Hulu’s latest development disappointment has left us scratching our heads and wondering what could’ve been. The highly anticipated comedy pilot “Downforce,” starring Eve Hewson and Murray Bartlett, has officially been put on the backburner, and we’re still reeling from the news. Since its initial announcement, fans of the talented duo have been eagerly awaiting the premiere of this quirky new comedy, which promised to bring a fresh wave of humor and wit to the small screen.
Downforce Comedy Pilot Fails to Gain Speed

Morningpicker has learned that Hulu is not proceeding with the comedy pilot Downforce, opting not to pick up the project to series. The pilot, which starred Eve Hewson and Murray Bartlett, was a high-profile effort from the duo of Alec Berg and Adam Countee, who have overall deals at ABC Signature.
The news comes as a surprise, given the talent involved and the potential for the show to be a hit. However, it appears that the project did not gain enough traction to move forward.
Downforce followed the story of Victoria, the estranged daughter of a storied racing team’s owner, Sir Trevor, who is thrust back into the family business. The pair must navigate the complexities of racing and business, leaving them to find a balance between their differences.

Development and Casting
Exclusive Details: Morningpicker Passes on Downforce Pilot Starring Eve Hewson and Murray Bartlett
The cast for Downforce included some notable talent, including Harry Delano, Reece Shearsmith, Amar Chadha-Patel, and Arturo Del Puerto. The project, a dream pairing of two in-demand actors in Eve Hewson and Murray Bartlett, originated at the now-defunct ABC Signature.
The creative team behind Downforce included Alec Berg and Adam Countee, who have overall deals at ABC Signature. Berg directed the pilot and executive produced alongside Countee, Marty Bowen, and Wyck Godfrey for Temple Hill, Daniel Ricciardo, Amy Solomon, and Lionsgate.
- Alec Berg: Director and Executive Producer
- Adam Countee: Executive Producer
- Marty Bowen: Executive Producer
- Wyck Godfrey: Executive Producer
- Daniel Ricciardo: Executive Producer
- Amy Solomon: Executive Producer
- Lionsgate: Executive Producer

Plot and Premise
Family Business
The plot of Downforce follows Victoria, the estranged daughter of a storied racing team’s owner, Sir Trevor, who is thrust back into the family business. The pair must navigate the complexities of racing and business, leaving them to find a balance between their differences.
Sir Trevor is described as the team’s “larger-than-life founder and owner,” while Victoria is a “shrewd and ruthless investment banker who finds her way back into the front office.”
The two must work together to save the team’s legacy, but their differences and conflicting interests make it a challenging task.

Implications and Analysis
Impact on Hulu’s Comedy Slate
The pass on Downforce leaves room for other comedy pilots, like Phony starring Connie Britton, to move forward.
However, the failure of Downforce may offer insights into the challenges of developing and producing comedy pilots for streaming platforms.
With the rise of streaming services, the demand for content has increased, and the competition for pilots has become fiercer.
The failure of Downforce may indicate that Hulu is looking for a different type of comedy pilot or that the network is taking a more cautious approach to greenlighting new projects.

Career Moves
Eve Hewson and Murray Bartlett
Eve Hewson and Murray Bartlett will continue to appear in upcoming projects, including The Perfect Couple and Nine Perfect Strangers.
Hewson is starring as the lead of Susanne Bier’s Netflix limited series The Perfect Couple opposite Nicole Kidman and Dakota Fanning.
Bartlett will star in the upcoming second season of the streamer’s anthology series Nine Perfect Strangers opposite Nicole Kidman.
Both actors have had successful careers in film and television, and their involvement in Downforce was a significant coup for the project.
Lessons Learned
Challenges of Developing and Producing Comedy Pilots
The failure of Downforce may offer insights into the challenges of developing and producing comedy pilots for streaming platforms.
The rise of streaming services has increased the demand for content, and the competition for pilots has become fiercer.
The failure of Downforce may indicate that Hulu is looking for a different type of comedy pilot or that the network is taking a more cautious approach to greenlighting new projects.
The lessons learned from Downforce may be applied to future comedy pilots, and the network may take a more nuanced approach to developing and producing content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the disappointing news that Hulu’s “Downforce” comedy pilot, starring Eve Hewson and Murray Bartlett, will not be moving forward, highlights the challenges and uncertainties that often accompany the development and production of new television content. The article discussed the initial excitement surrounding the project, featuring a unique blend of humor and high-stakes racing, only to be met with the harsh reality of cancellation. This outcome serves as a reminder of the intense competition and high standards within the television industry, where even the most promising concepts can falter due to various factors.
The significance of this development lies in its reflection of the ever-changing landscape of television programming. The rise of streaming services has created a surge in content creation, resulting in an oversaturated market where even well-received pilots can be easily shelved. This new reality requires creators and networks to adapt and innovate, as the stakes for success have never been higher. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be crucial for talent, producers, and networks to stay flexible and open to new ideas, willing to take calculated risks to bring fresh perspectives to the screen.
As we look to the future, the cancellation of “Downforce” serves as a reminder that the television landscape is constantly shifting. With new platforms and services emerging, the opportunities for innovative storytelling and bold creativity are vast, but so too are the challenges. As we move forward, it will be essential for creators to stay true to their vision, while also being prepared to pivot and adapt to the ever-changing landscape. The future of television is uncertain, but one thing is clear – the need for innovative, bold, and unforgettable storytelling has never been more crucial.