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Drama Spec Script 2018 – 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.
Canceled or dead shows have been removed since last season’s spec list.

In addition, you’ll also find (when available) a script for the corresponding show for educational purposes (title will be in red).

NOTE:
Given Warner Bros’ and NBC’s show lists for their fellowship, I have indicated with:
– An asterisk (*) any series that will not be accepted by WB.
– A dagger () any series that will not be accepted by NBC.
Any public update will be reflected on this list.

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 to have become on-the-nose speccers — with a lot of people speccing them)
Wild Cards (soon, everyone will spec these, 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.

The 100 (The CW)
Type: Serialized science-fiction drama
The 10^2
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Can you keep up with the pacing?

The Affair (Showtime)
Type: Serialized relationship drama
My perspective is that it’s past its due date.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – My perspective is different: it’s past its due date. Hold on…

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC)
Type: Fantasy/action procedural
Is that the one with Thanos?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Nevermind, that’s Avengers Assemble.

The Americans (FX)
Type: Serialized historical thriller
Don’t forget to specify which wigs the leads are wearing.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – One last ride.

American Horror Story (FX) *
Type: Serialized horror
I’m scared for you if that’s your spec.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Unless you preemptively make a season premiere episode about the 2018 election, in which case I actually hate you.

Arrow/The Flash (The CW)
Type: Action/fantasy procedural
There are better, fresher superhero choices on this list.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Doesn’t mean these shows won’t last forever.

Better Call Saul (AMC)
Type: Crime drama
Burned as bright as it could.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Expecting a third spinoff any minute to cement the Breaking Bad Televisual Universe.

The Blacklist (NBC)
Type: Action procedural
[opinion redacted] Longevity: ★★★★★ – Does Spader want a sixth kitchen?

Black Mirror (Netflix) *
Type: Science-fiction anthology
How is Black Mirror already overspecced? Well, it’s petty simple: the fact that you can disguise a feature or pilot as a spec episode is very attractive to a lot of writers.
Longevity: ★★★★ – It’s an anthology.

Bosch/The Man in the High Castle/Mozart in the Jungle (Amazon) *
Type: Serialized dramas
Ageing Amazon shows.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Wildcard renewals.

Elementary (CBS)
Type: Police procedural
Morgan Freeman is so underrated.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Yes, it’s still on the air with a full sixth season about to premiere.

Empire (FOX)
Type: Family soap
People couldn’t wait to spec it as soon as it broke big.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Now mostly doing crossovers and continuing its legacy.

Game of Thrones (HBO)
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
Ever heard of this show?
Longevity: ★★★★ – I mean.

Gotham (FOX)
Type: Superhero procedural
Really getting long in the cowl.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Can’t wait until Arnold Schwarzenegger returns.

Grey’s Anatomy/How to Get Away with Murder (ABC)
Type: Prime-time soaps
Coming soon to Netflix.
Longevity: ★★★★ – What’s more insane than any of the past two seasons?

Hawaii Five-0/NCIS:LA/NCIS:NOLA (CBS) *
Type: Police/Action procedural
Widely watched, rarely accepted.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It keeps on keeping on.

Homeland (Showtime)
Type: Serialized thriller
Quite a long ways from where it started.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Eight season planned to be the final nail.

House of Cards/Orange Is The New Black (Netflix)
Type: Serialized political/relationship drama
No comment.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Winding down.

iZombie (The CW)
Type: Fantasy crime procedural
One of people’s fave CW pick outside of their DC slate.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Fourth season currently getting as many viewers as its third year, which may or may not be good news.

Mr. Robot (USA Network)
Type: Serialized thriller
We’re all part of E Corp.
Longevity: ★★★★ – The twist is that the show was dead the whole time.

The Originals (The CW)
Type: Fantasy drama
Once it was the most-watched series on its network…
Longevity: ★★★★ – ..and is now about to conclude.

Ray Donovan/Shameless (Showtime) *
Type: Family drama
Boston and Chicago representing.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Showtime loves to run series deep into their old age, as they currently stand at six and nine seasons.

Suits (USA)
Type: Light procedural
This show is now royalty. Get it?
Longevity: ★★★★ – Renewed without two of its leads, including the protagonist. What.

The Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Ensemble/horror drama
WATCH OUT SOMETHING IS BEHIND YOU
Longevity: ★★★★ – It’s a soap, so it could last for generations.


Mainstream

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

Blindspot (NBC)
Type: Action procedural
She just got re-tattooed…
Longevity: ★★★★ – …time for another decade of stories.

Chicago Fire/Chicago Med/Chicago PD/Code Black (NBC/CBS)
Type: Action/medical procedural
Soon to be joined by Station 19.
Longevity: ★★★★ – As long as people need savin’, these shows will keep comin’.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend/Jane the Virgin (The CW)
Type: Family dramedy
Great shows beget great specs.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Can critical success translate to renewals? Apparently yes.

The Crown (Netflix)
Type: Serialized drama
Pay your lead!
Longevity: ★★★★★ – New cast, new years, new drama.

Daredevil/Jessica Jones/Luke Cage (Netflix)
Type: Serialized superhero drama
There’s a reason I didn’t include Iron Fist.
Longevity: ★★★★ – These three are going long term.

Fargo (FX)
Type: Crime drama
*cue Curb Your Enthusiasm music as an act out*
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The storylines can’t be predicted, the non-linear anthological aspect is all over the place, and a fourth season isn’t happening for another year or two. Definitely a long-term spec.

Fear the Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Serialized survival horror
It’s like Civ but with zombies and family drama and not at all like Civ.
Longevity: ★★★★ – It’s musical chairs over there.

The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Type:
This is us. For real.
Longevity: ★★★★ – How long can it sustain its mirror-like reflection on our reality?

Into the Badlands (AMC) *
Type: Serialized drama
Genre enough to not be read.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Still hasn’t aired its third season, so you have some leeway.

Legends of Tomorrow/Supergirl (The CW)
Type: Action/Fantasy procedural
Passing the torch.
Longevity: ★★★★ – If they can survive scandals, they can survive anything.

Lucifer (FOX)
Type: Police/supernatural procedural
The devil who solves crime on a weekly basis is better than the devil who doesn’t.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Many, many episodes.

Madam Secretary (CBS)
Type: Political drama
Hasn’t caught The Good Wife fervor (probably because The Good Fight took its place), but Madam still remains a decent CBS political drama pick.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Especially since they secured last year a huge multi-platform syndication deal.

Peaky Blinders (Netflix)
Type: Period crime drama
A slow burn that finally broke mainstream.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Might be late in the game as it approaches its fifth year.

Quantico/Scorpion (ABC/CBS)
Type: Action/thriller procedural
Quan2co wasn’t as successful as Quan1co…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …but we’ll have to see how Quan3co performs.

Riverdale (The CW)
Type: Teen drama
Whatever you’re doing, go crazier.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Already creating its cross-platform universe.

Stranger Things (Netflix)
Type: Serialized period drama
Let’s make a story about 2010s shows inspired by the 1980s
Longevity: ★★★★ – Probably ending around its fourth or fifth year, so you’ve got time. At least until they start milking 90s nostalgia.

This Is Us (NBC)
Type: Family drama
Called it last year as the new Parenthood spec. And boy was I right.
Longevity: ★★★★ – I’m already crying because of all the emotional manipulation.

UnReal (Lifetime)
Type: Serialized drama
A fresh third year is giving new life to this industry darling.
Longevity: ★★★★ – How many seasons of The Bachelor have there been?


Wild Cards

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

13 Reasons Why/Ozark (Amazon)
Type: Serialized drama
Two fresh Netflix fares with a lot of momentum to go mainstream.
Longevity: ★★★★ – As long as you capitalize on the emotional pull.

9-1-1/The Gifted/The Resident (FOX) *
Type: Procedurals/Family drama
FOX equivalent of shows with longterm potential…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …or maybe one of them will be nixed.

American Crime/American Crime Story (ABC/FX) *
Type: Serialized crime/legal anthologies
Still on some level small gambles…
Longevity: ★★★★ – …especially given they are seasonal anthologies.

Billions (Showtime)
Type: Serialized drama
I bet they invested in Bitcoin.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Which would explain its continuous renewals despite lukewarm reception and viewership.

Black Lightning (The CW) *
Type: Superhero drama
A new superhero has entered the game…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …and he’s more compelling than most of the previous ones.

Bull/S.W.A.T./Salvation/SEAL Team (CBS) *
Type: Procedurals
Fresh from your nearby screen, so not taken in by fellowships just yet. But just you wait.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Successful CBS dramas. Let me think on that…

Claws/Good Behavior (TNT)
Type: Workplace drama
You wouldn’t think TNT shows would be as big, and yet these two are surprisingly wildly accepted (unlike a lot of its counterparts).
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Knowing the network, if it works, it’ll be a while.

Goliath/Patriot/Sneaky Pete (Amazon)
Type: Serialized drama
Amazon shows may make a small splash when they land, but they sadly have a tough time breaking out.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Mish-mash of successes, although the OTT really wants content no matter what.

The Good Doctor (ABC) *
Type: Medical procedural
The closest thing to a sure long-term spec for first-season newbies, so let’s be honest…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …this one is gonna last a while.

Greenleaf/Queen Sugar (OWN)
Type: Family drama
Right on the verge of breaking mainstream…
Longevity: ★★★★ – …but they may not by the time they end.

Humans (AMC)
Type: Science-fiction drama
Bumped a bump thanks to its (now-)wider readership.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Resistance is futile.

Legion (FX) *
Type: Serialized superhero drama
A really tumultuous acceptance rate in its first season that still isn’t fully overcome. When and if it finally does, it will probably instantly become mainstream.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Still an insane narrative.

Lethal Weapon (FOX)
Type: Police procedural
The one-hour version of a broadcast dramedy…
Longevity: ★★★★ – …which may end up in the can sooner than later.

Narcos (Netflix)
Type: Serialized period drama
Although partnered up with Stranger Things in the last list, the show didn’t pick up as much steam as its other period friend.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Already renewed up to a fourth season, if it can produce itself that far.

Outlander/Power (Starz) *
Type: Serialized historical/family drama
Now more accepted, which bumped both up a notch, but still not as mainstream as fans would like them to be.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Will probably show its age by next year, as it moves to reach fifty episodes.

The Path (Hulu)
Type: Serialized drama
Do you believe?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Praise be to three seasons.

Preacher (AMC)
Type: Serialized genre
Went from a prequel season to actual storylines from the comics…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …which may or may not help you down the line.

Westworld (HBO)
Type: Serialized science-fiction
I’m already predicting this to be the number one searched show on this year’s list. This is poised to garner Game of Thrones-level thirst for specs, albeit being a show people will actually read since it isn’t based on books. For now, it is a wild card per tradition for popular first-season shows.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Impossible to say. Even the writers don’t even know where they are between each episodes.


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.

Altered Carbon/The OA (Netflix) *
Type: Serialized science-fiction/fantasy
One is brand new, the other is still niche enough to alienate some. Still some rungs to climb to be considered viable spec contenders.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Evergreen or serialized spec? Hard choice.

American Gods/Counterpart (Starz) *
Type: Serialized fantasy/science-fiction
If I didn’t add them to this list, these two would have been the most requested shows in comments and emails. The harsh reality is that both series are way too new and not widely accepted to be considered any higher.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Time will tell how much of the behind-the-scene drama influences production and renewals.

Animal Kingdom (TNT)
Type: Crime/family drama
It didn’t bank on the traction it initially had, which means it just had enough to be upped a single step.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – [insert joke about endangered animals and their kindgom]

Ash vs Evil Dead (Starz)
Type: Serialized comedic horror
Shockingly read by many.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Already deep in its third season.

The Fosters (Freeform) *
Type: Serialized family/workplace drama
After all these years, still not widely accepted.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Concluding with a spin-off prequel. Wait, what?

The Good Fight/Star Trek: Discovery (CBS All-Access) *
Type: Legal/science-fiction drama
Wait a minute. How can two of the biggest new shows on TV be placed so low? Reality check: CBS All-Access isn’t watched by many and neither series are currently accepted by most programs.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Beyond that, CBS has gone all-in on these two, so (unless some major behind-the-scene drama happens) you can stick around for them to be right back.


Gamblers

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

Colony/The Expanse (Syfy/USA) *
Type: Science-fiction drama
Basic cable science-fiction has a really hard time breaking on the spec scene, in large part due to its lack of readership.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Always tough to say how many seasons genre can get you.

The Exorcist (FOX) *
Type: Serialized horror
Underrated broadcast drama.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Which also happens to be the definition of a bubble show.

Happy Valley (Netflix) *
Type: Crime drama
Like many other Gamblers this season, it stagnates at this level due to its lack of acceptance.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – British seasons are abstract concepts.

The Last Ship (TNT) *
Type: Action procedural
Yes it’s still on.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – No it’s still not read.

Runaways (Hulu) *
Type: Fantasy family drama
The temptation is strong to go with it, but remember it’s not accepted.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Since this was just a prequel to the real story, I’m sure you got some room for improvement.

Timeless (NBC) *
Type: Time-travel procedural
It could have gone either way last season, but this time around there’s no question about the Timeless status due to its lack of success.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Already got the pleasure of being renewed thanks to its fans. Unlikely it can pull the same feat twice.

2018 Trends

An enormous 104 one-hour shows are tallied on this year’s TV spec script list. We continue breaking new records every time, increasing into triple digits.

For the first time in the list’s history, broadcast networks are being completely overshadowed by cable and OTT. The Big Five have way fewer TV shows accounted for than their cable counterparts (43 against 61). A momentous upset that will probably never be reversed in the foreseeable future. In fact, new entrant CBS All-Access may herald a new era of compartmentalized OTT, strikingly similar to the way cable channels are currently being presented.

This spec crop also presents a large increase in genre shows, with over 35 listed, building on the past few seasons’ trends (including the fresh additions of Altered Carbon, American Gods, Star Trek: Discovery, and Westworld). Unfortunately for their speccers, the number of genre specs read are few and far between: only half of them are being accepted to begin with. Both cable outlets and broadcast are digging their teeth in the format though, so they may become more widely received in years to come.
Conversely, the popularity of anthology series seems to be winding down, in favor of more traditional serialized intimate dramas (like This is Us and even The Crown). It will be interesting to see if their success translate to more personal TV series.

Is more TV better for scripts? Well, it certainly means a more crowded marketplace, with more diverse formats, and more overall content. And with increasingly picky programs, these are all added reasons to write a great spec — as long as you choose the right TV show.

Being a TV Showrunner’s Assistant ft. Sydney Mitchel (NCIS: New Orleans/Outcast) and Zimran Jacob (Marvel’s The Punisher) (PT76)

Alex and Nick invite Sydney Mitchel from NCIS: New Orleans & Outcast, and Zimran Jacob from Marvel’s The Punisher, to discuss the responsibilities, duties, and opportunities of being a TV showrunner’s assistant.

What does the job of a showrunner’s assistant entail? How do you get hired on a show? What does a typical work-day look like? How do assistants communicate with their showrunner? How creatively involved are showrunner’s assistants? What amount of notes and feedback do showrunners get? How can you balance working long hours and writing your own scripts?

The Paper Team gets an in…

SHOWNOTES

Content

Working in television, what a showrunner does, hiring process, duties of a showrunner’s assistant, day-to-day, communicating with the showrunner, creative involvement, shooting and production, post-production, calls and meetings, tips and advice for showrunner’s assistants, balance work and life, future projects (01:01)
Resources and Next Week On (45:20)

Links

Zimran Jacob on Twitter
Sydney Mitchel on IMDb
NCIS: New Orleans airs Tuesdays 10/9c on CBS
Outcast available on Cinemax
Marvel’s The Punisher available on Netflix
“Kevin Pollak To Direct Indie Comedy ‘Swag’” – Deadline

This episode brought to you by Tracking Board’s Launch Pad Writing Competitions

Use code PAPERTEAM to get $15 OFF when you enter a Launch Pad Competition

Special thanks to Alex Switzky for helping us edit this episode.

If you enjoyed this episode (and others), please consider leaving us an iTunes review at paperteam.co/itunes! :)

You can find Paper Team on Twitter:
Alex@TVCalling
Nick@_njwatson
If you have any questions, comments or feedback, you can e-mail us: [email protected]

Drama 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 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.

American Horror Story (FX) *
Type: Serialized horror
Change of location, change of story.
Longevity: ★★★★ – It’s Ryan Murphy.

Bones/Castle (FOX/ABC)
Type: Light police procedural
On their death bed.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Ten seasons later, do you really think you can out-write these shows?

CSI/Criminal Minds (CBS)
Type: Police procedurals
Are you kidding?
Longevity: ★★★★ – You’re kidding.

The Following (FOX)
Type: Serialized police procedural
So much for limited series.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Hard to keep up with.

Game of Thrones (HBO) *
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
Oh, sweet summer child.
Longevity: ★★★★ – The books, they are changin’.

The Good Wife (CBS)
Type: Legal procedural
Reverted all the changes it did last year. Doesn’t mean it’s a good choice.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – One more season to go after this one.

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) *
Type: Medical procedural
Code blue.
Longevity: ★★★★ – It’s dead, Jim.

Grimm/Once Upon A Time/The Vampire Diaries (NBC/ABC/The CW)
Type: Fantasy drama
It might seem odd to pair them together, but they now fit in the same fantasy category (although Once still has a bit more reach). In any case, they’ve all been done by now.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Won’t die soon, but the current plotlines will.

Hawaii Five-0/NCIS:LA (CBS) *
Type: Police/Action procedural
There are better action procedural choices out there.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Not that many twists and turns though.

Homeland (Showtime)
Type: Serialized thriller
How the mighty have fallen.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A new start.

Justified (FX)
Type: Police procedural
I guarantee you’re not the only Justified spec.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Final season.

Person of Interest (CBS)
Type: Action/Science-fiction drama
It used to be a procedural with interesting ideas. It has since become one of the best science-fiction shows on television. Unfortunately…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …they’ve been many changes since.

Revenge (ABC)
Type: Serialized family drama
I’ll lend you my copy of Monte Cristo instead.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It’s a soap!

Royal Pains/Suits (USA) *
Type: Light procedural
Went from low-key to ideal light procedural to spec fast.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A couple seasons and then gone.

Scandal (ABC)
Type: Serialized political drama
Shondaland has better spec choices around.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Oh boy.

Shameless (Showtime)
Type: Serialized family dramedy
Debatable category. Undebatable spec popularity.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Welcome back to the show, that one guy.

The Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Ensemble/horror drama
This show was over-specced by the end of season one.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Don’t worry, everyone you love will die.

Mainstream

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

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC)
Type: Fantasy procedural
Not as big a spec success as one would have thought a year ago. Still a prime choice.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – All the revelations threaten to transform the show into something much more unpredictable.

The Americans (FX)
Type: Serialized historical thriller
The most specced drama around right now. Bar none.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – I guess you could still try.

Arrow/Beauty & The Beast (The CW) *
Type: Action/Fantasy procedural
Still a very popular genre spec coupled with a not-so-well-known series. Either can be good (although they’re standing on their last mainstream leg).
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Assess the character problem first, then find the case.

The Blacklist (NBC) *
Type: Action procedural
A hit for NBC transformed into a formulaic albeit strong procedural show to spec.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Come on. It got the Super Bowl spot.

Elementary (CBS)
Type: Police procedural
Who’s to say it hasn’t become more popular than its British counterpart?
Longevity: ★★★★ – Self-contained stories work wonders.

Hannibal (NBC)
Type: Serialized psychological drama
Extremely popular spec right now, meaning it is likely its final mainstream season.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Hopefully you know the stuff to come.

House of Cards/Orange Is The New Black (Netflix)
Type: Serialized political/relationship drama
Yes, Orange is a drama. Yes, people love speccing Netflix shows.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Yes, a new season is upon us.

Masters of Sex (Showtime)
Type: Serialized historical drama
Surprisingly, this is the premium cable drama getting the most traction out there.
Longevity: ★★★★ – It’s a slow burn.

Nashville (ABC)
Type: Musical/Family drama
Goes under the radar most times, but could be a strong choice…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …assuming you know the relationships well enough.

Sleepy Hollow (FOX)
Type: Fantasy procedural
Has now become the go-to spec when it comes to genre shows. Open up your testaments.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Uneven second season, but a new showrunner is coming up (big changes?).

Wild Cards

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

The 100 (The CW)
Type: Serialized science-fiction drama
Engaging characters, unexpected stories and grey morality makes this a top contender for genre specs.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Good luck keeping up.

Agent Carter (ABC) *
Type: Action-adventure drama
Much more successful in its freshman year than S.H.I.E.L.D. was then. Could fast become a contender…
Longevity: ★★★★ – …once the show actually gets picked for another season.

Banshee (Cinemax) *
Type: Serialized pulp drama
Moving upward as an offbeat genre show.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It’s pulp, meaning lots of movement. Good news is the season’s already over.

Chicago Fire/Chicago PD (NBC)
Type: Action procedural
Dick Wolf is back stronger than ever.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Sweep twists and fires to put out.

Empire (FOX)
Type: Family soap
Talk about a surprise success. One to watch for great specs.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Who knows where the plotlines are going.

The Flash (The CW)
Type: Action/Fantasy procedural
The rightful successor to Arrow. Will definitely grow into a must-spec show by next season.
Longevity: ★★★★ – It’s a super-hero procedural.

Gotham (FOX)
Type: Noir procedural
Batman without Batman! What’s not to love.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Much like Arrow, it’s best to figure out what you want your characters to deal with before coming up with villains.

How to Get Away with Murder (ABC) *
Type: Legal procedural
The Shondaland alternative I was referring to.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Thankfully it has many cases of the week.


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.

The Affair/The Leftovers (Showtime/HBO) *
Type: Serialized relationship drama
It could seem surprising that Affair and Leftovers are so low on the list. Their quality is hard to match, while their popularity is still not that of other cable dramas.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Dangerous territories.

Bates Motel (A&E)
Type: Serialized family drama/horror
Is stuck as a show not many people watch or spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Things could get interesting.

Halt & Catch Fire/Turn (AMC)
Type: Serialized historical drama
Not getting the level of notoriety of previous AMC shows. In other words, fewer specs.
Longevity: ★★★★ – New enough you should be able to find unique stories.

Jane the Virgin (The CW)
Type: Serialized dramedy.
A creative and critical success would make this a great pick for an under-the-radar show to spec.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Potentially at risk when it comes to stories.

The Last Ship/Legends (TNT) *
Type: Action procedural
Not total gamblers if only for their broader spec appeal, even to non-viewers (assuming you do a self-contained case).
Longevity: ★★★★ – Could easily last you a few seasons depending on your focus.

Major Crimes (TNT)
Type: Procedural drama
Still not that widely specced given the network and popularity of the series.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – And this could be your last chance.

The Originals/Reign (The CW)
Type: Serialized fantasy/historical drama
These CW fantasy dramas are staying put for now. More popular genre shows have already proven more popular, both in the number of specs and how well they’ve done.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Twists!

Orphan Black (BBC America) *
Type: Serialized science-fiction drama
Popular online, but outside genre fans (who end up speccing it a lot), it isn’t getting the wide success you’d assume.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Relies heavily on turns.

Rectify/The Red Road (Sundance) *
Type: Serialized drama
Sundance is on the up-and-up with these strong serials. Definitely not people’s top choice, which could work in your advantage…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …or leave you in the dust.

Gamblers

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

12 Monkeys/Defiance/Helix/The Strain (Syfy/FX) *
Type: Science-fiction/Fantasy drama
This may surprise a few, but truth is pure science-fiction dramas, especially serialized, are neither read nor specced that often. Syfy shows (save for a couple exceptions) have also never grown into mainstream spec choices due to low viewership.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Most are serialized. If you figure the formula, go for it.

Backstrom (FOX) *
Type: Crime dramedy
Another shockingly low position for a drama (this time from a network). Unfortunately, the series is not that well known.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Nor is it getting great ratings.

Chasing Life/The Fosters (ABC Family) *
Type: Serialized family/workplace drama
It’s a sad fact that ABC Family series are risky to spec if only because of their very low reach in fellowships. On the plus side, that means less competition.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Try to discern the formula.

Graceland/Satisfaction (USA) *
Type: Action/Relationship drama
Not many people know about these shows, let alone watch them. A very risky bet.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Could go on and on, considering.

True Detective (HBO) *
Type: Serialized police drama
Do you really have to ask?
Longevity: ★★★★ – The second season hasn’t even premiered.

2015 Trends

If you think there are a lot of shows on TV right now, you’d be right.
Count ’em– 68 dramas are on this year’s record-breaking spec list! Yes, it’s a crowded marketplace.

If the comedies had a rough year, the dramas are prospering like bunnies.
Ventures are increasing and so does the variety of low-key serialized fares. Only a few procedurals have a wide enough success that they are worth considering. On the other hand, serialized series get the most choice, but produce much less content to get a good grasp of their formula (if they have one). And then there are the anthologies.
The trend this year with drama specs continues to be “quicker is better”. Second-year shows are already mainstream (Sleepy Hollow, Blacklist), with brand new series not far behind (Empire, Flash, Gotham).

More choices. Better quality. A richer field is at play. However this also means finding the right fit is more problematic. With so many dramas out there, it is now easier than ever to find good shows to spec, yet harder to pick the perfect choice.

Also check out:
TV Writing Fellowships: The Bix Six

Comedy Spec Script list