Television - The Bedford Diaries: New Series from the creators of OZ, and Homicide!

TheMovieGrrl · 05-18-2005, 07:23 AM

Hi everyone! I was searching at the new line-up and mid season series coming to TV soon.

The Bedford Diaries is a series that will be airing mid-season (January2006) on TheWB; shocking I know. LoL. But this dramatic series brings to the table some of the best producers and writers in the genre.

"From HBO Independent Productions, Warner Bros. Television Production Inc., and The Levinson/Fontana Co. With writers/executive producers Tom Fontana (Oz, Homicide: Life On The Street), and Julie Martin (Homicide: Life on the Street), along with executive producer Barry Levinson (Rain Man, Diner)."

I don't know about many of you but I love the series OZ and I've been a big fan of Levinson for a while. So this series, IMO, is worth a chance in supporting since it is a mid-season series...which usually means it's a trial basis.

Here's the rest of the information:

TheWB

Quote:

Tom Fontana's The Bedford Diaries focuses on college students in a human sexuality class and features a diverse ensemble cast including Emmy Award-nominated Matthew Modine (And the Band Played On, Any Given Sunday), Milo Ventimiglia (Gilmore Girls, American Dreams) and Audra McDonald (Wit, Law & Order).

Quote:

The Bedford Diaries explores contemporary New York City-based college life through the unique prism of a provocative Human Behavior and Sexuality class. Controversial and charismatic Professor Macklin, Matthew Modine (Any Given Sunday, Married to the Mob), will challenge and inspire the show's youthful ensemble of students as they explore their identities, relationships and sexuality in the most exciting city in the world.

Among our students is the smart and attractive Sara (Tiffany Dupont, Cheaper by the Dozen). She has everything going for her until her brother Owen (Penn Badgely) walks into class. It's one thing to share in class, but she hadn't planned on sharing her private life with her sibling. Owen's new class partner is Natalie "the jumper" (Corri English, 3: The Dale Earnhardt Story). Two years ago she had a change of heart mid-dive off the Student Union building. Now physically recovered, she has to face the rumor mill and her ex, Richard (Milo Ventimiglia, Gilmore Girls). He was the quintessential Park Avenue bad boy up until the moment his girlfriend jumped. Now a semi-changed man, he's majoring in Journalism, attending class and editing 'The Bedford Clarion.' In stark contrast is working-class Lee (Ernest Waddell, As the World Turns), who has a noble heart, an artistic soul, a girlfriend and a fascination with Zoe (Victoria Cartagena, Baby Fat). Zoe talks a fast, flirty and kinky game, but despite her brash veneer, she's got a secret.

I don't think I've been this eager and curious about a new series in a long time!

What do you guys think of it? I mean, lately, I've been drawn more to shows whose creators and writers have a great history.

Another series I thought was interesting is The Assistants, which is supposed to be in development. I heard that it's about a group of assistants who work in a studio that air different types of shows. lol. One of the Producers/Writers is Bryan Fuller (Wonderfalls, Dead Like Me). Let's hope that one gets the Greenlight

Anyway, back The Bedford Diaries, I like that the majority of the cast is new; kind of like the way it worked out for HBO's OZ.

I'll try to post more news when I get a chance...

From TV TOME

Quote:

Welcome to the The Bedford Diaries guide at TV Tome.

The Bedford Diaries explores contemporary New York City-based college life through the unique prism of a provocative Human Behavior and Sexuality class. Controversial and charismatic Professor Macklin (Emmy Award-nominated Matthew Modine, "And the Band Played On, Any Given Sunday) will challenge and inspire the show's youthful ensemble of students as they explore their identities, relationships and sexuality in the most exciting city in the world. Among the students is the smart and attractive Sarah (Tiffany Dupont, Cheaper by the Dozen). Sarah has everything going for her until her brother Owen (Penn Badgely, The Mountain) walks into class.

It's one thing to share in class, but Sarah hadn't planned on discussing her sexuality in front of a sibling. Owen's new class partner is Natalie, "The Jumper" (Corri English, "The Dale Earnhardt Story"). Two years ago, Natalie had a change of heart mid-dive off the roof of the Student Union. Now physically recovered, she has to face the gossip mill and her ex, Richard (Milo Ventimiglia, Gilmore Girls, American Dreams).

The quintessential Park Avenue bad boy up until the moment his girlfriend jumped, Richard is now a semi-changed man – sober, attending class and editor-in-chief of The Bedford Bugle. In stark contrast is the working-class Lee (Ernest Waddell, As the World Turns), who has a noble heart, an artistic soul, a serious girlfriend and a fascination with Zoe (Victoria Cartagena, ‘Baby Fat"). Zoe talks a fast, flirty and kinky game, but despite her brash veneer, she's still a virgin.

Also starring Audra McDonald (Wit, Law & Order) and Peter Gerety (The Legend of Bagger Vance).-WB Press Release

***Wildfire Girl*** · 05-18-2005, 08:10 AM

Thanks for getting the thread started, and I edited the title per your pm request.

greetvdm · 05-18-2005, 08:45 AM

I will def. check this out - just for Teh Milo.
...
Maybe I should read that summary anyway

TheMovieGrrl · 05-18-2005, 11:22 PM

No problem! I think it's going to be an interesting series once it starts.

I can see the dynamic and storylines really go far.

always2nl · 05-18-2005, 11:31 PM

I don't really know what to think of it. I love OZ, i still watch it everyday

But i get the vibe that it's gonna be a little like Sex and the City but only the college version, and let me tell ya, everyone will lose their virginity before the mid-season is over.

TheMovieGrrl · 05-19-2005, 12:36 AM

But that's the thing that will make it different though. Tom Fontana was able to take a series about prison inmates and make into a compelling series with rich dynamics and fascinating characters.

Yeah, I can this being about Sex and the City, but I can also tell that it will have loads of dramatic potential to wow audiences again.

Don't get me wrong, there will never be another OZ, but having talented producers and well-excuted storylines from these guys is a definite good sign.

Plus, I don't think Levinson and Fontana are going to wuss out and produce some drivel. TheWB has been searching a series to legitimize it was a drama contender with the big major studios.

Bringing this team will definitely rais some potential. Believe me, with a lot of crapola writing lately from some newbie shows, I have faith in what these writers/producers can do.

LoL.

own worst enemy · 05-19-2005, 01:20 PM

This is the only "new" WB show I am looking forward to ... and it's a Midseason show. Go figure.

greetvdm · 05-19-2005, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Brightside

This is the only "new" WB show I am looking forward to ... and it's a Midseason show. Go figure.

What exactly does that mean, 'a midseason show'? That it doesn't start in September? I'm not very familiar with these things (as in American TV schedules) *a little lost*

TheMovieGrrl · 05-20-2005, 01:49 AM

Well, from what I understand of the "industry". Mid-Season shows are series the network's are experimenting because they're not shows that the studios would typically think become popular.

So to break it down, because I think it even confuses me in explaining it, lol, here it goes...

1. A "mid-season" series basically means that it doesn't start off in the usual schedule as the other committed and official series.

2. Mid-Season shows are done more to test the waters, so to speak, with the network's audience...

3. Doesn't have the standard 21 or 22 episode commitments. They vary, anywhere from 6 to 13.

4. Mid season shows are never really sure things, meaning that the studios can pull the plug at any time because to them its on a trial basis. Whereas, if a series like say Will and Grace? The studios would have a more difficult time because of the contracts are more committed.
An example of a network that pulled the plug on a mid-season show? Wonderfalls on FOX. Complete sabotage, the network aired about 4 episodes, and didn't air the rest! I still hate the fox tv network. That's why cable is better.

So for Bedford Diaries? This series won't start until January 2006...but I think that's because TheWB has first priorities with the series they have for the current line up in September 2005.

Mr.Brightside

I KNOW!

I had my doubts at first, but seeing whose producing it has me

I was listening to the commentary for Season 4 with Tom Fontana, and that man knows what he's doing...he has such a clear way of getting his messages across while making it fascinating and interesting.

own worst enemy · 05-20-2005, 01:24 PM

Modine will be awesome to see in a series.

I've never seen Oz, but I've heard so many great things about it. I'm not sure if it's a show for me ... maybe a little too raw. I wanna see this guy tackle an edgy show on "The WB" ... we'll see.

TheMovieGrrl · 05-20-2005, 01:41 PM

I would love to see that too! LOL. TheWB doesn't have the reputation for many, "critically acclaimed drama" series.

Modine is great, and can I say that I'm really really realized that they chose to go for lesser known actors/actresses for the majority of main characters. It'll give the audience a chance to hone into the characters and storylines more...

own worst enemy · 05-20-2005, 01:51 PM

Penn Bagedly is back ... he was on "The Mountain" last year.

greetvdm · 05-21-2005, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMovieGrrl

1. A "mid-season" series basically means that it doesn't start off in the usual schedule as the other committed and official series.

...
So for Bedford Diaries? This series won't start until January 2006...but I think that's because TheWB has first priorities with the series they have for the current line up in September 2005.

Thanks for the explanation!

I've heard that about Wonderfalls. I've downloaded some episodes and loved it!!! I still haven't seen some of them though.
Fox is evil. For that and how they've treated other shows (DA, Tru Calling).

I'm curious about the show and will def. try to download it. I'm not couting on some TV station from here picking it up.

Evchy · 05-21-2005, 02:46 PM

The show sounds very interesting, and I'd definitely love to watch it.

TheMovieGrrl · 05-25-2005, 11:25 AM

I hope that it lives up to the Fontana standards. lol. Then again, I'm not sure he would sign with TheWB if he were to compromise too much of his creativity.

I mean there's a part of me that's thrilled because, from what I've seen and read, Fontana and Levinston are famous for being very stable with the continunity of their stories. I mean, if you look at Homicide: Life on the Streets as well as some of the writers who have worked for him in the past (they know do episodes for Law and Order: SVU, etc.) it should definitely be worthwhile.

My fear(s)? That audiences who are not familiar with Fontana's work will brush it off as another rip off series trying to exploit/sell "sex". Whereas, I've often found that he has often aptly used very controversial aspects/themes to illustrate a larger meaning both political and social.

I wish and hope for success because I haven't been disappointed by his work so far. I'd hate to have another show I like get shot down ever so quickly.

Let's keep our finger's crossed

January can't come soon enough.