SMOKERS - A long lost TV pilot by BKV

Your exclusive chance to read the script!

Happy Friday, you! Big plans for your weekend?

Brian here, and for today’s scintilating bonus content, I dove down deep into the BKVault to find a favorite old script of mine from twelve long years ago.

I left my writing gig on the series LOST shortly after its penultimate season in part because I was eager to help create an original show of my own. I met at several networks around town, all of whom said more or less the same thing: “We’re looking for our Lost, an inventive, outside-the-box show unlike anything else on television… as long as it doesn’t involve spaceships.”

This was the late aughts, and I think some research firm had done a study that showed most TV viewers liked seeing literal blue skies on their screens, and that even a glimpse of the vast void of space immediately made them change channels. I have no idea if there was/is any merit to that claim, but executives sure do love their research.

Still, because I’m a contrarian jerk with zero commercial instincts, I decided to go all in on writing a show set almost entirely on… a spaceship. And because I was terrified about having just left a steady job to bet on myself, I felt compelled to write about the horrors of needing gainful employment.

What eventually emerged was Smokers, a “reality show from the future” following a group of blue-collar exterminators who keep space safe for wealthy people by fumigating ships, colonies and satellites that have become infested with various species of extraterrestrial vermin.

The Deadliest Catch meets Alien, I guess.

Against all odds, I ended up developing this concept with the production company of legendary director Sam Rami, and we eventually sold the idea to a network that enthusiastically ordered a pilot script.

Like most TV projects, Smokers ended up not moving forward for a host of complicated reasons (or maybe I just should have added some blue skies?), but I had an outrageously good time working on the show, especially getting to talk with Sam Raimi—one of my all-time favorite filmmakers—about the Coen Brothers, the Shadow, Steve Ditko, etc. What ridiculous good fortune I’ve had Forrest Gumping my way through Hollywood these past two decades…

Anyway, if you’re curious, I’ll be sharing an early draft of my Smokers pilot with you generous paid subscribers in The Tower after this pesky paywall.

Everybody else, have an amazing weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Monday for more free Spectators!