If cable television is experiencing a golden age, it seems network television is responding by trying to take movie properties and turn them into hit shows. Whatever works…
By the way, did you ever wonder what happened after "Marley & Me"? Well, NBC is going to try to give you the answer with a show that will "pick up where the movie left off. John and Jenny Grogan and their three kids, a 16-year-old boy and a 13-year-old and 6-year-old girls, have just moved back to Florida so that John can take up his newspaper column once again. However, when a stray puppy (“owned” by their neglectful neighbors) ends up on their doorstep, they are forced to adopt it. This dog, named Marley for the fact that they use Marley’s old leash and tags, is as willful, destructive and delightful as her original namesake. And she will help shed light not only on the growing pains of the Grogan family, but also the lives of the neighbors, and fellow dog-owners, around them." Jenny Bicks ("Sex And The City") will write the pilot: basically, you put a puppy in a TV show and people will watch. [Deadline]
Over at Fox, they’re turning the 2005 Will Smith hit comedy "Hitch" into "a workplace comedy that explores dating and sexual politics." Did they even watch the movie? [THR]
At least ABC is getting a bit more creative, turning the Tom Hanks laff riot "Bachelor Party" into a comedy series that "examines relationships and the institution of marriage through the lens of three couples: one about to get married, another recently divorced and a third just falling in love. They experience the trial by fire that is the modern day, co-ed Bachelor/Bachelorette extravaganza. The series is envisioned as an anthology, with each season focusing on a different wedding party." Max Winkler is co-producing and will direct episodes if he goes to series. [Deadline]
Also over at ABC, the network will try to revive "Bewitched" (good luck with that), and speaking of digging up things from the grave, Fox has a "Frankenstein" show in the works. This modern version "focuses on a morally corrupt FBI agent who gets a second chance at life after he’s brought back from the dead." Geez. [Deadline/The Wrap]
And finally in the best news of all, the low key, charming and underrated "Doll And Em" starring Emily Mortimer and Dolly Wells is getting a second season. Hell, yes. [Sky]
I think it\’s cool that Jake Johnson and Max Winkler can move through independent minded features and big scale television. Like their vibe.