The Hot Pilots of the 2016-2017 TV Season

The 5 major networks – ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and The CW – have at least 40 drama pilots that are contending for series pick-up for the 2016-2017 fall TV season.

Among those drama pilots are remakes of the hit 1980’s TV series MacGyver; reimagings of the box office films The Exorcist, Lethal Weapon, Frequency, Cruel Intentions and Training Day not to mention spin-offs of The Blacklist and another Chicago themed series from Dick Wolf.

In addition, FOX has already given a straight to series order to a continuation of Prison Break while NBC has given a straight to series order for a small screen adaptation of the box office film franchise Taken.

With all of those pilots under consideration, I thought it would be interesting to highlight one drama pilot from each of the major networks, specifically the one pilot that I think (or at least hope) will be picked up for at least an 8- or 13-episode order for the fall.

Here are my choices:

FOX

24: Legacy – This pilot will feature an all-new cast of characters, centering on a military hero who encounters a troubled return to the U.S., compelling him to ask CTU for help in saving his life, and stopping what potentially could be one of the largest-scale terror attacks on American soil.

Among the cast is Teddy Sears (The Flash), Anna Diop (The Messengers), Dan Bucatinsky (Scandal), Miranda Otto (Homeland), Corey Hawkins (The Walking Dead), Sheila Vand (State of Affairs) and Jimmy Smits (NYPD Blue).

The CW

Riverdale – Base on the iconic Archie Comics characters, but set in present day, this pilot will explore the surrealism of small-town life, the darkness and weirdness, bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome façade.

Among the cast is Luke Perry (Beverly Hills, 90210), Mädchen Amick (Twin Peaks and Witches of East End), Marisol Nichols (Teen Wolf and 24), Disney star Cole Sprouse (The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody) as well as newcomers KJ Apa and Lili Reinhart.

ABC

Marvel’s Most Wanted – The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. spinoff follows the characters of Bobbi Morse (aka Mockingbird) and Lance Hunter.

Of course, Adrianne Palicki and Nick Blood will reprise their roles along with Delroy Lindo (Blood & Oil and The Chicago Code) and Oded Fehr (Covert Affairs) joining them.

NBC

Midnight Texas – Based on Charlaine Harris’ best-selling trilogy and set in Midnight, Texas, this pilot is about a remote town where your neighbor could be a vampire, a witch, a werewolf, and even an angel. Mystery, horror and romance combine to both enthrall and frighten any outsiders who decide to venture into this unusual place.

Among the cast are François Arnaud (Blindspot and The Borgias), Dylan Bruce (Orphan Black and Heroes Reborn) and Sarah Ramos (Parenthood).

CBS

Drew – This pilot is a contemporary take on the character from the iconic Nancy Drew book series. Now in her 30s, Nancy is a detective for the NYPD where she investigates and solves crimes using her uncanny observational skills, all while navigating the complexities of life in a modern world.

Among the cast are Sarah Shahi (Person of Interest and Fairly Legal), Anthony Edwards (ER), Felix Solis (The Following) and Vanessa Ferlito (Graceland).

We shall see in May when the networks announce their fall line-ups if I come close to guessing right or not.