Warner Bros. Television to shop American Blue after HBO Max rejects pilot

HBO Max has declined to move forward with the pilot for the police drama American Blue, starring Milo Ventimiglia. Following the decision, Warner Bros. Television reportedly intends to shop the project to other potential buyers and streaming platforms.

Written by Jeremy Carver and directed by David Ayer, the series follows Brian “Milk” Milkovich, a character returning to his hometown of Joliet, Illinois, to assist a struggling local police department while seeking personal redemption. The project features an ensemble cast including Kelly Jenrette, Carlito Olivero, Onye Eme-Akwari, and Jess Gabor.

The pilot was developed using a production framework similar to the series The Pitt, which emphasizes seasons with more than 15 episodes, controlled budgets, and annual release schedules. This format is designed to appeal to both traditional networks and streaming services.

In contrast, HBO Max is expected to move forward with a different drama pilot, How to Survive Without Me, starring Ray Romano, Kaley Cuoco, and Joshua Jackson.