Before They Were Hits

May 16, 2006

In his engrossing new book about TV, "Desperate Networks," New York Times reporter Bill Carter tells the behind-the-scenes tales of today’s biggest hits. Amazingly, but not surprisingly, most of these projects were rejected by various networks before being developed into hits. "Desperate Housewives" began as a spec script by down-and-out writer Marc Cherry that made the rounds at various networks. Lifetime passed, saying the story of four overhelmed suburban women wouldn't fit their brand. (They have since picked up the rights to reruns of the show!) Once the show became an ABC mega-hit, NBC Chairman Bob Wright was so bewildered that his network didn't develop Housewives that he called Cherry to see if his execs were given a shot at the script. (They were, and passed!) Fans of "Survivor," "American Idol," "Lost" and "The Apprentice" will love the inside information Carter gives on their favorite shows' climb to the top. –Ken Hommel