Expert: Patrick J. Murray - 2/1/2011

Question
I have a question. There are a lot of great TV shows on the air some that are not anymore and some that where never given a chance. My question is can you use a shows concept? Example, Married with Children was a great show. Could one take that show concept, format and make a new original show concept?

Answer
Hi AJ....

Thanx for stopping by.....

The answer to your question is a qualified yes...As long as you don't totally rip off the title and the character names, it would be my opinion that you could create a show with "like" characters in possibly a different setting. Any music or buzz words are probably kept as well - keep that original too!

I would always check with an attorney prior to attempting a show anyway - to protect yourself and the property that you are developing. I can only suggest here and not offer legal advice as to just what course you should take.

I have enclosed a couple of thoughts on this from the web...

http://www.deadline.com/2010/11/guillermo-del-toro-and-david-eick-to-create-new-...

http://trekmovie.com/2010/04/07/ron-moore-interested-in-creating-new-star-trek-t...

http://leegoldberg.typepad.com/a_writers_life/2004/06/creating_a_tv_s.html

Best of luck to you!

Patrick Murray