NBC executives discuss Powerless, the workplace comedy about insurance agents who live in a world with superheroes from the DC Comics.
We previously reported that NBC had given Powerless, a half-hour single camera comedy, a pilot production commitment. Recently, NBC officially ordered a pilot, meaning a greater commitment on the part of the network than just a production commitment.
We heard back in August that “Powerless is a workplace comedy set at one of the worst insurance companies in America — with the twist being that it also takes place in the universe of DC Comics. The show is about the reality of working life for a normal, powerless person in a world of superheroes and villains.”
At the Television Critics Association press tour on Wednesday, NBC executives Robert Greenblatt and Jennifer Salke spoke about Powerless.
According to Salke, “DC came in with a pitch” for Powerless, per IGN. “This is a world where superheroes are not only just on green screen out the window of this insurance office, but they’re also running into you on the street and wreaking havoc.
“The idea isn’t that it’s the creme de la creme of the superheroes. It’s a world where there’s a whole population of superheroes with all sorts of all challenges themselves. So you’re seeing quite a range of characters in that realm in addition to our great, kind of grounded human ensemble.”
In terms of which superheroes will be available to the sitcom, Salke says DC has “namedropped everyone. I don’t think they’ve said anyone’s off limits.” A “recognizable” superhero is expected to appear in the pilot, though it won’t be Batman or Superman.
Greenblatt says the superheroes are “in the background” and compares them to “wallpaper.” In other words, the superheroes aren’t “the main characters in the show.” Where does that leave them? According to Greenblatt, “you may see them blowing up a building out the window or something.”
“You’re definitely hearing about them about them because they exist in the world. It’s a question of speaking parts and it’s a wide range of superheroes,” Salke adds.