Dylan McDermott, Denis O’Hare
My thoughts:
I’m not the hugest Falchuk/Murphy fan (especially following that second season of Glee), but I have to admit they’ve got me hooked after reading this script.
Sure, the haunted house plot has been (virtually) done to death (yes it’s a haunted house story), and some people will continue to argue that they’ve “been there, done that”, but the pilot was not only very interesting but also not your classic “jump scare” horror flick. This is clearly angling to be a more psychological drama with supernatural elements rather than your run-of-the-mill spooky ghost story.
The biggest issue I’m having though is not with the pilot itself, rather the series as a whole. I’m having a hard time grasping how the concept of a haunted house psychologically torturing its inhabitants can last more than, well, a few episodes, let alone a full season. Longevity-wise, American Horror Story might be a gamble (depending on how serialized the show goes).
The cast however, is pretty much perfect.

Powers (Charles Eglee)
Logline: A dramatic series based on the series of graphic novels by Brian Michael Bendis. Heroes glide through the sky on lightning bolts and fire. Flamboyant villains attempt daring daylight robberies. God-like alien creatures clash in epic battle over the nighttime sky. And on the dirty city streets below, a homicide Detective Christian Walker does his job, solving murders involving superheroes, but he has secrets of his own.
My thoughts:
The closest show that comes to mind when reading the script is NBC’s own 17th Precinct, although Powers is clearly aiming to a much more, let’s say, grittier audience. Here again, you’ve got a serious cop show, and although 17th was the CSI of its genre, Powers is indeed closer to The Shield as some have described it. I would also compare it to a masculine version of Prime Suspect (albeit with superpowers involved). As any avid fan of the comic version will tell you, the world works and the story isn’t as ridiculous as it sounds. This is clearly not a lame The Cape–like series.
The disappointing side is that, since the show is so close to a cop show procedural, it ends up being not that compelling or original. Maybe future episodes will bring more interesting happenings.


HBO
Drama (One-hour)
More As This Story Develops (Aaron Sorkin)
Logline: A workplace dramedy with political elements set behind-the-scenes at a cable news network.
With: Jeff Daniels, Olivia Munn, Alison Pill, Marisa Tomei
My thoughts:
This one is without a doubt the most anticipated series of the bunch.
Cast-wise, you can guess I’m not the biggest fan of Olivia Munn (and I’m not really sure why she’s in there anyways). I’ll however be digging the Jeff Daniels/Marisa Tomei confrontation/omnipresent sexual tension.
What’s interesting is that no one has asked the most important question about the show: when does it take place.
Is it a period piece or is it set in an alternate world?
Well the answer is: neither (sorta). I have to issue a spoiler alert here (although if you’re reading this then chances are you don’t care).
The news show is set on, drumroll please…April 20, 2010. And if you know your (very) recent History, then you know that date corresponds to the Deepwater Horizon explosion. That’s right, the big reveal of the pilot (that pretty much comes halfway through it), is that the series goes on about a year before, well, right now. What a great way to comment on the media’s way of covering recent news without trespassing on The Daily Show/The Colbert Report.
Clearly Sorkin does not venture outside of his comfort zone with More As This Story Develops, and there’s nothing you won’t be able to find in his three previous shows. This is also not Network. Yet it’s still plenty interesting and compelling.
Clearly the man knows how to write–but who am I to state the obvious.

Comedies (Half-hour)
40 (Doug Ellin)
Logline: A single-camera ensemble comedy project that revolves around four lifelong friends who help each other navigate life at 40, which isn’t all they expected it to be. There’s the married milquetoast, the family man whose career’s been decimated by the financial collapse, a wealthy metrosexual and an impossibly toned trainer. Together, they face the terrors and joys of life past the fourth decade.
With: Edward J. Burns
My thoughts:
Four middle-aged guys living their lives. As you’d expect, it’s not that interesting. And although Entourage mainly worked thanks to the mystique and crazyness that is H-Wood, 40 doesn’t simply because of the mundane of it all. It’s never outrageous, it’s never laugh-out-loud hilarious, it just is.

Veep (Simon Blackwell/Armando Iannucci)
Logline: A political comedy centering around a female senator who ascends to the office of vice president, only to realize it’s nothing like she expected and everything everyone ever warned her about.
With: Sufe Bradshaw, Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons, Matt Walsh
My thoughts:
I continue to find The Thick of It and In the Loop both amazing, so it is without hesitation that I jumped on the script of Veep as soon as I had it.
First the good news: Yes, it’s funny.
Plus you’ve also got Blackwell’s astonishingly brilliant insults flying around (although these ones won’t be uttered by Peter Capaldi).
With that said, the subject-matter of the show, as always with political series, brings back memories of The West Wing. And if you know Iannucci’s style, then you also know he’s not only a master of satirical dialogue, but also of quick back-and-forths, similar to Aaron Sorkin. Obviously, the storylines are not as dramatic as The West Wing, but you won’t be able to deny (at the very least) a spiritual connection between the two shows.
It’s not a strike against Veep though.


Showtime
Drama (One-hour)
Homeland (Alex Gansa/Howard Gordon/Gideon Raff)
Logline: An action-adventure drama based on the Israeli Keshet format “Prisoners of War.” In this iteration, an American soldier who was presumed killed in Iraq returns 10 years after he went missing. But after the joy of his homecoming dies down, suspicions arise as to whether he was really an American hero or if he was part of a sleeper cell planning a terrorist attack.
With: Claire Danes, Laura Fraser, David Harewood, Diego Klattenhoff, Damian Lewis, Jackson Pace, Mandy Patinkin, Morgan Saylor
My thoughts:
Sure there’s plenty to like with this pilot. It’s interesting and the story holds (for how long?). But you can’t shake the feeling that Sleeper Cell has already covered most of that terrain five years ago. And that was a mini-series–well, technically, two.
Not that I want to be that guy again, but I’m also having troubles finding a longevity in the concept beyond a single season. Sleeper Cell somewhat successfully achieved one with its second season by not only changing virtually the whole cast but going into a very different direction. I’m curious to see how Homeland will game the system.
The story of the girl that cried terrorist can only work for so long.

Comedy (Half-hour)
Seek and Destroy (Neal Brennan/Dov Davidoff)
Logline: A mixed sitcom that will combine elements of single-camera comedy, sketches and man-on-the-street interviews. Each episode begins with stars Neal Brennan and Dov Davidoff discussing life over coffee.
With: Neal Brennan, Dov Davidoff
My thoughts:
This show doesn’t really belong on Showtime–or anywhere else for that matter. The dialogue felt edgy enough, but overall it wasn’t really hilarious. Plus it seemed more like a multi-camera comedy than anything else.


Syfy
Drama (One-hour)
Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome (Michael Taylor)
Logline: The story begins during the 10th year of the Cylon War, and follows recent Academy graduate William Adama. The pilot focuses on an important mission Adama undertakes with a rookie pilot. During this critical mission, which could turn the tide of the war, Adama meets a potential love interest. The series would address a young man’s initiation into war: both the realities of war as fought by soldiers on the ground (and in Battlestars and Vipers), and the somewhat less real version portrayed in the media.
With: Ben Cotton, Luke Pasqualino
My thoughts:
It’s exactly what you’re expecting. An(other) action/military-driven series.
Gone are the philosophical, reflexive, and dare I say smart, plotlines of the mother-ship (no pun intended).
Say hello to combat in space, on planets and on ships, with monsters, aliens, odd creatures, and robots.
And it’s sadly not that interesting.
Obviously, and as always with any BSG–related stories post-season two, you’ve got some retcon thrown into the mix and (very) loose pseudo-mythological components (especially with the introduction of yet another wave of new Cylon designs coming out of Gods know where).
If you’re missing some fresh Human v. Cylon fighting action, then Blood & Chrome will be for you. Otherwise, pop-in any previous Battlestar episode and chances are you’ll be more satisfied. Heck, even Razor will do the trick.

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Pilot Pick-Up Review (NBC) — 2011–2012 Season

by Alex on April 15, 2011

in Featured Posts,TV Analysis

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Development season is right now, and with the scripts picked to pilot about to be shot, the next best thing besides watching the finished product is reading them. As well as reviewing them. I’ll also venture a guess as to whether I think they’ll go to series or not (all of which is announced as usual at the Upfronts). So here goes.

On we go with NBC, and a slate all over the place.
After another exec reshuffle, Greenblatt began heading last November the original programming development, and already some big changes are getting around the network. Bigger and better seems to be the drama motto while the comedies are staying in touch with classic themes (albeit a tad edgier than usual). Once again, the Peacock wants to redefine itself.


Dramas (One-hour)
17th Precinct (Ronald D. Moore)
Logline: A dramatic series set against a magical world where the ordinary laws of science don’t apply. The action takes place in a city called Excelsior, which is run by sophisticated yet elemental magic. The police solve crimes and bring the accused before judges that offer highly subjective verdicts. But there’s a threat brewing to this way of life — a group of terrorists called The Stoics, who want to eradicate magic and replace it with the tyranny of science.
With: Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Stockard Channing, Tricia Helfer, Kristin Kreuk, Matthew Long, Esai Morales, Eamonn Walker
My thoughts:
It’s no Battlestar Galactica, that’s for sure. The best way to describe it succinctly would be to say it’s CSI, with magic instead of tech.
17th Precinct wasn’t overtly bad, it was just…okay. I don’t really know why but the world felt much less dense than his previous shows. The casting is obviously amazing but that’s never the be-all end-all.
With all of that said, I honestly doubt there’s an audience for this on broadcast television, let alone NBC. It might have worked on, say, Syfy, but it’s doubtful it’ll play well on NBC.
People don’t watch procedurals for the escapism science-fiction or fantasy provides, they watch procedurals for the nitty-gritty aspect of it and realism it provides. At the end of the episode, the bad guy is caught, and that’s reassuring because he seems more real than some wizard somewhere. We know how Century City fared on CBS (in that people don’t even remember the show).
Going to series? Yes. Despite the fact that it clearly won’t work on broadcast, NBC wants a new original procedural hit badly.

A Mann’s World (Michael Patrick King)
Logline: A dramatic series with comedic elements centering on a heterosexual male hairdresser, Allan Mann, now in his fifties, who is now looking to stay au courant in Beverly Hills, where age and experience can’t hold a candle to looks and beauty. While others might take the comfortable and predictable path, he takes the ego-driven and more difficult one.
With: Ellen Barkin, JR Bourne, Mario Cantone, Chris Crocker, Caitlin Crosby, Kelly Hu, Don Johnson, Jesse Jones, Taylor Kinney, D.J. Pierce, Sandra Vergara, Amanda Mason Warren, Christian Dante White
My thoughts:
Oh God. I can’t describe how bad this pilot is.
Literally the worst script of this season.
Obviously Greenblatt picked it up because of the financial penalty attached to it. Right? Please?
Going to series? Kill me now.

Metro (Stephen Gaghan)
Logline: A dramatic series that explores Los Angeles from multiple points of view, from lawyers to law enforcement, politics to the haves and have nots. The main character is a detective working in the Mayor’s Special Investigations Unit, who has returned to Los Angeles to re-connect with his teenage daughter and try maintain a civil relationship with his ex-wife, who is a high powered attorney.
With: Daniella Alonso, Madchen Amick, Luis Chavez, Emma Dumont, Noah Emmerich, Matthew Levy, Danny Pino, Jimmy Smits
My thoughts:
It seems that every season, NBC wants another gritty LA-based show.
Will this one do?
Well, Metro is reminiscent of Traffic. And in this case it’s a good thing.
Add Smits and Emmerich and I’m in.
Going to series? Probably. It’s both a cop and legal show, NBC’s go-to genre.

Playboy (Chad Hodge)
Logline: A soapy dramatic series that looks at the social and political tumult of the 1960’s from the perspective of Playboy bunnies working at the Playboy Club in Chicago.
With: Laura Benanti, Eddie Cibrian, Jenna Dewan, Amber Heard, David Krumholtz, Naturi Naughton, Wes Ramsey, Leah Renee Cudmore, Sean Maher
My thoughts:
It’s been somewhat widely reported that people haven’t responded all that well to the pilot. Neither did I to be honest.
How can you do about sex and drugs without sex and drugs?
The challenge was accepted by Playboy and was almost immediately failed.
The (unnecessary) period aspect of the show sealed its fate.
Going to series? Very likely. Any publicity is good publicity at this point.

Prime Suspect (Alexandra Cunningham)
Logline: A dramatic series based on the UK ITV procedural series of television movies starring Helen Mirren. The U.S. version centers on a newly promoted homicide detective, Jane Timoney, who has to deal with skeptical male colleagues who erroneously believe that that she has slept her way to her present position. Constantly ostracized and undermined, she finally gets her shot at spearheading a homicide investigation. Once she has a chance to show her abilities her astute powers of observation and scrupulousness win over almost all of her prior enemies.
With: Kirk Acevedo, Maria Bello, Tim Griffin, Damon Gupton, Joe Nieves, Brian F. O’Byrne, Aidan Quinn, Toby Stephens
My thoughts:
To be blunt, it was a snoozefest.
I know everyone loves to remake “known” property but this is one foreign classic that should have been left untouched.
For one, there is no original take on the cop genre. Prime Suspect might have actually defined the genre 20 years ago, but now it’s not so groundbreaking, gritty, or even interesting.
More importantly though, the sexism is way too blatant. One of the keys to the original show’s success was how it dealt with this (at the time) rampant problem in a way that was both subtle and realistic. The American version of Prime Suspect makes Mad Men a utopia for women.
And let me say that Maria Bello is no Helen Mirren.
Going to series? Maybe. It’s been in development since forever and this season is as close as it’s going to get to getting a green-light.

Construction (Josh Brand)
Logline: A period drama centering on Jason Edding, a Union Civil War veteran who returns from the Civil War a changed and haunted man. He seeks refuge in the border state of Missouri in a town that, despite the end of the war, is being terrorized by a mysterious Southern colonel called the Grey Ghost. He extorts money from the townspeople, and his brutal henchman maim and murder anyone who doesn’t comply. When Jason rolls into town and defeats these thugs, the people in the town embrace him as their savior and beg him to be their sheriff. But Jason’s must chase away his own ghosts before he can accept that challenge.
With: Emma Bell, Billy Brown, Coburn Goss, Martin Henderson, Robert Knepper, Rachelle Lefevre, Bill Sage, Claire Wellin
My thoughts:
I can honestly say this was a surprise hit for me. I’m no western fan (heck, it’s my least favorite genre), but this one worked for me. Of course, it’s no Carnivale, but it’s getting close to that territory.
Only problem? This is clearly not an NBC show.
First, it’s a period piece set in the civil war era, and it’s a western. Second, subject-matter is more cable than anything else (would it surprise you to learn that it was originally developed at FX?). Finally, it’s gory and violent.
Going to series? Sadly doubtful.

REM (Kyle Killen)
Logline: A dramatic series described as a procedural hybrid that centers on the simultaneous and parallel lives of a detective who cannot let go of any aspect of his fractured family after a horrible car accident.
With: Laura Allen, Steve Harris, Jason Isaacs, Cherry Jones, Michaela McManus, Dylan Minnette, Wilmer Valderrama, B.D. Wong
My thoughts:
I’ve been talking about this one for over three months for one simple reason: it’s my favorite script of the season, by far.
Amazing story, amazing writing, amazing show.
The world and the characters are very compelling but I’m afraid people are not going to tune in to watch the show, regardless of how well-crafted it is.
I have to voice my worry however about Howard Gordon show-running this thing. Why isn’t Killen staying behind? I can only guess this move shows NBC being afraid of a Lone Star redux.
Going to series? Probably. There’s no doubt that this is the most talked-about and praised original show of the season.

Smash (Theresa Rebeck)
Logline: A dramatic series based on an idea by Steven Spielberg. This one-hour musical series follows a cross section of characters who come together for the exhilarating ride of putting on a Broadway musical.
With: Christian Borle, Jaime Cepero, Jack Davenport, Megan Hilty, Anjelica Huston, Raza Jaffrey, Brian d’Arcy James, Katharine McPhee, Debra Messing
My thoughts:
Another cable-like show for NBC (this one originally developed at Showtime).
People are saying the network is riding on Glee’s coattails with this one.
Wrong.
If anything, it’s closer to HBO’s Miraculous Year than FOX’s tween show.
Smash wasn’t a mega hit for me, but it was definitely entertaining.
One thing I’m struggling with however is the longevity; it definitely seemed more like a mini-series than anything else. Once the musical is all set and done (probably in the first season finale), then what?
Going to series? Yes. Big cast, big producers, big show.

Wonder Woman (David E. Kelley)
Logline: A dramatic series based on the DC comic book series Wonder Woman, about Diana Prince, an Amazon who possesses superhuman strength, speed and stamina, flight, and super-agility. In this reinvention, Wonder Woman is a corporate executive and vigilante crime fighter in Los Angeles who works to balance all of the extraordinary parts of her life.
With: Justin Bruening, Cary Elwes, Adrianne Palicki, Pedro Pascal, Tracie Thoms, Brett Tucker, Elizabeth Hurley
My thoughts:
What more is there to add to this train-wreck? You can’t quite look away from the mess going on in front of you, although viewers won’t tune in beyond episode two.
I feel bad for Palicki who deserves better. Much better.
Going to series? Oh, my, yes.


Single-camera Comedies (Half-hour)
I Hate that I Love You (Jhoni Marchinko)
Logline: A single camera comedy series on a straight guy who lives with his best friend, who is a lesbian and a straight woman who lives with her best friend, who is a lesbian. When all four meet and the straight and gay couples get together, the ordinary issues of new relationships get a new twist. The straight guy and his gay best friend slept together in a fit of drunken despair a month before everyone met, which neither have discussed since it happened. But they all need to talk about it, because she now realizes she’s pregnant.
With: Danneel Ackles, Anna Camp, Jaime Lee Kirchner, Nick Thune
My thoughts:
Nothing new under the sun. Yet another standard dual couple comedy show, albeit with two lesbians.
Going to series? Possibly. This is another attempt at NBC trying to recapture a good “friends with benefits” comedy.

Untitled Lennon Parham & Jessica St. Clair Project
Logline: A single camera comedy series about an extremely awkward triangle — a woman and her new live-in boyfriend find themselves taking in her distraught (and pushy) best girlfriend who ends up on their doorstep after a divorce.
With: Lennon Parham, Stephen Schneider, Jessica St. Clair
My thoughts:
Not really my sensibility. I honestly don’t see the series appealing beyond the LA demographic (story isn’t really compelling). And the dialogue was too on-the-nose for me.
Going to series? I don’t see it.

Stay tuned as we conclude next time our pilot pick-up review with a cable medley.

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Drama Spec Script 2011 — What is hot and what is not

by Alex on March 18, 2011

in Featured Posts,News,TV Analysis,Writing

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UPDATED:
A brand new 2013 list has been posted.
Click here to access it.


It is now time to review which current dramas are good to spec, and which are not.
A sample script is provided (when available) with the corresponding show.

Let’s do another quick recap of how the list works:
The shows are divided into five categories regarding their appeal to readers and how well they are known/read:
– Over-specced (shows that have passed their prime, try to avoid doing them)
– Mainstream (shows that have matured enough that they have become on-the-nose speccers–and a lot of people are speccing them)
– Wild Cards (soon, everyone will spec those, maybe you can get a head start)
– Outsiders (specs that will get you out from the pack)
– Gamblers (risky shows that could pay off, or bomb)

There is also a grade regarding the show’s longevity in relation to its speccability.
Meaning, how long can you keep your spec script fresh without having to throw it in the trash?
To do this, we will use the greatest grading system on Earth; stars:
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Very Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Fair
★★★★★ — Poor

And here we go.


Over-Specced
Re-tool your spec if you have one, but you probably shouldn’t bother beginning a new one for these shows.

CSI/Criminal Minds/Law & Order/The Closer (CBS/NBC/TNT)
Type: Police procedurals
Move along folks, nothing to see here.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — If you’re really thinking of speccing these, you’re pretty much five years too late.

Dexter (Sho)
Type: Serialized crime drama
Once upon a time, Dexter was a clear favorite. Now however, the show has past its expiration date for specs.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Since every season reinvents the show (in an interesting or bad way), it’s never good to put one’s spec stories to the test like that.

Grey’s Anatomy/Private Practice/House (ABC/FOX)
Type: Medical procedurals
Honestly, there’s just no real point in crafting a brand new spec for one of these three.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Shockingly, they’re all getting another season. Doesn’t mean it’s a good sign.

Mad Men (AMC)
Type: Serialized historical drama
Putting Mad Men as over-specced may once again ruffle a few feathers, but if you know what’s good for you then you’re pretty much aware already that this won’t be an original choice.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Although there’s a very low risk of AMC ending its flagship drama, treading on serialized plotlines is virtually impossible to avoid.


Mainstream
The current and new widespread shows in town that are getting read.

Bones/Castle (FOX/ABC)
Type: Light police procedural
Bones still has a year or two ahead of it, while Castle joins the mainstream list by becoming the go-to light police procedural specced.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Both are going strong and the ‘case of the week’ format is a proven crowd-pleaser.

Breaking Bad (AMC)
Type: Serialized character/family drama
The show continues to grow in fame and is probably reaching its peak, which means this might one of the last mainstream years for it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — The problem isn’t that the show won’t get renewed (it will), it is its serialized aspect. I’ll slow-clap anyone who successfully specs a stand-alone episode of Breaking Bad.

Chuck (NBC)
Type: Light spy/action procedural
Everybody loves Chuck. Sadly this means that it is pretty much on the verge of being over-specced.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Definitely not as much on the bubble as a couple of seasons ago.

Fringe (FOX)
Type: Police/Science-fiction procedural
The number one science-fiction show specced presently (mainly because there aren’t so many out there). Fringe is a strong option, although…
Longevity: ★★★★★ — …you already know how “on the bubble” this show is, so I’d probably wait to see what FOX choses to do with it.

Glee (FOX)
Type: Light serialized high-school dramedy
As predicted, last year’s major Wild Card is now on top of the Mainstream pile. Still a very hard show to spec mainly because of its atypical world. Also might not be the greatest way to showcase your talent given that a third of the script will probably end up being music lyrics.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — It’s always a good bet to spec the number one show on television, right? Be careful when juggling with all the soap elements (they might give you a headache).

The Good Wife (CBS)
Type: Legal procedural
Jumping from Outsider to Mainstream is no easy task, but The Good Wife has proven times and times again these past few months its popularity. This is clearly a smart show to spec (watch out for the serialized elements).
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Strong ratings and a great procedural/serial balance allows room for a potential spec.

Gossip Girl/90210 (The CW)
Type: Teen dramas
It’s not as if there’s an overwhelming array of teen dramas out there, right?
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Never-ending.

The Mentalist (CBS)
Type: Police procedural
A new classic police procedural to spec. It’s hot all right.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — No need to double check, this one is safe.

NCIS:LA (CBS)
Type: Police/Action procedural
Last year it was about to break big, this year it is big. Its older sister show would be proud.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Another secure CBS procedural.

True Blood (HBO)
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
Somewhat common in the spec pile, despite its heavy reliance on the books’ mythology. Making a loner out of this one will prove difficult.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — True Blood is a big success, but its stories are all over the place (i.e. it is hard to find a status quo to base a spec on).



Wild Cards
Not quite fully widespread but will get there given the chance.

Boardwalk Empire/Treme (HBO)
Type: Serialized historical drama
Now those are hard shows to spec. If you think you can make a Mad Men or even a True Blood spec work, I’d recommend taking a gander at these two first. Especially Boardwalk Empire (which definitely has a lot of potential).
Longevity: ★★★★★ — With all the acclaim, it’s no wonder HBO is keeping both series tightly where they are.

Hawaii Five-0 (CBS)
Type: Police/Action procedural
Like NCIS:LA last year, this is undoubtedly the breakout procedural hit of the season, which is sure to become Mainstream real fast.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Hit show, clear-cut formula and procedural aspect leads to a long spec life.

Justified (FX)
Type: Police procedural
A critical darling and great numbers means Justified is getting hotter by the second. It will probably enter Mainstream land by next season.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — The show that keeps on giving (certainly for FX).

Leverage (TNT)
Type: Light heist/con/action procedural
With its fourth season about to debut, Leverage is becoming more popular and the series has matured enough that it’s an almost-perfect light action/heist procedural to spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Finding a solid con that stays unused by the show might prove tricky.

Nikita (The CW)
Type: Action procedural
It’s CW, meaning it’s not that watched, although it also means not that many people are speccing it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — It is doubtful the network will let this one go seeing as it’s one of their only (relative) hit.

Parenthood (NBC)
Type: Serialized family drama
Speccing this one last season was pretty much a gamble, but since the first year has passed and storylines are settling, it might be an interesting choice.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Solid numbers indicate renewal, but can you make the family stories work?

Sons of Anarchy (FX)
Type: Serialized ensemble drama
Sure, Sons of Anarchy is FX’s most popular show, yet its extremely serialized aspect makes it very difficult to write for. If you can make it work, go for it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Storylines are shaking up every season so it might be tough to keep an SOA spec current.

The Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Ensemble/horror drama
If a surprise hit was made last year, this is the one. The enormous success of the show and its amazing potential makes it destined for great spec material.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Great news for potential speccers (not for viewers): The Walking Dead has obviously abandoned the comics’ serialized nature for a more procedural-like aspect.



Outsiders
The shows (mostly cable) you may be tempted to take a risk on, getting you on top of the reading pile. Beyond that, it depends on the willingness of the reader and his/her knowledge of the show. Who knows, maybe the showrunner is into less popular shows and will value your risk-taking.

Burn Notice/Psych (USA)
Type: Light action and crime procedurals
On the limit of being over-specced if only for the fact that they never were mainstream.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — They are both nearing their death bed (even if it’s still a couple of seasons away).

Eureka/Warehouse 13 (Syfy)
Type: Science-fiction procedurals
With Fringe winding down and Stargate: Universe gone, those two are almost the only science-fiction options out there. They are still strong spec shows all around.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Original stories might be harder to find, especially with Eureka, entering its fifth season already.

Southland (TNT)
Type: Police procedural
Southland is definitely getting more traction with its third season and it’s one of the only cop dramas right now with a real grittiness to it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Renewal beyond the current season is still pretty much on the line given the substantial budget cuts needed.

White Collar (USA)
Type: Light crime procedural
White Collar continues to be the dark horse among light procedurals. Undeniably, the show is still continuing to grow in demand.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Pretty much a success for USA’s standards and a perfect candidate for a more atypical spec show.



Gamblers
For one reason or another, these are much riskier specs to do right now. You have been warned.

Blue Bloods (CBS)
Type: Police/family drama
It was a surprise Friday-night hit for CBS, which might make Blue Bloods an interesting spec choice, yet this might still be too unknown.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — It worked for Fridays but not for Wednesdays, so it’s still a toss-up regarding its renewal.

The Chicago Code/Harry’s Law (FOX/NBC)
Type: Police procedural/Legal procedural
Come on, you want to spec this one already? Too soon.
Longevity: ★★★★★ — Chances are Chicago Code is getting the boot sadly. Harry’s Law meanwhile will probably live to see another season.

Forty shows are listed this year and, like last season, a few trends can be observed.

The basic cable market has never been stronger with a big presence by AMC, FX, Syfy, USA and TNT.
On the premium side, beyond the symbolic Dexter presence, Showtime is still pretty much absent from the list due to the lack of dramas. HBO meanwhile is slowly rebuilding its “epic TV” brand (I’m sure Games of Throne will pop up on the list next year).
Network-wise, CBS is still the procedural king, although FOX and ABC are recouping the field with lighter dramas, while NBC is virtually MIA.

Unsurprisingly, a vast majority of the top shows are procedurals with light character serialization. They are the ones which offer a wide range of storylines without compromising the status quo.
Interestingly enough though, the harder shows to spec (relying on more complex mythologies and serialized plots) are still considered attractive. They are indeed a great platform to showcase more in-depth writing skills, but they come at the price of spec longevity.

The bottom line is the same as usual: select a show that reflects your voice, your aspirations, and what you like.
The choice is yours.

Click here for the Comedy Spec Script list.

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