TV Pilots That Didn't Make The Cut

 It's upfront week, which in the world of Hollywood is when networks and streamers announce new show lineups. They also announce what shows are not returning This is to entice sponsors to buy ad time and start building promotion for the coming shows. While it's still a pomp and circumstance week, it's nowhere near the spectacle it once was.

All the debuting shows that make it, were given the go ahead based on their respective pilots. A pilot is simply a prototype episode of a series, to gauge the potential of it attracting an audience and being a success. So I started thinking about all of the pilots filmed, and came up with ten you may not know existed. Or know it existed but didnt know the story behind it

10. Powerpuff Girls

This live action adaption of the Cartoon network classic, was set for a fall 2021 debut on the CW network. Chloe Bennett, Yana Perrault, Dove Cameron rounded out the trio. While Donald Faison and Robyn Lively also were members of the cast. 

The pilot received negative reviews, and after several attempts to rework it. The show was officially considered DOA in 2023. Clips of it have found their way to YouTube.

9. Sisqo/Bob Newhart Pilot

                                                      

Back in 2021, Sisqo was still kind of on top of the world. Still riding strong from his solo debut album Unleash The Dragon and it's hit song Thong Song. Around this time, if a network thought they could make some money off your star appeal they would try. So, a pilot was developed with Sisqo at NBC with Bob Newhart co-starring.

The two would star as an odd couple business partners. The show wasnt picked up, and internet lore says the pilot was honestly horrible. Which probably tracks since there is no trace of footage online anywhere.

8. Marvel's Most Wanted

A spin-off of Agents Of Shield, this 2015 pilot featured Adrianna Palicki and Nick Blood reprising their characters from the series. It would focus on two separated from the spy agency, and on the run from various parties. Presumably to clear their names from something, but details about the series other than they would be on the run are scant.

7. Wonder Woman 

Another Adrianna Palicki failed superhero pilot, 2011's Wonder Woman. Filmed for NBC, this pilot was supposed to bring Wonder Woman into the 21st century. Written by David E. Kelly who created and wrote beloved dramas like Doogie Howser, Picket Fences, Ally McBeal, Boston Public, Boston Legal, The Practice and Chicago Hope to name a few. With Pedro Pascal who later starred in the 2020 Wonder Woman '84 movie, Cary Elwes, Elizabeth Hurley, Tracie Thoms, and Edward Herrman rounded out the cast.

Switching up Wonder Woman's origin story a bit, the pilot followed the typical superhero trope of being a public figure running a corporation and a superhero. Far cry from what Wonder Woman is, and apparently it did not go over well. Clips of the pilot can be found on YouTube, and you can quickly see why it was cancelled.

6. Problem Child

An adaptation of the 1990 film which spawned 2 sequels and a cartoon, this planned 2015 pilot was set to bring the story to the 2010's. 

Matthew Lillard and Erinn Hayes were attached to star in the pilot. Playing the roles made famous by John Ritter and his wife Amy Yasbeck. The series was intended to be a single camera comedy (filmed like other comedies such as Modern Family, Bernie Mac Show etc.) The plot would of course feature the couple trying to prevent their mischievous son from getting into trouble. This actually could have worked and it's a shame it was not picked up.

5. Cruel Intentions 

Before Prime Video bought Cruel Intentions to the screen as a TV series last year. NBC filmed a pilot back in 2016 that was an continuation of the original film. Set 17 years after the film, Sarah Michelle Gellar reprised her role as Kathryn Mertueil. She would have the villain in the series trying to wrest control of the family company, from her step-nephew Sebastian and Annette's son Bash. Bash find's his father's old journal which introduces him into a strange world as he learns more about his father he never knew.

This was the second attempt at a series for Cruel Intentions, Fox tried in 2000. Just like that one, this series was not picked up. The actually had a good foundation to be an engaging series continuing the legacy of the original film.

4. Bow Wow Pilot

Many may see him as a clown, but at one time Bow Wow was one of the biggest stars walking the planet.  He had conquered the music demographic of teenage girls and stepped into the movie world already. So it only seemed right that in 2005 he tried to follow in the foot steps of Will Smith and Eve, and star in his own comedy series. He filmed a pilot for the WB network simply titled Bow, with Hollywood veterans like Kim Fields and Joey Lawrence joining the cast. The series followed Bow Wow as he was transitioning from a child star to an adult, which mirrored his life at the time.

The pilot is available on YouTube and actually had potential. With a lot of viewers leaving comments that they would have watched the show had it aired.

3. Supernatural: Bloodlines

The CW's long running and successful show Supernatural was planned to start a franchise. In 2014 the network conducted a "backdoor pilot" which is an episode of the original series, meant to introduce the characters for a new series. That episode occurred in season 9, episode 20 featured two characters Ennis Ross and Freddie Costa who are in the world of hunters and monsters in Chicago. It wasn't well received when it aired, likely because the Dean brothers weren't the focus of the series. Thus CW decided against making it a TV series and passed on the pilot.

2. Beverly Hills Cop TV series

In 2013 CBS network decided to revive The Beverly Hills Cop franchise. Brandon T. Jackson was tapped to lead the show as the son of Axel Foley. Unable to make a name for himself in the Detroit Police department, he decides to move to Beverly Hills where he still lives in his dad's shadow. The pilot featured Judge Rheinhold returning to the franchise, and Eddie Murphy himself passing the torch. Fortunately I think everyone realized a network TV show was not the right platform for this series, and without Eddie Murphy regularly appearing no one would likely tune in. 

The pilot is available on YouTube, while it had potential it was wisely passed over.

1. Aquaman

In the mid-2000's before the MCU kicked off and the Arrowverse ruled the CW network, the WB network aired Smallville. The origin story of Superman which was highly successful, the network decided to try the formula again and in 2006 produced Aquaman for a pilot. Starring Justin Hartley who later played Green Arrow in Smallville and became famous for This Is Us as Arthur Curry/Aquaman. Ving Rhames and Lou Diamond Phillips provided the veteran steady hands for the pilot. It took the Smallville formula, updating the source material and applying the "good looking" lead to bring in female fans. 

The pilot was not picked up but was offered through itunes to purchase, which was a huge deal back in 2006. The pilot shows that the series actually had potential and you could tell money was put into it to really sell the show. The pilot was on YouTube for years but seems to be taken down, however the trailer which got you looking forward to the series is still available.

Read More

TV Thanksgiving episodes

 Thanksgiving that holiday the middle of Halloween and Christmas/New Years. A day of giving thanks for what you have, although we love our spread, big plates, and football it doesn't get a ton of love. Some folks find the holiday boring, others are just waiting to fully kickoff the Christmas season, then there are those that try to educate you on why you shouldn't celebrate the holiday as you try to enjoy your meal in peace.

For reasons like that, there aren't many movies considered Thanksgiving classics, but there are several TV shows that have produced classic Thanksgiving episodes. 

Thanksgiving is covered a bit more in TV land as opposed to film. Likely because in the TV landscape, November is also sweeps month. A big money making time for networks. Since the actor's strike just ended a couple weeks and there won't be any  Thanksgiving episodes this year. I figured I'd share some good depisodes. 

This article covers some of  to me the best Thanksgiving episodes in TV. So there are likely damn good episodes of sitcoms or dramas I've never seen that's not on this list.

5. Boy Meets World-Turkey Day

Everyone's favorite 90's teen sitcom Boy Meets World taught us some important life lesson's in this season 4 episode. It provided some insight into Cory and Shawn's friendship that for as long as they have been friends, their families likely never meet before this day. 

Cory and Shawn win a turkey and stuffing as a reward for donating the most cans in their class. They decide to have their families come as one for Thanksgiving and break bread together. Problem is the social class difference between the two sides may derail that plan. With a lot of bickering over small differences in taste occurring between the families. 

Eventually the adults get it together when Cory and Shawn have their own moment discussing what they are thankful for. A light episode with laughs, it also has a strong message.

4. Living Single-Thanks For Giving

This season 2 episode of Living Single features a Friendsgiving dinner before that was a thing as the focal point of the episode. Highlights include the debut of Heavy D as a frequent guest star on the series, as a love interest of Regine. The rest of the episode focuses on Khadijah being on edge wondering if her beau Scooter will propose to her, while also getting jitters about him taking a job in Tokyo.

This episode is hilarious and touching at the same time, and is a shining example of why the show is a 90's sitcom classic.

3. Fresh Off The Boat-Huangsgiving

The season 2, episode 8 of Fresh Off The Boat focused on the Huang family hosting Thanksgiving after Jessica's overbearing mom decided who was hosting that year. Determined to outdo her sister Connie who hosted in previous years, Jessica and Louis devise a plan for Huangsgiving to make it the best holiday dinner yet.

With ideas like switching up the menu (I personally am never opposed to that). The Huang's plan to serve individual cornish hens as opposed to Duck, which they serve instead of Turkey. To me that is interested as I'm always curious what Thanksgiving meals look like for other cultures. Of course nothing goes as planned, and it's revealed Connie and her husband Rick are divorcing. Throwing some plans out the window, and Rick and Louis to get pissy drunk. In the end it all come's together and proves the holidays are all about family.

2. This is Us-Pilgrim Rick

First thing's first, damn I really miss this show and this episode is a big reason why. Tugging at our heart strings in this season one episode. It follows the big three getting prepared for turkey day while reminiscing about how they're annual tradition of watching Police Academy 3 and the Pilgrim Rick hat for Thanksgiving came to be.

Per usual it's because Jack saved the day one year when holiday plans were derailed and he had to make the best out of a tough situation. Besides the feel good moments of family traditions, Randall also learns in this episode that Rebecca and William had met previously...the show wasted no time bringing out the heavy hitters.

The episode is about traditions, which many people consider Thanksgiving and most holidays in general to be about. Now that I have a child of my own I look forward to finding something that can be our yearly tradition for the holidays.

1. Martin-Feast or Famine

In this season 3 Thanksgiving epsiode, Martin ever the over confident big mouth boasts that he and the fellas could make a better dinner than the ladies. Gina and pam take them up on the challenge and a battle of the sexes for Thanksgiving dinner ensues. Martin, Cole, and Tommy have some unconventional  methods for they cook the dinner. Leading to a hilarious scene featuring some underwear.

Meanwhile Gina and Pam are aided by Mama Payne and her friend Florine (Millie Jackson) who take a liking to Pam over Gina. Who is still trying to get on Mama Payne's good side, they end up doing a rendition of Pass The Peas . The episode ends with a faceoff dinner, but everyone suspecting some fraudulent activity.

Leave it up to Bruh Man to end the episode on a high note lol.

Welp here's my 5 favorite Turkey Day episodes. Hope everyone eat's good, enjoys time with friends and family and relaxs. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Read More

Ten TV Shows Of The 2010's For The Culture

2019 is coming to an end and with that the 2010’s is ending as we push toward the 2020’s. The 2010’s bought some quality television shows to the masses, through traditional network and cable television and the new method of watching entertainment streaming media. For the culture these television shows were relatable, provided a voice when messages needed to be heard, and at times were just flat out entertaining. Here are ten TV shows of the 2010’s I think were the top of the heap for the culture.

 10. Carmichael Show

 Debuting in 2015 on NBC, this comedy starring Jerrod Carmichael, Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rel, Loretta Devine, and David Alan Grier. This comedy was unapologetically Black, funny, politically aware of the current climate in America. It also made comedic situations of life occurrences you may expect could have funny undertones. Episode topics such as confronting death, changing eating habits as you grow older, religion, Black lives matter, gentrification, even touched on cancel culture with an episode around still supporting Bill Cosby or not. The show ended in 2017 after a few disputes between Jerrod and NBC, sadly there were a couple more seasons left in the tank. Underrated and honestly slept on by many, if you’ve never seen the Carmichael Show it’s available on Hulu.

9. Greenleaf

“Greenleaf” debuted in 2016 on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). The series follows the leaders of a Megachurch, Bishop James Greenleaf played by a ninja that always looks like he’s up to something Keith David, and his first lady Mae Greenleaf played by the always classy Lynn Whitfield. Their family and church congregation contain a lot of secrets and scandals that unfold over the series 4 seasons. Greenleaf touches upon a section of the Black community, many often talk about but don’t highlight much. The influence of megachurch’s, “celebrity” preachers, and the issues that exist within the confines of those walls. If you enjoy a good drama with some scandal thrown in check out Greenleaf.  A fifth season will premiere sometime next year.

8.Empire

  Created by Lee Daniels and starring Terrence Howard, Tariji P. Henson, Bryshere Gray, and Jussie Smollet. This Fox drama debuted in 2015, and was an instant hit. A combination of soap opera and musical drama this series followed music mogul Lucious Lyon (Terrance Howard), and the exploits of his family and record label. The series fired on all cylinders in the first few seasons, having guest appearances from various musical artists, and a hit soundtrack to boot. The series is now in it’s sixth season and has jumped the shark as far as content, in addition to the Jussie Smollet scandal earlier this year. Empire has seen better days but it definitely left a mark on the culture this decade.

7. Atlanta

 The brainchild of Donald Glover, this series debuting in 2016 on FX is unlike any other series currently on television. It follows down on his luck Earn (Donald Glover) who goes about life just trying to make it, with his cousin local rapper Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry), and homeboy Darius (Lakeith Stanfield). The series has a very surreal vibe to it, including invisible cars and revolving nightclub doors. Had some very Black moments, such as an episode where Earn wiggles his way out of paying for a expensive dinner, and an episode featuring a barber that does everything but cut hair. It also had a genius episode in the first season satiring the medias portrayal of the Black community through the lens of a talk show, with accompanying commercials. Donald's a bit busy these days. The series third and fourth seasons are on the horizon, scheduled to begin filming in early 2020. 

6. Power

The series that put Starz original programs on HBO levels, Power debuted in 2014. Starring Omari Hardwick, Joseph Sikora, and Naturi Naughton. The series follows Omari Hardwick as James St. Patrick better known as Ghost. A drug dealer turned legitimate businessman who is constantly in conflict with which life he wants to live. Along the way he encounters numerous foes with his best friend/brother turned on again off again enemy Tommy (Joseph Sikora) and Kanan (50 Cent). Power was a highly anticipated show every season, and every week the previous episode was heavily discussed while looking forward to the next one. 2020 brings the last 5 episodes of the series and no matter which way it goes; it will be highly debated.

5. How To Get Away With Murder

I admit I have never watched a episode of “How To Get Away With Murder”, however the series starring Viola Davis and produced by Shonda Rhimes definitely left it’s mark on the culture. Debuting in 2014 on ABC, the series involves a lawyer Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) who’s involved in a murder and is always caught up in some shit related to the murder. The story involves a lot of twist and turns, when each episode airs you cannot escape the chatter around the show. It's talked about on social media and water coolers across the country. Now in it’s sixth and final season How To Get Away With Murder left it’s mark on the culture, just as the next series on the list.

4. Scandal

Starring Kerry Washington and created by Shonda Rhimes. “Scandal” debuted in 2012 on ABC and followed Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) as a high-powered Washington D.C. crisis manager. She fixes a lot of crises that arise in political circles in D.C., while being involved in quite a few herself namely her affair with the President of the United States Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn). The show ran for seven seasons ending in 2018, and despite creating “Greys Anatomy” really was the series that raised Shonda Rhimes status. Many aspired to be like Olivia Pope and through reruns, she will likely inspire generations to come to hop into the crisis’s management field.  

3. Insecure

Issa Rae started the decade on YouTube with her web series “Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” and ended the decade a bonafide star. Starring in films, being a creative mastermind, and being included on numerous “one’s to watch” list, all of the praise she received was amplified by her 2016 HBO series “Insecure”. Starring Issa as a 30 something LA resident who life hasn’t quite gone to plan, whether in her work life or personal life. The show is very relatable to members of the Millennial generation male or female with the current landscape of life. Being a Millennial I feel like it’s one the first television series that accurately addressed some of the issues Millennials face. Like “Atlanta”, “Insecure” has been renewed for a fourth season but due to Issa’s hectic schedule has not yet commenced filming.

2. Snowfall

Created by the late John Singleton this FX series debuted in 2017 and chronicled the origins of the crack epidemic in 1980’s Los Angeles. The series follows main character Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) and his rise through the drug business from a naïve small-time dealer to a kingpin. The series also covers how crack destroyed families and neighborhoods, drug distributors and their role and federal agents assigned to fight the war on drugs, and the games they play. Snowfall will be returning for a fourth season and after the ending of season 3, I’m looking forward to where Franklins story heads next.

1.     1. Blackish

Debuting in 2014 on ABC, Blackish was originally perceived as a Cosby show for the 2010’s. Mannn the series has turned out to be even more then that. Starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis-Ross, Blackish follows the Johnson Family Dre (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow (Tracee Ellis-Ross). A highly successful upper middle-class Black couple raising their four later five children in a life of privilege, while still ensuring they appreciate their “blackness”. Blackness has had educational episodes and has not shied away from controversial topics on the series, having episodes focus on the “N” word, police brutality, being biracial, the existence of God, and Juneteeth. It also famously had a episode pulled due to a controversal topic that caused a rift between ABC and series creator Kenya Barris The series has spawned two spin-off series “Grownish” and “Mixed-ish” and now in it’s sixth season has created it’s own legacy and will be enjoyed by many for years to come. 

Read More

The Get Down: Gone Too Soon

   Netflix has canceled the ambitious Baz Luhrman production “The Get Down”. While it’s rare for Netflix to cancel shows that receive good feedback the cost of “The Get Down” was just too much. Reports say the series cost $120 million which is by no means chump change.

   I’m not here to get into the behind the scene's cost and politics of the Get Down, I’m here to bring up the missed opportunity caused by the cancellation of the Get Down. Hip Hop and the exact origin of Hip Hop has never received its due in pop culture and the Get Down set out to change that.

  Incorporating all five elements of hip hop(djing, Mcing, break dancing, graffiti writing, and knowledge) and incorporating it into the main character's of the Get Down Brothers.  Zeek aka Books, Shaolin Fantastic,Dizzee, Boo-Boo, and Raa-Raa their adventures across 1970's NYC while learning a new genre bought them into hip hop legends such as Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool Herc, and Afrika Bambaataa.  That's where I think The Get Down had the most potential.
   

The last episode mentions Sugar Hill Gang “Rappers Delight” being released in September 1979 a year from the timeframe of the last episode. Had there been more certainty regarding another season who’s to say the Get Down brothers wouldn't have been in the room for the initial performance of rappers delight?

   Depending on how many season's the show could have had the crew could have been in the surroundings of pivotal moments in hip hop, they could have been our “eyes” and tour guide through the early year's of hip hop.

   Episodes started in the mid 90's during a Books concert and the story picks up in 1977 during Books teenage year's. That's a 20 year span the show could have covered jumping a few years between seasons. The crew trying to get signed to Sugar Hill record's, or other early hip hop labels, meeting a young Bronx rapper named Krs-One, being a catalyst for breakdancing taking off, hearing about a new record label Def Jam, seeing things change when Run Dmc and Aerosmith collaborate,  the crew being a pivotal part in the golden era of hip hop in 1988, disbanding by the 90's.

   To me having these characters growing as individuals and a team along with hip hop against the real backdrop of hip hop's rise was the most untapped potential of the show. The first half of the season was wayyy better than the second one but they had sooo much more to explore. We’ll never know what the creator5s had in store for future season's but while it would have been over the top I’m sure the stories would have improved and seeing hip hop's birth, the culture, and the seeds that would influence the world would have gave a new generation the history they need on this great culture.

Read More