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Pilot Pick-Up Review (CBS) – 2011-2012 Season

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.

It’s CBS’ turn, world of the procedural and classic comedies.
This season, they are keen to find a medical drama that will work for them, while slowly moving towards more character-driven shows. On the comedy front, multi-cameras are still more present than ever, especially the ones centering around a male lead.

Dramas (One-hour)
The Doctor (Rina Mimoun)
Logline: A dramatic series centering on a woman who abandoned her career as a doctor to be a stay at home mom. Thirty years on, she has no regrets. But when she’s widowed, she’s inspired to return to medicine to carry on her deceased husband’s practice. The catch is that she not only needs to complete her medical residency, but her adult kids (one of whom is a surgeon and the other of whom is a recovering addict) are ambivalent about her choice.
With: Eva Amurri, Michael Boatman, Scott Foley, Christine Lahti, Kyle MacLachlan
My thoughts:
I feel lukewarm about the script. A few elements seem downright weird. The deceased husband’s partner in the company gives away one of his patients’ charts to Lahti’s character just like that. Doctor/patient confidentiality anyone?
It’s interesting that CBS is going with a lead in her 60s (plus it’s Christine Lahti’s big return to television), but it makes the show even more realistic so good for them.
Going to series? Tough choice. The concept isn’t strong to pull in viewers, but Lahti’s big return to television might be enough for CBS to strongly consider the project.

Untitled Susannah Grant
Logline: A dramatic series centering on a doctor whose life changes when his colleague dies and gives him life lessons from beyond the grave.
With: Julie Benz, Jennifer Ehle, S. Epatha Merkerson, Afton Williamson, Patrick Wilson
My thoughts:
First, don’t be fooled by the terrible logline. I was expecting some boring Ghost Whisperer copy-cat, but this is not it (thankfully). Patrick Wilson is a great casting coup, although his character is downright unlikeable so he’ll need to work his charm.
My main gripe is with the longevity of the concept. He pretty much comes to term with Anna’s ghost by the end of the pilot, so what else is there to explore? It’s an interesting story as a closed oned, but as a show? Difficult to tell.
Going to series? Yes. Despite a somewhat lukewarm logline, the pilot is pretty good and Wilson as the lead seals the deal.

Hail Mary (Jeff Wadlow)
Logline: A dramatic series centering on a pair of detectives in Atlanta, comprised of a single mom from the suburbs who teams up with her murdered son’s best friend who is a small time con artist from the projects who solve the crimes that the cops don’t have time for.
With: Noureen DeWulf, Minnie Driver, Brandon T. Jackson, Enrique Murciano, Stephen Tobolowsky
My thoughts:
I’m assuming this is one show going for the Medium crowd.
It’s kind of weird premise (i.e. mom teams up with black kid to become P.I.), somewhat reminiscent of The Blind Side. The P.I. aspect especially takes a long time to get set up.
Plus, the murder mystery of Driver’s son is pretty much solved in the pilot. It probably should have been a longer arc.
Going to series? Not sure. Driver and Jackson are definitely strong casting bets, but the premise isn’t that noteworthy.

The Rememberer (Ed Redlich/John Bellucci)
Logline: A dramatic series loosely based on the short story The Rememberer by J. Robert Lennon, centering on a female detective for the New York Police Department who never forgets anything thanks to a special ability.
With: Michael Gaston, Poppy Montgomery, Kevin Rankin, Daya Vaidya, Dylan Walsh
My thoughts:
Besides getting the Emmy for worst title ever, this is in many regards a female version of The Mentalist, only less douchey. The introduction to the main character’s abilities is pretty interesting, and you’re not buried in exposition unlike other procedurals, but the case’s conclusion is unsatisfying.
Going to series? It’s CBS’ bread and butter: a cop procedural with a character twist and serialized elements.

Rookies (Richard Price)
Logline: A dramatic series centering on a group of rookie cops working in high crime areas of Manhattan. Their backgrounds are diverse – one is from a family of criminals, another from a family of cops. The others are a former reporter, an immigrant from Afganistan, a retired NBA player and a former Olympian/Marine with whose beauty belies her toughness.
With: Adam Goldberg, Terry Kinney, Judy Marte, Tom Reed, Stark Sands, Leelee Sobieski
My thoughts:
Pretty much the American version of Rookie Blue (and we know how that one fared).
The character archetypes are all over the place, which might be interesting but it’s as if they were all needed–which is not the case.
It’s not a bad show though. Closer to Southland than CBS’ usual cop show, which means…
Going to series? Possibly…as a mid-season show that will get buried in terrible programming and swiftly canceled.

Multi-camera Comedies (Half-hour)
Herd Mentality (Bill Martin/Mike Schiff)
Logline: A multi-camera comedy series based on the life of sports journalist/commentator Colin Cowherd.
With: Danny Comden, Eliza Dushku, Damon Wayans
My thoughts:
Talk about a reach in pilot pick-up. CBS must be really in love with the NFL because, apart from retransmitting the league, this is a sports-driven show that would fit pretty much anywhere else but The Eye. FOX anyone?
I’ll give you the fact that it heavily centers on a couple and the sports talk somewhat takes a back-seat, but it still heavily feels in opposition to what CBS is trying to go for.
Going to series? Hard to imagine. For the reasons I just listed.

Home Grown (Jackie Filgo/Jeff Filgo)
Logline: A multi-camera comedy series centering on a large extended working-class family in the Midwest.
With: Shane McRae, Becki Newton
My thoughts:
Kind of the poor man’s Raising Hope (no pun intended) in multi-cam version. Not really funny and plain overall.
Going to series? Let’s hope not.

Home Game (Warren Bell/Chris Nowak)
Logline: A multi-camera comedy series which is loosely autobiographical for former NFL player Mark Schlereth, centering on an NFL football player who retires from the game and now is spending a lot of time with his all-female family. His testosterone-soaked years in the locker room have made his teen daughters seem like an alien species. But his ignorance of women doesn’t lessen his belief that father knows best, which drives his wife a little crazy.
With: Jenn Proske, Rob Riggle, Constance Zimmer
My thoughts:
Yup, another NFL show, although this one is definitely more family-oriented than the former.
Actually, it pretty much ends up being a classic multi-cam sitcom. Gold territory for CBS one might say.
I’m personally turned off by the show but I’m not middle-America so what do I know.
Going to series? Maybe. It’s obvious they’re trying to get some kind of NFL-related show on the air, and this one is closer to what CBS stands for than Herd Mentality. Whether that’s enough remains to be seen.

Untitled Peter Knight
Logline: A multi-camera comedy series centering on young people in their first jobs in a venture capital firm dealing with their personal and professional lives.
With: Tim Peper, Michelle Trachtenberg, Larry Wilmore
My thoughts:
Nothing groundbreaking there. It’s far from bad but it’s pretty much a typical workplace comedy, only this time with 20 year-olds at the center of it.
Going to series? Doubtful. Feels almost more like an NBC-type comedy than CBS.

Untitled Rob Schneider
Logline: A multi-camera comedy series about a guy who marries a Mexican-American woman with a huge family and has to adjust to never being alone.
With: Lupe Ontiveros, Tony Plana, Rob Schneider, Nadine Velazquez
My thoughts:
I’ll just say it: it’s bad.
Right now, I just feel sorry for Nadine Velazquez for having gone from My Name is Earl to…this.
Whatever you think this show is, it’s worse.
Going to series? *crickets*

Vince Uncensored
Logline: A multi-camera comedy series centering on a man who decides to approach his working and domestic lives more honestly after a life-altering experience.
With: Michael Chiklis, Elizabeth Perkins
My thoughts:
Surprisingly decent. I say surprisingly because we’re talking about a multi-camera (and I’m not a huge fan of those). Plus the premise wasn’t that interesting to begin with. But it works.
I’m still hoping they somehow come to their senses and make it a single-cam.
Going to series? Probably. Chicklis is somewhat of a casting coup considering this is a multi-cam and it certainly doesn’t hurt that Conan O’Brien’s prodco is behind the project (plus veteran writer!).

Single-camera Comedies (Half-hour)
The Assistants (Tucker Cawley)
Logline: A single-camera comedy series centering on a group of four assistants who work for two high-maintenance celebrities.
With: David Henrie, Heather Locklear, T.J. Miller, Lamorne Morris, Emily Rutherfurd
My thoughts:
You might not know this but The N had an extremely similar show back in 2009. Right down to the title.
Now the question is whether this version is good or not.
Well, for one, the script was way too dense. Think one-hour 60-page long.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, the bosses are really unlikeable. And I don’t mean Ari Gold-unlikeable where you love to hate them. No, no. I’m talking so unlikeable you might want to switch channels altogether.
There’s also the question of who they’re targeting with this project. It seems a little too…young for CBS.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy that T.J. Miller is getting some much needed screen time,
Going to series? Possibly. This is one of the only clear-cut comedy concepts they have, but it’s hard to see what existing show can serve as lead-in.

How To Be a Gentleman (David Hornsby)
Logline: A single-camera comedy series loosely based on the book How To Be A Gentleman: A Contemporary Guide to Common Courtesy by John Bridges. The book answers questions of etiquette, such as “should you take a business call on your cellular phone during a dinner date?” The series centers on an uptight guy with an old-fashioned sensibility which makes him a bit of an outsider in today’s society. He’s forced to update his attitudes when the magazine that he writes his etiquette column for gets a new owner, which wants a fresher approach. He gets help from his male friend from high school who owns a gym.
With: Rhys Darby, Kevin Dillon, Dave Foley, David Hornsby, Nancy Lenehan
My thoughts:
Decently funny and definitely going for that young, male-skewing vibe How I Met Your Mother is already angling towards.
Going to series? Yes. Known property, strong casting, and perfect companion to already-existing shows.

Next up in the broadcast world is The CW.

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

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


UPDATED:
A brand new 2019 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.

Comedy Spec Script 2011 – What is hot and what is not

Comedy Spec Script 2011 – 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).
In addition, you’ll also find (when available) a script for the corresponding show.

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.

30 Rock (NBC)
Although still extremely popular, people have fallen somewhat out of love with it. And since so many people are doing it, it’s tough to stand out from the pack with this one.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Sure, the series will probably continue for another couple of seasons, but do you honestly think your new 30 Rock idea won’t become stale fast?

Entourage (HBO)
Finding a fresh and original spec idea for a seven-year-old series about Hollywood is, to put it bluntly, mission impossible.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It’s the final season of the show, so you should probably cash in on your Entourage spec now if you have one. Otherwise, don’t bother starting a new one.

How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
I called last year as the last one HIMYM would be considered mainstream, and beyond the recent two-season pick-up, I stand by my words. The show will enter its 7th season next fall, which pretty much means that, regarding original ideas, it has used most of them.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Still a good training ground as far as faux multi-cam sitcoms go, but as a realistic spec candidate, it really isn’t.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX)
Seven seasons. Need I say more?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – As underlined last year, FX is in the process of renewing its comedy slate, and though it might live on for a few more seasons. There are only so many stories out there.

The Office (NBC)
Stale is the word. Plus, with Steve Carell departing the series by season’s end, the final nail in the show’s spec-coffin has been hit on the head.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Guessing whether NBC cancels The Office sans-Carell next season is a pretty big gamble, but in either case, chances are that with all the changes coming up, any continuity in a spec would be severely compromised.

Two and a Half Men (CBS)
One thing’s for sure: you’re not gonna win by speccing this show.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Two words: Charlie. Sheen.

Weeds (Sho)
Once upon a time, Weeds was set in Agrestic where spec stories could be found. Now? No inherent world, no dice.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The upcoming season is probably going to be the last.

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

The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
This is the ultimate hot multi-cam right now, and with Jim Parsons winning his Emmy, the peak has been reached.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – If you want to spec a classic sitcom hit, your choice has been made.

Community (NBC)
Much debate is made about the viability of a Community spec. Is it too much on the bubble? Is it too meta?
The bottom line is that, despite lukewarm ratings, the show is highly regarded, and not solely for its writing (which is a great way to test your chops). As for the meta elements, they’re a great way to be intelligent without being too clever (it’s a fine line, so be careful). Plus, it was just renewed for a third season.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The parody aspect of the show is already feeling tired for some, but if you can make it work, Community is probably meant for you. The introduction of several serialized elements on the show this season might throw a wrench in the spec-works though.

Modern Family (ABC)
As predicted, Modern Family has matured enough that it is now among the reigning comedies being specced. The recent wave of family comedies currently in development proves once again the giant success the show is. Can I call it a phenomenon?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Two seasons in, still a hit, and everyone trying to copy the formula. Yup, I’d say the show is safe for now. The stand-alone aspect of it is also perfect for long-term spec viability.

Parks and Recreation (NBC)
Not only is it becoming increasingly popular, but Parks & Rec has become even fresher (and better?) with the introduction of Rob Lowe and Adam Scott in the regular cast. New dynamics all around.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It’s almost as if a second life has been given to the show.

The United States of Tara (Sho)
A respected half-hour dramedy that has matured enough to warrant a more mainstream demand.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Showtime isn’t letting go of its strongest Weeds replacement anytime soon.

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

Eastbound & Down (HBO)
Why has Eastbown jumped from being considered a Gambler to a Wild Card? Well for one, it has garnered a lot of steam recently, in every aspect. In addition, its atypical humor has definitely piqued the curiosity of a lot of people, meaning it is fast approaching its apex.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Conflicting reports indicate that the show’s upcoming third season may, or may not, be its last. Tread carefully.

Raising Hope (FOX)
If there’s one live-action hit comedy on FOX, this is it. If you’re into blue-collar atypical family comedies, Raising Hope is probably a good choice. Given its ratings, the show will undoubtedly get bigger next season, not only on TV but also in the spec world.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Already renewed for second season which bodes well for the future of the series.

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.

Archer (FX)
Becoming somewhat of a cult hit, although not that watched. The fact that it’s animation makes it even more of a challenge.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The originality factor is strong with this one.

Cougar Town/The Middle (ABC)
Despite going into their third season next fall, Cougar Town and The Middle can still be considered Outsiders simply because of the low amount of specs made based on them. After all, both are still not that mainstream.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Recently renewed, decent ratings and still a lot of storyline potential.

Nurse Jackie (Sho)
The show is popular, but not like its counterpart, The United States of Tara. The recent award recognitions put Jackie a little more on the map of some people.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Already three seasons and a surprise Emmy victory for Edie Falco should ensure a few more seasons. Its limited episode count also opens up the possibility to more unexplored storylines, or in other words, original spec ideas.

Bored to Death (HBO)
A somewhat underground series that could be hard to spec–or to have someone read.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Solid cast and writing means it should stay on the air, but Bored to Death is a hit or miss show for most people. It won’t necessarily be gone soon but it’s definitely a tough nut to crack.

Hung (HBO)
Similarly to last year, Hung is still a somewhat awkward show to approach, not because of its stories (which now offer plenty of stand-alone opportunities), but mainly due to its lack of visibility.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A third season on its way, although for some people the show is still considered on the bubble beyond that point. Who knows what kind of serialized shake-ups future episodes will bring.

Mike & Molly (CBS)
Another classic multi-cam sitcom, although definitely not as widespread as Two and a Half Men or The Big Bang Theory, especially outside middle-America.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – If Chuck Lorre’s track-record is any indication, this will surely get renewed.

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

The League (FX)
I thoroughly enjoy this show but it’s simply not that widespread (if at all). It is so unknown that no one really specs it, which might be something you’re looking for.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The show was picked up for a third season two months ago, which pushes back a League spec’s death date another year.

The Life and Times of Tim (HBO)
Another (animated) comedy that I like with a huge spec potential, but sadly almost no one watches it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It was recently canceled and subsequently brought back from the dead by HBO. Needless to say, it’s a hazardous show to spec.

This year, FOX (re-)entered the spec market with a newcomer that is certain to make some noise in the following months, while NBC is almost dethroned in the comedy field by ABC (Modern Family is unstoppable). Next season is bound to see a lot of family comedies. Although still with a strong presence, both HBO and FX’s comedies continue to be mostly under-the-radar (the two networks being preferred for their dramas).
Meanwhile, single-cameras continue to overshadow almost entirely multi-cameras (save for Chuck Lorre’s ubiquitous presence). The shift is almost complete.

It’s a strong year for the comedy spec world. A wide array of options are available, so differentiate yourself, not only by the show you chose, but more importantly by your writing.

Click here for the Drama Spec Script list.