ABC Dreams of Drama

[Sarangel]

With all of its fall dramas having been cancelled and three midseason series yet to debut, ABC is stocking up on dramas for next season.

The network ordered pilots for eight dramas on Jan. 21, with subject matter ranging from a show about officers of a fictional homeland-security task force to the story of a family trying to adjust to a downscaled life.

ABC Entertainment president Susan Lyne says a priority for the network is to establish a drama at 10 p.m. Wednesdays, capitalizing on the strong lead-in from "The Bachelor/Bacehelorette" franchise.

"It's been frustrating not to be able to launch a drama after 'The Bachelor,' " Lyne tells The Hollywood Reporter. "We have a wonderful time period waiting for great drama."

In addition to the eight pilots below, ABC has also ordered several scripts for "Teranus," a Roman-era period piece about Julius Caesar's exiled nephew, Augustus, and the ex-gladiator charged with protecting him. The project is from producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron ("Annie," "Veritas: The Quest") and writer Thomas Wheeler.

A rundown of the pilots ABC ordered:

* "The Street Lawyers," based on John Grisham's book about an attorney who leaves his high-priced firm to work for the less fortunate. From Brian Kopelman and David Levien.

* "Threat Matrix," centering on a task force that deals with homeland security. From Daniel Voll.

* "The Flannerys," in which a family has to start over when the father, a recovering alcoholic, loses his law-firm job and opens a storefront practice. From Kevin Falls and Peter O'Fallon

* "Partners," about a pair of female undercover cops. From Kerry Ehrin and Nina Rodrigue.

* "Karen Sisco," which continues the story of the character played by Jennifer Lopez in the movie "Out of Sight." From Jason Smilovic.

* An untitled project from Armyan Bernstein. Set in a hotel where the lives of guests intertwine with those of the staff.

* "111 Gramercy Park," detailing the lives of residents and staff members at a posh New York apartment building. From Bob Brush.

* "Alaska," a cop show about a state trooper dealing with serious crimes and oddball characters in the title state. From John August.