TV Pilots Rejected by Networks

The television industry is a competitive landscape where hundreds of scripts are written but only a small fraction ever make it to the screen. Networks invest millions of dollars into pilot episodes to test the viability of a potential series before committing to a full season. Some of these rejected projects featured famous actors and well known directors who hoped to create the next big hit. Many of these unaired pilots have since developed a reputation among fans as lost treasures or curious failures. This list examines several of the most famous pilots that were ultimately rejected by networks.

‘Lookwell’ (1991)

Adam West starred in this comedy as a former television detective who believes he can solve real crimes. The script was written by Conan O’Brien and Robert Smigel during their early years in the industry. The humor focused on the lead character’s delusional sense of self importance and his lack of actual investigative skills. Despite its status as a cult classic the network felt the premise was too absurd for a mainstream audience.

‘Heat Vision and Jack’ (1999)

Jack Black and Owen Wilson starred in this comedy pilot directed by Ben Stiller. The plot followed an astronaut who gained super intelligence from solar energy and his talking motorcycle partner. The show utilized a campy style that parodied science fiction programs from the seventies. Although it gained a massive underground following after being leaked the network chose not to order any additional episodes.

‘Aquaman’ (2006)

Following the success of ‘Smallville’ the producers developed a pilot focused on the origin of the King of Atlantis. Justin Hartley portrayed Arthur Curry as a young man living in the Florida Keys who discovers his underwater heritage. The pilot featured impressive visual effects and a modern take on the classic DC Comics character. Despite positive buzz the newly formed CW network decided to move in a different direction with its programming.

‘The IT Crowd’ (2007)

Joel McHale starred in this American adaptation of the popular British sitcom about an overlooked technical support department. The project aimed to translate the quirky humor of the original series for a United States audience. Network executives were reportedly unhappy with the chemistry between the lead characters after viewing the filmed pilot. This version of the show was shelved and the original British cast remained the definitive stars of the franchise.

‘Virtuality’ (2009)

This science fiction pilot followed the crew of a spacecraft on a long mission to another solar system. The characters used advanced virtual reality simulations to pass the time and maintain their sanity. A mysterious glitch in the system began to blur the lines between reality and simulation for the crew members. The network decided to air the pilot as a television movie but did not commit to a full series order.

‘Mockingbird Lane’ (2012)

This project was a modern and stylized reimagining of the classic sitcom ‘The Munsters’. Bryan Fuller directed the pilot which featured a darker tone and high production values. The cast included Jerry O’Connell and Portia de Rossi as members of the eccentric monster family. The network aired the pilot as a Halloween special but declined to order more episodes due to high production costs.

‘Zombieland’ (2013)

Following the success of the feature film Amazon produced a pilot based on the same characters and setting. The show aimed to capture the comedic tone and gore of the movie with a new cast. Reactions from fans of the original film were largely negative after the pilot was released for public viewing. The streaming service chose not to proceed with the series based on the mixed feedback and viewing numbers.

‘Marvel’s Most Wanted’ (2016)

This series was planned as a spinoff of ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ and focused on the characters Bobbi Morse and Lance Hunter. The two leads were written out of the main show to prepare for their own adventures as mercenaries. A pilot was filmed and featured high stakes action and international locations. ABC ultimately decided to pass on the project leaving the characters in limbo for several years.

‘Cruel Intentions’ (2016)

Sarah Michelle Gellar returned to her role as Kathryn Merteuil for this television sequel to the popular movie. The story took place several years later and focused on the son of the characters Sebastian and Annette. The show was intended to explore the dark and manipulative world of wealthy socialites in San Francisco. After reviewing the pilot the network decided not to pick it up and the project remained unreleased.

‘Steel Justice’ (1992)

This unique pilot followed a police officer who could manifest a giant fire breathing robot toy as a real protector. The concept combined traditional police procedural elements with fantastical science fiction imagery. It was intended to appeal to fans of high concept action shows that were popular during the early nineties. The pilot was aired as a television movie but failed to generate enough interest for a full series order.

‘Poochinski’ (1990)

Peter Boyle starred in this bizarre pilot about a detective whose soul is transferred into a flatulent bulldog. The character continued to solve crimes from the perspective of the canine while communicating with his former partner. It was developed as a supernatural comedy with a focus on physical humor and animal antics. The network passed on the series after the pilot was met with confusion and poor reviews.

‘Clerks’ (1995)

This live action adaptation of Kevin Smith’s independent film featured a different cast and a more sanitized tone. The pilot attempted to translate the quick witted dialogue and convenience store setting for a network audience. It removed many of the adult themes that made the original movie a cult success. The project was not picked up and Smith famously distanced himself from the production.

‘Delirium’ (2014)

Based on a popular young adult novel this pilot took place in a world where love is considered a dangerous disease. Emma Roberts starred as the protagonist who begins to question the strict rules of her society. The show was intended to tap into the trend of dystopian fiction that was popular in film and literature at the time. The network ultimately chose not to order the series after reviewing the pilot production.

‘The Sixth Gun’ (2013)

This supernatural western pilot was based on a comic book series about six mystical pistols with deadly powers. The story featured a mix of high stakes action and dark fantasy elements in the post Civil War era. Production took place on location and featured a high level of visual detail. The network decided to pass on the series in favor of more traditional genre offerings.

‘L.A. Confidential’ (2003)

Kiefer Sutherland starred in this television adaptation of the famous novel and subsequent award winning film. The story focused on the corruption and crime within the Los Angeles Police Department during the 1950s. The pilot was intended to expand the complex narrative into a long form drama series. Network executives did not feel the pilot captured the same atmosphere as the movie and chose not to pick it up.

‘North Hollywood’ (2001)

This pilot focused on the lives of struggling actors and writers living in the San Fernando Valley. The ensemble cast included several performers who would later become household names in the world of comedy. The show utilized a meta approach to the entertainment industry and the difficulties of achieving stardom. The network ultimately found the tone too niche for a broad audience and declined to order a full season.

‘Korgoth of Barbaria’ (2006)

This animated pilot was a parody of the sword and sorcery genre popularized by characters like Conan the Barbarian. The show featured high levels of violence and a dark sense of humor aimed at adult audiences. Despite a positive reception to the initial pilot the high production costs made a full series unfeasible. It has since gained a cult following among fans of underground animation.

‘Bachelorette’ (2011)

This comedy followed a group of three female friends who navigate the challenges of dating and friendship in New York City. The script was written by Leslye Headland and featured a cynical and sharp witted tone. After the network passed on the pilot the material was adapted into a successful independent film. The movie featured a different cast but retained the core themes and humor of the original television script.

’17th Precinct’ (2011)

Ronald D. Moore created this supernatural procedural drama set in a city where magic has replaced science. The cast included several stars from the series ‘Battlestar Galactica’ which generated significant excitement among fans. The pilot focused on a group of detectives who investigate occult crimes using magical forensics. The network decided not to move forward with the series despite the strong creative pedigree.

‘Area 57’ (2007)

This science fiction comedy followed the lives of the staff working at a secret government facility in the desert. The show aimed to blend the mystery of government conspiracies with the humor of a typical office workplace. Despite a cast of talented performers the pilot struggled to find the right balance between its two genres. The network ultimately passed on the series and it remains one of many unproduced projects from that season.

Please share your thoughts about these lost television projects in the comments.