Pick the most promising TV pilot

Tom Stevens Wed, Mar 22, 2006 at 04:31 PM EST

Don't hate on the networks. The "big stupid networks" are just giving the "big stupid audience" what they want. Half of these posts talk about TV-to-DVD sets, old shows in reruns, and favorite movies. Until the audience learns to expect and WANT new ideas, why should the networks?? I think the networks are doing a noteworthy job in developing new and interesting material. As for these picks ...... HARVEY - the gag with the dress is a dead horse. You're more creative than that. EDDIE IZZARD - I'll follow you to the ends of the earth ... they air it, I'll watch it. BRANDY AND THE CREATORS OF GIRLFRIENDS - I'd change the channel if your promos came on. Much less, your actual show. Awful. DONAL LOGUE - Dumb guys robbing a celebrity?? Sounds like Robin Hood gone stupid. I love it! Name the channel. COX - I don't really want to see anyone from the cast of Friends for awhile. Sorry. AL SHARPTON - This is just a dumb idea. Where's the remote?

Rob Thu, Dec 8, 2005 at 01:30 PM EST

another idea: Have a season of survivor, but instead of a bunch of goobers competing, have some of the world's top survivalists. Not only would it be more entertaining, but the audience could actually learn something.

Rob Thu, Dec 8, 2005 at 01:28 PM EST

The only "reality TV" that should be on is the NFL, NBA, and college basketball. Other than sports and the news, the whole point of TV is to escape reality...if I want real life, I'll turn off the TV and go outside.

Bob Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 07:08 PM EST

Tv has always been refered to as the "Boob Tube"
I now understand that is because of all the "BOOBS" that run the networks.If any TV Exec. ever had an original idea, he would be Drawn and quartered, then shot. TV is a "Vast Wasteland" and getting bigger by leaps and bounds every season!

dan Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 06:02 PM EST

Harvey Fierstein?
Sitcom?
FOX?!

the novelty involved is making me way too excited.
i guess this is the best i will get for not being able to see him in Hairspray.

i hope he sings the theme song!

brandonk Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 05:00 PM EST

Harvery Fierstein and Eddie Izzard every week?! Hallelujah!

Mike Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 04:51 PM EST

It doesn't matter. If any of them turn out to be original, they are bound to be cancelled. Sorry, still trying to cope with the Loss of Feaks and Geeks, and Arrested Development. Why do the masses insist only watching "reality" TV and shows that have been done to death?

Piggylou Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 03:49 PM EST

None of the ideas matter, because the "executives" running the networks won't let the creators and writers be. Having been on the inside of many disasters (and a few winners) I can tell you that whatever great idea that is brought to the networks ALWAYS gets watered down and noted to death so that any orginality is excised long before it gets on the air: note to Harvey Firestien "does it have to be so gay?". Courtney: "we know your character runs a tabloid, but we need to be able to love her also". Donal: you can rob the guy, but you should donate the money to charity". God rest Brandon Tartikoff...

John Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 03:45 PM EST

None!!! One show looks just like the next there is no creativity in Television each of the networks copy the same ideals from each other give it a different name and the sheep follow.

John Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 03:44 PM EST

None!!! One show looks just like the next there is no creativity in Television each of the networks copy the same ideals from each other give it a different name and the sheep follow.

Todd Tokarz - Chicago Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 02:58 PM EST

I think anything that Harvey Fierstein does turns to gold. The man is an absolute GENIUS. I can't wait to see him wekly on the small screen. Hello TIVO ...

Todd

Tim Bovard Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 02:45 PM EST

I would rather watch reruns of great shows such as Seinfeld, Raymond, and Home Improvement.

Steve Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 02:35 PM EST

I say if this is the best that the Big Networks have to offer, then I won't be watching them during 2005-2006, either.

Thank God for Turner Classic Movies and TV-to-DVD box sets. For some classic TV comedy, get MARY TYLER MOORE seasons 1-3 and the complete DICK VAN DYKE SHOW.

Rob Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 02:35 PM EST

Better idea: bring back the entire cast of In Living Color (Wayans family, Tommy Davidson, Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, maybe add a little Chris Rock, DL Hugley, Cedric, Bernie Mac, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Aries Spears, Will Farrell, Michael McDonald, Dave Foley, Joe Rogan) and make it and hour...it should easily beat out what SNL has degenerated into. Just keep it off UPN or WB...you want to get people to actually watch it.

Pete Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 02:26 PM EST

If this is the best hollywood has to offer, then I'm buying more books to read.

kosmo vinyl Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 01:32 PM EST

another vote for Eddie! and agree the Donal Louge working with the creators of Ed would be worth watching as well...

john hoff Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:19 PM EST

i think cameron diaz as maria in sound of music remake would be the biggest comedy of them all....if that is not an option i would go with harvey firestien because he reminds me of my mother although i don't think the masses will go for it

john hoff Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:18 PM EST

i think cameron diaz as maria in sound of music remake would be the biggest comedy of them all....if that is not an option i would go with harvey firestien because he reminds me of my mother although i don't think the masses will go for it

Robin Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:09 PM EST

who cares??????? there is not that much on good any way.
but earl and Chris Rock Show

Robin Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:09 PM EST

who cares??????? there is not that much on good any way.
but earl and Chris Rock Show

Howard Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 12:03 PM EST

Anything that could get me to watch an Al Sharpton sitcom has been outlawed by the Geneva Convention.

Eddie Izzard is the funniest guy on this list, and I think the idea has the most long-term potential. Gotta go with Low Life.

meekmax Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 11:47 AM EST

I love Eddie Izzard. Maybe they could put him on the pilot with Donal Logue. They could team up to rob a celebrity. What a weird buddy show that would make.

GaryD Wed, Dec 7, 2005 at 08:32 AM EST

Al Sharpton could present a whole new paradigm for TV: One actor (even when he's off-screen) does it all; he will be the star of the show, do the commercials, follow-up with news & weather, offer political commetary and, lest we forget his divine calling, be a televangelist.

However, I suspect his show will have repeat guest appearences by members of various law enforcement community, mostly the IRS.

I simply can't wait to miss his show.

movieguy77 Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 11:28 PM EST

Donal never really proved his worth or mettle after the promise he showed in The Tao of Steve...someone prove me wrong on this, please...BUT...I have to agree that in its prime, Ed was a fantastic piece of TV...I'm going with the heist show...and not just because Dane Cook would expect me to.

Jake Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 11:22 PM EST

Here ARE six shows.

Nancy Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 10:59 PM EST

I like Courteney Cox so I'll go with her show, but I've liked Donal Logue since The Tao of Steve and Eddie Izzard is a total original, so I'd watch their shows, too. The others? I'm sorry, but I've hated Harvey Fierstein ever since he took Divine's role in Hairspray. Al Sharpton? Are you kidding me? And Brandy? Well...her last series was okay so maybe.

Josephine Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 04:45 PM EST

i adore Eddie Izzard... but still, that project sounds way too much like My Name is Earl for my taste. I wouldn't watch Fierstein even with someone else's eyes, so I guess the ones i'm most rooting for would be Izzard (hope its better than it sounds) and Donal Logue, because he's funny and needs more success than he's had.

Lloyd Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 04:40 PM EST

From the makers of Ed? Are you kidding me? That's it, I'm there. Ed is the best thing NBC has done in the last 10 years.

brandon Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 04:17 PM EST

They all sound rather bland.

Frank Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 03:50 PM EST

Courtney Cox one I would watch if she stars in. The others..mmmmm..nothing sounds like must see T.V.!

Tommy G Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 03:04 PM EST

Eddie Izzard always cracks me up, so I'll have to go with his show. Especially if he's allowed to play a transvestite shady character...

Paul Ketz Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 02:59 PM EST

None of these excite me very much, but if I had to choose one, it would be the Courtney Cox-Arquette project, Dirt.

Jamie Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 02:58 PM EST

I think that they're all real dark horses, with Donal Logue possibly having the most appeal (to tap into the working class vibe.) Izzard is not very well known, and along with Fierstien would have to overcome America's fear of "chicks with dicks." Brandy isn't young anymore, so I can't say anyone particularly cares about her now. Al Sharpton is a cartoon. Courtney Cox, a show about tabloids? What, did you run out of houses to re-furbish?

Kimmie G Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 02:31 PM EST

Anything, and I mean ANYTHING that has Eddie Izzard in it is totally and completely worth the price of admission! Get him on television, and I'll be a VERY happy camper!

Josh Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 01:46 PM EST

Can we give up all of these to keep 'Arrested Development' on?

(otherwise I go with Cox, simply because I'm a fan of hers, though the premise is nothing new)

Lauren Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 01:39 PM EST

Fierstein? The heir of Arrested Development? Terrible.

blah Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 01:33 PM EST

I can safely safe I don't plan to watch any of those shows. They all sound pretty awful. :(

Brando Jones Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 01:29 PM EST

Eddie Izzard! He's got to be the funniest man alive (forget about Chris Rock). Whether the sitcom does well or not, he's still extremely talented, and I imagine it'll earn critical praise due to his comedic skills.

Brandon Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 01:16 PM EST

Plus, how could you not want to see a show that is built around a premise that would only fill one episode of any other sitcom. That's why the robbing a celebrity show will by far be the most fun to watch. Like a deadly car wreck - so horrible and yet I can't look away.

ebberman Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 12:43 PM EST

In my opinion, great entertainments are made by the vision. Not what the story is, but how the story's told. So I have to go with the guys who made TV I've enjoyed in the past: if the guys behind "Ed" are behing Donal Logue, then so am I.

Amy Tue, Dec 6, 2005 at 12:18 PM EST

I was never a Roseanne fan, so I'll go with the Eddie Izzard project.