Showtime narrows the TV pilots field

Robbins' 'Side Effects' is last pilot standing

By CYNTHIA LITTLETON

And then there was one. Showtime has winnowed its latest batch of prospective series to one pilot, drama "Possible Side Effects," written and helmed by Tim Robbins, though there's no word yet if the project has gotten a greenlight.

It's understood that the pay cabler passed Thursday on a comedy from Lionsgate TV, "Ronna and Beverly," which has generated strong industry buzz as an offbeat half-hour revolving about two middle-aged Jewish women who tirelessly promote their book, a dating guide for Jewish singles. "Ronna" was co-created by "Weeds" maven Jenji Kohan and its stars, Jessica Chaffin and Jamie Denbo. It's expected that Lionsgate will shop "Ronna" to other outlets.

"Side Effects" stars Josh Lucas and revolves around a dysfunctional family that made its fortune in the pharmaceutical biz.

Earlier this month, Showtime passed on two other completed pilots, dark comedy "The End of Steve," starring Matthew Perry, and a spinoff of "The L Word" (Daily Variety, April 3).

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