HBO Max has officially ordered two pilot episodes, aiming to replicate the success of the acclaimed series, The Pitt. The new projects include a cop drama titled American Blue, created by Jeremy Carver, and a family drama called How to Survive Without Me, developed by Greg Berlanti. Both shows are set to follow the format established by The Pitt, which features a modest budget, a specific episode count, and an annual release strategy.
American Blue centers on Brian “Milk” Milkovich, a local who returns to his hometown of Joliet, Illinois, to support a struggling police department while seeking personal redemption. Carver, alongside executive producer Brian Udovich, has immersed himself in the local culture, consulting with police officers in both Joliet and Chicago. HBO Max executive Sarah Aubrey noted the show aims to capture the essence of classic police dramas like Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue, emphasizing community ties and the realities of police work in 2025.
Aubrey expressed enthusiasm about the storytelling approach, stating, “It’s very much in that vein where you really get to know these police officers and understand that they are members of this community that they’re serving.” She highlighted that this depth of narrative is a crucial factor in the success of The Pitt, making Carver and Udovich’s approach particularly exciting.
The second pilot, How to Survive Without Me, is co-written by Berlanti, Bash Doran, and Robbie Rogers, with Berlanti Productions’ Sarah Schechter and Leigh London Redman serving as executive producers. Set to be filmed in Los Angeles, the series follows a family of adult siblings and their father as they navigate themes of grief and love. Aubrey remarked on Berlanti’s reputation in television, saying, “Greg is a legend in the world of television,” and expressed excitement about returning to his storytelling roots reminiscent of Brothers and Sisters.
She added that the series offers a glimpse into a family dynamic that is both aspirational and inspirational. “People would want to live and be part of this family, and when you have 15 episodes, you can really settle into that,” she stated. The show aims to resonate with viewers, particularly in today’s tumultuous world, by exploring how families work through challenges together.
As HBO Max continues to expand its original programming, these two new pilot orders reflect the platform’s strategy to produce content that resonates deeply with audiences, similar to the successful formula of The Pitt. The network’s commitment to character-driven narratives and relatable themes positions these projects as potentially significant additions to its slate.
