Have you ever come up with an idea for a television show that you're convinced would be a pretty good watch?
As a TV blogger, I spend most of my viewing life thinking about how shows are made, considering future storylines, and imagining ways to improve a particular programme. Occasionally, I come up with an original (well, almost original) idea for a show - and lately, I've been thinking about an idea for a local comedy series that I think might just work.
My fake show is called Hilarity Ensues*, and it's about a middle-aged man who writes in the Kiwi television industry; let's call him Chase R.R. Sorkelof. Chase is a producer and writer on a comedy sketch show (let's call it The Wanna-Jono Experience) that plays on Friday nights after one of this country's most popular shows (let's call it 168 Hours).
Sadly, The Wanna-Jono Experience is on the brink of cancellation: it's only managing to hold on to a tiny amount of the audience that tunes in for 168 Hours, the numbers are getting worse every week, viewers hate it, and critics (including vicious television blogger Phil Chrispott) are tearing it to pieces.
Even worse, the network has told Chase that unless the numbers improve, his show will be off the air in six weeks' time.
Unfortunately, Chase is in the middle of the worst bout of writer's block in his career. He couldn't write a funny sketch if his life depended on it. Every time he tries to write a sketch, he can only envision the audience laughing; he can't imagine the setup, the part that makes the audience laugh. (Hence the title of the show.)
Hilarity Ensues would be a six-episode show which follows Chase as he tried to get his mojo back, with each episode roughly covering a week, until the network decides whether to keep the show on the air in the season finale. Along the way, Chase finds himself in ridiculous situations and laughable scenarios that would be perfect fodder for the show, but he just doesn't see it. Maybe something happens that helps him get back on track - the introduction of a love interest or a new writing partner, perhaps.
On the other hand, maybe things go from bad to worse. I haven't planned that far ahead**. Either way, the clock is ticking down to that final episode, and the future of Chase's television career ...
Okay, it might not be the best idea for a television show ever. But doesn't it sound like the bare bones of a watchable show? I think Hilarity Ensues is already off to a better start than something like Whitney ("a couple think of increasingly disgusting jokes about their sex life") or Hot in Cleveland ("a group of middle-aged women objectify men with the help of Betty White's Baffling Popularity ... in Cleveland!").
I think it must be pretty common for viewers to come up with half-baked ideas for television shows - whether it's a comedy, a serious drama, or a trashy reality soap, we've all got ideas and strong imaginations. I can't be the only one who does this, right? So, I'm interested to hear what you think:
Have you ever come up with an idea for a television show that you think would be quite good? What was the show about? Did you ever think about taking your idea to someone who can get shows made? And would you tune in for an episode or two of Hilarity Ensues?
(*) Obviously, this idea is mine. I reserve all rights, or hold copyright, or whatever the technical jargon is that means "you can't use it, it's mine" - although, if you're a TV producer, I'd be happy to talk; just email me at the link below. Please? I have other ideas too! DON'T WALK AWAY FROM ME!!!
(**) Or have I ...?!
- - - - -
Coming up in the next week ...
Hotel Inspector is back for a new series - One, Saturdays at 9.30pm
Gypsy Blood, a one-off gypsy special - One, Thursday at 8.30pm
Hart of Dixie, starring Rachel Bilson - TV2, Sundays at 5.30pm
Dogs in the City - TV3, Thursdays at 8.30pm
Would I Lie to You returns - TV3, Fridays at 9.30pm
Target, season finale - TV3, Tuesday at 8pm
Make sure you like On the Box on Facebook and add Chris on Twitter.
Or, feel free to email Chris with any questions or ideas.
This is a spoiler-free blog - please comment responsibly.
Sponsored links
Newest First
Oldest First
your idea is slightly unrealistic. How could a writer for the wanna-jono show get writers block when all their ideas are just stolen from youtube? Replace writers block with an internet connection problem and you might have something.
I've always thought prison big brother would be great. The twist is we vote for inmates to get moved out of the unit, and the last remaining one gets automatic parole. It would be just like regular big brother with added violence, drug use and an undercurrent of homesexual tension. Ratings gold I tell you.
Yup
"Tall Poppy Syndrome"
A live gameshow with prizes, where you answer grey area questions, and the audience judges your answers on a scale of five likes. Lowest score is eliminated each round and is escorted out by two extremely large security guards. A lot of shaking heads and judgementalism from the audience as cut scenes. Spot prizes for most original answers
And no I would not take it to TV as I am apathetic and uncaring.
Combination crime procedural and cooking show. Ratings GOLD :)
You could call it "Coleslaw and Order" or something.
There was a show on E! a while back called Writers? or something like that it was terrible. However i thought about having a Entourage type show about a group writers. You would have one writer for movies etc who would get all the attention from wannabe actresses in Hollywood wanting to be in the films. I thought Alexander Skarsgard would be good for the role. Then have two sports bloggers/writers supporting Rival teams which would bring in the comedy Kevin Hart and Rob Riggle would be perfect for those roles. Then have two or more characters writing for other things possibly a comedion thinking of material etc (Daniel Tosh),a Nerotic Writer, writing a novel suffering though those problems writer's block etc ( david schwimmer or Andy Samberg)or a gossip coloumist sperad rumors about everybody and generally being hated ( Kristen Wiig)would be good for that role. Doug Ellin creating the show and directing(entourage)
@Corey #1: I didn't mean the notion of a half-baked idea was mine - I meant the idea for the show was something I came up with. Gosh.
a documentary/reality show that follows the daily working lives and associated extra-curricular antics of roadies on tour, maybe on a mega tour like the Kiss/Motley Crue tour or something. watching a road crew slog it out for a relatively unsuccessful band could be interesting too.
Isn't this exactly what they talk about on Bill Simmons podcast, right down to the title "Half-baked Ideas"
Dial Up.
A fly on the wall doco staring Reefton dairy farmer Craig "Toppa" Topp and his attempt to upgrade from 50k dial up to ultra fast broadband.
Watch his struggles to "get connected" to the world wide web, due to poor area coverage, a PC that still uses Windows 98, and enduring a 2 hour waiting time when trying to phone a Telecom customer rep. Hilarity ensures...
Three finales, one angry viewer
New season shows to look forward to
Good and bad decisions from Upfronts Week
Arrow: good show, badly delayed
Gritty reality in Counties Manukau
Fringe: one of the greatest sci-fi shows?
Dear TV3: please bring back The Americans
Roses, lakes 'n' bikies: three reviews in one
Power rankings: the best shows of April
South London attack a possible terrorism act
Has Home and Away jumped the shark? (spoiler)
Henry officially sanctioned over comments
Shoplifter nicked without knickers
Elderly woman 'abandoned' on couch
Best & worst of the fest: Day eight
Nasa cooks up 3D-printed food idea
Air New Zealand flew shark fins
"Obviously, this idea is mine."
Er, not so sure about this. I am pretty sure that I have listened to an ESPN podcast where they talk about half baked ideas for TV shows amongst other things.