Big TV News, Part 2: The Alphabet

There's some rather cool news floating around in the days before the upfronts begin.

Just did NBC, now we'll look at ABC. The Hollywood Reporter seems to know everything about what's coming up for ABC this fall. They have yet to announce anything officially, so just know that this is all speculative.

Added to the list of shows ABC has already renewed will be October Road and Notes From The Underbelly for second seasons. I watched the first couple episodes of "Road" but it didn't really hold my attention. "Underbelly" didn't seem interesting enough to even bother with. Guess ABC disagrees.

Also, ABC has apparently given series orders to the pilots they plan to announce pick-ups for on Tuesday. And the drama winners are... Dirty Sexy Money, Eli Stone, Pushing Daisies, Cashmere Mafia, Women's Murder Club, the "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff Private Practice, and Big Shots. Your first question is probably, what is "Big Shots?" You might know it as "Perfect Gentlemen" or "Bedrooms & Boardrooms." It's gone through a few title changes.

As for comedies, word is that they're going with Cavemen, Carpoolers and Sam I Am. I'm a little bummed that "The Thick Of It" and "The News" aren't on this list. "Thick" is Mitchell Hurwitz's follow-up to the much-good "Arrested Development."

Surprisingly, "Football Wives," "Marlowe," "Life On Mars," and Guy Ritchie's "Suspect" didn't make the cut. (Although, if you consult Michael Ausiello, "Marlowe" and "Football Wives" will be on the schedule.) I'm not that bothered by the absence of "Life On Mars" since I've heard ABC liked the script, just not the lead actor. My understanding is that they plan to re-cast and shoot around midseason when more actors are available in the talent pool. But like I said, none of this is final.

If you want to know the real story, stay tuned Tuesday afternoon for the official word from ABC itself.