In response to an inquiry from a reader – at least there’s one still out there – I will have recommendations on what to spec in 2009.  But let’s wait until all the networks have announced their fall schedules.  A lot has leaked out, but the formal schedules have not been published to my knowledge.

My current thoughts, pending fall schedule announcements, are as follows:

WHAT TO SPEC

The Big Bang Theory   Just renewed for two years.  Awards aside, this is the best sitcom on TV.  I also think it gets watched by people in the industry.  Just make sure you write an episode that is about Leonard.  Don’t think you can get away with 40 pages of Sheldon fussing about his Thai food.  You need a real story that is centered on Leonard.

30 Rock   A twenty-minute SNL sketch more than a sitcom, it remains a media darling, so you might as well have one in your portfolio.  It has been speced to death however, so you better have a really fresh idea for a story.  Just an average episode is a waste of your time.  I’m sure a lot of producers are saying, “No more 30 Rocks!  Give me anything else!”  I’ve encouraged my students to write the characters as real people, but the actual writers don’t even try to do that.  On the other hand, if you wrote an episode in which Liz and Jack acted like human beings instead of cartoon characters, it might make your spec stand out.

How I Met Your Mother   Not an industry favorite, but it is a show that almost everyone has seen.  Don’t get hung up in one of their on-going story arcs.  Right a stand-alone episode.  Try to get to the heart of what this series is about.

WHAT NOT TO SPEC

The Office   It’s played.  Don’t bother.

My Name is Earl   May be canceled.

Two and A Half Men   Is there anything left to do with this show?

If you’re just learning how and you’re trying to write your first or second spec, then write your favorite show for practice.  If you’ve written a few specs by now and you really think you’re ready to write your killer spec, don’t waste your time with Samantha Who? or The New Adventures of Old Christine or Kath and Kim.  How could anyone write a memorable spec episode of one of these second-rate shows? 

To write a great spec you need a great series.  We don’t have any great series on the air right now, but it is possible to write a really good episode of the three series that I recommend.

SPEC PILOTS

I’ve never read a good one, but I know that agents and executives want these in your portfolio.  Try to do something fresh.  Don’t write about slackers.  Don’t set your pilot in a Kinko’s or a Starbuck’s.  If you don’t have any imagination, why are you bothering with a spec pilot in the first place?

THE LENO FACTOR

All four of the broadcast networks want out of the scripted TV series business.  They would much rather run game shows and faux news shows.  Jay Leno in prime time is either going to be a catastrophe or a stroke of genius.  If it works, it’s one more nearly mortal blow to the scripted series.  Even if Jay comes in third every night, if his demographics make business sense then he will stay on the air because his show costs nothing to produce.  Will Jay be a good lead-in for late local news?  We’ll see.  If Jay survives, you may want to go back to your spec screenplay.

THE CHUCK LORRE FACTOR

The only producer right now who knows how to create a hit sitcom is Chuck Lorre.  Parks and Recreation is going nowhere, so let’s get over the idea that Tina Fey and Lorne Michaels are ready for prime time.  They have a shelf full of awards but no viewers.  If I were you, I’d pay attention to what Chuck Lorre is doing.