Tradecraft: Pilot Progress

Today The Hollywood Reporter confirms that NBC has indeed nabbed J.J. Abrams' latest spy drama, first reported about yesterday. The hot spec, still untitled, centers on husband and wife spies. NBC's winning bid comes with a commitment to film the pilot. Fox, meanwhile, is still into The Station, the previously announced Ben Stiller-produced spy sitcom starring John Goodman. The network hasn't fully committed to it and ordered up some episodes yet, but they have "extended options on the cast through year's end" according to the Reporter, which is a positive sign. The trade reiterates that the single camera comedy, written by Kevin Napier and directed by The State's David Wain, "revolves around covert CIA operative Eric (Justin Bartha) and his workmates, who are on a mission in Central America to install a new dictator." Goodman plays the Station Chief. Spy shows are set to make a serious comeback in the next year after waning a bit following the demise of Alias. Currently only 24, Chuck and Burn Notice carry the torch in America, but it looks like that's about to change!