So, pilot season is changing and everyone is very concerned about the network’s programming ways and the quality of scripted television. Meanwhile basic cable seems to be sitting pretty. Cable networks, after all, generally rely more on repeats. It was acceptable to fall back on them during the strike. Their series also tend to premiere – far from broadcast season – during the summer months. Before the strike, broadcast networks were keeping an eye on the AMCs and FXs, which were increasingly churning out quality programs.
According to both Variety and the Hollywood Reporter, A&E is going the way of Mad Men and picking up its first original scripted drama series in six years. “The Cleaner” is the first project of CBS Paramount network TV’s cable division, and A&E has ordered 13 hour long episodes, set to premier in the summer.
Summer premiers are common for basic cable series, as they usually have less competition. The big three will be rushing pilots this summer, and with pre-strike big hits, like The Shield, Nip/Tuck, and Damages, broadcast networks were already considering rolling out more scripted shows in the summer months.
With the strike over, and pilot season thrown into disarray, who knows when series will be premiering on the broadcast networks. And who knows how good they will be. Zucker of NBC promises high quality, but I fear more reality shows are in the works.
