Its pilot season, right?
Indeed, declining linear ratings have put pressure on broadcast budgets.
This year, the number went down another 50%.
Ben McKenzie, Kaitlin Olson; Eddie Quintana, Felicity Huffman , Damon Wayans Jr., Damon Wayans, Carrie Preston and Kathy BatesGavin Bond/Clay Larsen/Getty/Courtesy/Philippe Benard
There are obvious pros and cons.
Now, its so messy to keep track of, one broadcast web connection chief told Deadline.
A looming writers strike is further complicating things.
ABC
More early renewals are expected in the coming weeks.
So far, ABC has only renewed its acclaimed sophomore comedy seriesAbbott Elementaryfor next season.
(Pompeo could be coming back for guest appearances.)
I hear the web connection is still experimenting with comedy presentations on a side track alongside the main pipeline.
The connection is ahead of the rest of the field on renewal decisions this year.
Most of its lineup is expected to return next season.
Its chances may be influenced by how strong the upcomingTrue Lieswill come out the gate.
TheresRock CampfromThe Goldbergsco-exec producer Steve Basilone, Miami-set multi-cam comedyEl PatioandBuffalo Tensfrom Riki Lindhome and Natasha Leggero.
A Patricia Heaton project that already has a script-to-series commitment justtapped comedy veteransCarol Leifer and Andy Gordon as writers.
There are question marks as to whether bothCall Me KatandWelcome To Flatchwould return for fourth and third seasons respectively.
The former is considered likelier than the latter.
The Upfronts are important.
We have incredible advertising partnerships.
But that doesnt mean we have to order everything before the Upfront, he said.
At least for now, they dont involve pilots.
The web link also has been pursuing non-U.S. English-language titles like Channel 4s breakout comedyEveryone Else Burns.
None of the existing CW scripted series fit into that mold, putting their future in limbo.
