Tim Robbins Drama Passed Over by Showtime

Now Tim Robbins really has something to complain about.
Despite good buzz for the speechifying actor's pharmaceutical drama pilot, Possible Side Effects, Showtime is taking a pass.
At least Robbins is in good company: The cabler has passed on all four pilots it ordered this outing. The other three are the L Word spinoff starring Leisha Hailey, the Matthew Perry/Peter Tolan comedy The End of Steve, and the comedy Ronna and Beverly, from a team that includes Weeds creator Jenji Kohan.
Side Effects seemed like a sure bet because it was written and directed by the Oscar-winning Robbins and included Ellen Burstyn, Josh Lucas and Tim Blake Nelson in the cast. It may still be shopped elsewhere.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that while Showtime doesn't rely on advertisers, its parent company, CBS Corp., does. Pharmaceutical companies are among the biggest TV advertisers.