Pilots “Knifeman” and “Galyntine” have been cut from AMC’s development roster.
The network has decided not to go forward with the pilot “Knifeman,” which focused on a charming, arrogant, decorum-breaking surgeon who challenges societal norms to transform his visions into cutting-edge discoveries.
“We have enormous admiration and appreciation for everyone associated with these projects,” AMC said of the decision not to go forward with the projects Friday. “We are grateful to have ongoing relationships with several of these talented creators and look forward to working together again.”
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AMC will also not pursue the fantasy-science fiction project “Galyntine,” which was set in the aftermath of a cataclysmic technology-induced disaster that has resulted in a new society that has eschewed any form of technology.
Both series received pilot orders in November 2013 for series consideration in 2015.
“Knifeman” was written by Rolin Jones (“United States of Tara,” “Friday Night Lights”) and was developed by Jones and Ron Fitzgerald (“Last Resort,” “Prime Suspect”), with both serving as executive producers.
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“Galyntine,” meanwhile, was written by Jason Cahill, who writes for the AMC drama “Halt and Catch Fire” and was executive producing with “The Walking Dead’s” Greg Nicotero.
The decision not to go forward with the pilots comes amid a competitive television landscape in which new shows are under increased pressure to “pop” to make an impact. AMC is also shifting away from the pilot-order route, with a number of straight-to-series orders in its upcoming slate, including the scripted martial arts drama “Badlands” and the AMC co-production “Humans.”
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Other projects either being developed or scheduled to premiere in the coming months by AMC include the “Breaking Bad” prequel “Better Call Saul,” the Stephen Gaghan-directed Middle East geopolitical drama “White City,” which is shooting a pilot, and a pilot for a potential “Walking Dead” companion series.
The computer drama “Halt and Catch Fire” and Revolutionary War drama “Turn,” both of which premiered earlier this year, will return for second seasons next year.
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