CBS Green-Lights Three New Shows

Posted on December 26, 2006

MediaWeek reports that CBS has green-lit three new shows: an exorcist drama, a 70s soap and a legal drama.

As the holidays near, broadcasters are beginning to move their development scripts into the pilot stage. CBS has green-lit three scripts to pilot: exorcist drama Demons; and period surburban soap Swingtown, set in the sexually loose 1970s. The network has also signed Janeane Garofalo to star in writer/producer Barry Schindel's untitled legal drama about public defenders.

Variety has a bit more on Demons and Swingtown and says a pilot has been ordered for both shows. Swingtown sounds like That 70's Show remade to focus on adults -- it features wife-swapping and open marriages according to Variety. Demons, which is the most unique of any of the new CBS shows, will be directed by Barbara Hall, the creator of Joan of Arcadia.

Pilot order -- CBS has also succumbed to its "Demons," giving a pilot order to the hourlong drama from Barbara Hall ("Joan of Arcadia") and Joe Roth about a former Jesuit priest-turned-psychologist who performs exorcisms. Hall, Roth and Nina Lederman exec produce; CBS Paramount Network TV is also behind it.

Joan of Arcadia was a great show that somehow quickly fell apart during its second season. Maybe Hall will be able to hold Demons together.