3 - TELEVISION NEWS
Shondaland and ABC Add New Pilot from “Scandal” Writer to Slate
Scandal writer Paul Davies has been given a pilot order from ABC for his untitled legal drama. The project is in development with Shondaland and head Shonda Rhimes, who created Scandal, is executive producing the pilot alongside Betsy Beers.
The Comedians co-creator Ben Wexler and Baywatch director Seth Gordon have landed a script commitment plus penalty for their multi-generational, single-camera comedy at ABC. Sony TV is the studio and Gordon with producing with Mary Rohlich through their Exhibit A shingle.
Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons has landed a put pilot commitment from ABC for the single-camera comedy Lakeside VA. Parsons and Todd Spiewak produce through their Todd Spiewak based at Warner Bros. TV.
How to Get Away with Murder star Viola Davis is sticking with ABC has she is attached to produce thriller drama Head Games for the network. The series is being adapted by Chuck Rose based on his book of the same name. 
Broad City co-creator and star Abbi Jacobson is teaming with FX to develop the comedy Meaty while Hilary Winston is developing a series based on a Norwegian comedy series. 
Religious and faith-centric dramas are becoming a big trend this development season as ABC has just put into development Grace from Mandeville TV, written by Eyal Podell and Jonathan E. Stewart. 