Hi,
I've obtained a list of new US shows that may be appearing in the UK over the next 12 months on various terrestrial and/or digital channels, which I believe will be worth watching, with details where possible. Shows are listed in no specific order. Details taken mainly from Wikipedia and a few other online sources, and are - for the most part - not my own work! Oh, this is also a long post, so you may want to cut-and-paste it into Word, and print/read it that way instead.
Eli Stone
Eli Stone is an upcoming American television drama created by Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim for ABC. The series was officially greenlighted and given a thirteen-episode order by ABC on May 11, 2007, and is currently scheduled to air as a mid-season replacement in 2008. It will also air on Channel Seven in Australia. Co-written by Marc Guggenheim and Greg Berlanti, the series was described by Berlanti in Variety magazine as "a Field of Dreams-type drama set in a law firm where a thirty-something attorney begins having larger-than-life visions that compel him to do out-of-the-ordinary things." The popular musician George Michael will also appear on the show and each episode will be named after a song of his. Cast includes: Jonny Lee Miller, Laura Benanti, Loretta Devine, Victor Garber,
Natasha Henstridge and James Saito.
Dirty Sexy Money
Another ABC-drama, created by Craig Wright and Bad Hat Harry Productions, (who also do "House MD" and "Battlestar Galactica". Bryan Singer and Peter Horton also produce the series. Currently scheduled to air on Wednesday nights at 10:00pm EST/9:00pm CENTRAL in the fall of 2007, following Grey's Anatomy spin-off, "Private Practice". It will also air on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom - though I will believe this, when I see it! Some people say money is the root of all evil. They may be right. Nick George's whole life has been lived in the shadow of the Darling family, but as an adult he's leading the perfect life as an idealistic lawyer, until his father's suspicious death. The absurdly wealthy Darlings of New York have asked him to take over his father's job as their personal lawyer, but the money that will allow him the freedom to be an altruistic do-gooder is only part of the picture. That same money pulls him into the dubious doings of the Darling clan. Power, privilege and family money are a volatile cocktail. Cast include: Peter Krause, Donald Sutherland, Jill Clayburgh, William Baldwin, and Samaire Armstrong (from The OC).
Reaper
Due to premiere on September 25th, on The CW network in the USA, this comedy-drama series looks at the life of a slacker-teenager who discovers at the age of 21, that his parents sold his soul to Satan. In return for his easy life, the young man must take part in some bounty-hunting for Satan, to capture various miscreants, do-gooders, and mischevious souls/people still walking on God's green Earth! The cast includes: Allison Hossack, Andrew Airlie, Kyle Switzer, and Nikki Reed. Ray Wise, turns-up as Satan himself!
It has been given a 13 episode initial order by The CW.
The Bionic Woman 2007
Struggling as a bartender and surrogate mom to her teen-aged sister, Jaime Sommers didn't think life could get much harder. But when a devastating car accident leaves her at death's door, Jaime's only hope of survival is through a cutting-edge, top-secret technology that comes at a hefty price.
With a whole new existence and a debt to repay, Jaime must figure out how to use her extraordinary abilities for good, while weighing the personal sacrifices she will have to make. Ultimately, it's Jaime's journey of self-discovery and inner strength that will help her embrace her new life as...The Bionic Woman. From NBC/Universal, comes a modern-update on the classic fantasy TV show. The cast and crew, include: Executive Producer David Eick ("Battlestar Galactica", "Hercules"), Director Michael Dinner ("Kidnapped", "Grey's Anatomy"), and Michelle Ryan (ex-Eastenders actress) as Jaime, alongside Miguel Ferrer (the "Robocop" movie), Molly Price ("Third Watch"), Will Yun Lee ("WitchBlade") and Mae Whitman.
The Lipstick Jungle
Based on the best-selling book by Candace Bushnell of "Sex and the City" fame, this enticing new dramedy follows three high-powered friends as they weather the ups and downs of lives lived at the top of their game. Nico, editor-in-chief of a hot fashion magazine, has her eye on becoming a CEO (Chief Executive Officer). Movie executive Wendy, does everything she
can to balance career and family. And free-spirited designer Victory, longs to make her dreams come true, and maybe find Mr. Right along the way. Cast includes: Brooke Shields, Kim Raver ("Third Watch", "24"), Lindsay Price, and Julian Sands.
Pushing Daisies (fromerly Pushing-Up Daisies)
Cheeky comedy series from ABC, bought by ITV1 for airing in 2007/2008 in a supposed prime-time slot (!), and starring Anna Friel, Chi McBride,
Swoosie Kurtz, Jim Dale and Ellen Greene. From the producers of "Dead Like Me"!
Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl is a new teen drama, created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage for Warner Bros. The series was officially greenlighted and given a thirteen-episode order by The CW on May 15, 2007, and is currently scheduled to air on Wednesday nights at 9pm EST/8pm CENTRAL in the fall of 2007. Based upon the novel series by Cecily von Ziegesar of the same name, Gossip Girl revolves around the lives of socialite young adults growing up on New York's Upper East Side who attend the most elite of education institutions whilst dealing with sex, drugs, and other teenage issues. Featuring an ensemble cast, the series mainly centers around the lives of best friends, Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) and Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) and their shared romantic interest, Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford). As outsiders looking in, Dan (Penn Badgley) and Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen) do not run in the same social or financial circles as their peers but are nonetheless drawn into their lives as well. The series is narrated by a seemingly omniscient character, "Gossip Girl", who runs a website blogging about her fellow Upper East Siders consequently stirring the pot and feeding potential rivalries in this exclusive and vicious circle of friends.
Californication
Bought by Five, this adult comedy-drama (check out the pun in the title!) from US cable channel Showtime, marks the return of David Duchovny to his TV roots. The US premiere is on Mnday 13th August, this 12 half-hour long series co-stars Natascha McElhone, Madeleine Martin, Madeline Zima and Evan Handler, and examines on novelist Hank Moody (Duchovny) who struggles to raise his 13-year-old daughter (Madeleine Martin), while still carrying a torch for his ex-girlfriend Karen (McElhone). His obsession with truth-telling and self-destructive behavior -- drinks, drugs and relationships -- are both destroying and enriching his career. The show has been given a TV-M rating in the USA, for its adult content, graphic language, and explicit sexual and crude nudity! This is going to be a big-hit in the UK for five, without a doubt!
Back To You
I'm really looking forward to this show, because it sees the return of James Burrows, director of "Cheers" and "Frasier", as well as "Frasier" himself, actor Kelsey Grammer to TV comedy. Set in the 1990s, the local TV news scene in Pittsburgh was dominated by one team: Chuck Darling (Kelsey Grammer) and Kelly Carr (Patricia Heaton). They had that elusive quality all news teams need: chemistry ... at least on-screen. Off-screen, Chuck was a bit of a self-centered womanizer, Kelly a bit of an uptight know-it-all. So when Chuck got the call to move up to a larger market, no tears were shed. But after an embarrassing on-air tirade ended up on the Internet, Chuck found himself on the downswing career-wise. He even questioned whether his lifestyle of chasing women and living in hotels was as exciting as it used to be. So when he got the call to return to Pittsburgh, to reunite with Kelly and try to take the newscast back to No. 1, it was an offer he couldnt refuse. Will the couple make amends, or will their off-screen bickering make in live on-air? At the moment, Living (and probably Channel 4) are the probable rights-holders to this new show from 20th Century Fox Television, for UK transmission.
Six Degrees
Stars Campbell Scott, Hope Davis, Erika Christensen, Bridget Moynahan,
Dorian Missick and Jay Hernandez, and looks at how the lives of six New Yorkers intersect, even though they are unknown to each other. Lasted just 13 episodes in the US, of which only six ever made it to air! From 2006, this is due to air on ITV1, but it may now not turn-up at all or on ITV2, ITV3, or ITV4 instead, because it has since been cancelled.
Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip
From the writers and creators of "The West Wing" comes this (now-cancelled) US drama set in the world of the TV studios. After a lot of problems with budgets, casting, scheduling and re-ordering new episodes, it looks like this series will have just one 22-episode season. Bought by More4 and Channel 4, no details on if or when it's likely to be aired in the UK.
Heroes
The hit US fantasy superhero drama series, starts on BBC2 later this very month, and looks like it is to be scheduled on Wednesday or Sunday nights, at around 9pm or 10pm, meaning uncut and uncensored widescreen showings (with a possible early-evening, cut repeat for the kiddies)! (It'll probably go in the old "Torchwood" slot.) For those who can't be bothered to wait, a Complete Season 1 DVD boxed set is out towards the end of August 2007, on Region 1, with all episodes and extras, spread across 7 discs! Alas no HD broadcasts are scheduled - at the moment, though this may change, if the BBC gets its act together!
Big Shots
The line gets blurred between the boardroom and the bedroom in a new outrageous drama about four dysfunctional CEOs who will do anything to stay on top. First we meet James Auster, who is about to become the latest casualty in a corporate shake-up until a twist of fate makes him the newest member of the corner office club. Then there's Duncan, a cosmetics CEO who can't resist sex with his age-defying ex-wife. Next, Karl is a loveable pharmaceutical big shot whose life turns upside down when his wife and mistress become best friends. And finally, Brody, the edgy Harvard B-school executive is so whipped, he spends more time planning his wife's birthday than running his company. This foursome take refuge at their country club where they can discuss business, confide secrets, seek advice and, yes, even men will gossip. It's lonely at the top and they have to trust someone to cover their back. And when you're a desperate executive, you may have to do everything wrong for the right reputation. Big Shots stars Michael Vartan, Dylan McDermott, Christopher Titus, and Joshua Malina in the lead roles. Also stars: Nia Long, Paige Turco, and Amy Sloan.
Chuck
Chuck Bartowski is just your average computer-whiz-next-door. He spends his days working for Buy-More with his band of nerdy cohorts, longing to find a woman who can appreciate him. But when an old friend, who happens to be a CIA agent, sends Chuck a mysterious encoded email, the world's greatest spy secrets are embedded into his brain. He never asked to become the governments most powerful weapon, but the fate of the country suddenly lies in his unlikely hands. Hopefully, this wont take away from his video game time! International terrorist plots, sexy spies and cold pizza its all in a days work for our trusty hero...Chuck. Cast and crew include: Executive Producer
Josh Schwartz, Director McG, and stars Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strzechowski, Joshua Gomez, Sarah Lancaster and Adam Baldwin.
Moonlight
From CBS, and the producers of "Angel", David Greenwalt Productions, and now premiering in September 2007 in the US, comes a new sci-fi drama. "Moonlight" follows Mick St. John, an immortal vampire and private investigator and his struggle to exist with the curse of being undead. It also follows his internal torment as he falls in love with one he should not, one who is mortal and therefore out of his reach, as well as his dealings with the woman who made him a vampire, his sire Corinne. Joel Silver is executive producing with Trevor Munson and Ron Koslow both writing and executive producing.
Folks should also look out for the following shows:
New Amsterdam, Journeyman, The Sarah Connor Chronicles, The Cashmere Mafia, Grey's Anatomy spin-off Private Practice, and the predicted-to-fail, but probably-likely-to-get-actual-viewers-watching time-travel comedy adventure show Caveman!
I hope that little lot will keep you all enthused.
Pooch
(Now totally knackered from spending 90-minutes typing all of this out! )
I've obtained a list of new US shows that may be appearing in the UK over the next 12 months on various terrestrial and/or digital channels, which I believe will be worth watching, with details where possible. Shows are listed in no specific order. Details taken mainly from Wikipedia and a few other online sources, and are - for the most part - not my own work! Oh, this is also a long post, so you may want to cut-and-paste it into Word, and print/read it that way instead.
Eli Stone
Eli Stone is an upcoming American television drama created by Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim for ABC. The series was officially greenlighted and given a thirteen-episode order by ABC on May 11, 2007, and is currently scheduled to air as a mid-season replacement in 2008. It will also air on Channel Seven in Australia. Co-written by Marc Guggenheim and Greg Berlanti, the series was described by Berlanti in Variety magazine as "a Field of Dreams-type drama set in a law firm where a thirty-something attorney begins having larger-than-life visions that compel him to do out-of-the-ordinary things." The popular musician George Michael will also appear on the show and each episode will be named after a song of his.
Cast includes: Jonny Lee Miller, Laura Benanti, Loretta Devine, Victor Garber, Natasha Henstridge and James Saito.
Dirty Sexy Money
Another ABC-drama, created by Craig Wright and Bad Hat Harry Productions, (who also do "House MD" and "Battlestar Galactica". Bryan Singer and Peter Horton also produce the series. Currently scheduled to air on Wednesday nights at 10:00pm EST/9:00pm CENTRAL in the fall of 2007, following Grey's Anatomy spin-off, "Private Practice". It will also air on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom - though I will believe this, when I see it!
Some people say money is the root of all evil. They may be right. Nick George's whole life has been lived in the shadow of the Darling family, but as an adult he's leading the perfect life as an idealistic lawyer, until his father's suspicious death. The absurdly wealthy Darlings of New York have asked him to take over his father's job as their personal lawyer, but the money that will allow him the freedom to be an altruistic do-gooder is only part of the picture. That same money pulls him into the dubious doings of the Darling clan. Power, privilege and family money are a volatile cocktail. Cast include: Peter Krause, Donald Sutherland, Jill Clayburgh, William Baldwin, and Samaire Armstrong (from The OC).Reaper
Due to premiere on September 25th, on The CW network in the USA, this comedy-drama series looks at the life of a slacker-teenager who discovers at the age of 21, that his parents sold his soul to Satan. In return for his easy life, the young man must take part in some bounty-hunting for Satan, to capture various miscreants, do-gooders, and mischevious souls/people still walking on God's green Earth! The cast includes: Allison Hossack, Andrew Airlie, Kyle Switzer, and Nikki Reed. Ray Wise, turns-up as Satan himself!
It has been given a 13 episode initial order by The CW.The Bionic Woman 2007
Struggling as a bartender and surrogate mom to her teen-aged sister, Jaime Sommers didn't think life could get much harder. But when a devastating car accident leaves her at death's door, Jaime's only hope of survival is through a cutting-edge, top-secret technology that comes at a hefty price.
With a whole new existence and a debt to repay, Jaime must figure out how to use her extraordinary abilities for good, while weighing the personal sacrifices she will have to make. Ultimately, it's Jaime's journey of self-discovery and inner strength that will help her embrace her new life as...The Bionic Woman. From NBC/Universal, comes a modern-update on the classic fantasy TV show. The cast and crew, include: Executive Producer David Eick ("Battlestar Galactica", "Hercules"), Director Michael Dinner ("Kidnapped", "Grey's Anatomy"), and Michelle Ryan (ex-Eastenders actress) as Jaime, alongside Miguel Ferrer (the "Robocop" movie), Molly Price ("Third Watch"), Will Yun Lee ("WitchBlade") and Mae Whitman.
The Lipstick Jungle
Based on the best-selling book by Candace Bushnell of "Sex and the City" fame, this enticing new dramedy follows three high-powered friends as they weather the ups and downs of lives lived at the top of their game. Nico, editor-in-chief of a hot fashion magazine, has her eye on becoming a CEO (Chief Executive Officer). Movie executive Wendy, does everything she
can to balance career and family. And free-spirited designer Victory, longs to make her dreams come true, and maybe find Mr. Right along the way. Cast includes: Brooke Shields, Kim Raver ("Third Watch", "24"), Lindsay Price, and Julian Sands.
Pushing Daisies (fromerly Pushing-Up Daisies)
Cheeky comedy series from ABC, bought by ITV1 for airing in 2007/2008 in a supposed prime-time slot (!), and starring Anna Friel, Chi McBride,
Swoosie Kurtz, Jim Dale and Ellen Greene. From the producers of "Dead Like Me"!
Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl is a new teen drama, created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage for Warner Bros. The series was officially greenlighted and given a thirteen-episode order by The CW on May 15, 2007, and is currently scheduled to air on Wednesday nights at 9pm EST/8pm CENTRAL in the fall of 2007. Based upon the novel series by Cecily von Ziegesar of the same name, Gossip Girl revolves around the lives of socialite young adults growing up on New York's Upper East Side who attend the most elite of education institutions whilst dealing with sex, drugs, and other teenage issues. Featuring an ensemble cast, the series mainly centers around the lives of best friends, Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) and Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) and their shared romantic interest, Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford). As outsiders looking in, Dan (Penn Badgley) and Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen) do not run in the same social or financial circles as their peers but are nonetheless drawn into their lives as well. The series is narrated by a seemingly omniscient character, "Gossip Girl", who runs a website blogging about her fellow Upper East Siders consequently stirring the pot and feeding potential rivalries in this exclusive and vicious circle of friends.
Californication
Bought by Five, this adult comedy-drama (check out the pun in the title!) from US cable channel Showtime, marks the return of David Duchovny to his TV roots. The US premiere is on Mnday 13th August, this 12 half-hour long series co-stars Natascha McElhone, Madeleine Martin, Madeline Zima and Evan Handler, and examines on novelist Hank Moody (Duchovny) who struggles to raise his 13-year-old daughter (Madeleine Martin), while still carrying a torch for his ex-girlfriend Karen (McElhone). His obsession with truth-telling and self-destructive behavior -- drinks, drugs and relationships -- are both destroying and enriching his career. The show has been given a TV-M rating in the USA, for its adult content, graphic language, and explicit sexual and crude nudity! This is going to be a big-hit in the UK for five, without a doubt!
Back To You
I'm really looking forward to this show, because it sees the return of James Burrows, director of "Cheers" and "Frasier", as well as "Frasier" himself, actor Kelsey Grammer to TV comedy. Set in the 1990s, the local TV news scene in Pittsburgh was dominated by one team: Chuck Darling (Kelsey Grammer) and Kelly Carr (Patricia Heaton). They had that elusive quality all news teams need: chemistry ... at least on-screen. Off-screen, Chuck was a bit of a self-centered womanizer, Kelly a bit of an uptight know-it-all. So when Chuck got the call to move up to a larger market, no tears were shed. But after an embarrassing on-air tirade ended up on the Internet, Chuck found himself on the downswing career-wise. He even questioned whether his lifestyle of chasing women and living in hotels was as exciting as it used to be. So when he got the call to return to Pittsburgh, to reunite with Kelly and try to take the newscast back to No. 1, it was an offer he couldnt refuse. Will the couple make amends, or will their off-screen bickering make in live on-air? At the moment, Living (and probably Channel 4) are the probable rights-holders to this new show from 20th Century Fox Television, for UK transmission.
Six Degrees
Stars Campbell Scott, Hope Davis, Erika Christensen, Bridget Moynahan,
Dorian Missick and Jay Hernandez, and looks at how the lives of six New Yorkers intersect, even though they are unknown to each other. Lasted just 13 episodes in the US, of which only six ever made it to air! From 2006, this is due to air on ITV1, but it may now not turn-up at all or on ITV2, ITV3, or ITV4 instead, because it has since been cancelled.
Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip
From the writers and creators of "The West Wing" comes this (now-cancelled) US drama set in the world of the TV studios. After a lot of problems with budgets, casting, scheduling and re-ordering new episodes, it looks like this series will have just one 22-episode season. Bought by More4 and Channel 4, no details on if or when it's likely to be aired in the UK.
Heroes
The hit US fantasy superhero drama series, starts on BBC2 later this very month, and looks like it is to be scheduled on Wednesday or Sunday nights, at around 9pm or 10pm, meaning uncut and uncensored widescreen showings (with a possible early-evening, cut repeat for the kiddies)!
(It'll probably go in the old "Torchwood" slot.) For those who can't be bothered to wait, a Complete Season 1 DVD boxed set is out towards the end of August 2007, on Region 1, with all episodes and extras, spread across 7 discs! Alas no HD broadcasts are scheduled - at the moment, though this may change, if the BBC gets its act together!Big Shots
The line gets blurred between the boardroom and the bedroom in a new outrageous drama about four dysfunctional CEOs who will do anything to stay on top. First we meet James Auster, who is about to become the latest casualty in a corporate shake-up until a twist of fate makes him the newest member of the corner office club. Then there's Duncan, a cosmetics CEO who can't resist sex with his age-defying ex-wife. Next, Karl is a loveable pharmaceutical big shot whose life turns upside down when his wife and mistress become best friends. And finally, Brody, the edgy Harvard B-school executive is so whipped, he spends more time planning his wife's birthday than running his company. This foursome take refuge at their country club where they can discuss business, confide secrets, seek advice and, yes, even men will gossip. It's lonely at the top and they have to trust someone to cover their back. And when you're a desperate executive, you may have to do everything wrong for the right reputation. Big Shots stars Michael Vartan, Dylan McDermott, Christopher Titus, and Joshua Malina in the lead roles. Also stars: Nia Long, Paige Turco, and Amy Sloan.
Chuck
Chuck Bartowski is just your average computer-whiz-next-door. He spends his days working for Buy-More with his band of nerdy cohorts, longing to find a woman who can appreciate him. But when an old friend, who happens to be a CIA agent, sends Chuck a mysterious encoded email, the world's greatest spy secrets are embedded into his brain. He never asked to become the governments most powerful weapon, but the fate of the country suddenly lies in his unlikely hands. Hopefully, this wont take away from his video game time! International terrorist plots, sexy spies and cold pizza its all in a days work for our trusty hero...Chuck. Cast and crew include: Executive Producer
Josh Schwartz, Director McG, and stars Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strzechowski, Joshua Gomez, Sarah Lancaster and Adam Baldwin.
Moonlight
From CBS, and the producers of "Angel", David Greenwalt Productions, and now premiering in September 2007 in the US, comes a new sci-fi drama. "Moonlight" follows Mick St. John, an immortal vampire and private investigator and his struggle to exist with the curse of being undead. It also follows his internal torment as he falls in love with one he should not, one who is mortal and therefore out of his reach, as well as his dealings with the woman who made him a vampire, his sire Corinne. Joel Silver is executive producing with Trevor Munson and Ron Koslow both writing and executive producing.
Folks should also look out for the following shows:
New Amsterdam, Journeyman, The Sarah Connor Chronicles, The Cashmere Mafia, Grey's Anatomy spin-off Private Practice, and the predicted-to-fail, but probably-likely-to-get-actual-viewers-watching time-travel comedy adventure show Caveman!
I hope that little lot will keep you all enthused.
Pooch
(Now totally knackered from spending 90-minutes typing all of this out!
)
