Waiting to stream: All the pilots we can’t wait for in 2018

In all likelihood, your TV viewing schedule is already fully loaded with shows you barely have time to catch up on as it is. But if the recent selection of pilot orders are anything to go by, you might want to be putting aside some binge space very soon. There are some really exciting new TV pilots on their way to a variety of networks, and from the sounds of it, some of them are destined to become your next favorite show (as and when they get greenlit for a full series).

Until then, here are 14 pilots that show a lot of promise – keep your eyes peeled, and your schedules free.

L.A. Confidential (CBS)

The latest in a long line of reboots is this TV adaptation of James Ellroy’s classic novel, and the 1997 movie based on it, which is said to feature a modern tone, music, and style, despite still being set in the 50s. Few other details have been confirmed, but it certainly sounds interesting so far.

So Close (NBC)

Written by Greg Malins (Friends) this romantic-comedy pilot follows two hopeless romantics at a crossroad in their lives who are about to both settle for the wrong partner. Little do they know they live just blocks away from each other and could in fact be soul mates.

God Friended Me (CBS)

By far the most WTF offering is this Greg Berlanti (The Flash) produced pilot described as being “a humorous, uplifting drama” about an outspoken atheist who is friended by God on Facebook. Here’s hoping it leads to a future episode in which Nev and Max from Catfish rock up to prove that “God” is actually a middle-aged Dungeons & Dragons champion from Delaware.

Manifest (NBC)

This mystery thriller follows the passengers of a plane – thought to have disappeared – who re-emerge years later with no knowledge of any time having passed. With Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future) as executive producer, and with Melissa Roxburgh (Star Trek: Beyond) and Josh Dallas (Thor) cast in lead roles, the pilot has us all kinds of intrigued.

Mixtape (Fox)

Fans of the cult musical series Smash should get very excited for season two showrunner Josh Safran’s upcoming musical pilot, Mixtape. Safran called the show a “full on musical” on Twitter, which will apparently follow a “disparate group of interconnected people” in Los Angeles who are defined by their love of music.

Bright Futures (NBC)

As a single-camera comedy from Black-ish creator Kenya Barris, Bright Futures centers on a group of friends transitioning from clueless, immature twenty-somethings to the successful professionals they strive to become.

Guess Who Died (NBC)

Based on Norman Lear’s personal experiences and starring the inimitable Christopher Lloyd, Guess Who Died is said to be a “humorous and inspiring look at the shared joys and challenges we all experience at any stage in life.”

The Rookie (ABC)

Nathan Fillion fans rejoice! Ya boy is returning to ABC with a pilot written and produced by Castle showrunner Alexi Hawley. Inspired by a true story, the series centers around John Nolan (Fillion), the oldest rookie cop in the LAPD, who struggles to navigate his unpredictable and dangerous job. Likely with many hilarious hijinks, shenanigans, and Fillion one-liners.

Get Christie Love (ABC)

With Vin Diesel (The Fast and the Furious) as an executive producer and Courtney Kemp Agboh (The Good Wife) serving as showrunner, Get Christie Love is already a compelling prospect. Add onto that the fact the show is a reboot of the revolutionary 70s TV movie of the same name, and this pilot, about an African-American female CIA agent, has us excited.

Bless This Mess (Fox)

Anyone who enjoyed Lake Bell’s directorial and feature writing debut In A World should get tremendously excited for her upcoming pilot. Bless This Mess is based on the simple narrative of a couple as they move to Nebraska for a simpler life, only to encounter chaos. But with Bell writing and producing the episode with Elizabeth Meriwether (No Strings Attached), it’s got a good chance of being a standout hit.

How May We Hate You? (ABC)

Get over the cancellation of 2 Broke Girls once and for all by getting excited about the pilot for Kat Dennings’s new project. Based on the blog and book of the same name, this comedy follows two guest service associates at a high-end resort as they struggle with the co-workers and guests they’re stuck with.

Lil Kev (Fox)

Based on the childhood of comedian and movie star Kevin Hart (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), this animated comedy follows a 12 year-old boy as he grows up in North Philadelphia with the help of his dysfunctional family and “wise-cracking dog”. Hart is serving as executive producer on the pilot and will be lending his vocal talents to it along with a standout cast including Wanda Sykes and Deon Cole.

What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

Produced by Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok) and Jemaine Clement, the TV adaptation of the 2014 hit indie vampire comedy certainly has promise. The pilot will see the glib vampire roommates portrayed by a cast including Doug Jones, Beanie Feldstein, Jack McDorman, and Mark Proksch.

I Mom So Hard (CBS)

Based on the popular web series of the same name, this multi-camera comedy pilot, written by creators Kristin Hensley and Jennifer Smedley, will show how two women get through the strife of being wives and moms with the solid support of their friendship.