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Posts tagged as “Showtime”

Drama Spec Script 2019 – What is hot and what is not

Like every year, it is now time to review the popularity of TV shows to spec.
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 only.
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
New planet, new stories.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Humanity destroying itself is a repetitive cycle.

The Affair (Showtime) *
Type: Serialized relationship drama
A show trying to reinvent itself with one final time jump.
Longevity: ★★★★ – It’s the last season either way.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC)
Type: Fantasy/action procedural
Agents assemble.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – In season seven, filmed back-to-back. Thanks to contract negotiations.

American Horror Story (FX) *
Type: Serialized horror
An anthology with little rhyme or reason.
Longevity: ★★★★ – How can you write a spec for this?

Arrow/The Flash (The CW)
Type: Action/fantasy procedural
Years of popularity have led it to be a classic pick.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – An end is just a beginning.

Better Call Saul (AMC)
Type: Crime drama
Still a choice for your traditional premium cable character drama.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Will you distinguish yourself from all other Sauls?

The Blacklist/MacGyver (NBC/CBS)
Type: Action procedural
I challenge you to use a lighter and a candy bar in your spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Even better if you make them explode.

Black Mirror (Netflix) *
Type: Science-fiction anthology
Writing a pilot might be a better option at this point.
Longevity: ★★★★ – There’s no real longevity for something that can easily be a standalone original.

Blindspot (NBC)
Type: Action procedural
Adjust your mirrors.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Reveal a secret new tattoo.

Bosch (Amazon)
Type: Serialized dramas
With a name like that, you’d think we were talking about a dishwasher.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – But it’s a cop drama, so you’re better off.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend/Jane the Virgin (The CW) *
Type: Family dramedy
Aging out…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …but with spin-offs on the way in.

Elementary (CBS)
Type: Police procedural
Did you know the size of the brownstones on the show were praised by some critics?
Longevity: ★★★★ – Concluding.

Empire (FOX)
Type: Family soap
Touchy subject.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – No comment.

Game of Thrones (HBO)
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
Spoiler alert: everyone dies.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Wait for the prequel.

Gotham (FOX)
Type: Superhero procedural
I’m Batman.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – ‘Tis the end.

Grey’s Anatomy/How to Get Away with Murder (ABC)
Type: Prime-time soaps
They’ve transcended the notion of case of the week.
Longevity: ★★★★ – On and on and on and on.

Hawaii Five-0/NCIS:LA/NCIS:NOLA (CBS) *
Type: Police/Action procedural
Accepted by middle-America, not accepted by most writing programs.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Both always speccable and never speccable.

Homeland (Showtime) *
Type: Serialized thriller
Has really become unwanted.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Nope.

iZombie (The CW)
Type: Fantasy crime procedural
Take one last bite out of it if you can, otherwise don’t.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It’s the final countdown.

Ray Donovan/Shameless (Showtime) *
Type: Family drama
Is this the walk of shame I’ve heard so much about?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It’s Showtime so Ray will probably last for another decade or two.

Stranger Things (Netflix)
Type: Serialized period drama
Burned bright and fast.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Write about your next D&D campaign.

Suits (USA)
Type: Light procedural
Something about royals.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Tune in for the Gina Torres spin-off.

The Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Ensemble/horror drama
It’s a soap opera with blood, what more could you ask for?
Longevity: ★★★★ – Coherent plot?


Mainstream

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

13 Reasons Why/Ozark (Netflix)
Type: Serialized drama
Mixed reception for both, but that brings a lot of potential.
Longevity: ★★★★ – They’ll continue being on thanks in part to the press they get.

Billions (Showtime)
Type: Serialized drama
Email me for my Venmo.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Make it rain.

Big Little Lies (HBO)
Type: Family drama
First world problems.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Merryl Streep will get an Emmy and the episodes haven’t even aired yet.

The Chi (Showtime)
Type: Drama
Is this a show about the vital force forming part of any living entity in traditional Chinese culture?
Longevity: ★★★★ – Wait, wrong pronunciation.

Chicago Fire/Chicago Med/Chicago PD (NBC)
Type: Action/medical procedural
Can’t wait for Chicago Endgame.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Thanos was awesome.

The Crown (Netflix)
Type: Period drama
A refreshed cast with refreshed stories.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Will last as long as the Queen’s reign. In a manner of speaking.

Fargo (FX)
Type: Crime drama
Huge gaps between seasons allows it to maintain its position.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – We shall see how long that lasts.

Fear the Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Serialized survival horror
Zombies with more family.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – AMC isn’t afraid of money.

The Good Fight/Star Trek: Discovery (CBS All-Access) *
Type: Legal/science-fiction drama
Big shows, yet one ain’t a go-to.
Longevity: ★★★★ – An OTT trying to define its impact, meaning they’ll be picked up until the creatives have had enough (or they get too expensive).

The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Type: Dystopic drama
Too depressing for me to watch.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Also too real.

Into the Badlands (AMC) *
Type: Serialized drama
Fun action drama which is sadly not as accepted as it should.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Writing those fight setpieces might be complicated though.

Killing Eve (BBC America)
Type: Serialized police drama
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Excited for the second season.

Legends of Tomorrow/Supergirl (The CW)
Type: Action/Fantasy procedural
The now-established major forces of the DCWU.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Might be their last season at this level.

Lucifer (Netflix)
Type: Police/supernatural procedural
One of multiple devil-based dramas on the air.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Brought back from the dead by an OTT.

Madam Secretary (CBS)
Type: Political drama
Never reached the popularity of The Good Wife, but still endures.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – If only she became president.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon)
Type: Period dramedy
One of the best shows on the air, hands down. Good luck writing that dialogue.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – No reason to think Amazon is going to get rid of its golden show anytime soon.

Narcos (Netflix)
Type: Serialized period drama
Addictive.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Was able to spin itself off, so it can probably go on for a bit.

Peaky Blinders (Netflix)
Type: Period crime drama
Connecting the dots.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Six years later, and another season a long ways away. Seven are expected in total.

Riverdale (The CW)
Type: Teen drama
R.I.P. Luke Perry.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Find the missing episode.

This Is Us (NBC)
Type: Family drama
Get out the kleenex.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A single-tear is forming down my cheek.

Westworld (HBO)
Type: Serialized science-fiction
Abstract metaphysical algorithmic artificial machine learning intelligence.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It took a while for season two to appear. You have some time before year three.


Wild Cards

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

9-1-1/The Resident (FOX) *
Type: Procedurals
What is your emergency?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – No end.

Black Lightning (The CW)
Type: Superhero drama
Expanding the DCWU.
Longevity: ★★★★ – The closest thing to a bubble show out of that group, but still got a renewal.

Bull/Magnum P.I./S.W.A.T./SEAL Team (CBS) *
Type: Procedurals
Another batch of network procedurals not read or accepted widely. The shift is almost complete.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Don’t be afraid of cancellation. Be afraid of innapropriate behavior.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix)
Type: Supernatural drama
Step one: hail satan.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Already renewed deep into our lives.

Claws (TNT)
Type: Workplace drama
Surprisingly subversive.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Renewed and no real dips in sight.

Cloak & Dagger (Freeform)
Type: Superhero drama
A potent combination of soap and grit.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Second season incoming with the first having great ratings for the network.

Goliath/Patriot/Sneaky Pete (Amazon)
Type: Serialized drama
Always on the cusp of breaking big. They have the potential reach.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – As they continue to age, they may never get the chance.

The Good Doctor (ABC)
Type: Medical procedural
He’s both good and a doctor.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Ratings hit and medical drama means long-lasting.

Good Girls (NBC)
Type: Crime dramedy
Mother knows best.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A network dramedy lauded by critics isn’t usually a recipe for everlasting success.

Greenleaf/Queen Sugar (OWN)
Type: Family drama
Bring forth the mysteries.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – They’re both getting long in the tooth, which could force OWN to find other headliners soon.

Jack Ryan (Amazon)
Type: Action drama
Pew pew pew!
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Kaboom!

Krypton (Syfy)
Type: Science-fiction dramedy
Like a prequel to an origin story.
Longevity: ★★★★ – It’s Syfy so it could be both renewed and cancelled.

Legion (FX) *
Type: Serialized superhero drama
There’s a reason it’s not read by most…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …adaptation + unreliable schedule + serialization + minimal episode orders.

Lethal Weapon (FOX)
Type: Police procedural
A one-hour with a lot of comedy makes for a half-decent pick if you need a transitional spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Likely on its way out.

Lost in Space (Netflix)
Type: Science-fiction/family drama
One of the few cable sci-fi shows more commonly accepted.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Perhaps you can add depth to the narrative.

Mindhunter (Netflix)
Type: Crime drama
Almost a how-to guide.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Second season still incoming after a two-year wait. Gap show.

Outlander/Power (Starz) *
Type: Serialized historical/family drama
Finally read after several seasons undervalued. Might be too little too late.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Starz is trying to bring forth its next generation of dramas.

Pose (FX)
Type: Period drama
Ball culture is great, the yuppie story not so much.
Longevity: ★★★★ – The serialization might prove trouble, but you have room to improvise.

Preacher (AMC)
Type: Serialized genre
One man’s quest to find something else.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Low ratings might mean an end after the fourth season.

Succession (HBO)
Type: Family dramedy
Vicious, quippy dialogue. Brings me back to the days of The Thick of It.
Longevity: ★★★★ – A second season is still to be dated, so cash in now.

Whiskey Cavalier (ABC) *
Type: Action procedural
WC? Like Water Closet?
Longevity: ★★★★

You (Lifetime)
Type: Serialized drama
Me.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Us.


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/The Umbrella Academy (Netflix) *
Type: Serialized science-fiction/fantasy
For some reason, serialized science-fiction and fantasy from Netflix doesn’t translate to readership in the spec world.
Longevity: ★★★★ – But given the gap between seasons, you’ve got the opportunity to write something that’ll last for a bit.

American Gods/Counterpart (Starz)
Type: Serialized fantasy/science-fiction
Dead heroes walking.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – One has had massive behind-the-scenes turnover, the other just got canned.

Animal Kingdom (TNT)
Type: Crime/family drama
Now is the time to make some animal sounds or something.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Might be in its fourth season but with a stable audience, there are still options.

Bodyguard (BBC)
Type: Action drama
A mini-series that became a show. Given how the last episodes went…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …can you guess who he’s going to protect next?

Castle Rock (Hulu)
Type: Horror drama
Not to be confused with Casterly Rock.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Every season is themed differently. The next one may bring you some Misery. (Get it?)

Deadly Class/Runaways (Syfy/Hulu) *
Type: Fantasy family drama
Connect the superhero’s problems with an internal family struggle, and you’ve got a recipe for success.
Longevity: ★★★★ – How many issues of the comics are there?

Get Shorty (Epix)
Type: Dramedy
Moviemaking meets gangster.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Barely based on the book, you have ample room for story.

Hanna (Amazon) *
Type: Action/family drama
Eric Bana got traded for Joel Kinnaman.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Amazon poured too much money to let it go this easily.

Homecoming/Sweetbitter/Vida (Hulu/Starz)
Type: Serialized drama
Half-hour dramas are becoming all the rage.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Livin’ la vida loca.

Titans (DC Universe)
Type: Superhero drama
The setup to the new DC Universe.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – New network, new gamble.


Gamblers

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

Doom Patrol (DC Universe) *
Type: Super-hero drama
The show is weird. Alan Tudyk is a villain. Highly recommended.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Lean into the self-referential.

The Expanse (Amazon) *
Type: Science-fiction drama
Quality hard sci-fi. I’m here for it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Thankfully got saved by Amazon, which means it’ll probably last a hot minute.

The Fix (ABC) *
Type: Procedural
Heads-up: it’s not a fix for that bug in your operating system.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Hard to predict off a couple of episodes.

Nightflyers/The Passage/Roswell, New Mexico (Syfy/FOX/The CW) *
Type: Genre drama
Not based on the novel Push by Sapphire.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Mid-season genre shows will always be at risk (and one of the three is already cancelled).

The Order (Netflix) *
Type: Supernatural drama
All hail our binge deity.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Too new, too fresh, too too.

The Orville (FOX) *
Type: Science-fiction drama
A true Star Trek:TNG heir which is actually not that read.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Long season gaps and procedural elements last for a while.


2019 Trends

A gigantic 109 (!) dramas are analyzed on this year’s TV spec script list (compared to 104 last season). We keep expanding the definition of “too much television”, even though, like with half-hours, we’re seeing a level of stagnation.

The breakdown of content between network, linear cable and OTTs is also fairly even, with respectively 39, 37 and 32 dramas for each. Last year saw new entrant CBS All-Access, and this time we have DC Universe. It’s likely that our 2020 drama list will feature even more OTT players (Disney+, Apple+, etc.). They still don’t have more offerings than linear channels when it comes to spec opportunities, but that will undoubtedly change in years to come.

Sci-fi, fantasy, and superhero dramas also have a strong showing, which proves the staying power of genre television. That doesn’t mean they’re as widely read as their more “traditional” drama counterparts. In particular, overt science-fiction series from cable and OTTs (The Expanse, Altered Carbon, The OA, Legion, Star Trek) seem to not get the reads they should. Hard to tell if this trend will continue.
Like last year, we’re continuing to see the popularity of anthology series winding down. However, we’re only months away from new OTT offerings in that format, so things may change soon.

Overall, it’s a whole lot of TV drama on a whole lot of TV platforms. Fragmentation of content may mean more opportunities for some, but also more safe bets on tried auspices. Knowing your voice — and finding the right show to spec to fit that voice — is as crucial as ever.

Comedy Spec Script 2019 – What is hot and what is not

Like every year, it is now time to review the popularity of TV shows to spec.
Dedicated posts will be made respectively for the best comedies (half-hour) and the best dramas (one-hour).
As the title says, this post is all about the comedies.
In addition, you’ll also find (when available) a script for the corresponding show for educational purposes only.
Canceled or dead shows have been removed since last season’s spec list.

NOTE:
Given Warner Bros’ 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

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.

American Dad/Bob’s Burgers/Family Guy/South Park (FOX/Comedy Central)
Never count them out.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Because they’re still airing.

Archer (FX)
The show has rebooted itself more times than tech support.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Ten seasons and a movie?

The Big Bang Theory (CBS) *
Pass.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Final season.

Black-ish/Fresh Off the Boat (ABC)
Not as “fresh” as it once was.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Still plenty of stories to tell. The question is how long you have.

BoJack Horseman/Rick & Morty (Netflix/Adult Swim)
Adult animation + good writing = high bar.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Bring the meta.

Broad City (Comedy Central) *
Cool show, but not as cool of an acceptance rate.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Another comedy airing its last episodes.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (NBC)
The precinct that was promised.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Saved by the bell.

The Goldbergs/Modern Family/Mom (ABC/CBS)
It’s all in the family.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – How many more stories can you cook up?

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FXX) *
Longest-running live-action sitcom in American TV history.
Longevity: ★★★★ – I mean damn.

Master of None (Netflix)
It might be surprising to see Master still included…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …however we’re now entering an era of shows with longer breaks between seasons. Plus, still widely accepted.

Silicon Valley (HBO)
What’s your stake?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Delayed final season until 2020, so you’ve got another year or two.

Transparent (Amazon)
Welp.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Kind of still on the air? But then again, what is the air.

Veep (HBO)
More integrity than the real world equivalent.
Longevity: ★★★★ – A few episodes remain for a final presidential term.


Mainstream

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

Atlanta (FX)
No comment needed for a now-iconic series.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Another show with large gaps between years, allowing a more evergreen spec approach.

Barry (HBO)
Big entry for Barry, which wasn’t even on the board last year and is already in its second season.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Will last as long as Bill Hader wants it to.

Big Mouth (Netflix)
Strong showing from a series considered a Gambler only a year ago.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Dig into your past traumas for maximum laughs.

Dear White People/Glow (Netflix)
Easily among the best OTT dramedy choices.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Not as evergreen as they were a year or two back.

Fleabag (Amazon)
A play which became a British show which became an American darling.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Very limited number of episodes and elongated airdates can allow a spec to last a lot longer than usual.

Fuller House/One Day at a Time (Netflix)
Family multicams on an OTT service. Not something you’d think of a decade ago.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – One is mired in scandals, the other just got cancelled. But maybe there is hope?

The Good Place (NBC)
Considered by many to be one of the best single cams on the air.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A lower longevity if only for its continuous bubble status and heavy serialization.

Grace and Frankie (Netflix)
Aging gracefully.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Six seasons and counting.

Grown-ish (Freeform)
Strong pick for a young adult single-cam.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Already renewed for a third season.

Insecure (HBO)
One of the hottest cable single-cams out there.
Longevity: ★★★★ – And with good reason.

Life in Pieces (CBS)
The other Modern Family.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Four years ain’t nothing to sneeze at.

Santa Clarita Diet (Netflix)
I’m hungry.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Make sure to watch the third season which is coming out any second.

Schitt’s Creek (Pop)
An indie Canadian show that slowly built its fanbase.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – But yet another show ending soon.

Speechless (ABC)
insert joke about noises
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Three seasons in tow with middling ratings might prove problematic beyond a final renewal.

Superstore (NBC)
Are you on Cloud 9?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Many products will be sold as it will soon go into its fifth season.

Will & Grace (NBC)
A few years ago, this would have been a stunt spec.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Now, it’s staying on the air.

Young Sheldon (CBS) *
A network single-cam that is shockingly not widely accepted, despite its popularity.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – With Big Bang ending, they need to keep the lights on somehow.


Wild Cards

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

A.P. Bio (NBC)
Initially farring a lot better than other newer network single-cams…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …but it barely started its second season with low ratings. Who knows what will happen from there.

Better Things (FX)
Proved it could go on to better things despite its C.K. issues.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Three seasons of a lower-key character comedy means you need to dig deep.

Casual/Catastrophe (Hulu/Amazon) *
One is accepted, the other is not.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Hulu means question mark, while Catastrophe is living its last life.

Divorce (HBO)
A very specific experience.
Longevity: ★★★★ – You’ve got time before its third year.

The End of the F***ing World (Netflix)
Potentially a hard choice to spec narratively, but it’s freely available.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Nobody expected a second season.

High Maintenance (HBO)
Budding spec choice.
Longevity: ★★★★ – See what I did there?

The Last O.G. (TBS)
A family comedy if anything else.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Strong ratings, but its network means more unpredictability than expected.

Search Party (TBS)
Yet another “years between seasons” show…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …allowing specs to last longer.

Splitting Up Together (ABC)
Punny title.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A network show with dwindling viewership may mean trouble.

The Tick (Amazon)
Featured on your WonderCon badge.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Pick up one of the comic issues.


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.

American Housewife (ABC) *
You’d think a network comedy in its third season would be more read than this.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Never got to reach a higher status as it continues to age.

Angie Tribeca (TBS)
This brings me back to the days of NTSF:SD:SUV::.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Very unique release schedule.

Atypical (Netflix)
Mixed choice since it isn’t a clear-cut pick as a classic comedy.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Changed things around for its second year.

Baskets (FX)
Smile time.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Clowning itself into another season.

Black Monday (Showtime) *
Amazing cast.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Very low ratings could spell trouble.

The Detour (TBS)
Not a show you’d expect to be as widely read, and yet.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Can you believe it’s already on season four?

On My Block (Netflix)
Throwback to friendship.
Longevity: ★★★★ – You’d think Netflix would guarantee its safety, but with all its weird cancellations, you can never be sure.

Paradise PD (Netflix)
Sizzling takedowns with a great cast.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Will it surpass the shadows of BoJack and Big Mouth?

She’s Gotta Have It (Netflix)
Hot and new, which means not as widely accepted.
Longevity: ★★★★ – If it fits your voice though, you may be in luck.

Younger (Paramount Network)
We’re getting older though.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Network move, coupled with entering a sixth season.


Gamblers

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

Kidding (HBO) *
Quirky show with a very unique tone, putting off some reads.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Renewed for a second season and only ten episodes under its belt.

Man With a Plan/The Ranch (CBS/Netflix) *
Old-school multicams. Very, very old-school.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Still going, it seems.

PEN15 (Hulu) *
Let me spell it out on your arm.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Who knows with Hulu’s future.

Russian Doll (Netflix) *
Bend your mind.
Longevity: ★★★★ – You can’t really grade a longevity of this, but Netflix got the word of mouth.

Schooled (ABC) *
A spin-off that could make its way up.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Barely started.

Shrill (Hulu) *
We stan Aidy.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Another Hulu question mark.


2019 Trends

“Peak TV” for half-hours may be coming to an end — or at least a holding pattern.
This round, we’ve got a whopping 67 different comedies listed and reviewed. It is a lot, but considering that last year we had 63 ranked, this might signify a level of stagnation in the number of half-hours (after huge increases year-over-year in prior lists).
When everyone talks about the beginning of the end of Peak TV for comedies, remember you heard it here first.

Another interesting tidbit: we’ve got a dead heat in number of shows between traditional networks (22 half-hours), linear cable (21 half-hours), and OTTs (21 half-hours). That’s a lot of offerings and avenues, split fairly evenly. A staggering difference from the past, when networks and traditional cable held a distinct advantage. We’re also seeing the arrival of a bunch of niche networks, like Paramount Network and Pop.
Revivals may also be dwindling, with shows like Fuller House and One Day At a Time aging faster than expected (if not outright cancelled). Meanwhile, we have a ton of spin-offs and very unique dramedies (Paradise PD, Shrill, Black Monday).

The biggest thing to note however is the “evergreen” status of older cable/OTT comedies, like Master of None, Fleabag, or Search Party. They may not produce new content, but long gaps between their seasons means they offer a staying power as a spec choice that network comedies can’t match.
There’s an uncertainty to when shows get cancelled, but when they’re on, they’re staying on. Great news for your next spec.

Drama Spec Script 2017 – 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 fellowships, 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.

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.

The 100 (The CW)
Type: Serialized science-fiction drama
The world is on the brink of nuclear annihilation thanks to some fools. As for The 100, it’s in a better predicament.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Already renewed for a fifth season so you know you’re good if you can find the perfect evergreen story. Good luck with that.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC)
Type: Fantasy/action procedural
RIP Bill Paxton.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Game over man.

The Americans (FX)
Type: Serialized historical thriller
One of the greatest dramas on the air means it’s one of the greatest spec choices on the air.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Also let’s not forget it just got a sixth and final season for next year.

American Horror Story (FX) *
Type: Serialized horror
I’m scared for you.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Can you even?

Arrow (The CW)
Type: Action/fantasy procedural
Why you’d pick it above any of the other CW shows boggles my mind.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – At least you could change it into an episode of Iron Fist.

Bates Motel (A&E)
Type: Serialized family drama/horror
One of your last shots to get a spec in for this one.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Especially if you want to write for Rihanna.

Better Call Saul (AMC)
Type: Crime drama
So popular as a spec sample that it has to give way to fresh faces.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Still could go on a while depending on serialization.

The Blacklist (NBC)
Type: Action procedural
Everyone’s go-to action spec has a replacement.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Look on down.

Bones/Castle/Elementary (FOX/ABC/CBS)
Type: Police procedural
Can you believe David Boreanaz has been Castle longer than he was on Eli Stone?
Longevity: ★★★★ – Finals incoming.

Empire (FOX)
Type: Family soap
Admittedly there aren’t many FOX soaps to choose from, but this one is so popular it can be considered on the verge of release (date).
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Good luck keeping up.

Game of Thrones (HBO) *
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
There’s a reason why it’s not accepted by all.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Not sure if serious or hasn’t read the books.

Grey’s Anatomy/Scandal (ABC)
Type: Prime-time soaps
Still not as crazy as the real world.
Longevity: ★★★★ – As always, the trick is fitting within the show.

Hawaii Five-0/NCIS:LA (CBS) *
Type: Police/Action procedural
Barely accepted as show choices should give you a good indication of why it’s here.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – That and their season run.

Homeland (Showtime)
Type: Serialized thriller
I’m more scared of why you have a new terrorist threat in your mind.
Longevity: ★★★★ – 2019 will be its end.

House of Cards/Orange Is The New Black (Netflix)
Type: Serialized political/relationship drama
Netflix has so much other content it’s a wonder why these two are still so popular.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Possibly because they got those Peabody Awards to show for it.

Major Crimes (TNT)
Type: Procedural drama
Crazy to think its predecessor was cable’s highest rated drama.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Yes, the spin-off is still on the air.

Masters of Sex (Showtime)
Type: Serialized historical drama
There are a few other Sho choices (shoices?) out there if you want to bust out your spec muscles.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Obligatory sexual innuendo.

Nashville (CMT) *
Type: Musical/Family drama
Change of network incidental to its change of placement. Still over the road.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Check out its aftershow NashChat for some ideas. I’m not making this up.

Once Upon A Time/The Originals/The Vampire Diaries (ABC/The CW)
Type: Fantasy drama
Tough choice for fantasy fans since there are no decent alternatives besides some of CW’s newest.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Still have run for ages.

Orphan Black (BBC America)
Type: Serialized science-fiction drama
The good news is Tatiana Maslany finally got an Emmy nom.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The bad news is its fifth season is also its final one.

Ray Donovan/Shameless (Showtime)
Type: Family drama
New placements for two of the strongest cable contenders.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – In a way, aren’t we all Ray Donovan and Fiona Gallagher?

Suits (USA)
Type: Light procedural
One of the last blue sky-type USA shows around…
Longevity: ★★★★ – …but for how long?

The Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Ensemble/horror drama
I’d love to see a mumblecore version of the show.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Can you come up with a new foe?


Mainstream

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

The Affair/The Leftovers (Showtime/HBO)
Type: Serialized relationship drama
Unique storytelling methods leads to unique specs.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Obligatory comment that one is on Showtime so it’ll continue for a while, while the one on HBO will end on its terms.

Black Mirror (Netflix) *
Type: Science-fiction anthology
A real cheat since you could make it as much a pilot as a stand-alone episode…
Longevity: ★★★★ – …which means it’s as evergreen as it gets (as long as it’s accepted).

Blindspot (NBC)
Type: Action procedural
If you missed out on Blacklist, you got your replacement.
Longevity: ★★★★ – As many tattoos as episodes.

Bloodline (Netflix)
Type: Serialized family drama
Surprisingly popular choice. I say surprising because we’re talking about a show…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …going into its final third season, plus has an ongoing serialized narrative.

Chicago Fire/Chicago Med/Chicago PD/Code Black (NBC/CBS)
Type: Action/medical procedural
Straight procedurals are straight proceduring.
Longevity: ★★★★ – As long as they don’t get rid of your characters, I guess anything can work.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW) *
Type: Romantic musical dramedy
Transparent is a comedy as much as Ex is a drama. Great choice for those in the middle.
Longevity: ★★★★ – *sings a song about speccing*

Daredevil/Jessica Jones (Netflix)
Type: Serialized superhero drama
A slightly edgier/mature bend to the genre equals solid picks for your action/noir style.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Well established characters also makes this an easy sell.

Fargo (FX) *
Type: Crime drama
Anthology means difficult to pin down.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – At least the third season is finally premiering.

Fear the Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Serialized survival horror
It’s like The Walking Dead with more family drama.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Also less shooting.

The Flash/Legends of Tomorrow/Supergirl (The CW)
Type: Action/Fantasy procedural
Pretty much the most popular picks for mainstream genre samples.
Longevity: ★★★★ – And they have a clear formula to boot.

Gotham (FOX)
Type: Superhero procedural
Not as flashy as the CW DC picks (no pun intended), and perhaps a slightly less “genre” choice if that is your style.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Also in its third season, potentially going into its fourth if it gets the renewal.

Halt & Catch Fire/Into the Badlands (AMC) *
Type: Serialized drama
Big potential for the latter once reads get started. The former already has built-in traction.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Final season, meet second year.

How to Get Away with Murder/Quantico/Scorpion (ABC/CBS) *
Type: Legal/action/thriller procedural
You’ll be surprised at the verbiage used in the prose.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Even if renewed, storylines are being burned like hotcake.

iZombie/Jane the Virgin (The CW)
Type: Horror/family dramedy
Popular choices all around. There’s wisdom in crowds.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Plenty of potential beyond their aired seasons.

The Knick (Cinemax) *
Type: Serialized historical medical drama
Constantly surprised at the legs on the show.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – But we’re still waiting on a new season.

Lucifer (FOX)
Type: Police/supernatural procedural
The true successor to the Castle/Bones “quirky guy with cop” duo. Plus it’s funny.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Renewed for a third season of 22 episodes, so much story indeed.

Madam Secretary (CBS)
Type: Political drama
Still not written as widely as The Good Wife specs were, but can still hit the beats.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Although the material may be tough to write without seeming too realistic.

Mr. Robot (USA Network)
Type: Serialized thriller
Very popular “edgy cable drama” choice now that Breaking Bad is long gone.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Do I need to explain the twists?

Scream Queens (FOX)
Type: Procedural drama
Not quite as popular as other Ryan Murphy shows, but the option is there.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Still in consideration for renewal, plus crazy pace, means it may not be as safe as being on that show.

UnReal (Lifetime)
Type: Serialized drama
Redefined a network while offering a new tone.
Longevity: ★★★★ – There’s plenty of meat in reality.


Wild Cards

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

American Crime/American Crime Story (ABC/FX) *
Type: Serialized crime/legal drama
Two anthologies which may prove tricky to spec, yet still will be chosen as samples like Black Mirror and American Horror Story.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Complete wild cards in terms of longevity considering they have unique schedules, unique approaches, and, well, they’re seasonal anthologies.

Billions (Showtime)
Type: Serialized drama
No Homeland in popularity.
Longevity: ★★★★ – It’s Showtime so it’ll run a while. There, I said it again.

Bosch/The Man in the High Castle/Mozart in the Jungle (Amazon) *
Type: Serialized dramas
Still a tough spot for the Amazon dramas, which still aren’t as widely seen as cable counterparts.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – At least the full season releases allows you to plug in your spec in a specific place.

The Catch (ABC)
Type: Romantic/thriller drama
Not as popular as most of Shondaland’s slate, but still a viable option depending on your style.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Shondashow means story burning.

Lethal Weapon/Rosewood (FOX) *
Type: Police procedural
One is new (which means hard to get read), the other is still relatively untapped.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Slowly dripping stories.

Luke Cage (Netflix) *
Type: Action/superhero drama
On the cusp of joining Daredevil and Jessica Jones, but still recent enough (and not as popular).
Longevity: ★★★★ – Won’t have a second season before the Defenders, which may bring interesting choices in spec stories.

Narcos/Stranger Things (Netflix)
Type: Serialized period drama
Shows in the zeitgeist tend to be very popular, which places both of those Netflix picks high on this list.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Don’t get stuck in the upside-down.

Riverdale (The CW) *
Type: Teen drama
Bank on this one gaining real traction. Well, once the show is being read.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Especially with its fast renewal.

This Is Us (NBC) *
Type: Family drama
The new Parenthood spec.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Don’t forget to include a tear-friendly twist at the end of your episode.

Timeless (NBC) *
Type: Time-travel procedural
One of the few non-CW genre shows that will probably become a go-to choice…
Longevity: ★★★★ – …if it can survive the years.


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.

Animal Kingdom (TNT)
Type: Crime/family drama
A TNT show with traction, if only because of its accessibility.
Longevity: ★★★★ – What’s your power play?

The Crown/The OA (Netflix) *
Type: Serialized drama
One is a period with a new direction for its second season (not focused on Queen Elizabeth), the other one is a pure fever dream…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …making them both very hard to spec.

Greenleaf/Queen Sugar (OWN)
Type: Family drama
Much like UnReal and Mr. Robot before them, these new premium entrants have redefined a network.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Turnaround so fast they’re already in their second season.

Humans (AMC)
Type: Science-fiction drama
Lesser known option on the AMC front, which could be ripe for an upset.
Longevity: ★★★★ – The second season just aired and it’s a British co-production, so hard to guess in the distance. The original only had two seasons though.

The Night Shift (NBC)
Type: Medical procedural
Another lesser known show compared to its Dick Wolf alternatives.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – About to enter its fourth year. Will it be DOA?

Outlander/Power (Starz) *
Type: Serialized historical/family drama
Starz shows have a tough time breaking out of their niches, despite their potential for great specs.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Renewed deep in the years.

The Path (Hulu)
Type: Serialized drama
Interesting choice which has put Hulu on the map in the drama world.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Jesse has found his way.

Peaky Blinders (Netflix)
Type: Period crime drama
British imports make strange bedfellows.
Longevity: ★★★★ – At least we have a decent idea of when the show will continue.

Underground (WGN) *
Type: Period drama
WGN continues to bring it with this underrated pick, even if not widely accepted as a sample.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Freshly entering its new season.


Gamblers

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

12 Monkeys/Colony/Dark Matter/Killjoys/The Expanse (Syfy/USA) *
Type: Science-fiction drama
A large batch of genre shows which would make great spec fodder, it’s unfortunate that they’re not widely accepted.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Some are ending, some may last a while, but all have ongoing plotlines that may be tough to write for.

The Fall/Happy Valley (Netflix) *
Type: Crime drama
What I meant to say earlier is that British imports make strange specfellows.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – If anything, you never know when they’ll be back.

The Fosters (Freeform) *
Type: Serialized family/workplace drama
The perfect Freeform example of a show running relatively strong, meaning it could serve as a good spec, but sadly its lack of wide acceptance limits the potential.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Bonus point for its release schedule making it last longer than it would otherwise.

The Last Ship/The Librarians (TNT) *
Type: Action/adventure procedural
TNT genre shows are disappointingly never read enough.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Ordered to last a couple seasons so at least you have a deadline.

Legion (FX) *
Type: Serialized superhero drama
New and bright, which means a lot of people will want to spec it soon. Unfortunate then that it isn’t on anyone’s approved list yet.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – How can you keep up?

Outsiders (WGN) *
Type: Serialized drama
Perhaps it will join Underground once it gains ground, but right now it’s still not on the same track.
Longevity: ★★★★ – WGN shows can be cut ruthlessly. At least it got a second season.


2017 Trends

A gigantic 101 dramas (!) are listed on this year’s spec list. That’s right, we’ve broken into the triple digits. Comparatively, last year had about 87 dramas, and the season before “only” listed 68 one-hours. The explosion of content is well underway.

Continuing on last year’s promise, a good chunk of shows are genre-based (sci-fi/fantasy), with The CW holding strong (thanks to its DC slate) and some cable outlets also getting into it like Amazon and Netflix (Stranger Things anyone?).
Despite the huge increase in cable and streaming content, networks are still holding their turf with nearly half of shows coming from their end. It should be noted that virtually all of them are in the over-specced/mainstream categories, meaning that within a couple of seasons cable could rule most of the field.

Regarding picks, only a handful of “safely procedural” shows remain fresh — genre ones (like iZombie, Lucifer or The Flash) or straight serialized dramas (Mr. Robot) seem to be preferred.
There’s also a rising popularity of anthology series in specs (notably Black Mirror and American Crime), which is very likely due to their second life as potential pilots (if the sample fails as a spec).

Ultimately, it seems there are more opportunities than ever to find a spec sample that tonally matches perfectly with an original sample. Whether or not they’re worth their longevity is another question.