Hank Steinberg's Latest Deal: Fox Locks Down the Doc

Fox Entertainment has sealed the deal with veteran TV scribe Hank Steinberg to develop new scripted dramas. This comes as no surprise, given their successful collaboration on the upcoming miseason medical procedural "Doc. " The network is clearly impressed by Steinberg's proven track record of creating broad-appeal franchises like CBS' long-running police drama "Without a Trace" and TNT's post-apocalyptic hit "The Last Ship. But let's not forget that every deal comes with its own set of risks. As the old adage goes, familiarity breeds contempt. Will Steinberg be able to maintain his creative edge and deliver fresh ideas? Or will he fall into the trap of rehashing the same tired formulas? Only time will tell. One thing's for sure: Fox is betting big on Steinberg's talent. The network has even created a special category called "broadcast direct deals" to keep him in their stable of producers. It's a bold move, but one that could pay off handsomely if Steinberg continues to hit home runs. Of course, the success of any deal ultimately depends on the strength of the content. And that brings us back to "Doc," which stars Molly Parker as a doctor who must start over after losing eight years of her life due to a brain injury. The show is based on an Italian series called "Doc - Nelle tue mani. " But here's the question: Is this premise original enough to stand out in today's crowded TV landscape? Or will it get lost in the shuffle of all the other medical dramas and amnesia stories out there? It remains to be seen whether the show can find its own unique voice. One thing we do know is that Steinberg has a knack for tapping into social issues. His ABC drama "For Life" was a powerful exploration of the criminal justice system. So it will be interesting to see how he tackles the medical profession in "Doc. " Ultimately, only one question matters: Is Hank Steinberg still got it? If his track record is any indication, then the answer is a resounding yes. But the real test will come when the shows start hitting our screens. Until then, all we can do is wait and see what magic he works with Fox.