Ali Arsalan
In a recent development, ABC has decided not to move forward with several anticipated pilots, including “The Hurt Unit,” “Public Defenders,” “Judgement,” and “Keeping It Together” (formerly titled “Drop-Off”). This decision comes amidst the ongoing writers strike that has gripped Hollywood. The Writers Guild of America initiated the strike on May 2, citing unresolved issues such as wages and protections against AI.
“The Hurt Unit”: Medical Drama Fails To Move Forward
“The Hurt Unit” series was ordered in December and starred Ben McKenzie. It revolved around a team of skilled trauma surgeons and nurses who provided urgent care in the field. Co-written by Matt Lopez and John Glenn, directed by Marc Webb and produced by Black Lamb, the pilot promised a cutting-edge storyline. Unfortunately, the show failed to meet ABC’s criteria for a full series pickup.
“Public Defenders” Pilot: Legal Drama Fails To Secure Series Order
ABC’s “Public Defenders” pilot, created by Eddie Quintana, aimed to explore the journey of four novice public defenders as they navigated their first cases and the challenges of the legal system. Quintana served as the writer and executive producer alongside Mary Viola and Corey Marsh from Wonderland Sound and Vision. Despite its potential, the pilot did not receive a series order from ABC, marking a setback for the legal drama.
ABC Rejects “Judgement” Pilot
“Judgement” is a groundbreaking legal drama written by Joey Falco. The series, set in two timelines, focused on a woman’s experiences at a prominent D.C. law firm in 2023 and her journey towards a Supreme Court seat fifteen years later. Falco served as the writer and executive producer, supported by Melvin Mar, Jake Kasdan, and Jordan Cerf in their executive producing roles. Despite its unique concept, “Judgement” did not receive a series order from ABC.
“Drop-Off”: Ellie Kemper-led Adaptation Misses Pilot Order
“Drop-Off,” the American adaptation of the British comedy series “Motherland,” was starred and executive produced by Ellie Kemper. The series was produced by Merman Television, Feigco Entertainment, and executive producers Sharon Horgan, Clelia Mountford, Stacy Greenberg, Kira Carstensen, Paul Feig, Dan Magnante, Holly Walsh, Helen Serafinowicz, Michael Showalter, and Julieanne Smolinski. Despite the talent involved, “Drop-Off” won’t be progressing beyond the pilot stage.
Sources reveal that there may still be hope for some of these projects. “The Hurt Unit,” “Public Defenders,” and “Judgement” are expected to be shopped around to other networks and platforms, offering a potential second chance for these intriguing shows.
Additionally, the fate of other ABC series, including “The Good Lawyer,” “Home Economics,” and “The Rookie: Feds,” remains uncertain!