New ABC Shows: "Big Shots"

ABC's "Six Degrees," "Men In Trees" and "October Road" have all pretty much failed to meet the high network expectations in the plum post-"Grey's Anatomy" Thursday night timeslot. Will this new Michael Vartan-fronted drama be any different?

The drama revolves around four friends at the top of their game...until the women in their lives enter the room.



Lines between boardroom and bedroom blur when these competitive but dysfunctional CEOs take refuge in their friendship, discussing business, confiding secrets, seeking advice and supporting each other through life's surprising twists and turns.



First we meet James, who is about to become the latest casualty in a corporate shake-up until a twist of fate makes him the newest member of the corner office club.

Then there's Duncan, a cosmetics CEO who can't resist sex with his age-defying ex-wife.



Next, Karl is a loveable pharmaceutical big shot whose life turns upside down when his wife and mistress become best friends.

And finally, Brody, the edgy Harvard B-school executive is so whipped, he spends more time planning his wife's birthday than running his company.



This foursome take refuge at their country club where they can discuss business, confide secrets, seek advice... and, yes, even men will gossip.

It's lonely at the top and they have to trust someone to cover their back. And when you're a desperate executive, you may have to do everything wrong for the right reputation.



"Big Shots" (a.k.a. "Perfect Gentlemen") was the network’s highest-testing pilot and stars Dylan McDermott, who has a track record on ABC ("The Practice").

But ensemble dramas about dysfunctional men who confide their insecurities and feelings to each other haven't worked in the past.

ABC President Stephen McPherson said the reason they failed is that "there's never been a good one."



Starring: Michael Vartan as James Walker, Dylan McDermott as Duncan Collinsworth, Joshua Malina as Karl Mixworthy, Christopher Titus as Brody Johns, Wendy Moniz as Stacey Walker, Peyton List as Cameron Collinsworth, Nia Long as Katie Graham, Amy Sloan as Wendy, Jessica Collins as Marla, Paige Turco as Lisbeth, "Big Shots" will air Thursday nights at 10/9c on ABC.

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