Along with lighter fare and high-concept comedies, the broadcast networks are looking to correct course in development for the 2016-17 television buying season with more of a focus on soaps, reports Deadline.
According to the online industry trade, following the success of such shows as FOX’s “Empire,” The CW’s “Jane the Virgin” and NBC’s “The Mysteries of Laura,” the networks have begun seeking more hourlong programming with a dose of wit which soapy dramas are well known for. It’s understood that ABC in particular is looking to recapture its past success with such shows as “Desperate Housewives” and “Ugly Betty” with big, broad serialized programming.
“The trend started last season with the strong showing of CBS’ ‘Scorpion,’ the CW’s ‘Jane The Virgin’ and NBC’s ‘The Mysteries Of Laura,’ the only freshman NBC series to make it to Season 2. The CW and CBS kept at it in May, adding two more hourlong comedies for this coming season, ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ and ‘Rush Hour,’ respectively,” Deadline co-editor Nellie Andreeva writes.
For more on what the network’s are after for the next development season, check out the full Deadline article.