ABC is starting to make decisions about the pilots that were impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and that includes passing on a sequel series to thirtysomething along with two other pilots.
Thirtysomething(else) seemed like a sure thing since it was a sequel series to the critically-acclaimed thirtysomething, which proved to be a big hit for ABC during its original run. The sequel series would’ve featured several of the original cast members from the first show and the pass is honestly a bit shocking considering ABC’s passion for the project. The pilot order was announced with fanfare by the network’s entertainment president Karey Burke — who is a huge thirtysomething fan — at TCA in January. While the order for the project, from the iconic original series’ creators Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick, was for a pilot, at the time ABC allowed them to open a writer’s room which seemed to indicate that a series order was a sure thing.
A reason for the pass is hard to pinpoint but one theory is that it came down to available slots. ABC committed to two drama pilots to produce this year if safety conditions permit, and the nods went to Rebel and Harlem’s Kitchen, which were considered stronger contenders. There have been concerns about the budget of thirtysomething(else), which is very expensive, with a large young ensemble cast and returning original cast members who command big paychecks. ABC was also concerned about the lack of star power within the younger cast and there were some logistical issues too, with the series slated to film in Canada, which requires quarantine. There could be some hope for thirtysomething(else) because it’s currently being shopped to other outlets. Written by Herskovitz and Zwick and to be directed by Zwick, thirtysomething(else) follows an ensemble of new faces, the new generation of thirtysomethings. They are being joined by returning original cast members Ken Olin (Michael Steadman), Mel Harris (Hope Murdoch), Timothy Busfield (Elliot Weston), and Patty Wettig (Nancy Weston), reprising their characters in supporting roles. (Fellow thirtysomething alums Melanie Mayron and Polly Draper were to recur in the sequel.)
The other pilots being passed on are The Brides, produced by Greg Berlanti and starring Gina Torres, and Valley Trash, starring Jason Lee. Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, The Brides was to be a sexy contemporary reimagining of Dracula and a family drama with a trio of powerful female leads at its heart. With strong horror elements, The Brides was a vampire soap about empowered, immortal women and the things they do to maintain wealth, prestige, legacy — and their non-traditional family. The Brides is also being shopped to other outlets. The comedy Valley Trash centered on The Harmans, a scrappy, blue-collar family living in the deep Valley who suddenly experience a major culture clash when their fourteen-year-old daughter, Abby, gets accepted to a prestigious LA private high school filled with students and parents who want nothing to do with her, her family or their 818 area code. It appears that Valley Trash will not be shopped for further contention.
