In predictable news, the two recent Amazon Prime pilots that received the most buzz and best reviews—U.S remake of MAD DOGS, and Philip K. Dick adaptation THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE—have been given full series orders. High-brow docu-series THE NEW YORKER PRESENTS has also been given a pickup, together with kid's shows JUST ADD MAGIC and THE STINKY & DIRTY SHOW. They've also announced MOZART IN THE JUNGLE will return for a second season, because... well, because. It's prestigious looking, I guess. I don't know anyone who watches it, and reviews never pop-up on my social media feeds.
This is certainly a good day, as Mad Dogs and High Castle were clearly the best pilots of Amazon's recent crop. It's a bit of a shame COCKED and SALEM ROGERS didn't get a chance to flourish, though, as both had things that appealed and they might have grown into something worthwhile over time.
I just wonder when 1980s coming-of-age drama RED OAKS is due to be released, because that's the only previously-announced Amazon series I want more of. (Sorry, Bosch.) But Mad Dogs and High Castle now join that short list; although in Dogs' case it's more intrigue over how Shawn Ryan's going to better develop the storyline, because the UK original went stupid-crazy after the natural end-point of the mystery.
Anyone else happy about these pickups?
