Are These the 10 Best TV Pilots of All Time?


Updated 09/06/08 5:50 PM · Posted by BuzzSugar · 51 comments

Best TV Pilots of All Time

About this time last year, I asked you to tell me which TV shows you thought had strong first episodes. This year, TV Guide has named its 10 favorite pilots of all time, and . . . let's just say I respectfully disagree. Well, I can't quibble much with the magazine's No. 1 choice of Lost, a pilot many of you brought up last year. It's completely true that from the first minutes the show sucked Read more

Troubled Life on Mars Adaptation Could Have Life on ABC


Updated 05/16/08 9:35 PM · Posted by BuzzSugar · 7 comments

Troubled Life on Mars Adaptation Could Have Life on ABC

One of the pilots I've been curious about for more than a year now is ABC's remake of the BBC series Life on Mars, which followed a police officer who found himself somehow transported to 1973. The remake, which David E. Kelley was writing and producing, was originally expected to be considered for the current TV season — but Kelley had trouble finding a man to play his lead character, so the Read more

Spot the Fake Pilot, Part II: Reality Edition!


Updated 03/31/08 4:04 PM · Posted by BuzzSugar · 8 comments

Spot the Fake Pilot, Part II: Reality Edition!

Some of you were superstars at my quiz about fake TV pilots last week, so I decided to try to stump you again. Once again, the questions below are descriptions of TV shows that could be coming soon to a major network or cable channel near you. Once again, some of the shows are honest-to-pete real series or pilots, while others are mere ideas in my mind. Here's the new twist: This time, all the Read more

Can You Spot the Fake Pilots?


Updated 03/30/08 10:42 PM · Posted by BuzzSugar · 15 comments

Can You Spot the Fake Pilots?

With the writers' strike over and the Upfronts just two months away, networks are starting to check out their pilots for the Fall TV season. We've heard a lot about how this year might be different (fewer pilots overall, more networks waiting till midseason to launch their new shows), but one thing is the same: A whole bunch of ridiculous-sounding pilots are already on the docket. Some of the Read more

Strike Could Shake Up Television For Years to Come


Updated 01/24/08 9:29 AM · Posted by BuzzSugar · 14 comments

Strike Could Shake Up Television For Years to Come

For the first time in a while, things actually seem to be looking up in the writers' strike. The writers and producers restarted informal talks this week for the first time since early December, the writers are dropping some demands in the hopes of reaching a deal, and the decision not to picket the Grammys seems like a hopeful sign. Still, even if there's a chance of getting TV shows back Read more

Supernatural Crime-Solvers Are So Hot Right Now


Updated 08/21/07 2:28 PM · Posted by BuzzSugar · 7 comments

Supernatural Crime-Solvers Are So Hot Right Now

Back when I was trying to guess which fall pilots would get picked up by the networks, I was smart enough to see that cop shows and paranormal phenomena were among the year's major trends. Too bad I didn't realize they were going to smoosh together into one big trend: the supernatural crime-solver show. Four such series are already in the pipeline for the new TV season, and this week, NBC bought Read more

Got Questions for CW, Fox or ABC Stars?


Updated 07/20/07 5:51 PM · Posted by BuzzSugar · 10 comments

Got Questions for CW, Fox or ABC Stars?

I'm headed back to LA today for the final three presentations on the TCA press tour. The new CW shows take center stage today, and I'm sure we'll also hear lots of questions about the cancellation of "Veronica Mars." Then, on Sunday and Monday, Fox's shows — the new ones plus favorites including "House" and "So You Think You Can Dance" — are in the spotlight. Finally, on Tuesday and Read more

Pilot Watch: "Reaper"


Updated 07/30/07 1:10 PM · Posted by BuzzSugar · 20 comments

Pilot Watch: "Reaper"

What's it about? A young man named Sam learns on his 21st birthday that his parents sold his soul to the devil. Thus, he becomes a bounty hunter for Satan, tasked with collecting evil souls that have escaped from hell. Who's in it? Bret Harrison, Tyler Labine, Ray Wise, Missy Peregrym, Rick Gonzalez The good: Astoundingly, this implausible and ridiculous storyline somehow comes across as... Read more

Got Questions for NBC Stars?


Updated 07/13/07 11:31 AM · Posted by BuzzSugar · 12 comments

Got Questions for NBC Stars?

Starting Monday, I'll be bringing you the scoop on this fall's new and returning TV shows straight from Los Angeles, where stars, writers, producers and journalists are gathering for the annual Television Critics Association press tour. While I'm there, I'll have a chance to chat with the people behind your favorite shows — and I want to make sure I'm asking the questions you want Read more

Pilot Watch: "Chuck"


Updated 06/21/07 3:15 AM · Posted by BuzzSugar · 11 comments

Pilot Watch: "Chuck"

The networks have announced their fall schedules, but which of the series will actually be worth watching? Throughout the summer, as I watch the pilots, I'll be posting my first impressions. Note that a lot can change before a show actually makes it to air, so these aren't comprehensive reviews, just quick thoughts on how the shows look now. Today's installment: NBC's "Chuck." What's it about? A Read more