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Comedy Spec Script 2015 – What is hot and what is not

Comedy Spec Script 2015 – What is hot and what is not


UPDATED:
A brand new 2019 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 comedies.
In addition, you’ll also find (when available) a script for the corresponding show for educational purposes only.
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 series).

Here is a 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

Let’s get started.

Over-Specced

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

Archer (FX)
Too popular as a spec for its own good.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – All these changes, man!

The Big Bang Theory/Mike & Molly/Two Broke Girls (CBS)
[Insert laughs.] Longevity: ★★★★★ – They could run forever, but not your spec script.

Bob’s Burgers (FOX)
Not as widespread as others, but it is replaced as the animation spec by fresher fares.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It’s already renewed, but you’ll be in competition.

Community (Yahoo) *
Really?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Next step: “and a movie”.

Cougar Town/The Middle (TBS/ABC) *
Little shows that could, and did.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Won’t be long now.

House of Lies/Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
Once upon a time, when half-hour dramedies weren’t that well represented, they would have been your best choice. They climbed lists and put writers in fellowships.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – One is about to end, the other is in its rhythm.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FXX)
The Gang Picks Another Show.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Rewatch that one-shot episode.

The League (FXX)
It was a good off-beat choice. Not so much now. Especially since…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …the last season is upon us.

Louie (FX)
Are you really going to compete with Louis C.K.?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Who knows where the wind will take him.

Modern Family (ABC)
Reliably funny, but picking a show deep in its sixth season isn’t the greatest of ideas.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Will run forever. They’ll renew it every generation.

New Girl (FOX)
People’s must-spec relationship show for the longest time. Has lost its shine in that respect.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Coach! :(

Veep (HBO)
It would be a very strong choice, only if everyone else around didn’t think so last season.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – New President, new tempo.

Mainstream

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

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (FOX)
Good track record and in its second season. Pretty much everyone’s pick for a strong workplace single-cam to spec. It gets laughs and is the more popular successor of Parks & Rec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Not quite the bestest of ratings, but it already got renewed.

Girls (HBO)
The go-to “not too funny but still half-hour comedy” show out there. Living its last year of mainstream.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Eh.

The Mindy Project (FOX)
Another aging show that is most likely in its last not-over-specced season. Get it while it’s hot.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Strong formula, albeit with some shifts this past year.

Mom (CBS)
The strongest multi-cam in these necks, bar-none.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Renewed.

Silicon Valley (HBO)
Brooklyn is to network what Valley is to cable. A confident, funny comedy in a very unique world.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Not going anywhere.

Wild Cards

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

Black-ish/Fresh Off the Boat (ABC) *
Hilarious new comedies injecting some life into the network. Most likely will be mainstream by next year.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Trending upwards.

Broad City/Workaholics (Comedy Central)
A bit of a gamble, but their success is growing.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – You never know with Comedy Central.

The Goldbergs (ABC)
Who doesn’t love the 80s?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Wobblier legs now that the network has found more successful family comedies.

The Last Man on Earth (FOX) *
Not your usual network sitcom, which could also mean it’s a great future pick. Or fall apart in a hot second.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Watch out for the curveball thrown every other episode.

Married/You’re the Worst (FX/FXX)
Edgy and definitely on the verge of becoming very popular (more so than any other FX comedies).
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Fresh renewals and potentially stronger second seasons.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix) *
It’s brand new and getting a lot of traction very quickly. Definitely will become a popular spec sooner than later.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Free reign until the new season is released.

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.

Episodes (Showtime)
Caution. Meta humor can be dangerous.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A season or two left.

Man Seeking Woman (FXX) *
A bit of an oddball. Not a pick for the faint of heart.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – And not the greatest numbers.

Bojack Horseman/Rick & Morty (Netflix/Adult Swim) *
Hard to compete with what’s on screen. Their success off screen will make them more popular as specs to write than legitimate contenders.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A lock for the next couple of years.

Gamblers

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

Childrens’ Hospital/NTSF:SD:SUV (Cartoon Network/Adult Swim) *
A new season, and an absent friend.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – On the verge of disappearing forever.

Cristela (ABC) *
Not quite the same popularity as its other new ABC counterparts.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Risky pick.

The Exes (TV Land) *
Weird choice. Then again…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …the network doesn’t have any alternatives.

2015 Trends

Rough. How one should categorize this past year for comedies.
As predicted, few new series of the previous season survived their freshman year. Networks are desperately trying to freshen up their schedules–unsuccessfully so. A gap in mainstream specs was therefore created: a record-low five series are vying for the spot.
This year’s comedy spec list is almost entirely made of veteran shows or babies, making good shows to spec rarer. We saw the departure of popular shows New Girl and Veep into over-spec territory, with Mindy and Girls standing ground. Mom and The Exes are also the only multi-cam still in play. It doesn’t bode well for the format.
On the bright side, the arrival of successful new comedies, mainly Netflix’s Bojack Horseman/Kimmy Schmidt and ABC’s fresh slate of single-cams, gives hope for the future of specs. Expect a wider variety and more mature choices next year.

Also check out:
TV Writing Fellowships: The Bix Six

Drama Spec Script list

Drama Spec Script 2014 – What is hot and what is not

Drama Spec Script 2014 – What is hot and what is not


UPDATED:
A brand new 2019 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 for educational purposes.
Canceled or dead shows have been removed since last season’s spec list.

NOTE:
Given Warner Bros’ 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
With respectively 9 and 6 seasons under their belt, these procedurals may be popular outside the writing world, but they’re not worth the sweat for specs.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Who knows how long they’ll continue for.

CSI/Criminal Minds (CBS)
Type: Police procedurals
Yeah, right.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – What do you say to cancellation? Not today.

Glee/Mad Men/True Blood (FOX/AMC/HBO)
Type: Serialized high-school dramedy, historical drama, fantasy drama
It may be strange to put all three in the same basket, but they’re both done to death, plus in their last season.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Farewell.

The Good Wife (CBS)
Type: Legal procedural
Perhaps a shocking displacement to some, but the series is already in its fifth season and gaining momentum…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …which could be too little, too late. Hopefully, the series won’t get canceled. Realistically, it probably will.

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) *
Type: Medical procedural
Not sure if joking, or…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …wasting my time.

Homeland (Showtime)
Type: Serialized thriller
Is it really surprising that the most popular Showtime drama has been specced by so many people?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Also, Brody is dead.

Justified (FX)
Type: Police procedural
Yet another not-so-surprising displacement with this very popular drama spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Who doesn’t love Timmy?

The Mentalist (CBS)
Type: Police procedural
The good news is Red John has been uncovered.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The bad news is nobody cares anymore.

Once Upon A Time (ABC)
Type: Fantasy family drama
Although the show likes to reinvent itself from time to time, you only get so much wiggle room.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – So many fairy tale characters.

Parenthood (NBC)
Type: Serialized family drama
The little family that could has become the go-to familial spec for many people.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Fairly steady ratings.

Sons of Anarchy (FX)
Type: Serialized ensemble drama
[Insert bike joke.] Longevity: ★★★★★ – ‘Tis the last season to be jolly.

The Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Ensemble/horror drama
I don’t think speccing Walking Dead has been an original idea since the first episode of the series.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – All the people die.

White Collar (USA)
Type: Light crime procedural
Under-rated USA show that has grown exponentially over time.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Could go off anytime with Eastin’s many commitments.

Mainstream

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

American Horror Story (FX) *
Type: Serialized horror
Despite the continuing changes in storylines, people seem to like creating crazy specs for it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Which doesn’t mean you should do it.

Arrow (The CW)
Type: Action/Fantasy procedural
Arrow has pretty much become CW’s most popular show to spec. Talk about a comeback.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Up, up, and away.

Boardwalk Empire (HBO) *
Type: Serialized historical drama
Classic Buscemi.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Continuing the stronghold.

Elementary (CBS)
Type: Police procedural
A spec hit. Not that many decent police procedurals, I guess.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Keeping strong.

The Following (FOX)
Type: Serialized police procedural
Kevin Bacon continues to be on TV!
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It was meant as a “limited series.” Turns out, there’s a second season worth of storylines.

Game of Thrones (HBO) *
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
A hard series to spec, if only for the risk of being unoriginal or too on the nose.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – If you haven’t read the books, good luck with next season.

Grimm (NBC)
Type: Fantasy procedural
Understated, but popular among genre fans.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Does NBC have anything else going for it?

Hart of Dixie (The CW)
Type: Serialized medical/family drama
If you’re into CW soaps.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Now paired with the Beast.

Hawaii Five-0/NCIS:LA (CBS)
Type: Police/Action procedural
Two action procedurals that are surprisingly not that specced.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Good track record.

Person of Interest (CBS)
Type: Crime procedural
Could become over-specced soon due to its rising popularity.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – I hear there’s quite a few serialized changes.

Revenge (ABC)
Type: Serialized family drama
Although not as popular as when it first started, Revenge is still a strong contender for family dramas.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Losing steam.

Revolution (NBC)
Type: Serialized post-apocalyptic family drama
Surprisingly not that specced, but is it worth it?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It’s still a big NBC hit. For whatever that’s worth.

Scandal (ABC)
Type: Serialized political drama
Talk about popular.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The show is getting increasingly soapy, which means incredibly harder to predict.

Suits (USA)
Type: Light legal procedural
People seem to always forget USA shows…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …despite the fact that fellowships seem to love them.

The Vampire Diaries (The CW)
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
Besides Grimm, another popular genre alternative (albeit soapy).
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A little bit aging. Probably the last fresh year.

Wild Cards

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

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC) *
Type: Fantasy procedural
Probably gonna end up being one of the most popular specs if it ends up getting a second season.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Ratings are going down but you have an endless variety of C-list Marvel super-heroes to choose from.

The Americans (FX)
Type: Serialized thriller
A terrific drama for political thriller fans. The next Homeland in terms of popularity.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The second season still hasn’t premiered, which means you might be in for a late surprise.

Bates Motel (A&E)
Type: Serialized family drama/horror
It’s a grower.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Why the hell not.

Beauty & The Beast (The CW)
Type: Action/Fantasy procedural
Unlike its green counterpart, this CW series hasn’t gained as much traction as expected.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

The Blacklist (NBC) *
Type: Action procedural
A surprise hit for NBC, and is episodic enough that it could easily become a spec favorite.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Untouchable until ratings tank.

Hannibal (NBC)
Type: Serialized drama
Who could have predicted the amount of fans this little Bryan Fuller could have?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – If you’ve read the books, you’re one step ahead.

House of Cards (Netflix)
Type: Serialized political thriller
Season 2 just premiered, and is quite serialized…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …unless you’ve seen the original.

Nashville (ABC)
Type: Musical/Family drama
A soap that not a lot of people think about speccing, which may make it the perfect show to pick.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Renewed for a new season.

Sleepy Hollow (FOX)
Type: Fantasy procedural
The upcoming front-runner for genre specs.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A fair success for FOX.

True Detective (HBO) *
Type: Serialized police drama
Quite a tough act to mimic.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – And very serialized, which makes speccing this almost impossible.


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.

Banshee (Cinemax) *
Type: Serialized pulp drama
Under-rated actioner with enough character potential for some interesting spec drama.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The serialization is light enough that working in a semi-loner storyline shouldn’t be that hard.

Being Human/Defiance (Syfy) *
Type: Fantasy/science-fiction drama
Their specs are as popular as their series counterparts…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …In other words, not that much.

Blue Bloods (CBS) *
Type: Police drama
Almost no one specs it, which also means not a lot of people read it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A probable fifth-season renewal for this cop drama.

The Bridge (FX) *
Type: Serialized police drama
Not sure how you can spec this one…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …but it got a second season.

Covert Affairs/Necessary Roughness (USA)
Type: Action procedural/Relationship drama
So many USA shows fall through the cracks of speccers. Including these two.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – One is in its fifth season, the other is cancelled.

Major Crimes (TNT)
Type: Procedural drama
Interesting choice if you’re into police procedurals.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Renewed at last.

Masters of Sex (Showtime) *
Type: Serialized drama
The money is on figuring out which position to go for.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Haha. Get it?

The Newsroom (HBO)
Type: Serialized political drama
Pick a news item from two years ago to get your spec going.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Final season.

The Originals/Reign (The CW) *
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
Since other fantasy dramas (e.g. Supernatural) are getting older by the minute, these could be interesting alternatives.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – I’d still wait until season two.

Royal Pains (USA)
Type: Light medical drama
Gaining momentum by the day.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Already renewed.

Gamblers

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

Chicago Fire/Chicago PD (NBC) *
Type: Procedurals
The question isn’t if they’re speccable, rather if anyone wants to read them.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The good news is that, despite being relative NBC successes, they’re pretty much ignored by speccers at large (less competition).

Dracula (NBC) *
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
Limited run plus weirdly modified mythos means it’s difficult to envision a powerful Dracula spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Ratings are not the greatest, which may call for cancellation.

Helix (Syfy) *
Type: Serialized science-fiction drama
Eh.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A self-contained 13-episode story means that either there won’t be a second season, or the new episodes will a different story.

Rectify (Sundance) *
Type: Serialized drama
Despite the rising popularity of the show, it’s still an atypical choice.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Season 2 is about to premiere, which means potential changes.

This year, we have a record-shattering 62 dramas on our spec list. Talk about a crowded field.

The drama venues keep increasing with Sundance joining the club of A&E and Netflix. Nearly absent last year, FOX is slowly regaining grown, with a new show that will undoubtedly prove very popular for genre writers (Sleepy Hollow). HBO has a few offerings, but most of them too serialized to even attempt (or not even accepted in the first place).

In fact, serialized shows are once again back in the fold this year. Popularity of season-long anthologies or close-ended arcs has skyrocketed thanks to the success of shows like American Horror Story. This is actually bad news for most speccers since coming up with a “missing episode” is almost impossible.
As is now the trend, first and second-season shows are still amongst the most sought-after dramas to spec. Doesn’t mean that’s a good thing.

And the question still remains: are people now aiming their sights to specs lasting only a season?
Time will tell.

Click here for the Comedy Spec Script list.

Comedy Spec Script 2014 – What is hot and what is not

Comedy Spec Script 2014 – What is hot and what is not


UPDATED:
A brand new 2019 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 comedies.
In addition, you’ll also find (when available) a script for the corresponding show for educational purposes only.
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 series).

Here is a 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

Let’s get started.

Over-Specced

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

Archer (FXX)
A popular animated spec. Too popular at this point.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – They completely reinvented themselves, which is both a good and bad thing for specs.

The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Seven seasons and counting should be enough to keep you away.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The show isn’t going anywhere, but neither will your spec.

Community (NBC)
Dan Harmon is back, but the field is too crowded with Community specs at this point to be worth your investment.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Six seasons and a movie.

Cougar Town/The Middle (ABC)
A change of network for the former couldn’t have come at a better time. Both series are not that watched, but are surprisingly popular in spec-world.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Decent numbers, I guess.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FXX)
Don’t try to compete in this arena.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – New network means new lease on life.

Louie (FX)
Considered by many to be one of the best comedies on TV for so long now, which made it a very popular alternative spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Mo’ seasons, mo’ problems.

Modern Family (ABC)
You could create ten seasons of content with all the Family specs floating around.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It will outlast us all.

Parks and Recreation (NBC)
Peaked last year, and is now definitely not the smartest choice.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – They shook things up with the departure of, literally, two major characters. Although it could be a good thing for the show, it isn’t for your spec.

Raising Hope (FOX)
Raising Hope has become very popular as the “small but not too small” comedy to spec. In other words, this will probably its final year before being considered over-specced.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It’s the final countdown.

Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Good lord.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Yeah, no.

Wilfred (FXX)
Perhaps once a novel idea for an atypical spec, Wilfred has now become quite popular as a spec contender.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – New season later this year. Will it be the last?

Mainstream

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

Girls (HBO)
If you want to vent about your first-world problems, you now have the perfect show.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Don’t forget the nudity.

House of Lies/Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
Both are well-recognized at this point to be strong contenders.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The real challenge is finding something fresh to talk about.

Mike & Molly (CBS)
Your best bet for an established multi-cam.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Besides the situations having been recycled from every show ever, you may have something.

The Mindy Project (FOX)
As long as you realize you’re not the first person to spec this show…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …you can go ahead and write for this new New Girl.

New Girl (FOX)
Pretty much the dominant single-cam spec for relationship shows.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Plenty of awkward situations to milk.

Shameless (Showtime)
It should be considered a drama given its length, but I’m a rebel.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Showtime ain’t letting this one go.

Suburgatory (ABC)
Slowly taking the place of Raising Hope as the cutesy under-rated family comedy.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Are the ratings any good?

Two Broke Girls (CBS)
Will you be the rebel taking on racist jokes?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It has leveled off.

Veep (HBO)
Iannucci’s quick-fire dialogues are very difficult to mimic, much less surpass. But if you have the chops…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …go for it.

Wild Cards

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

Bob’s Burgers (FOX)
The Archer alternative.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Under-rated by most, watched by some.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (FOX) *
The new hit on the block. Clearly a front-runner to be next year’s top spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It is a critics fave, but also has shaky ratings.

The Crazy Ones (CBS) *
A single-cam on CBS?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The timeslot switch may prove problematic.

Mom (CBS) *
If Mom continues on, it will probably end up being the go-to multi-cam to spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A strong showing for CBS’ latest multi.

The Neighbors (ABC)
There are better options for single-cams.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Still living off average numbers.

Orange Is The New Black (Netflix)
Another category-ambiguous dramedy which has nonetheless become a hit (or so Netflix says). The question now becomes if you can match the quality.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Season 2 is about to premiere.

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.

Episodes (Showtime)
You never want to go full meta…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …which could be a problem with this show.

The Goldbergs (ABC) *
A freshman series not panned by critics?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Got picked up for a full season, but I’d wait until a renewal.

The League (FXX)
Still overlooked, which means if you nail it with the right reader, you could be noticed.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Getting crazier by the season.

The Millers (CBS) *
A Survivor winner is on the writing staff, so how bad could it be?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Definitely on the hot seat.

Gamblers

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

Anger Management (FX)
Why?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Only 600 episodes to go.

Childrens’ Hospital/NTSF:SD:SUV/Eagleheart (Cartoon Network/Adult Swim) *
Once again, a very odd and unique choice for shows to spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Good luck predicting where they’re heading to next.

The Exes/Hot In Cleveland (TV Land) *
Can you name five different unrelated people that watch these shows?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Yeah, I didn’t think so.

Legit/Workaholics (FXX/MTV) *
Starting to gain momentum, but still obscure enough that you’d gamble on people reading it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Probably not going anywhere.

Men At Work/Sullivan & Son (TBS)
Not widely seen means not widely read.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – TBS doesn’t have many options.

Another record year for the spec list with 42 comedies this time around. To put that into perspective, the WB Writers’ Workshop is only accepting 33 comedies this year.

Critical faves Louie, Modern Family and Parks & Rec have moved away, and Raising Hope was recently canceled, which means it’s time for some new blood.
Despite the departure of these major shows to spec, you can see other hot series becoming increasingly popular; not the least of which is Mindy, very popular ever since it premiered last year. With Archer gone (or at least reinvented), Bob’s Burger has taken its place as the go-to animation spec.
Premium cable still offers a strong showing, with Girls, House of Lies and Veep topping the list.
And let’s not forget Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which is sure to become the hottest “must-spec” freshman series in years.

Click here for the Drama Spec Script list.