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Posts tagged as “Sundance”

VR Storytelling ft. Michael Masukawa (Secret Location) (PT102)

Alex and Nick invite Michael Masukawa, manager of strategy and business development at Secret Location, to discuss emergent forms of VR storytelling.

What are the unique challenges of developing VR content? How do you work across VR devices? Why is branded content so popular? What does a VR script look like? What makes for a good VR experience? How is VR evolving?

The Paper Team puts on their headsets…

SHOWNOTES

Content

Starting in LA, working in TV development, transitioning from linear scripted stories, challenges of VR content, types of VR, branded content, devices, financing VR, experiences, writing VR, VR distribution, future of VR (00:47)
Final Advice, Resources, and Next Week On (46:32)

Links

Michael Masukawa on LinkedIn
Secret Location
Takashi Miike
Sonar Entertainment
Piller/Segan
Google Cardboard
Oculus Rift
HTC Vive
PlayStation VR
Dear Angelica
Magic Window
Oculus Go
HTC Vive Focus
IMAX VR
The VOID
Blasters of the Universe
Delusion
Oculus Story Studio
Henry
Fable Studios
Penrose Studios
Unity
Unreal Engine
Accounting (VR)
Virtual Virtual Reality
Superhot
Jack

Resources

Voices of VR
Road to VR

This episode brought to you by Roadmap Writers

Use code ROADMAP to get $15 OFF your first Roadmap Writers Program

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 2016 – 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’ rules for their fellowship, I have indicated with an asterisk (*) series that they will not accept specs for (mainly first-season shows). It could be only one of the shows coupled together.

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 Americans (FX)
Type: Serialized historical thriller
Three full seasons as a spec juggernaut means it’s time to call it quits.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Not that we don’t love the show. Fourth season is on its way.

American Horror Story (FX) *
Type: Serialized horror
An anthology series that is so difficult to pin down, some may see it closer to a stunt spec.
Longevity: ★★★★ – If the choice is between a fake season premiere or a stand-alone episode from a past mythology, you’re already on the wrong boat.

Bones/Castle (FOX/ABC)
Type: Light police procedural
Almost about to end.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Almost.

Elementary (CBS)
Type: Police procedural
Too many cops, too many cops…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Sherlock Holmes is immortal.

Game of Thrones (HBO) *
Type: Serialized fantasy drama
The books send their regards.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Well, actually, they don’t anymore.

The Good Wife (CBS)
Type: Legal procedural
Bye, Alicia.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Final season.

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
Type: Medical procedural
The OG Shondaland show, still going strong.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Way past its expiration date in spec world.

Grimm/Once Upon A Time/The Vampire Diaries (NBC/ABC/The CW)
Type: Fantasy drama
Props for keeping the fantasy torch alive for all these seasons…
Longevity: ★★★★ – …making them now-stale choices for genre shows.

Hawaii Five-0/NCIS:LA (CBS) *
Type: Police/Action procedural
Pew pew!
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Kaboom.

Homeland (Showtime)
Type: Serialized thriller
After 3 seasons hovering the top of the spec charts, can you figure a fresh spec?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Yay for cast shuffling.

House of Cards/Orange Is The New Black (Netflix)
Type: Serialized political/relationship drama
Still hot, but they have shone so brightly that their number of specs have cast a long shadow over any new entrants.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Classic example of shows worth polishing a spec for, but not starting a new one.

Major Crimes (TNT)
Type: Procedural drama
One of the few straight crime procedurals currently in the spec world,
Longevity: ★★★★★ – TNT knows drama, so there’s more than a chance the show will go on for a few seasons.

Masters of Sex (Showtime)
Type: Serialized historical drama
Right past the cusp of being over-specced. Had many entries in its early seasons plus is now against fierce competition with the many other dramas on the board.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Can still last you a while since it’s an accomplished Showtime series (also known as endlessly renewed).

Nashville (ABC) *
Type: Musical/Family drama
Had a hard time reaching mainstream level to get widely accepted, despite being four seasons in.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Getting long in the tooth.

Orphan Black (BBC America)
Type: Serialized science-fiction drama
In a time when only a handful of genre shows were speccable, Orphan Black rose near the top.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Four years later, it’s hard not to see this show as past its spec date.

Person of Interest (CBS) *
Type: Action/Science-fiction drama
Great show…
Longevity: ★★★★ – …with only a few episodes left.

Royal Pains/Suits (USA) *
Type: Light procedural
A tougher crowd for lighter fares coupled with the shows’ age bring Pains and Suits over the hill.
Longevity: ★★★★ – With USA’s change of identity, the doors may soon close.

Scandal (ABC)
Type: Serialized political drama
Shondaland has a new queen in town.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Will Fitz be back with Olivia by the time you finish reading this sentence?

Shameless (Showtime) *
Type: Serialized family dramedy
Still a top option for a lot of people, which means a lot of competition.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Plus it’s already deep in season six.

The Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Ensemble/horror drama
Pretty much the first drama to really become a top spec from season one, episode one.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Like other soaps, this one will never end.


Mainstream

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

The 100 (The CW)
Type: Serialized science-fiction drama
A very strong sci-fi contender, both as a show and spec choice.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The risk factor is clear: every season gets crazier.

The Affair/The Leftovers (Showtime/HBO) *
Type: Serialized relationship drama
Both have regained momentum with their intimate approach to relationships, which also makes them hard shows to spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – One is on its final season, while the other keeps changing perspective. Will that be cause for trouble?

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC)
Type: Fantasy procedural
The first of many superhero choices.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Expanding mythology = difficult to keep the spec rolling past one season.

Arrow/The Flash (The CW)
Type: Action/Fantasy procedural
The former is getting a tad old in the spec world, replaced by the latter’s energy.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Things can shake in your favor, depending on season enders.

Better Call Saul (AMC)
Type: Crime drama
Difficult to pin down, and not as popular as its original counterpart–which can be a great thing if you nail the tone.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Still not easy to find an evergreen story.

The Blacklist (NBC)
Type: Action procedural
Everyone’s go-to network action spec.
Longevity: ★★★★ – This show ain’t ending any time soon.

Chicago Fire/Chicago PD (NBC)
Type: Action procedural
Dick Wolf is still killing it for NBC.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Watch out for all the deaths.

Empire (FOX)
Type: Family soap
Huge pick last season. A bit more tempered this year.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Burning. Through. Story.

Fargo (FX)
Type: Crime drama
Although a popular choice, it still is a risky pick…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …especially given its anthology status.

How to Get Away with Murder (ABC)
Type: Legal procedural
If you need a Shondaland spec, then this is probably the one you’re looking for.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Good news is you can fit a case of the week.

Jane the Virgin (The CW)
Type: Serialized dramedy
Huge critical achievements have carried this show into becoming a legitimate option for your pick of one-hour dramedy.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – 36 chapters later, it is challenging to find new reveals.

The Knick (Cinemax) *
Type: Serialized historical medical drama
Now that Mad Men is long gone, few hard period dramas remain as popular alternatives to spec. The Knick is one of them with a great pedigree and critical fame to back it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Watch out for that ending.

Ray Donovan (Showtime)
Type: Family/crime drama
Catapulted into mainstream over the last couple of seasons with many wins in the spec world. Strong contender if you need a tonally modular show.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Four seasons would indicate its peak.

Rectify (Sundance) *
Type: Serialized drama
Moved beyond the little cable drama that could into the spotlight. Surprisingly popular among specs.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Final season is on its way.


Wild Cards

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

Agent Carter (ABC)
Type: Action-adventure drama
The “nicher” of Marvel shows, making it a harder spec to get read. Doesn’t mean it’s not worth the write, especially when considering the serialized alternatives.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – But will it get renewed?

Blindspot/Limitless/Quantico/Scorpion (NBC/ABC/CBS) *
Type: Action/thriller procedural
All have the potential to become great spec choices for people wanting a broad network thriller. Or to put it another way: a Blacklist replacement. Given the NBC connection though, Blindspot is still the front-runner out of the four.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Not all have the greatest of successes, but they have clinched full seasons (and some renewals), while Scorpion is already in its second season.

Chicago Med/Code Black (NBC/CBS) *
Type: Medical drama
It’s been a while since we last saw a real medical contender for popular specs.
Longevity: ★★★★ – And now we’ve got two.

Daredevil/Jessica Jones (Netflix)
Type: Serialized superhero drama
Undoubtedly popular as both shows and specs. And with the Defenders popping up left and right, you have your replacement specs cut out for you.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Is there a way you can make a Marvel spec last for many seasons (or even just one)? Good news is you already have access to all the episodes.

Fear the Walking Dead (AMC)
Type: Serialized survival horror
Fear may prove to be a spec winner, even if it relies more on serialized family dynamics than being a clear-cut soap with zombies like its sister show.
Longevity: ★★★★ – With only 6 episodes aired, it’s ambitious to extrapolate the story into a long-term spec.

Gotham/Supergirl (FOX/CBS) *
Type: Superhero procedural
One didn’t get the traction it needed to become mainstream, while the other is the new kid on the block.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Let’s see how they fare this season.

Legends of Tomorrow (The CW) *
Type: Superhero action-adventure
It’s still trying to figure itself out, but when it does, it’ll be a strong contender for a DC spec.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Dark horse.

Lucifer/Rosewood (FOX) *
Type: Police procedural
Depending on a second season, they could become good safe picks for their genre.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Renewals look good.

Madam Secretary (CBS) *
Type: Political drama
A decent Good Wife replacement.
Longevity: ★★★★ – It still hasn’t reached a level of notoriety that would guarantee a wide read.

Mr. Robot (USA Network)
Type: Serialized thriller
Huge critical success which has crossed off USA’s “blue-sky” approach. But will it convert to the spec world?
Longevity: ★★★★ – Rule number 1: You don’t talk about Fight Club.

Scream Queens (FOX) *
Type: Procedural drama
Expecting this to go the way of American Horror Story but for network.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Crazy anthology.

UnReal (Lifetime)
Type: Serialized drama
Already a cable sensation, which might lead to a big wave of triumphant specs.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Who’s your bachelor?


Outsiders

The shows (mostly cable) you may be tempted to take a risk on, getting you on top of the reading pile. Beyond that, it depends on the willingness of the reader and his/her knowledge of the show. Who knows, maybe the showrunner is into less popular shows and will value your risk-taking.

Bates Motel (A&E)
Type: Serialized family drama/horror
Four seasons in, Bates has gained some repuation with specs.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Probably the last season before spoilage.

Billions (Showtime) *
Type: Serialized drama
Brand new with little traction despite its cast.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Not sure I would go long on a spec–even with a renewal.

Black Mirror (Netflix)
Type: Science-fiction anthology
A surprisingly acceptable choice considering the upcoming return of the show. But why not just make an original sci-fi pilot using your episode concept?
Longevity: ★★★★ – No continuity means long life–as long as the show doesn’t do your idea.

Bosch/Mad Dogs/The Man in the High Castle/Mozart in the Jungle (Amazon) *
Type: Serialized dramas
Combining four dramas does seem like a lot, but they all suffer from the same issue: as spec samples, they do not have the same appeal as broader choices. And given their serialized nature, they defeat the main point of specs (showing off your imitation skills).
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Will go on, but not with the stories you may imagine.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW)
Type: Romantic musical comedy
Much like Jane the Virgin before it, Ex-Girlfriend has a lot of work to do before it catches on outside its niche audience.
Longevity: ★★★★ – Can become a real musical contender.

Halt & Catch Fire/Turn/Into the Badlands (AMC) *
Type: Serialized historical drama
The first two did not gain the spec success they might have had, while Badlands just entered the race.
Longevity: ★★★★ – All three are rolling in with AMC.

iZombie (The CW)
Type: Horror dramedy
Whodathunk Veronica Mars would return?
Longevity: ★★★★ – Tenuous renewal, but CW is in a good mode these days.

The Last Ship (TNT) *
Type: Action procedural
America!
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Comin’ again to save the motherfuckin’ day, yeah!

The Librarians (TNT) *
Type: Adventure procedural
Where Leverage once stood…
Longevity: ★★★★ – …so does The Librarians.

The Originals/Reign (The CW) *
Type: Serialized fantasy/historical drama
Could be interesting (albeit risky) bets if you’re writing in this genre, especially considering the spec popularity of similar shows..
Longevity: ★★★★★ – CW renewed them (with many other shows). Doesn’t keep their stories from constantly shifting.

Outlander/Power (Starz) *
Type: Serialized historical/personal drama
It may seem odd to put Starz’s biggest shows as Wild Cards, but keep in mind a fervent fan base doesn’t necessarily translate to spec success. Plus they’re fairly nascent with two seasons.
Longevity: ★★★★ – There’s always the option of looking into the Outlander books to figure out if your spec will be damaged. No such luck with Power.


Gamblers

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

12 Monkeys/Colony/Killjoys/The Strain (USA/Syfy/FX) *
Type: Science-fiction/Fantasy drama
Strain and Monkeys did not gain the momentum among genre speccers, especially compared to other network choices. Meanwhile, Colony and Killjoys are brand new shows, which may prove difficult to get a read.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Watch out, sci-fi can go in so many directions.

The Fosters (Freeform) *
Type: Serialized family/workplace drama
Although ABC Family Freeform has very prominent shows, notably with critical darling The Fosters, none of them have really gained mainstream readership.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Even if compelling, a Fosters spec is tricky to hold on to.

Outsiders/Salem (WGN) *
Type: Serialized historical/supernatural drama
Still too niche to be considered a widely acceptable spec…
Longevity: ★★★★ – …but could grow like Manhattan did.


2016 Trends

A staggering 87 dramas are listed on this year’s spec list! To give you a better idea of scale, that’s a 25% increase of shows since only last year–when we already had 68 dramas listed. Insane.

With nearly a third of shows being sci-fi or fantasy, this season really saw the explosion of genre back on the spec world–especially with the many CW entries (The 100, The Flash, Arrow, The Originals). Basic cable and streaming shows are going strong, with about half of all series on the board.

The past trend of “quicker is better” seems to have partially slowed down. A healthy mix of second and third-year shows are in the mainstream (The Blacklist, Chicago, Jane the Virgin), with some still climbing the chart (Gotham, Madam Secretary, Scorpion).
Spec maturity seems to peak between the third and fourth season, with most series above that threshold already over-specced.

Aging shows coupled with many serialized entries makes this year very precarious for spec longevity. In other words, it is becoming increasingly harder to keep specs current for more than a season or two. This may not be such a bad thing given the enormity of options available.

Overall, the spec field is definitely crowded–in a good way. More choices here means more finely tuned samples that can match very closely to the writer’s sensibilities. It’s anybody’s pick.

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