[Update]
It’s that time of year when the broadcast networks start greenlighting pilots which could become new shows on the schedule in the 2022-23 season or beyond. The networks had fewer pilots the last couple of years because of the COVID-related production delays, and very little to offer in the way of genre entries. But this season has produced two genre hits with NBC’s La Brea and the CBS supernatural comedy Ghosts, so at leaast some of the networks seem to be a bit more receptive to sci fi and fantasy. Below is a rundown of the pilots in the works so far by network, along with my comments. More could be announced in the next few weeks, so be sure to check back for updates. The pilot synopses come from The Hollywood Reporter unless otherwise noted and you can see the rundown of all the shows on the development slate at the networks at this link.
ABC
The alphabet network pretty much bowed out from genre entries the last couple of years with nothing of interest for genre fans since the 2019-20 season when Agents of SHIELD wrapped up and Emergence flamed out after one season. As of this writing, that network has no entries that might be of interest to genre fans on its pilot slate, so it appears that ABC is not ready to embrace sci fi TV in the coming season.
CBS
The eye network has typically avoided genre shows, but it had a hit this season with Ghosts, so it will be taking a flyer on two shows that might be of interest to sci fi/fantasy fans.
Early Edition: Regina Haywood is the newly promoted police captain of East New York, an impoverished, working-class neighborhood at the eastern edge of Brooklyn. She leads a diverse group of officers and detectives, some of whom are reluctant to deploy her creative methods of serving and protecting during the midst of social upheaval and the early seeds of gentrification. This will be written and executive produced by Melissa Glenn (Beauty and the Beast, Zoo) with original creator Bob Brush onboard as executive producer.
Cast: TBD
Comments: This is a reboot of the ’90s series of the same name that was only mildly of interest to genre fans. But it is right on brand with CBS and will likely lean on procedural elements and interpersonal drama and have less in the way of genre-heavy plots. The original series could be fun at times, but it never counted as a standout. Expect much of the same from the reboot.
True Lies: Shocked to discover that her bland and unremarkable computer consultant husband (Steve Howey) is a skilled international spy, an unfulfilled suburban housewife (Ginger Gonzaga) is propelled into a life of danger and adventure when she’s recruited to work alongside him to save the world as they try to revitalize their passionless marriage. This will be written and executive produced by Matt Nix (The Gifted, Burn Notice) and James Cameron will be onboard as executive producer.
Cast: Steve Howey, Ginger Gonzaga, Omar Miller, Erica Hernandez, Mike O’Gorman
Comments: This reboot of the ’90s James Cameron film could venture into spy fi territory, but expect them to play down the genre elements and stick heavily to the case-of-the-week procedural format. Without Arnie or Jamie Lee Curtis, this one may not be nearly as much fun.
FOX
Like ABC, FOX has avoided sci fi and fantasy shows of late, and that does not appear to have changed much this season. It has already passed on the apocalyptic series The Last Police and apart from that it only has one animated pilot that might interest genre fans.
Krapopolis: Set in ancient Greece and follows a family of humans, gods and monsters trying to run one of the world’s first cities. Written and executive produced by Rick & Morty‘s Dan Harmon.
Cast: Hannah Waddingham, Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry, Pam Murphy, Duncan Trussell
Comments: At first this sounds like a typical entry in FOX’s animated lineup, but considering the fact that Dan Harmon is onboard, it should at least be worth a look. This one has received a straight-to-series order.
The Last Police: The drama follows a small-town police detective (Blu Hunt, New Mutants) who, as an asteroid races toward an apocalyptic collision with Earth, believes she’s been chosen to save humanity. Meanwhile, her cynical partner (Reno Wilson, Good Girls) can’t decide what he’ll enjoy more: her delusional failure or the end of the world itself. Based on Ben Winters’ novel The Last Policeman. This pilot was written and executive produced by Kyle Killen (Awake, Halo The Series).
Cast: Blu Hunt, Reno Wilson, Maximiliano Hernandez, Dawnn Lewis, Derek Phillips, Courtney Dietz, Troy Kotsur
Comments: Destined for an entry in Cancelled Before It Began, FOX has already passed on this pilot. The concept definitely has some promise, but on one of the broadcast networks this would likely just pan out as another procedural with a twist. Perhaps if it jumped to one of the streaming services it could really explore its potential.
NBC
The peacock network had a surprise hit last Fall with La Brea, and so it is dipping into the genre well once again, this time with a revival of a fan-favorite ’90s series.
Quantum Leap: It’s been 30 years since Dr. Sam Beckett stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanished. Now a new team has been assembled to restart the project in the hopes of understanding the mysteries behind the machine and the man who created it. The pilot is written and executive produced by genre veterans Steve Lilien and Bryan Wynbrandt (La Brea, Gotham) with original creator Don Bellisario onboard as executive producer.
Cast: TBD
Comments: This show will act as a sequel/revival to the original, but it is unclear at this point how much original series star Scott Bakula will be involved. (Sadly, Dean Stockwell passed away last year.) From what I understand, the show will have new leads, but I would expect Dr. Samuel Beckett to show up as a recurring character at least because Bakula has expressed an interest in returning to the character. This one actually could work and I like the fact that they are going the revival route as opposed to a full reboot.
Connection: This series centers around a boy who went missing ten years ago. Long presumed kidnapped or dead, he came back and claims to have been abducted by aliens. The strangest part? He’s not lying. This is written and executive produced by Nic Sheff (13 Reasons Why). Deadline
Cast: TBD
Comments: Sounds like this one will bring in some Lost-like mysteries and probably a fair amount of procedural elements. Might be worth a look, but this could end up turning into yet another bland, broadcast network throwaway show.
Delia Graves and the Order of Merlin: This series revolves around the title character Delia, a coroner in a small town where mysterious and unexplainable crimes are on the rise. Fearing for her safety her estranged mother shows up after 20 years to reveal that Delia had a spell cast on her at birth that will allow her to access Merlin’s powers and that she will need to train to protect the town, and maybe even the world. This is written and executive produced by Phillip Iscove (Sleepy Hollow).
Cast: TBD
Comments: This sounds like yet another supernatural drama from the broadcast networks that will likely tread over some familiar territory. Iscove was co-creator of Sleepy Hollow which was a somewhat wacky show that had some promise but never lived up to it. I am expecting much of the same here.
The CW
The fifth-place network can be counted on for some genre pilots each year and this season is no different. Though only two have received the greenlight so far and there are no new Arrow-verse entries. The fact that the network could have new owners is likely influencing the lack of pilot orders, but more could the announced in the coming weeks. Note that the Babylon 5 reboot that was previously announced has been moved to 2023 (you can read more about that project at this link). I’m sure they wanted management to get settled before proceeding with that high-profile reboot.
Gotham Knights: In the wake of Bruce Wayne’s murder, his rebellious adopted son forges an unlikely alliance with the children of Batman’s enemies when they are all framed for killing the Caped Crusader. This renegade band of misfits must fight to clear their names. But in a Gotham with no Dark Knight to protect it, the city descends into the most dangerous it’s ever been. However, hope comes from the most unexpected of places as this team of mismatched fugitives will become its next generation of saviors. This pilot is written and executive produced by Batwoman‘s Chad Fiveash, James Stoteraux.
Cast: TBD
Comments: Do we really need another Batman series without Batman? Especially considering that this one will have no connection to the Arrow-verse and HBO Max already has a Penguin series and Gotham P.D. in the works which are both tied to the new The Batman movie. This CW entry certainly seems like it could be stretching the Gotham mythos a bit too thin.
The Winchesters: Before Sam and Dean and Supernatural, there was John and Mary. Told from the perspective of narrator Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles), The Winchesters is the epic, untold love story of how John met Mary and how they put it all on the line to not only save their love, but the entire world. The pilot will be written and executive produced by Supernatural veteran Robbie Thompson.
Cast: Jensen Ackles (narrator)
Comments: This will be the third attempt at a spin-off series for Supernatural, and a prequel series could be a good way to go. But fans really wanted that Wayward Sisters series (over 85K people signed the petition), so did The CW miss a golden opportunity with that one? If the prequel does not go forward, expect the network to take another stab at a spin-off in a year or so.
SciFiTVSite.com: Follow our Sci Fi TV Schedule for all the currently airing and upcoming sci fi and fantasy television shows, and keep up with what is airing/streaming each week with our Weekly Listings.
CancelledSciFi.com: Keep up with the status updates of all the currently airing sci fi and fantasy shows with our Sci Fi TV Update posts. And be sure to follow the Cancelled Sci Fi Twitter Site for breaking news and updates.
