VIDEOAGE April 2024 L.A. Screenings 22 The dual events signal the imminent arrival of the new TV season. They also show that the TV sector still values this now traditional bazaar (which consists of the “Newfronts” for streamers, and “Upfronts” for the linear sector) despite executives repeatedly stating that TV seasons these days are yearlong occurrences. These events clearly still energize both (air-time) buyers and sellers in New York City, as well as (international content) buyers and sellers in Los Angeles. The starting day of the broadcast TV Upfronts, which will again include Netflix in its midst this year, will feature NBCUniversal in the morning, FOX in the afternoon, and Telemundo in the evening of May 13. The following day, Tuesday, ABC will step up to the podium with its presentation to advertisers. On Wednesday, it’ll be Warner Bros. Discovery’s turn in the morning, while Netflix will take a bow in the afternoon, leaving the evening for YouTube Broadcast. Netflix promises to return to the stage on Thursday, May 15 with an all-day presentation. As per last year, Paramount will not have an Upfront even though its CBS network will have a good number of new shows. While this is all taking place in New York City, 4,000 kilometers west, in Los Angeles, the studios will be getting ready to welcome their major clients to town to shop for their new and renewed series. But before the studios take over, the independent producers and distributors will host their own screenings. The indie portion of the event will start on Tuesday, May 14, with set-up at the Fairmont Century Plaza, and will run up until Friday the 17th. As usual, it’ll all be coordinated by Isabella Marquez. Some Latin buyers will arrive in Los Angeles on Monday, May 13. Then on Saturday, May 18, the studios will take over with the Latin Screenings at Paramount Global. The Latin Screenings will continue on Sunday at NBCUniversal, Monday at Warner Bros. Discovery, Tuesday at Sony, and Wednesday at Disney. The event will conclude on Thursday, May 23. This year, the Canadians will stage their “Deal Night” later than usual (on Sunday, May 19), while Content L.A. will run May 16-17 at the same Century Plaza Hotel. In fact, some European buyers will be in L.A. by Thursday, May 15, in time for Content L.A. Fox Entertainment Global and Lionsgate are each expected to screen and host events. Fox Global is expected to have screenings and a party on Sunday afternoon, while Lionsgate reps have not yet announced the company’s schedule. It is possible that MGM will have an event on Friday. Also expected are a few afternoon and evening drink gatherings at the studios. The L.A. Screenings Guide, published by VideoAge, will be available in print on May 13, 2024 (and available digitally a few days earlier). Below is the traditional list of series and commissioned pilots for the 2024-2025 U.S. broadcast TV season. VideoAge’s May edition will include an updated list with the new shows that the U.S. studios are producing and/or distributing and will include those generated for other TV outlets (cable and streamers). ABC (COMEDY) Forgive and Forget Writer/Executive Producer: Eugene Garcia-Cross Showrunner/Executive Producer: Robin Shorr Executive Producer: Ty Burrell Cast: Ty Burrell Premise: Hank, a perennial “life of the party,” gets an unexpected diagnosis, leading him to reconnect with his responsible adult son Ben. Prod Co: 20th TV Shifting Gears Writers: Mike Scully, Julie Thacker Scully Executive Producers: Tim Allen, Mike Scully, Julie Thacker Scully, Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Richard Baker, Rick Messina Cast: Tim Allen Premise: Matt (Allen) is a stubborn, widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. When Matt’s estranged daughter and her teenage kids move into his house, the real restoration begins. Prod Co: 20th TV ABC (DRAMA) High Potential (Based on the French series, Haut Potential Intellectuel) Show runner/Executive Producer: Rob Thomas Executive Producers: Drew Goddard, Sarah Eisberg, Dan Etheridge, Pierre Laugier, Anthony Lancret, Jean Nainchrik Cast: Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Akdeniz, Javicia Leslie, Amirah J, Matthew Lamb, Judy Reyes Premise: A single mom with an exceptional mind partners with a seasoned detective to solve crimes. Prod Co: ABC Signature, Goddard Textiles, Spondoolie Productions, Itineraire Productions, Septembre Productions CBS (COMEDY) Poppa’s House Writers: Damon Wayans, Kevin Hench Executive Producers: Damon Wayans, Kevin Hench, Andy Ackerman Cast: Damon Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., Essence Atkins, Tetona Jackson Premise: Wayans is a legendary talk show radio host, who is happily divorced. “Poppa” is challenged at work when he’s joined by a new female co-host. Meanwhile, at home, he tries to pursue his passion while balancing being a responsible father. Prod Co: CBS Studios, Two Shakes Entertainment Young Sheldon Spin-off Creators: Steven Molaro, Chuck Lorre. Executive Producers: Steven Molaro, Chuck Lorre, Steve Holland Cast: Emily Osment, Montana Jordan Premise: Mandy and Georgie raise their young family in Texas while navigating the challenges of adulthood, parenting and marriage. Prod Co: WB TV, Chuck Lorre Prods CBS (DRAMA) Matlock Writer: Jennie Snyder Urman Producer: Thom J. Pretak Cast: Kathy Bates, Beau Bridges, Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, David Del Rio, Leah Lewis, Eme Ikwuakor, Helen Hayden, Nicole de Boer Premise: After achieving success in her younger years, the brilliant septuagenarian Madeline Matlock (Bates) rejoins the workforce at a prestigious law firm where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases and expose corruption from within. Inspired by the classic television series of the same name. Prod Co: CBS Studios, Cloud Nine Prods, Sutton Street NCIS: Origins (straight to series) Showrunners/Executive Producers: Mark Harmon, Sean Harmon, David J North, Gina Lucita (Continued from Cover) (Continued on Page 24) Broadcast Pilot Season 2024-2025
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