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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.

The Best Breaking Bad Parodies

The Best Breaking Bad Parodies

We start off our special week with some humor. Like Lost before it, Breaking Bad has had during its five-season run (even more so during its latter years) a ton of parodies. Dramatic series are ripe for the picking.
Here’s a look back at some of the greatest parodies, from the first few seasons until the very end. For science.

ABC’s Breaking Bad – The Sitcom

We start off with one of the oldest parodies around: what if Breaking Bad was an ABC show, and a sitcom on top of that? There’s your answer:

Breaking Bad RPG

There’s no video-game adaptation of the show (yet), so CollegeHumor decided to create their own old-school RPG version of it.

Breaking Swift: ‘We Are Never Ever Gonna Cook Together’

Whether you love, hate, or love to hate Taylor Swift, there’s no denying that this music video is seriously entertaining.

Breaking Abbey

Last year, as the new season of Downton Abbey was about to premiere in the US, The Colbert Report decided to do a great parody of the show, mixing it with the Breaking Bad formula. Special guest stars: a bunch of people.

Breaking Simpsons

In one of the longest couch gags in Simpsons’ history, the animated show decided to do an entire bit parrodying Breaking Bad‘s classic cooking montages.

Breaking Bad: The Middle School Musical

What if a middle school decided to recap five seasons of Breaking Bad, and make it a musical? An instant classic.

Joking Bad (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon)

The latest, and perhaps best Breaking Bad parodies around. This Jimmy Fallon version is actually a fully-fledged short-film featuring cameos by the show’s stars. Gotta end on a high note.

Which is your favorite Breaking Bad spoof?

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

Drama Spec Script 2013 – 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.
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.

Grimm (NBC)
Type: Fantasy procedural
The little show that could. One of the only genre shows still on network TV (let alone NBC), Grimm has been slowly working its way up.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It’s one of NBC’s most solid shows, surprising considering it’s on Friday

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?

Scandal (ABC)
Type: Serialized political drama
Shonda Rhimes’ latest shows pulled the rare feat of increasing viewership during its second season run. The phenomenon is growing by the day.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – If Rhimes’ previous shows are any indication, ABC is going to keep this one up for a while. Careful with the serialization though.

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.