CBS and ABC cut back on Pilots

CBS and ABC -- two nets boasting the heftiest number of pilots this season -- have begun trimming their rosters.

Eye confirmed on Saturday that it was pushing the 20th Century Fox TV drama "Confessions of a Contractor."

Shawn Ryan, Richard Murphy and Jeff Okin are behind "Confessions," which is based on Murphy's novel about a blue-collar Los Angeles contractor who handles renovations for wealthy clients.

The "Confessions" pickup was cast-contingent -- and CBS decided not to go forward after a lead actor could not be found.

News comes as ABC has also pushed "Funny in Farsi," which was director and show runner contingent; and "Planet Lucy," which was cast contingent.

Studio execs had been bracing late last week for such a move, noting that both nets had perhaps ordered more pilots than they needed.

Source: Variety