Man on Fire (2004) - Forgiveness is between them and God.

Synopsis: John Creasy is a broken ex-mercenary on a mission to avenge the death of his only friend, while protecting his fallen comrade’s daughter from the forces that destroyed her family. Based on A.J. Quinnell’s novels “Man on Fire” and “The Perfect Kill.”

First Impressions: This one all depends on casting. Is Denzel Washington returning, or will someone new take over?

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

12 / 16

Untitled Sammy Davis Jr. limited series - Hulu

Untitled Sammy Davis Jr. limited series - Hulu

Image for article titled 2023 TV Preview: TV Pilots to Keep an Eye On
Photo: Rich Fury (Getty Images)

Cast: Elijah Kelley

Synopsis: Sammy Davis, Jr. rose from childhood stardom on the vaudeville stage to become one of the most famous African American entertainers of the 1950s and ‘60s (and the only Black member of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack). At the same time, he spent most of his career surrounded by controversy and ridicule— over his affairs with white film stars, his 1960 marriage to Swedish actress May Britt, his conversion to Judaism, his closeness to the Kennedys (and later Richard Nixon) and his problems with alcohol and drugs. Based on Wil Haygood’s book “In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr.”

First Impressions: If handled properly, this could be a fascinating look at one of Hollywood’s greatest entertainers.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

13 / 16

Butch & Sundance - Prime Video

Butch & Sundance - Prime Video

Image for article titled 2023 TV Preview: TV Pilots to Keep an Eye On
Photo: Jesse Grant (Getty Images)

Cast: Regé-Jean Page, Glen Powell

Synopsis: Set in an alternate version of America, where legendary outlaws Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid take on their biggest heist yet — this time with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

First Impressions: Regé-Jean Page in a western definitely has my attention.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

14 / 16

We’re Passing

We’re Passing

Jumpstart - CBS

Image for article titled 2023 TV Preview: TV Pilots to Keep an Eye On
Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer (Getty Images)

Cast: Terry Crews, Ryan Michelle Bathé

Synopsis: Based on the comic strip that debuted in 1989 and set in Philadelphia, it follows Joe, a cop, his wife Marcy, a nurse, and Joe’s partner Crunchy. Joe and Marcy are young, hip, urban parents with old school values who are willing to sacrifice for their kids and have some laughs while doing it.

First Impressions: Dating back to The Honeymooners, I’ve seen this show a million times already. I doubt Terry Crews is going to suddenly make it better.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

15 / 16

The Other Black Girl - Hulu

The Other Black Girl - Hulu

Image for article titled 2023 TV Preview: TV Pilots to Keep an Eye On
Photo: Jamie McCarthy (Getty Images)

Cast: Sinclair Daniel, Ashleigh Murray, Brittany Adebumola, Hunter Parrish

Synopsis: Nella is an editorial assistant tired of being the only Black girl at Wagner Books, so she’s excited when Hazel is hired. But as Hazel’s star begins to rise, Nella spirals out and discovers something sinister is going on at the company. Based on the novel by Zakiya Dalila Harris.

First Impressions: This sounds like something I’ve seen multiple versions of on Freeform.

Advertisement