Hilda! (In Lights!): CBS Greenlights New Comedy Series for 2026-27 Season
CBS has greenlit its first pilot for the upcoming 2026-27 season, a comedy series with a unique twist. The network has ordered the pilot for Hilda! (In Lights!), a show created by Abbey Caldwell. The series follows Hilda, a 70-year-old woman from Nebraska who moves to the big city to pursue her dream of starring on Broadway, despite having no prior experience in acting.
Hilda! (In Lights!) is a single-camera comedy that explores the journey of a small-town optimist navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry in New York City. The show offers a fresh take on the classic storyline of following one's dreams, with a protagonist who defies age stereotypes in pursuit of her passion.
The pilot for Hilda! (In Lights!) joins a lineup of new projects in development at CBS, including a cop show called Flint starring Matt LeBlanc and a forensic drama titled I Know Who You Are. The network is expanding its range of programming to include stories featuring older characters, reflecting a growing trend in television to showcase diverse and inclusive narratives.
As CBS prepares for the upcoming season, it is focusing on a smaller slate of comedies compared to previous years. With only three comedies currently in the lineup, including Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage and newcomer Eternally Yours, the network is exploring different genres and themes to appeal to a wider audience. The return of Ghosts in early 2027, along with special holiday episodes, adds to the variety of programming options for viewers.
Hilda! (In Lights!) is produced by CBS Studios, with Abbey Caldwell serving as the writer and executive producer. The creative team, including Will Graham, Max Linsky, and Tonia Davis of Invitation Media, is dedicated to bringing a fresh and engaging comedy series to audiences. Stay tuned for updates on the development of Hilda! (In Lights!) and other exciting projects coming to CBS in the upcoming season.