Pilot Week returns to Ten in 2021 after a year off
Network Ten has announced it will bring back its Pilot Week concept for a third time later in 2021, but is yet to reveal an air date.
After the initiative was shelved for 2020, Pilot Week will return later this year, and Ten’s parent ViacomCBS said it is looking to give local storytellers the opportunity to present “bold and diverse” programs for a prime-time audience.
Trial By Kyle was commissioned after a successful run in Pilot Week
Pilot Week was held in 2018 and 2019, with Ten showcasing a whole slate of new shows to test viewer responses and ratings.
In previous editions of Pilot Week, shows including Trial By Kyle starring Kyle Sandilands, Kinne Tonight with Troy Kinne, Drunk History Australia, Taboo, and Saturday Night Rove have been commissioned for seasons.
Ten said that it hopes to find a program that will complement its existing slate: “A new show that can emulate the joy and authenticity of MasterChef Australia, the irreverence and humour of Have You Been Paying Attention?, the grit and intelligence of Australian Survivor, the passion and fun of The Bachelor Australia, the heroism and integrity of Ambulance Australia and the spectacle and wonder of The Masked Singer Australia.”
ViacomCBS head of programming, Daniel Monaghan, added he expects that shows will once again be commissioned for full seasons following the 2021 Pilot Week.
“We are thrilled to see the return of Pilot Week this year. It is such a great opportunity to showcase creative projects from our talented production community, and then determine what resonates the most with our audience.
“Pilot Week has resulted in a number of the pilots being commissioned for full seasons, and we expect this season to be no different. We can’t wait to get started.”
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Zanda Wilson was a reporter and podcast producer at Mumbrella, specialising in radio reporting. He left Mumbrella in September 2021.
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