NBC is actively reinstating a more conventional pilot season, a practice reminiscent of the network's past successes and a departure from contemporary television production norms. This week, the network issued orders for four new pilot episodes, marking a significant increase compared to its output in the preceding year. Among these are three drama concepts—a modern reimagining of 'Rockford Files,' a series centered on a family of U.S. Marshals titled 'Protection,' and a program inspired by the real-life work of criminal profiler Ann Burgess. Additionally, a comedy pilot from 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' creators Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici, which already had a production agreement, received its official green light.
Network insiders suggest that further pilot orders are anticipated, indicating a broader commitment to this traditional development strategy. In an industry largely embracing year-round development cycles, direct-to-series commissions, or preliminary writers' rooms, NBC's decision to produce even a handful of pilots stands out. While the previously prevalent, highly inefficient pilot season model—involving hundreds of scripts and dozens of pilot productions to yield a limited number of series—is acknowledged as flawed, it historically provided extensive employment opportunities for actors, writers, and crew members, fostering their professional growth. It also allowed network executives to assess a tangible product, albeit a single episode, before making significant investments.
Lisa Katz, NBC and Peacock's head of scripted content, has been a driving force behind this resurgence, advocating for an increased number of pilots. NBCUniversal has allocated additional financial resources for the current development cycle to support this initiative. This strategic direction received full endorsement from Pearlena Igbokwe upon her assumption of oversight for NBC Entertainment and Peacock's scripted content, alongside NBCU's television studios. Although the network will continue its year-round development efforts, this renewed emphasis on pilot production aims to create a more robust pipeline for potential hit series.
This re-embrace of the pilot model by NBC reflects a valuable lesson learned: giving creative concepts proper incubation time and thorough evaluation before full commitment often leads to stronger, more enduring content. By investing in pilots, the network not only nurtures a wider array of creative projects but also upholds a crucial aspect of artistic development and talent cultivation within the industry. This proactive approach fosters an environment where innovation can flourish, ultimately enriching the landscape of television programming and offering audiences a diverse range of high-quality entertainment.