Finally, how would you pitch (pardon the pun) this show to someone who has never watched it before? Why should people tune in on Thursday nights?
Beata: Pitch is empowering, emotional and endearing. It’s full of characters from all kinds of different backgrounds and walks of life, with a mostly non-white cast and a whole lot of amazing women who are allowed to have flaws. It’s also incredibly well-acted and well-written with phenomenal production value. If you don’t like sports, you will still love it. If you like sports, you will love it even more. Also, there are naked baseball players in episode seven.
Lizzie: You like sports? Pitch is the show for you. You dig strong female characters? Pitch is the show for you. You want diversity in your cast? Watch Pitch. You want a male/female relationships presented in a realistic, caring way? You have to watch Pitch. You want slow-burn romance? Did I say Pitch? Basically, watch it. You won’t regret it.
Erin: Strong. Fierce. Ups and Downs. Emotional. Slow-Burn. Sports. You just can’t get enough.
Charles: I would pitch (sorry) it like this : If you want a show about strong , well-written female and male characters that doesn’t insult its audience’s intelligence and a role model for young girls of any race. Being a sports fan is just like adding sprinkles on a delicious donut, it only adds to the show. If this is your cup of tea, then please give Pitch a try and I promise you won’t be sorry that you did.
Meredith: This show is going to surprise you. I have yet to speak to someone who tried it and wasn’t instantly hooked. It has strong female characters, diversity, amazing writing, directing, and acting, and engaging and interactive cast, and Zack Morris with a beard (listen, it’s a selling point – trust me). Also – there’s an episode where a bunch of gorgeous men get naked to support their female teammate. Naked. Watch it.
Kate: My pitch for “Pitch?” People seem to like emotional, smart dramas. “This is Us” is doing gangbusters on NBC. “Grey’s Anatomy” is still going strong over on ABC. On Thursday night, if you watch Grey’s at 8, flip it over to Fox at 9 PM for Pitch. They are an excellent pairing of emotional, well acted dramas with strong, diverse characters. Add a glass of wine or a craft beer (if you’re of age, of course) and it’s a perfect evening!
Ann: It’s a completely character-driven show, with a very talented cast, that successfully balances humor, drama, all sorts of relationships, and breaking barriers. Baseball is in the background and no knowledge of the game is necessary to enjoy the show. It’s a nice aspect if you do like the sport, though! The gorgeous cast is another blessing. The recent photo shoot was a thing of beauty.
Jen: I’ve been working on my elevator pitch for “Pitch.” Here goes: character driven drama with the backdrop of Major League Baseball; a diverse cast, a smart, talented, capable black woman led cast with so much heart, and love and loss, it’s “This is Us” meets “Friday Night Lights.”
Cor: No one ever wants me to recommend shows to them, I’ll show up with a PowerPoint and pamphlets. Pitch would be no exception. I would start with the cliched “it has something for everyone,” because it does! It’s got great relationship for everyone to enjoy, both friendships and ship ships. It’s funny. I find myself laughing out loud every episode, the actors on the show are not given nearly enough credit for their comedic timing. And of course, the baseball! I am not a “sportball” person. The baseball on the show has won me over. Baseball fans will be happy, shippers will be happy, people who like drama or comedy will be happy. The show is, pardon the pun, a homerun.
Souris: I realize the show has a bit of a problem in attracting viewers and can be a challenging sell. Combining the appeal to sports fans with the appeal to fans who like heartfelt drama and strong women isn’t really a natural fit, sadly. But you don’t have to love sports to love the show. Personally, although I’m a big sports fan, I’m not a fan of baseball. In a way, it reminds me of my favorite show of all time, Friday Night Lights, another show where the sports theme was secondary to the emotions, personal drama and character depth. I think Fox would be smart to sell the show’s heart, diversity and depth of storytelling, with a nod to how attractive the cast is. Shallow can sell, too! It’s not a case of viewers trying it and not liking it. It’s getting viewers to actually WATCH the show. The show is its best selling point, but you have to get through to viewers to give it a try.
Pitch airs Thursdays at 9pm on FOX.
