Even though gay and bisexual men remain grossly underrepresented in the current TV season (comprising less than 2 percent of regular characters on network series, according to GLAAD), last season was marked by some progress in the quality of the characters portrayed. From Kevin Walker (Matthew Rhys) on Brothers & Sisters to the gay and gay-friendly characters on Ugly Betty to the complicated gay Muslim on Sleeper Cell, gay viewers saw definite steps forward in representation.

Will that trend continue on the 2007 fall schedule? And will there be more gay characters? We recently examined the current slate of television pilots under consideration to see what the future might hold. Be sure to stay tuned to AfterElton.com for updates — starting in mid-May, the networks will begin to announce which pilots make the transition from great idea to the fall lineup.

Cashmere Mafia (ABC) — Sex and the City creator Darren Star (Melrose Place) is this show's executive producer, and as one of the more well-known, openly gay producers in Hollywood, it seems likely that this comedy set in New York City will have some queer content. The buzz is only so-so, but nonetheless the pilot seems to have a good shot at landing on the fall schedule.

Dash 4 Cash (CW) — This action-comedy is set behind the scenes of a reality show not unlike The Amazing Race and includes a gay subplot. The attractive, young cast includes Johann Urb (Dirt) as Rick, newcomer Bert Belasco as Durkin, and Kyle Bornheimer (Blades of Glory) as Nick. Urb's character, Rick, is described in a casting notice as "25, buff, large, good-looking, chick-loving, sincere and a bit naive (think Chris Klein), this former frat-boy and football jock has partnered up with his college roommate, Durkin. Rick is completely oblivious to Durkin's lustful feelings toward him."

The setup of a gay guy in love with a straight guy isn't exactly fresh, but given all the gay contestants who have appeared on The Amazing Race, the premise does hold promise and if handled right could be fun. But there isn't much buzz on the show at the moment.

Dirty Sexy Money (ABC) — Co-produced by openly gay Greg Berlanti, this drama about the fabulously rich Darling family of New York City is expected to make the fall schedule. Given Berlanti's hot run (Everwood, Brother & Sisters), that isn't a surprise. In AfterElton.com's recent interview with Berlanti, he told us Dirty Sexy Money would include a senator in love with a transvestite. Given Berlanti's track record, we're hopeful that gay and bisexual characters will eventually appear as well.

Eli Stone (ABC) — In yet another Greg Berlanti production, this legal drama is set in San Francisco and stars Victor Garber (Alias) opposite Jonny Lee Miller (Aeon Flux). Ken Olin (Brothers & Sisters) directed the pilot. While there are no gay characters as of yet, Berlanti told us that given its San Francisco location, Stone would provide plenty of opportunity to explore gay issues.

Football Wives (ABC) — There are almost too many reasons why gay fans should hope ABC goes for this nighttime soap. It's based on the campy and racy Footballers' Wives that soared to popular (if not critical) acclaim in the U.K. The American cast includes Gabrielle Union (Bring it On), Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess), Kiele Sanchez (Lost) and James Van Der Beek (Dawson's Creek).

Even better, gay filmmaker Bryan Singer (Superman Returns, X-Men) is on the production team and directs the pilot episode, and Marco Pennette (Ugly Betty, Crumbs ) is the head writer. As if that weren't enough, the third season of the U.K. version introduced both a gay and a bisexual player who had an affair and were, for the most part, nonstereotypical characters. Given the gay sensibility and gay characters in Singer and Pennette's previous work, it's hard not to believe there won't be something very gay here — and sooner than Season 3. The buzz is good, but there is talk of a midseason debut.

4 Oz. (FX) — This TV drama chronicles the experiences of a married sportswriter who transitions from male to female. FX has a decidedly mixed record when it comes to handling issues about sexual orientation, so gay viewers might want to reserve judgment on this show. On the plus side, 4 Oz. was developed by a production team that includes Brad Pitt and gay filmmaker Ryan Murphy (although Murphy has also received criticism for his handling of gay topics).

Little Britain (HBO) — Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the twisted duo behind the British comedy of the same name, are about to invade the U.S. with their gay-friendly sketch show filled with wacky gay characters. No word if HBO will greenlight the show just yet, but since it would air on HBO, gay fans of the British version can rest assured the show will likely stay gay and gay-friendly.

Lipstick Jungle (NBC) — If this comedy about three powerful women in New York City sounds a lot like Sex and the City, that shouldn't be a surprise. After all, it's based on a novel by SATC author Candace Bushnell. While there is nothing explicitly gay in the show so far, it's hard to not believe there won't be at least one gay character. Also encouraging is the fact that one of the show's producers, Robin Schiff, brought us last year's short-lived but gay-friendly Emily's Reasons Why Not. The buzz is that Lipstick Jungle is a sure thing to be picked up.