ABC Likes "Dirty Sexy Money"

TV networks in the US are currently screening over 90 pilots that have been comissioned this spring to decide which of them will be ordered to 13-episode series and fill the limited available space in their fall schedules. The new grids will be presented at the Upfronts event in New York the week of May 14.

According to Hollywood press, ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money" is getting plenty of early pilot buzz. Although nothing is sure in the fickle TV business until the very last moment, this title (along with The CW's "Gossip Girl" from The O.C. creator Josh Schwartz) keep popping up in discussions across Hollywood.

"Dirty Sexy Money" about a lawyer who works for a wealthy family stars Donald Sutherland, William Baldwin, Peter Krause, Samaire Armstrong (pictured above) and others. The show would be a suitable lead-out for any of ABC's soapy hits ("Desperate Housewives," "Brothers & Sisters" or "Grey's Anatomy".)

The network is also expected to order the Grey's Anatomy spin-off whose working title is "Private Practice." They are also believed to have enjoyed the pilots for "Marlowe" (an updated take on Raymond Chandler's detective); "Perfect Gentlemen," starring "Alias" hunk Michael Vartan and "Pushing Daisies" from "Heroes" writer Bryan Fuller.

On the comedy front, ABC seems to like Christina Applegate's new sitcom "I Am Sam."

The network has successfully launched comedy "Ugly Betty" and drama "Brothers & Sisters" this season and its red-hot drama "Grey's Anatomy" has grown into a blockbuster on Thursday nights.

On the flip side, long-time favorites "Desperate Housewives" and "LOST" have lost steam. For this reason, the network has to ensure a strong new show development.

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