‘Friday Night Lights’ creator returns to NBC with ‘Drama High’ project
Is “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose” going to be replaced with “break a leg” on NBC in the near future? That may be a very hokey introduction to an article, but it’s something that we’re left to wonder now in the wake of the latest news that is coming in regarding Jason Katims’ new drama series project.
The network reportedly has ordered a new drama pilot from the “Friday Night Lights” creator in “Drama High,” which is going to revolve around a high school drama teacher who is able to unite much of the community around him. It’s based on a book by Michael Sokolove of the same name, and of course immediately we start to think “serious version of Glee” upon hearing this.
There is a good bit about this announcement that makes some sense, and a lot of it begins with the fact that Katims already has a great relationship with NBC, and this is a network likely looking for more grounded, realistic, and hopeful dramas at the moment. “This Is Us” is a show that while sad at times, does have an air of optimism about it. It’s also been an enormous hit for them critically and commercially. While “Friday Night Lights” never generated huge ratings for the network, it was incredibly successful in getting recognition from awards shows.
For Katims, this new project would give him another job shortly after the apparent end of “Pure Genius” over at CBS. While not officially canceled, we’ve yet to see any indication from the network that they are looking to bring the show back after it struggled in the ratings for most of its first season. (It’s not like the network did it many favors when it comes to the timeslot, but that’s a rant that is probably better suited for somewhere else. For now, we’re happy that Katims could have another show on the air sooner rather than later.)
What do you think about the idea of another high-school series from Katims, and can you already picture some of the people that you’d want involved? Be sure to share in the comments below! (Photo: NBC>)