On the telly
Fox plans to make a tv show out of Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo’s life
A show called ‘DeTour’ is in the works - DIY took a look at other potential musical shows that should be piloted.
Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo is set to have a television show based around his life. ‘DeTour’ is a creation by both Cuomo and Steve Franks, creator of ‘Psych’. For the time being 20th Century TV Fox has commissioned a put pilot of the show, which revolves around the life and times of a thirtysomething rock star coming to terms with his success.
The show is intended to be semi-autobiographical, following Rivers at the peak of his celebrity status and the trials that come with that stardom. It’s partly based around Cuomo’s time at Harvard University between the years of 1995 to 2006.
A put pilot doesn’t guarantee the commissioning of an entire series, but Fox will be penalised financially if nothing comes to fruition.
Regardless of whether this show actually comes to light, DIY’s put its thinking cap on. Television producers take note - these are the musical-based shows you should be commissioning, right now.
Skrillex’s Million Pound Drop
Contestants have just 30 seconds in which to find the perfect formula for ‘a drop’. Different parts of a song - womp noises, processed beats, the sound of a dog barking - are scattered onto a table. The winner is someone who can successfully create something as catchy as ‘Bangarang’.
60 Minute James Blakeover
Boring musicians who aren’t schooled in the art of “ambient chillax” are given a surprise by their mates when they’re morphed into a more eloquent, progressive and cool producer. When they’re least expecting - usually during sleep - their rehearsal space is adorned with bleepy bloop machines, a grand piano, and a copy of Brian Eno’s ‘A Year with Swollen Appendices’. They wake up to the sound of success.
Cherlock
Cherlock Holmes stalks again as the go-to consulting detective / high functioning sociopath in 21st-century London, with Dr. Cher Lloyd her loyal friend and an uncanny ability to autotune her way to the solution. Basically, Cher sounds like ‘Sher’.
The Kanye West Wing
Set primarily in the West Wing of the Kimye House, this show provides a fascinating insight into the daily decisions that go on behind the scenes. Through triumph, turmoil and tragedy, the focus is on Kanye, and his God-like ability to cope under pressure when it matters most. After a well-received pilot, this is ‘Bound 2’ be commissioned for another series.
Best Coast
Like Coast, but based in California, therefore a much improved take on the original series.
Orange is the New Black Keys
After getting into a bit of an unruly scrap with another musician - ahem - Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney find themselves behind bars and in the slammer. Join them as they get to grips with prison food, begin a love affair with Crazy Eyes and learn what it’s really like to write the blues.
These ideas are, admittedly, a little ropey. Have some of your own? Suggest some on Twitter using the hashtag #commission it or join the comments thread on Facebook.
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