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ABC’s Newest Drama Project Was Compared To High Potential, And That’s Not Even The Only Reason I’ll Be Hoping To Tune In

BBG News

This period marks when TV networks make their final decisions on shows to renew or cancel, unveil fall schedules, and studios promote their freshly minted series, despite the declining number of scripted shows coming up. However, ABC is basking in the immense success of Kaitlin Olson’s runaway hit High Potential, and they are using it as a benchmark for a forthcoming crime dramedy pilot that shows promise.

Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, unveiled several updates regarding ABC’s upcoming prime-time lineup during the network’s upfronts presentation (as reported by Deadline). He also expressed early enthusiasm for an upcoming pilot named “RJ Decker,” which is based on the ’80s novel “Double Whammy.” Erwich hinted at a swift production process that might lead to a mid-season premiere.

In simpler terms, this pilot aligns exceptionally well with the successful formula at ABC, offering an exclusive entry point to the procedural genre via a standout character who possesses a distinctive viewpoint and a captivating sense of humor.

R.J. Decker is a character who was previously an ex-convict and discredited photographer, now taking on the role of a private investigator in the bright, noir environment of South Florida. This plot fits perfectly with the thoughts expressed by the TV executive above, making for a compelling procedural series.

How Disney’s TV Prez Compared The New Pilot To High Potential

Unfortunately, Craig Erwich didn’t disclose that Kaitlin Olson would star in both “High Potential” and “RJ Decker,” as this would be both implausible and fantastic. However, he did make a comparison, referencing a couple of other successful shows. Having earlier expressed his confidence in Olson’s Emmy prospects, Erwitch remarked on the similarity.

The shows we’ve created, such as Rookie, Will Trent, High Potential, feature characters who view the world in unique ways and they’re quite humorous. This has become our signature style, and if RJ Decker turns out as good as I anticipate, it should seamlessly blend into this collection.

Although neither Will Trent nor The Rookie may not match the intentional humor of High Potential in every aspect, the observation about their unique main characters is quite accurate. Will the lead actor chosen for RJ Decker possess the same instant charm as Nathan Fillion, Ramon Rodriguez, or Kaitlin Olson? That’s going to be a challenging task for the casting team.

The Extra Reason To Be Excited For RJ Decker

To clarify, the upcoming pilot series is adapted from a novel, and “Double Whammy” published in 1987 was written by Carl Hiaasen. Not only is he an accomplished author with numerous novels to his credit, but he also penned the original story for another highly-anticipated TV show premiering on Apple TV+ in 2024, titled “Bad Monkey.

Under the direction of Bill Lawrence, who is known for his work on “Scrubs” and “Ted Lasso,” the series “Bad Monkey” features Vince Vaughn as Andrew Yancy, a former private investigator turned restaurant inspector. However, an investigation into a severed arm leads Yancy on a journey across Florida and its surrounding islands, which disrupts his routine restaurant inspections. Does this sound about right?

It’s quite likely that “Bad Monkey,” published in 2013 by RJ Decker, serves as a promising preview of the kind of content viewers might anticipate if RJ Decker’s work is commissioned for a series.

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2025-05-14 20:43

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