Pilot Inspector

We always hear it during development season: The broadcast networks are really taking chances on their dramas! They're definitely pushing the envelope! Then they give us Vanished and Shark. But shockingly enough, that claim might hold true this year. A number of high-concept dramas featuring everything from wife-swappers to a robotically enhanced tennis pro are in the works for fall 2007. Take an early look at some of fall's most promising pilots.

Viva Laughlin (CBS) Hugh Jackman exec-produces and guest-stars in this murder mystery/musical (based on the BBC series Viva Blackpool) as a low-rent casino owner who wants to open a glitzy resort in Laughlin, Nev.

Demons (CBS) Joan of Arcadia creator Barbara Hall stays in familiar territory with this series about an ex-priest/psychologist who performs exorcisms and investigates supernatural phenomena.

Swingtown (CBS) Get ready for an Ice Storm: Mike Kelley (One Tree Hill) wrote this '70s-set series about the effect wife-swapping and key parties have on the American family.

Lipstick Jungle (NBC) This dramedy from Sex and the City producer Darren Star — based on Candace Bushnell's book — focuses on three successful fortysomething women who are lucky at work, but can't quite find their mojo at home.

Bionic Woman (NBC) David Eick updated Battlestar Galactica, and now the producer is putting his spin on the popular Lindsay Wagner series. Woman follows an injured tennis pro who's healed using cutting-edge technology.

Untitled Cochran/Ehrman Project (Fox) In this thriller from 24's producing team, an ordinary Joe is forced to spy for the National Security Agency.

Football Wives (ABC) Bring It On's Gabrielle Union headlines this soapy drama from Ugly Betty's Marco Pennette. Based on the BBC series Footballers Wive$, it follows the spoiled spouses of pro athletes. How campy is it? Union's character is named Chardonnay.

Gossip Girl (The CW) The O.C. creator Josh Schwartz looks to the East Coast — and the successful book series of the same name — for this drama about rich teenagers attending New York City prep schools.

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