Networks Rethink New Shows

Networks are rethinking how they develop new TV shows after the writers strike, the Wall Street Journal reports. NBC is switching to a staggered debut schedule, and many networks are shying away from traditional, expensive pilots. With fewer chances to test-drive possible shows, networks are sticking especially closely to trusted concepts and remakes of previous hits.

NBC is leading the way in picking up shows without pilots, green-lighting My Own Worst Enemy on the strength of its star, Christian Slater. Advertisers aren't so pleased by this development, the Journal notes, because they previously used pilots in making choices about which shows would grab the best audiences for their ads. (More pilots stories.)