UPN Programming News

[MediaSavant]

As we move forward, the networks we are targeting most will be coming out with various programming announcements. I saw this one in the Hollywood Reporter today and I thought it my be a good idea to start a topic that keeps track of what UPN is doing:

'Night Thrasher' becomes UPN's primetime hero
Oct. 24, 2002 (Hollywood Reporter)
By Nellie Andreeva

Marvel Comics' black superhero Night Thrasher is ready for primetime on UPN.

The network has picked up a one-hour drama from Ben Silverman's Universal-based production company, Reveille, and Marvel Studios that will be a live-action rendition of the 1990s comic book series. "Brown Sugar" scribe Michael Elliot has come aboard as the writer on the project, which has received a premium script commitment from UPN. Elliot will executive produce with Silverman and Marvel's Avi Arad and Rick Ungar.

The "Night Thrasher" deal is a sign that Marvel, which has been busy in features with such blockbusters as "Spider-Man," "X-Men" and the upcoming "Daredevil" and "The Hulk," is now ramping up its activity in the small-screen arena.

"('Night Thrasher') is the first of a push on our part to move into the (live-action TV) area," said Ungar, president of Marvel Characters Group. "There are a number of Marvel characters in a universe of 4,500 characters that are not necessarily the ones that first come to mind, but they will make terrific live-action TV shows."

Silverman, who once worked at Marvel, said his longtime affection for the "Night Thrasher" comic book and the dearth of black heroes in primetime was what prompted him to go after the property.

In the comic, the Night Thrasher by day is Dwayne Taylor, a New Yorker whose parents were killed mysteriously when he was 5. As an adult, he uses his excellent athletic skills and mental prowess to fight evil when the sun goes down.

In the UPN show, set in the present day, Taylor will be the 25-year-old multimillionaire owner of a hot hip-hop clothing line, enjoying the high life with a penthouse apartment overlooking New York's Central Park. But he also lends his superhero services to the CIA, having been recruited by his CIA agent uncle, who raised him.

"He is truly the ultimate 21st century celebrity -- he is part endorser, part superstar and part hero," Silverman said.

Elliot said he wasn't familiar with the Night Thrasher before he was approached by Reveille and UPN, but he didn't hesitate to sign on. "As an African-American writer, there is nothing cooler than to create a black superhero," he said. Black superheroes are a rare breed on television, with the most notable effort being Fox's short-lived 1994 series "M.A.N.T.I.S."

Elliot described the Night Thrasher character as "a hip-hop version of James Bond" and called the project "an opportunity to create a superhero for today's generation -- one like looks like them, talks like them, likes the same kind of music."

Reveille's Matt Edelman, who has helped develop the show, is attached as a producer. Reveille has several other high-profile TV projects in the hopper, including NBC's comedy pilot "Coupling" and USA Network's talent competition series "Nashville Star."

Marvel, which has been active in production of animated TV series, is co-producing with Tribune Entertainment and Fireworks Entertainment the live-action syndicated series "Mutant X."

Elliot's writing credits also include the hit feature "Like Mike" and MTV's "Carmen: A Hip Hopera." The writer, who has two feature projects in the works -- one at Universal and one at Fox 2000 -- is repped by WMA and attorney Matt Johnson.

[MediaSavant]

UPN in the 'Zone' for full season of updated classic
Oct. 24, 2002

By Scott Collins

UPN's "The Twilight Zone" has just crossed over into ... a full-season pickup.

The network has ordered nine additional episodes of the updated version of Rod Serling's classic sci-fi anthology series, which aired on CBS from 1959-65. The UPN version, which bowed this fall at 9 p.m. Wednesdays, is hosted by Forest Whitaker and produced by New Line Television in association with Trilogy Entertainment Group. Pen Densham, Mark Stern, John Watson and Ira Steven Behr serve as executive producers.

"The creative strength of 'The Twilight Zone' stems from the combination of quality writing and fantastic guest stars, and by pairing it with 'Enterprise,' UPN has created a solid night of out-of-this world programming," UPN entertainment president Dawn Ostroff said in a statement.

Said New Line Television president Jim Rosenthal: "We're thrilled. We had our fingers crossed, but you never know (about full orders) until the call finally comes."

As the lead-out to "Enterprise," "Twilight Zone" was hailed by network officials as the most compatible partner for a "Star Trek" franchise in UPN history, with an average household retention rate of 73%.

However, UPN is actually faring worse in the time slot compared with last year, according to figures from Nielsen Media Research. "Zone" has averaged a 1.2 rating/3 share so far in the key 18-34 demo, compared with a 1.8/5 at the comparable point last year for "Special Unit 2." But "Zone" enjoys a far higher retention rate because "Enterprise" has plummeted 54% in 18-34 compared with the same period last year (4.8 vs. 2.2).

UPN's is only the latest go-round for Serling's classic. "Twilight Zone" was also revived as a CBS series from 1985-87 and in first-run syndication from 1987-88.

[chani]

just a feeling: I don´t like these news

cya

[GeekedOut]

I don't mind this news too much. UPN is a tv station and they need to pick up and drop shows. Like many have said, a Farscape decision will probably not come until after or during the last eleven episodes.

We just keep plodding along, get the high ratings, and keep UPN's possible interest up.

[Scaper989]

Rumor has it, that this is the last year on Buffy for Sarah Michelle
Geller. They're likely looking to replace Buffy.

Anyone seen the numbers for Haunted? I doubt it's doing too
well against Smallville.

The Twilight Zone is only maintaining about a 1.2 rating while
Farscape had an average of about 1.5 and peaked at 1.9 - while
on Psi-Fi channel. Farscape's raitings should be significantly
better on a broadcast network.


I think UPN still needs Farscape.

[JA_Shipper]

Just a guess, but UPN has probably had these projects in mind as mid-season replacements for awhile. I would think Farscape would be more a next season consideration. ::crosses fingers::

Suse

[MediaSavant]

Yes, "midseason" is usually January thru March debuts for a network like UPN. We all know that Farscape will still be on SciFi then.

[bacchus68]

actually the whole night "black " superhero thing may be a replacement for their monday comedy night. it wouldn't totally tick off the demographics they get by removing the comedies and possibly have a better crossover appeal as well. At least that's what I'm thinking because I can see this show be a good fit for that monday night demographic and a horrid fit against Buffy. But then they may be thinking of Buffy as a superhero type show so put this on. A bad idea since I doubt they would mesh well. UPN should never have killed SU2. that was a great show that would have been a good buffy lead out IMHO. If they replace Haunted with this though it will be a REALLY BIG MISTAKE. It's a fluff show from what I've read and will never hold the buffy audience against that tough competition.

Oh well. Farscape I still think is in the running It is a good fit after enterprise but also works after Buffy too because of it's character empasis.

Bac.

BTW:I'm a big firefly fan and was really touched to read your petition on this site. Great job to get sci-fi fans united. Thanks.

[MediaSavant]

Their Monday comedies are very successful, particularly when judged against an underserved African-American audience where they are very popular. I don't think they are aching to replace them.

The top 5 shows on all of television among African-American households are:

ONE ON ONE UPN
GIRLFRIENDS UPN
HALF AND HALF UPN
CEDRIC ENTERTAINER: PRESN FOX
PARKERS, THE UPN

[MediaSavant]

Joss Whedon talks about this possibly being Buffy's last season at TV Guide Online:

Buffy's Last Season ? (http://www.tvguide.com/newsgossip/insider/)

[katyaz]

Hmmm... Very interesting news, MS. I knew there were rumors that this is Buffy's last season, but I didn't know Joss had ever actually admitted that out loud...

From the article, it looks like they are thinking of replacing Buffy with a spinoff, though -- possibly centered around Faith, instead of Buffy this time. If that's true, it might interfere with any plans UPN might have to pick up Farscape...

*Sigh* Nothing is ever easy, is it. On the one hand, I think having a show based on Faith has real potential. On the other hand, Farscape is my absolutely favorite show, and I am selfish enough not to want any other show, not even another show from Joss Whedon, to interfere with the possibility of UPN picking it up.

I hope it doesn't come to a battle of wills between Faith fans and Farscape fans...

[PrairieScaper]

Incidentally, today's TV Guide Online also includes Joss Whedon's plea that anyone interested in Firefly watch the show tonight: http://www.tvguide.com/newsgossip/insider/021025b.asp

This ep is supposed to shed light on how the capt., his ship and crew all came together. (More like the 'introductory' episode with which Whedon wanted to premiere but was overruled by TPTB at Fox.) Apparently ratings are a worry because Fox has not even ordered a full season of Firefly yet.

For anyone who hasn't yet seen Firefly -- or wasn't exactly entranced by the first ep and never returned -- why not tune in tonight? As supporters of quality genre television, Farscape fans may want to give Firefly a chance.

IMHO, anyway!

[GeekedOut]

I've heard rumors of a spin off but not on Faith, on Dawn, the little Slayer Sister. Still, this is not set in stone. Poor Joss Whedon is quite the workhorse, Buffy and Firefly.

I still think UPN's interest in FS is geniune and if they indeed do want to acquire it, they will find a place.

[JA_Shipper]

I don't see why UPN wouldn't want to acquire both a Buffy spinoff (if Buffy itself ends this season) and Farscape - two hit shows are better than one, no? (Of course, the people who control the pursestrings may think otherwise, but hopefully not.)

Suse

[katyaz]

I don't see any reason why they wouldn't acquire both shows, either, except that many networks (like Sci-Fi, for example :( )seem to act like they think one hit show is enough. :(

And the truth is, both Buffy (and, presumably, Buffy spinoffs) and Farscape are expensive shows to make. If UPN is having trouble, they might not want to pick up both shows.

I wish I could watch Firefly tonight, but tonight is actually the first time since Firefly started that I won't be home or anywhere near a TV at that time :( I should have expected that this would mean that this show was the one that was going to start the story arc! :(

[MediaSavant]

UPN Programming Info

Just to review, UPN's current programming is:

Monday 8-10PM: 4 ethnic-oriented comedies
Tuesday: 8PM Buffy, 9PM Haunted
Wednesday: 8PM Enterprise, 9PM Twilight Zone
Thursday: 8-10PM WWE wrestling
Friday: 8-10PM movie
Saturday & Sunday: no programming/all local

The prognosis for next season appears to be:

Monday: programming block is safe because of popularity among African-Americans

Tuesday: Buffy may end, but be replaced by spin-off. "Haunted" likely to be replaced. Its ratings suck.

Wednesday: Enterprise is safe; Twilight Zone renewed through end of this season, but may not be safe for next season if ratings go down.

Thursday: wrestling is safe. It gets high ratings

Friday: Movies don't get great ratings...could they replace with regular shows?

Saturday and Sunday: It is unlikely the network will expand into those nights due to lack of profitability.

As for cost, keep in mind that the cost to produce a show is different than the license fee that is charged to a network. Most license fees are *less* than the program's actual production cost. This was the case with Farscape on SciFi.

However, Buffy's license fee was very high because it had been successful for a long time. I don't think Farscape's fee is nearly as high as Buffy's.

[Dominar of Action]

curious -- shows you how much I watch TV, but I didn't know UPN didn't program at 10:00 (except for WWF on Thursdays). Why is that and is it likely to change anytime soon?

[MediaSavant]

Fox, WB, and UPN don't program at 10PM because they are "upstarts" from a network perspective. They started with more limited schedules than ABC, NBC, and CBS because that's all they could afford to do at first.

At this point, I don't see it changing. Their affiliates appear to be happy to have 10PM for their own programming, usually news.

[Dominar of Action]

So, it looks like unless Haunted or Twilight Zone bites it, or they decide to program a couple of shows on Friday, we're SOL (cause you just *know* they're going to go with a Buffy spin-off). :eek:

[WhiteLight]

Well, it seems like Haunted is not performing up to par. Too bad, I actually kinda like that show.

As for the Buffy spin off....I'm gonna wait and see on that one.

[bacchus68]

I still am not sure the black comedies are safe. SUre they have the african american demographic but so did WB's black comedies and as soon as they became a more "youth oriented only" network they dropped them like a hot potato. UPN is not making money on these becasue unfortunatly without crossover appeal the black comedies aren't working for them. They cancelled moesha a popular black comedy on the net and their replacements aren't working as well

The new show we hear is a black superhero show. There is no reason to say they aren't planning to kill girlfriends and parker(long runnning comedies on the net) for the superhero show. Making it a black superhero should keep the black demo they have but the fact that it is a superhero show can increase the crossover demographics.

I agree about haunted being in jepardy and the superhero show may be a replacement show but the fact that it is afrocentric I think is a strategic plan for UPN. Say try it out in the spring summer in haunted's spot if haunted continues doing really bad and if the show failes in that slot move it to mondays and poof open up tuesday at 9 again.

Personally i think twilight zone will come back to bit them in the butt. It can't sustain a viewership. They already tried a Twilight zone type show when the network first started. It was called the watcher and failed bad. Antholgy shows only have casual viewers because there aren't regular characters on and people base their viewing on the show based on the next weeks trailer. Or in other words they don't like the way the story sounds they don't watch. If they watch something else that particular night they have a chance to get hooked into a more regular character show they see for the night they don't watch zone. It has built in ratings deterioration(why no one does anthology anymore) Plus wed at 9 is becoming a tighter time slot to fight over for the nets with wb's birds of prey and the whole west wing and bachelor craze.

Just my thoughts.

Bac.

[MediaSavant]

Anything can happen, but I think the black comedy block is safe. WB got a lot of flack from the NAACP for canceling those popular shows and they have been very active about making the networks know they are watching their moves regarding programming to appeal to their audience.

At the same time advertisers are more cognizant of the audience and expanding their "diversity media" departments.

I just have a gut feeling Viacom, who owns UPN, is not going to make any major change, particularly since that is one of the few nights where their ratings *aren't* down this year.

That's why I think it is pretty safe.

[waltersgirl]

well, what do ya know...UPN's showing Buffy reruns. imagine that.

[MediaSavant]

(A new UPN press release)

October 29, 2002

UPN ANNOUNCES NEW MIDSEASON REALITY SERIES “SUPERMODEL,” WITH TYRA BANKS, TO FEATURE REAL PEOPLE COMPETING FOR A DREAM CONTRACT WITH A TOP MODELING AGENCY

UPN has picked up eight one-hour episodes of a new midseason reality series SUPERMODEL (working title) featuring world-renown supermodel icon Tyra Banks, who also serves as executive producer and a judge. The announcement was made today by Dawn Ostroff, President, Entertainment, UPN.

SUPERMODEL will feature a nationwide talent search for eight real people who think they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of supermodeling. The series will provide dramatic twists and turns as participants compete under the pressure of mastering tasks essential in the world of modeling.

“SUPERMODEL offers a twist on the reality genre and is a perfect fit for UPN and our audience,” said Ostroff. “The series combines the excitement of competition and the real-life drama of people pursing their dreams.”

“There is a misconception about supermodels that is more fantasy than reality. With SUPERMODEL, I want to demystify the glamour and show the challenges and hard work of becoming a supermodel, but in a humorously hip and edgy way,” said Banks. “This reality series is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity by providing direct access to the high profile agencies, photographers and stylists not exposed to the average aspiring model.”

The series will follow the participants as they live together and vie for the championship title in weekly tests that demonstrate who can cut it as America's ultimate model with both inner and outer beauty. Real people from diverse backgrounds, shapes and sizes will compete for the ultimate prize -- a super-sized modeling contract with a top agency. A panel of SUPERMODEL experts, comprised of agency representatives, photographers, fashion magazine editors and Banks, will oversee the competitions.

SUPERMODEL is a production of Right Brain Entertainment, in association with TY TY Baby Productions. Banks, who was key in elevating Victoria’s Secret and the Sports Illustrated swimsuit special issues to a new level, serves as executive producer alongside Ken Mok (“Making the Band”). Kenya Barris is a consultant.

[MediaSavant]

Continuing UPN news updates:

UPN Pulls Haunted

UPN is pulling its low-rated supernatural series Haunted from the schedule after the Nov. 5 airing, replacing it with other programming for the all-important November sweeps period, Variety reported. UPN will sub in a WWE special next week and air repeats of other UPN programs in Haunted's 9 p.m. Tuesday timeslot in subsequent weeks, the trade paper reported.

The network has made no official decision about the show's future, though industry insiders told the trade paper that they consider it a long shot that more than the 13 episodes of Haunted UPN ordered will be produced. Production is currently underway on the show's 11th episode. Seven episodes will have aired after the Nov. 5 broadcast.

Haunted failed to scare up many viewers in its post-Buffy the Vampire Slayer timeslot, the trade paper reported.

[Dominar of Action]

Well, you certainly called this a week or so ago! What were Haunted's ratings?

[GeekedOut]

And dang, I actually liked Haunted! I've liked Matthew Fox ever since Party of Five. Oh well, I'll get over it. ;)

[MediaSavant]

Thanks, for the compliment, but monitoring media trends is my profession. I guess I earn my paycheck once in a while.

Last week, Haunted got a 1.1 total U.S. HH rating. It aired in 85% of the country, so you could say that its "coverage area rating" was a 1.3--similar to Farscape's.

[MediaSavant]

More news from UPN today. Note that the series is being developed by a Viacom company (Paramount) for a Viacom company(UPN). Corporate nepotism is a big trend in TV:

UPN books 'Danger' comic
Nov. 21, 2002
By Cynthia Littleton

She's bold, she's brave, she's curvaceous -- and she's leaping off the pages of the "Danger Girl" comic book series into live-action development at UPN and Paramount Network TV.

UPN and Paramount have struck a deal with producers Chuck Gordon and Adrian Askarieh to develop a drama series based on the Danger Girl comic book character created by J. Scott Campbell and Andy Hartnel. Writer Analisa LaBianco has been enlisted to pen the small-screen adaptation of "Danger Girl."

"Danger Girl" was optioned as a feature project by New Line Cinema shortly after its debut in 1998, but that project never got off the ground. The comic was first published by the Cliffhanger imprint of Image Comics.

LaBianco describes the TV rendition as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" meets "Raiders of the Lost Ark." The comic books revolve around the adventures of the members of an underground network of female spies that grew out of the government's success in recruiting women for espionage duty during World War II.

The main character masks her true mission in life by working as an "outlaw archeologist" based out of San Francisco, LaBianco said. The show will have plenty of action, but LaBianco said there will be an equal emphasis on the emotional lives of the women.

"These are women dealing with the quarter-life crisis, that moment when you're 25 and think, 'What do I want to do with my life?' " said LaBianco, who has several feature scripts in various stages of development and a drama project in the hopper for CBS and Spelling Television.

Gordon and Askarieh are executive producing the project, with LaBianco serving as a co-executive producer. "Danger Girl" creators Campbell and Hartnel will also serve as co-executive producers.

"Danger Girl" is the third project to come from the partnership recently formed by Gordon's Daybreak Prods. and Askarieh's Prime Universe Prods. On the feature side, the duo is shepherding the comic book-inspired "Herobear & the Kid" and the video game-based "Spy-Hunter," both of which are set up at Universal.

"Danger Girl" was packaged by Genesis, which reps Gordon, Askarieh and LaBianco. Gordon is also repped by attorney Stuart Rosenthal. Askarieh is repped by attorney Peter Grossman.

[saska]

"Buffy" meets "Raiders" - sounds like "Tomb Raider" to me. :)

Whenever I read these comparisons (and yes, I know what my sig is, and I still think it's true) I chuckle to myself. We are so afraid to see anything new - every new series coming out must be referential to something else.

All the more reason why the Farscape/SG-1 pairing was such a fiasco - "these shows are both about guys in space!" was a weak tie-in and fans of each respective show didn't buy it for a minute.

Thanks for the udpates, MS!

Saska

[Nato]

I found this on the Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com) web site, in an article about UPN's pursuit of a Danger Girl series:

"The series is being looked at as either a companion show to the network's Buffy the Vampire Slayer or even a possible replacement if this season will be Buffy's last. UPN is also developing a Night Thrasher series based on the Marvel Comics character. "

Just FYI...

-- Nato

[JA_Shipper]

Originally posted by saska
"Buffy" meets "Raiders" - sounds like "Tomb Raider" to me. :)

Saska

Or Relic Hunter. :rolleyes:

[bacchus68]

I don't know but I think frist we hear of the black superhero show and now this superhero show. It sounds to me like UPn is already getting their programming scehdule in place an doesn't have as much room for possible orphen shows like farscape and firefly. I don't know about you guys but everytime I hear of these new shows coming down the pike at UPn they don't instil me with confidence.

[Scaper989]

Remember Buffy may be loosing Sarah Michelle Geller, Haunted
tanked, and Twilight Zone isn't doing that hot. Come next year,
they may very well need three more shows.

[guyricardo]

And don't forget, just because a show is 'in development' doesn't mean you'll see it. If something better comes along ((((FS)))) then they could shelve one of those development shows, and use them as replacement or summer shows.

[MediaSavant]

Daily Variety
December 10, 2002, Tuesday
SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 1
LENGTH: 1092 words

HEADLINE: A-list will fuel UPN dramas

BYLINE: JOSEF ADALIAN

BODY:
UPN Entertainment prexy Dawn Ostroff is making good on promises to up the talent quotient her at weblet, signing pilot development deals with Joel Silver, Wes Craven, Mel Gibson, Danny DeVito, Brian Grazer, John Milius, Mike Newell and several other A-list producers and scribes.

Net is also expanding its contacts with studio outlets not associated with UPN owner Viacom. Projects are in the works with 20th Century Fox TV, Warner Bros. TV, New Line Television, Miramax and Sony-based Jersey TV. For years, netlet was frequently the last stop on the pitch circuit, with producers often coming to UPN only after other outlets had passed. But with the acquisition of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," as well as Viacom's decision to put UPN under the control of CBS supremo Leslie Moonves, studios and scribes seem to be giving UPN a second look.

While 20th Century Fox TV prexy Dana Walden emphasizes she had a positive experience working with ex-UPN topper Dean Valentine on "Buffy," she said the combination of Moonves and Ostroff has taken the net to a new level.

"Les and Dawn together are a very formidable team," Walden said. "They're two executives who understand the creative community, who know how to brand a network and get the language that makes writers and producers feel that UPN will be a caring, nurturing home for their project."

It helps that the net is also hungry for new drama hits.

Despite some good critical notices, frosh hour "Haunted" flopped, while Wednesday anthology skein "The Twilight Zone" is still struggling to find an aud.

What's more, this year could very well be the last for "Buffy." UPN's two-year deal for the skein is up in May, and while a spinoff or sequel has been buzzed about, there's also a chance financial considerations could close the book on the "Slayer" chronicles.

Overall, UPN's Nielsen numbers are off sharply vs. year-ago levels, when it was basking in the glow of the "Buffy" and "Enterprise" premieres. Net has pulled even to where it ranked during the May sweeps, however; last week, it posted gains vs. 2001 averages.

With UPN's Monday comedies clicking, drama is clearly a priority at the net. Industry insiders said the web will likely end up with just north of 25 hourlong scripts and will probably produce between six to eight pilots. That's nearly double the number of pilots the net ordered last year.

Ostroff declined to comment for this story, citing the web's blanket policy against talking on the record about development.

But UPN execs have made no secret of their plans to use the goodwill earned by Moonves at CBS and Ostroff in her previous gig at Lifetime to bring a different level of talent to UPN. Strategy already seems to be paying dividends.

"If a writer comes to us and pitches a project that is clearly a home run for UPN, we have no problem pitching it there," Walden said. In the past, studios might have felt uncomfortable bringing a project to the net.

Buoyed by the success of the urban-based Monday comedy block, UPN also seems to be looking to feature multiethnic casts and producers for its drama projects. Even in cases where a minority character isn't the lead, it's expected overall casting will be more diverse than on many Big Four shows as part of an effort to reach out to auds being underserved.

Another goal, UPN insiders have said, is to go for concepts that will easily grab viewer attention.

A case in point: "Newton," an hourlong drama from exec producer Joel Silver ("The Matrix") that at first seems to be about a simple American family living in the suburbs. Instead, the family will end up living in what's essentially a testing ground for strange, beyond-state-of-the-art inventions.

UPN execs no doubt hope to get viewers interested by focusing on the heightened reality at the core of Warner Bros. TV's "Newton," which comes from scribes Craig Silverstein ("The Dead Zone") and David Nadelberg.

Here's a look at several other drama projects in the works at UPN for fall 2003:

"Kamelot": Wes Craven and Marianne Maddelena ("Scream") are producing this Miramax TV hour in which King Arthur is resurrected as a hip revolutionary who reigns supreme in a Camelot-like future society. Ron Milbauer and Terri Hughes, the scribe team behind the 1999 feature "Idle Hands," are scripting.

"3 Card Monte": Gibson and Bruce Davey have teamed with Big Ticket Television for an hour dramedy about con artists who scam folks who deserve to be scammed. Adi Hasak is writing the project, to be produced in association with Gibson's Icon shingle.

"Orderlies": A drama from scribe-exec producers Josh Pate and Jonah Pate ("Good vs. Evil") about twentysomething Bonnie and Clyde types who battle corporate America on behalf of the little guy. Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and David Nevins are exec producing for Imagine TV and 20th.

"Blur": Ex-con and his brother team with Las Vegas Metro Police to infiltrate the criminal underworld in Sin City. DeVito, Stacy Sher, Michael Shamberg and John Landgraf are exec producing for Jersey TV in association with Sony.

"XXX" scribe Rich Wilkes is writing and co-exec producing an untitled hour about a former con man who ends up the inhouse detective at a Hard Rock-like casino in Vegas. Neil Moritz and Marty Adelstein are exec producing with Dawn Parouse via their 20th-based Original banner.

"Delta": Milius is penning and exec producing a show about the military special ops team that joins forces with the CIA to thwart terrorists of all stripes. Newell ("Donnie Brasco") is exec producing with Cam Jones and Gus Gustawes for New Line Television.

20th-based producer Scott Vila has set up a pair of projects at UPN: "The Edge" and "707 Park."

Former pilot script is from scribe Matt Carnahan ("Fastlane") and revolves around two FBI academy grads and an undercover agent working to solve crimes in a beach town on the U.S.-Mexico border. "707 Park," from scribe Stephen Tolkin ("Kate Brasher"), is a family drama about an interracial couple who blend their two broods together.

"Outside Chance": A show-within-a-show set within the confines of a fictional crime-based reality skein. Michael Gans (MTV's "Spy TV") and Richard Register. Greer Shepard ("Popular") and Michael Robin ("NYPD Blue") are exec producing via their overall at WBTV.

Former UPN Entertainment topper Tom Nunan is returning to the net as a producer, teaming with scribe Brandon Boyce ("Apt Pupil") for "Title 21." Skein, from Paramount Network TV, will focus on undercover DEA agents working in Los Angeles.

LOAD-DATE: December 10, 2002

[Vampgrrl]

UPN still needs an anchor show..if Buffy is gone, I heard thro the rumor mill that enterprise is on the chopping block if ratings don't pick up. Farscape has an established base of fans and even with Henson funding, while the show might have been a bit more pricey for SciFi UPN I believe could fund it. Buffy's ratings have dropped because of the change in the writing and story..most people were tuned in for the Buffy and Angel romance at it's peak.
If the UPN execs could see it, at least they could take something a bit more established like Farscape with the John and Aeryn romance and "let it gorw beyond it's core audience", for heavens sake, all SciFi needed to do itself for FS was air a season without breaking it up, air on a regular slot and promote it, all of which since Season 3 it never did.
Farscape on SciFi is dead I believe, but I dont think it's gone, it's something good for a UPN or WB type network to pick up on and maybe Showtime or HBO. I've also consider FX is a network (cable) in need of some fresh viewers as well.

[PkTechSquirrel]

Aww, come on UPN, you can't get much more diverse than Farscape! Humans, Aliens, critters, plants, animatronics...

:)

By the way Media Savant, A gigantic Thank You for your great updates and inside information!