We have, by my evaluations, been in somewhat of a golden age of television recently. Even as the business model evolves due to the rise of internet streaming and DVRs changing when we watch shows and whether we see commercials at all, advertising still supports some terrific shows on network and basic cable, and the premium channels (HBO and Showtime) continue to churn out thoughtful dramas and outrageous comedy. As I think about it more and more though, this era may be coming to an end, as some terrific shows have been underwatched to the point of nearly being cancelled (Community and Parks and Rec), or have run their planned course or run out of new material and will be ending soon (Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and 30 Rock).
As we have seen in Hollywood, the easiest solution to creating a hit movie or tv show is to take an established brand and squeeze every last dollar out of it until it is a shell of what it once was (see: Transformers or Pirates of the Caribbean). This may be becoming the trend in tv as well, as networks are beginning to reboot shows from the past like Dallas and the upcoming remake of The Munsters. Sometimes it can be hard to think of ways to reboot a show, so naturally I’m here to pitch some shows that not only would be good for the fall pilot season, but one or two for the summer schedule as well. Rather than lazily rehash plot of the original, I also propose simply only stealing the brand name and developing an entirely new show from it. Below are just a few ideas:
Community: I envision this 1 hour drama as being on basic cable as it isn’t quite suitable for mass consumption in my opinion. The story in season 1 would introduce us to and follow characters living on a working commune in Wyoming (or any secluded area with gorgeous views). The commune is lead by a late fifties, aging man who is revered among the adults who began the commune and are devout in supporting his somewhat socialist , very utopian ideals turning him into basically a cult leader. As the first generation of children grow up though, some who were brought to the commune as children and others born and raised there, this off the grid society begins to crumble when the children don’t accept the ideals of their parents.
The Sopranos: Drafting off the wildly popular HBO show comes this half hour reality show following the lives of the Harlem Choir Boys (or whatever large music group features a ton of sopranos). I’m surprised I can’t actually think of a show like this that already exists given the foundation for it exists so strongly. America loves singing shows and have always enjoyed young people who look to be stars as shows like American Idol and America’s Got Talent have shown, or a movie like Fame, so this would be a show that could naturally fill into many networks’ scheduling a few years down the line. With Glee repeatedly capturing the hearts of millions, and Justin Bieber’s falsetto (which i assume is near soprano range) making girls swoon how could this show now be a hit?
Deadwood: Turning yet another HBO drama on its head (it’s surprisingly easy to do, thanks HBO!) this half hour reality show can be the NBC spin-off to Parks and Recreation that no one has been clamoring for. Created by Greg Daniels, we follow the park rangers at the Petrified Forest National Park as they try to get tourists to love petrified wood while not running off with it. (Actors or some scripting may be required to make this watchable).
The Wire: NBC’s next big hit (its first since Seinfeld?) rips off Batman AND the HBO show Carnivale in this story about a family of circus performers and trapeze artists as they travel the country looking to become the next big thing. Can they balance the pressure of flying through the air balancing emotions? Will one turn out to be Dick Grayson aka Robin? With all this natural drama the only possibility is success.
Archer: A one hour drama following a hooded vigilan.... oh wait CW is already doing this in the form of the Green Arrow adaptation and it will be awful, never mind.
2 Broke Girls: In this, TLC competition show two self-described ugly girls compete against one another over a period of thirteen weeks as they battle to receive a free makeover like in The Swan. (Could be made more “TLC” if both women were little people). Could also work as a half-hour show as well.
Gossip Girl: A CBS dramedy about a man working at a woman’s gossip magazine called Gossip Girl where he is a complete fish out of water but trying his best to report real news. Can a chauvinistic male cut it in an industry aimed at women?
Two and a Half Men: In short, a TLC show about male friends helping their impotent friend cope with his issue.
Game of Thrones: Fox’s latest attempt to produce another successful and cheap to produce game show; Game of Thrones combines aspects of Let’s Make a Deal and the strategy of the once smash hit, but too costly to continue, Game of Thrones. (Apparently keeping dragons alive is expensive). Contestants are pulled from the the audience as in Let’s Make a Deal or the Price is Right and negotiate their way onto a throne, and play for the prize associated with it. Throw in some strategy games between contestants (just like on the HBO show) and maybe a bit of amateur fencing, and you have a sure fire summer hit to compete with the now long running Wipeout franchise.
Desperate Housewives: With the characters on The Bachelor becoming less interesting and more strategic it’s time to revamp the classic show. Why restrict ourselves to only single women, married women are just as devious, and are married. In this polarizing reboot based on the classic ABC drama, contestants are married women (cougars) competing for the heart of the younger single bachelor. Will they be able to rob the cradle and be married to the grave? Will the risk of losing any leverage in a divorce proceeding by being a contestant limit potential contestants? Find Out Spring 2015!!
Matt Brickell is Senior Creative Director for Rambles and Reviews and has a strong background in brainstorming and lunacy.
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