Perhaps it’s a common industry occurrence but a number of prospective TV shows have lost their showrunners early in the development process. The reasons run the gamut but still a theme emerges. These producers needed something more: more time, more control, more money.
Rob Thomas/90210 Spinoff (CW)
Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas was to helm the really bad idea that is the 90210 spinoff. But a development deal with ABC has Thomas heading up two new series, leaving little time for a third project – especially one for another net. Still, it appears CW is moving full speed ahead with the project, with several key roles having been cast. It’s even rumored that original series alum Jennie Garth could be headed back to her old zip code, having pulled out of a CBS project.
Tony Fontana & Barry Levinson/The Philanthropist (NBC)
The creative duo left production of the series before a pilot could even be filmed. The reason? “Creative differences.” No really, this one was actually because of creative differences. The fourth-ranked NBC is hoping the theme of “escapism” will draw viewers and wanted the show to have a lighter tone. Meanwhile Fontana and Levinson envisaged a grittier drama that addressed vital social issues ‘n’ stuff. The parties are said to have parted ways amicably. And while the show’s January debut was announced at NBC’s pre-emptive upfront, the series has yet to be cast.
David E. Kelley/Life on Mars (ABC)
Now this one gets interesting, folks. A crime drama with a sci fi twist, Mars is a remake of a popular British series. Word is that “financial considerations are playing a part” in Kelley’s departure. How’s that for vague? Anywho, what makes the shake-up so interesting is that Kelley owns the rights to the show. That makes the show a no-go without his say-so. A trio of new producers is reportedly on stand-by to take over the show should some sort of arrangement be worked out. Kelley should be flattered: it takes three people to fill his shoes.
Much like a gorgon, these shows have all seemed to survive the loss of their heads. Gee, I guess my grandma was right – “one monkey don’t stop the show.” (Yeah, Grams was pretty colorful.)
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