CBS is notorious for keeping a tight-lid on its developmental plans, but a report on Deadline.com paints a grim picture for the new comedy from “How I Met Your Mother” creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas.
At press time, their “Livin’ on a Prayer” is said to no longer be in serious contention for a slot on the fall schedule, and its best bet would now be a midseason order.
Though the pilot reportedly received positive feedback, it has been contending with some very buzzworthy shows for a network roster that has minimal openings. Chuck Lorre’s “Mike and Molly” received an early pickup, an expected outcome given how hot the creator’s “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory” are for the Eye right now. With Lorre’s shows performing so much more strongly than Bays’ and Thomas’ “Mother,” it had long been expected that “Mike and Molly” would take precedence, even if “Livin’ on a Prayer” came out better creatively.
“Bleep My Dad Says” is considered a near certainty due to its buzz, relevance and the casting of William Shatner in the lead role, while “Mad Love,” which conceptually skews similarly to “How I Met Your Mother,” is also considered a possibility. “Team Spitz” has reportedly been ruled out by CBS.
Final decisions will also hinge on the outcome of negotiations for “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Rules of Engagement,” the latter of which might have finally earned a full season order after solid ratings success this spring.