New TV Pilots: Lawyers, Horses and Assassins

By Amanda Pendolino on January 28th, 2010

tv-network-logos-1 TV nerds everywhere are abuzz about all the new pilots being picked up by the networks. A pilot pickup means that a script will actually be cast and shot; it’s like the semifinals of TV. If it turns out well, then the pilot will get ordered to series, more episodes will be shot and you’ll actually get to see it on the air. You can follow The Hollywood Reporter and Variety for all the latest pilot news. Here are some of the ones picked up so far:

Huge (ABC Family) – Based on the book by Sasha Paley, this drama revolves around the lives of six teenagers and the staff at a weight-loss camp.

Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family) - Four estranged best friends who are reunited when one of them goes missing, and the others begin receiving mysterious messages. Since ABC Family runs on a bit of a different schedule, these have actually been ordered to series!

Nikita (CW) – Based on the 1990 French film, the 1993 US adaptation Point of No Return and the 1997 US TV show La Femme Nikita on USA. The new take on the show follows what happens when the original Nikita goes rogue – and a replacement is brought in. Remakes, remakes, remakes. Why create new ideas, right?

Untitled Wyoming Project (CW) – From Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, this soapy family drama is set on a horse farm.

Hitched (CBS) – From The OC creator Josh Schwartz, this half-hour comedy is about a 20something newlywed couple who are still getting to know each other. It sounds a little like Dharma & Greg, but I love Josh Schwartz so I’m excited!

Untitled Quill Comedy (CBS) – Another half-hour comedy about a widower who must raise his 12-year-old son while also getting back into the dating world. Aww.

No Ordinary Family (ABC) – This hourlong drama follows an American family that suddenly finds itself with new superabilities. Hmm, if it’s like a real-life Incredibles, that could be fun. And I always loved Alex Mack …

Freshmen (ABC) – It’s a law show, but it’s a half-hour comedy about three newly elected members of Congress — two men and one woman — who wind up sharing an apartment in Washington. Not sure I buy it, but Ariana Huffington is involved, so that adds an interesting element.

Off the Map (ABC) – A drama from Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice creator Shonda Rhimes about doctors who work in a tropical medical clinic.

Happy Endings (ABC) – This comedy centers on a group of friends that is disrupted when two of them decide to break up.

The Strip (NBC) – A comedy about a former child star who owns a Hooters-type restaurant in a strip mall on the outskirts of Las Vegas. This could be really funny, or really terrible.

Untitled Ajay Saghal (Fox) – A comedy about two brothers from a traditional Indian background. One surprises his family when he dates a Caucasian woman, while the other agrees to enter an arranged marriage. Points for originality!