HBO Max Expands Drama Slate

HBO Max is actively expanding its original drama lineup

by adopting the successful blueprint established by Emmy-winning series 'The Pitt'.

This model features 15+ episodes per season, a modest production budget, and an annual release schedule.

The streamer has greenlit two drama pilots embodying this approach.

One pilot, 'American Blue', comes from 'Supernatural' veteran Jeremy Carver.

It follows Brian "Milk" Milkovich returning to his Joliet, Illinois hometown

to revitalize a struggling police department while seeking personal redemption.

Carver executive produces alongside Brian Udovich.

Extensive research was conducted alongside Joliet's police force,

mirroring the location-specific authenticity praised in 'The Pitt'.

Sarah Aubrey, Head of Originals, describes it as a successor to classics like 'Hill Street Blues' and 'NYPD Blue',

rooted deeply in community policing dynamics and set in 2025.

The second pilot, currently titled 'How to Survive Without Me',

marks a return to family drama roots for powerhouse creator Greg Berlanti,

co-created and written with Bash Doran ('Life After Life') and Robbie Rogers ('Fellow Travelers').

Berlanti, Doran, Rogers, Sarah Schechter, and Leigh London Redman executive produce.

Aubrey expressed excitement about Berlanti revisiting the genre,

evoking the spirit of his earlier work 'Brothers and Sisters'.

The series explores adult siblings and their father navigating grief and love in Los Angeles.

Aubrey also cites 'Six Feet Under' as a thematic touchstone

and draws parallels to Berlanti's debut family drama 'Everwood'.

She emphasized the aspirational, inspirational nature of the characters' interconnected lives,

a theme resonating strongly with contemporary audiences.

Like 'The Pitt', this pilot will also film in Los Angeles.

Both projects originate from Warner Bros. Television studios.

HBO Max Expands Drama Slate with New Pilots and Innovative Production Strategy

Warner Bros. Television and HBO Max are deepening their partnership with two newly greenlit drama pilots, expanding their roster beyond the successful medical series "The Pitt." This strategic move highlights HBO Max's commitment to creating more traditional network-style programming for streaming audiences.

The streaming platform has ordered pilots for "American Blue," a police drama, and "How to Survive Without Me," a family drama. These projects represent HBO Max's continued investment in what executives internally call "The Pitt Model" - shows featuring 15+ episodes annually that blend procedural elements with serialized storytelling.

Sarah Aubrey, who oversees HBO Max's original drama development, identified a significant opportunity in the streaming landscape. "We noticed viewers weren't getting network-style shows with substantial episode counts that return each year," she explained. "With 15 episodes, audiences can truly immerse themselves in a world, which explains why certain older shows continue to be binged extensively."

This production approach aims to address viewer frustration with the limited episodes and lengthy gaps between seasons common in streaming. Clancy Collins White, Warner Bros. Television's President of Creative Affairs, noted: "Audiences have grown increasingly frustrated with loving shows that only offer 8-10 episodes followed by two-year waits for new seasons."

The new pilots join a growing slate of projects under development using this model, including potential legal dramas. All are designed with a contemporary perspective while maintaining elements of classic television genres.

Greg Berlanti and Bash Doran, who are behind "How to Survive Without Me," have been particularly active this year, also executive producing Hulu's YA mystery "Foster Dade." Berlanti additionally has "Stillwater" ordered to series at Amazon.

While focusing on these two pilots, Aubrey confirmed HBO Max will consider additional pilots for next year. She also mentioned that "The Pitt," which garnered five Emmy Awards including Outstanding Drama Series, will return for a second season.

These mid-budget dramas (reportedly around $4 million per episode) will complement HBO's higher-budget offerings like the developing Harry Potter series, which Aubrey confirmed is "chugging along."

HBO Max Expands Drama Strategy Following Success of 'The Pitt'

HBO Max is actively building on the success of their groundbreaking series "The Pitt," developing new drama projects that follow a similar business model while maintaining creative distinction. Initially met with industry skepticism, the format has since gained significant traction.

Sarah Aubrey, HBO Max executive, noted how the reception shifted once "The Pitt" premiered: "Creators and agents witnessed our approach of refreshing a traditional network format with deeper character development and a unique quasi-documentary style. This has opened doors for exploring established genres like police, legal, and family dramas with our distinctive approach."

What made "The Pitt" particularly valuable was its broad appeal. "It captivated both our core prestige audience and viewers who typically come to the service for movies or library content," Aubrey explained. "The 15-episode format allowed word-of-mouth to build, ultimately attracting a diverse viewership crucial to our business strategy."

The industry has struggled to categorize this emerging format. "The term 'procedural' carries certain negative connotations," Aubrey acknowledged. "Some have jokingly called them 'prestigurals.' What makes these shows special is the combination of longer episode counts with the character depth and stylistic elements typically associated with premium streaming content."

These new dramas complement HBO Max's tentpole franchises like "Game of Thrones," "The Last of Us," and the upcoming "Harry Potter" series. While those high-profile productions feature shorter seasons with extended gaps between releases, shows in "The Pitt" model provide consistent content to maintain viewer engagement.

In a notable shift, HBO Max is embracing the pilot development process for new projects like "American Blue" and "How to Survive Without Me." Aubrey defended this approach: "Pilots serve as valuable proof-of-concept tools, especially when building large ensembles with fresh faces. They help showrunners understand what works before committing to a 15-episode season."

The streaming service is partnering primarily with Warner Bros. Television, leveraging their expertise and roster of experienced showrunners like Jeremy Carver, Greg Berlanti, and others who understand the demands of producing higher episode counts on controlled budgets.

"Creating 15 quality episodes requires a specific skill set," Aubrey emphasized. "Established showrunners bring the necessary experience to balance character development with genre elements while maintaining production efficiency."

While not setting rigid targets for how many such shows they'll develop, HBO Max aims for a "robust slate where they can hand off to each other throughout the year," creating a continuous viewing experience for audiences drawn to this format.

Warner Bros. TV's Unique 'Pitt' Model

Warner Bros. TV has pioneered a distinctive approach known as the 'Pitt' framework, shaping how new television shows are conceived and developed from the outset. This methodology emphasizes building series around core principles that ensure authenticity and sophistication while maintaining budgetary discipline.

According to Collins White, the essence of the Pitt model lies in crafting narratives with seasoned storytellers committed to elevating familiar themes into more refined, character-driven dramas suitable for streaming audiences. These shows aim to feel both relatable and innovative, blending realism with a touch of sophistication to stand out in a crowded market.

A notable feature of the Pitt approach is its unconventional fixed-fee cast payment system. This strategy, part of a broader set of cost-control measures, enables the studio to manage budgets effectively, especially given the high episode counts typical of streaming series. White explains that a longer season allows for better cost amortization, but meticulous planning is essential. Every aspect—from shooting locations and scheduling to casting and rebate opportunities—is carefully negotiated to balance quality with fiscal responsibility.

In the context of a rapidly evolving industry, especially following recent strikes, adaptability remains key. White emphasizes that success depends on flexibility and willingness to pivot, ensuring productions remain responsible and sustainable amid ongoing change.

Regarding the upcoming second season of 'The Pitt,' White and Sarah Aubrey express confidence in maintaining quality despite the tight schedule and expanded episode count. White praises the show's progress, highlighting new cast additions and continued engagement with beloved characters, asserting that the series can sustain its excellence. Aubrey notes the show's organic evolution, with characters like Dana and Robby facing fresh challenges that deepen their stories without losing sight of the show's core.

Despite the series' critical success and growing audience, HBO Max and Warner Bros. TV remain committed to strict budget parameters, refusing to increase costs beyond union-mandated raises. White underscores that the primary goal remains producing the show responsibly within set financial limits.

Aubrey reflects on the rare success of the Pitt model, highlighting the studio’s dedication to innovation and audience engagement. While acknowledging that such positive outcomes are uncommon, she affirms the team's commitment to this strategic approach and looks forward to more successful endeavors in the future.

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