HBO Working on Cold War CIA Drama Series; The CW Developing Teenage Musical Series

Since Boardwalk Empire is arguably the best new series on TV this season, it’s not surprising that HBO is keen on getting another compelling period drama series off the ground. Deadline reports the cable network is working with Boardwalk Empire executive producer Stephen Levinson, Entourage executive producer Mark Wahlberg, author Malcolm Gladwell and screenwriter Charles Randolph (The Interpreter) on a series set during the Cold War. Few details are known about the untitled series, but the basic plot is said to follow a missionary who becomes involved in the CIA. Sounds mildly interesting, and since it’s not TV (it’s HBO), there’s likely something great in the works here.

Details on The CW’s attempt to ride on the coattails of Glee after the jump.

Frankly I’m surprised a Glee copycat didn’t crop up this season after the freshman series arrived with a splash last year, but it looks like the time has come. Deadline reports The CW is working with writer/director Todd Graff (who last worked on the imperfect but completely underrated and poorly marketed Bandslam) to spawn the musical comedy series Acting Out. Described as Glee meets Bad Santa (there’s an image that makes for an interesting porn), the series will follow the counselors and staff of a down-on-its-luck summer camp whose new owner is a young curmudgeon. Unless the camp is for aspiring singers and dancers, it’s likely that the music won’t be as diagetic as Glee, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It could definitely be an interesting series, but it will really have to work hard to differentiate itself from Glee.

Either of these series sound appealing?