CBS made a put-pilot deal on my new show (working title “The Genius Bar”) yesterday, and my producing partners and I are happy as punch. The story was picked up by Reuters, and has more details.

Updated 10/07/2006

I’ve received a lot of mail asking for more details. I thought I’d clarify a few FAQs and provide a bit more information.

So, the show is a half-hout sitcom, set in a small slice of an upscale mall, where our primary ensemble happen to work in two different stores. One is an Apple Store-like “chic geek” place and the other is an A&F-like trendy apparel place. The construct is simple: we’re defined nowadays more by what we own and what we wear than by what we say or what we do. Our class structures and personal boundaries have become more retail-driven than ever before. “Genius Bar” (working title, will almost definitely change) simply explores what would happen if people started crossing over those self-imposed barriers and found love, friendship and life on the other side.

This show was neither discussed with nor endorsed by Apple or A&F when it was conceived, sold, or bought. While we think it might give the concept a bit of authenticity were we to get real brands to show up in the show, in the end, its really about the characters. If we can find a way to incorporate specific brands in a non-salesly, organic way, that’s what we’ll do!

Thanks again for all the mail!