Over the last several months, we have heard lots of stories about popular films being adapted as television series. Some have made it to air while others have disappeared without a second thought. As networks begin ordering shows for their fall schedule, four of these series have been picked up.
ABC has ordered new series based on UNCLE BUCK and THE MUPPETS. The new Uncle Buck stars Mike Epps and shares very little in common with the John Candy film aside from the basic plot.
The series centers on Uncle Buck (Mike Epps), a fun loving but irresponsible guy who needs a job and a place to stay. By happy coincidence, his nieces and nephew’s Nanny has just quit and his brother and sister-in-law need his help. His unconventional personality just may make him the right fit for the family and they may be the answer to his problems, too.
The series also stars Nia Long, James Lesure, Iman Benson, Sayeed Shahidi and Aalyrah Caldwell. As for The Muppets, Disney-owned ABC seems to be capitalizing on the success of the recent family-friendly movies with the new sitcom that sounds less like the classic Muppet Show and more like The Office.
“The Muppets” return to prime time with a contemporary, documentary-style show that, for the first time ever, will explore the Muppets’ personal lives and relationships, both at home and at work, as well as romances, break-ups, achievements, disappointments, wants and desires; a more adult Muppet show, for kids of all ages.
Over at CBS, shows based on RUSH HOUR and LIMITLESS have been ordered. The Limitless series comes from executive producer Bradley Cooper and was directed by THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN’s Marc Webb. The series will serve more as a sequel to the film rather than a reboot.
A drama based on the 2011 feature. The series follows Brian Finch as he discovers the power of the mysterious drug NZT, and is coerced into using his newfound drug-enhanced abilities to solve weekly cases for the FBI.
Rush Hour, however, will be a full reboot of the Jackie Chan/Chris Tucker movie franchise. The series stars Justin Hires, Jon Foo, Aimee Garcia and Wendie Malick. Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence is showrunner and RUSH HOUR director Brett Ratner is producing. The pilot was directed by Jon Turtletaub.
A stoic, by-the-book Hong Kong police officer is assigned to a case in Los Angeles where he’s forced to work with a cocky African-American LAPD officer who has no interest in a partner.
All four series come with series orders which means we can expect at least a year of the shows before they get cancelled. Whether they are any good remains to be seen. Limitless could be the sleeper hit of the group but on the Muppet series sounds like a unique take on the material.
All four shows debut this fall on ABC and CBS.
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