The upcoming Jay Leno Show will suck 5 hours out of NBC’s prime-time schedule, and like a hungry vampire it’s going to claim one or more of the following shows: Chuck, My Name is Earl, Law & Order, and Medium. All are shows that would likely have come back if NBC had those 5 hours to fill, but there’s no room with Mr. Leno moving in.
If you’re a fan of one of those shows, and it gets canceled, Blame Jay!
Fans of Kings, Life, Knight Rider and Kath & Kim have no easy scapegoat. Even without Jay, those shows would have been canceled.
This is a breakdown of NBC scripted shows and their renewal and cancelation prospects. Here are the others:
Our Renew / Cancel index predicts potential renewal for *next* season: Canceled/Not Returning, In Danger, or Renewal Likely for 2009-10, Renewal Announced.
| PROGRAM | Net | STD 18-49 (LIVE+SD) (000) | Network Avg. STD 18-49 | Renew/ Cancel index | Status |
| CRUSOE | NBC | 1,167 | 3,170 | 0.37 | canceled |
| FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS | NBC | 1,746 | 3,170 | 0.55 | renewed |
| KINGS | NBC | 1,812 | 3,170 | 0.57 | |
| LIPSTICK JUNGLE | NBC | 1,969 | 3,170 | 0.62 | canceled |
| LIFE (WED) | NBC | 2,215 | 3,170 | 0.70 | |
| KNIGHT RIDER | NBC | 2,400 | 3,170 | 0.76 | |
| MY OWN WORST ENEMY | NBC | 2,636 | 3,170 | 0.83 | canceled |
| KATH & KIM | NBC | 2,824 | 3,170 | 0.89 | |
| LAW AND ORDER | NBC | 2,891 | 3,170 | 0.91 | |
| CHUCK | NBC | 3,172 | 3,170 | 1.00 | |
| MEDIUM | NBC | 3,232 | 3,170 | 1.02 | |
| MY NAME IS EARL | NBC | 3,257 | 3,170 | 1.03 | |
| 30 ROCK | NBC | 4,252 | 3,170 | 1.34 | returning |
| LAW AND ORDER:SVU | NBC | 4,463 | 3,170 | 1.41 | returning |
| E.R. | NBC | 4,523 | 3,170 | 1.43 | finished |
| HEROES | NBC | 4,857 | 3,170 | 1.53 | returning |
| OFFICE | NBC | 5,343 | 3,170 | 1.69 | returning |
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The Renew/Cancel Index is a show’s Season To Date adults 18-49 viewership divided by its networks Season to Date average 18-49 viewership. I have adjusted the NBC adults 18-49 season to date average to remove the increase (of 370,000) it received during the Super Bowl week because that increase had nothing to do with the normal viewership of the network or any of its other shows.
Notes:
Friday night – Friday is quickly becoming an 18-49 wasteland, so these shows may be allowed a lower threshold for success than shows on other nights. I honestly have no idea what criteria the CW will use in keeping or not keeping Everybody Hates Chris and The Game. Because of that, and the recent renewals at other networks of poor rated comedies, I’m indicating renewal for them.
Life moved to Wednesday beginning November 5. This is its Wednesday only STD 18-49 average as calculated by me. For past reference, the 4 Life episodes that aired on Fridays averaged 2.043 million adults 18-49.
Heroes is definitely back for next season.
How did we come up with our Index? We found that last season, the future of a show was nearly directly related to its adults 18-49 average viewers divided by its networks 18-49 average viewers. Many other factors may matter, but they all seemed to boil down to that one number. Because American Idol so skewed Fox’s 18-49 average, and would make nearly all Fox shows fall into the “cancel” range, for Fox, I used the last STD 18-49 average *before* Idol. Last season, if a show had better than 92% of its network’s average 18-49 viewership (0.92 in our index) it was pretty safe, below that level it was in danger.
Remember that plenty can change before the end of the season, particularly for the shows with indexes between 0.80 and last season’s renewal line of 0.92. The list is presented in a (and has to be, since I cannot predict future ratings) “what would happen if the season ended today” mode. Could the renewal line be 0.86 this season? Possibly. It might also be 0.95. Might it be 0.70? No chance.
Nielsen TV Ratings Data: ©2009 The Nielsen Company. All Rights Reserved. All viewership numbers are Live+SD.
if it’s any consolation, Robert Bianco of the USA Today hated Southland:
The Unusuals is light, Southland is dark. And where The Unusuals is ultimately unsuccessful in its attempts to entertain, Southland is unbearable — a pretentious, foul-mouthed, overly arty chore that will leave you with a headache should you linger too long.
Of all the bubble shows, Chuck has the most potential to break out. Its cast is still young and marketable and its fanbase is not only one of the most affluent in TV, they are some of the more tech savvy.
I’ve asked this before in previous weeks… what’s the likelihood of Parenthood pilot getting picked up, and what other possibilities are there existing shows or new pilots filling Monday, Wednesday, or Sunday night 8PM timeslots?
Zeb, we focus on data here and renewal and cancellation prospects based on data. The kind of things you’re talking about aren’t things we can analyze with our focus. There are other blogs (Futon Critic, Television Without Pity, Zap2It, etc) much better equipped to handle that.
I believe The Unusuals will not succeed just because of the timeslot. The same amount of viewers will watch it as they did Life on Mars. Southland at the very least will be known as the last new series to premiere and air at 10pm before NBC gave the slot to Leno. With Friday Night Lights, The Office, Heroes, 30 Rock, Biggest Loser, and SVU definitely back. The bubble shows (that currently have some kind of chance for renewal) are L&O, Medium, My Name is Earl, and Chuck. I believe these four will be back but some for midseason. Either way NBC’s scheduling are gonna be the most interesting to look at.
I agree Dan, I’m looking at May 5 with anticipation(NBC upfronts). except for the fact that that week will be finals week, but i digress.
@Robert, but those sites don’t indulge Chuckaholics like TVByTheNumbers does
My question wasn’t really directed specifically at you guys, it was more toward anyone who sees it.
Thank you Leno, for getting garbage like Chuck off my tv.
Southland is unbearable — a pretentious, foul-mouthed, overly arty chore that will leave you with a headache should you linger too long.
Ouch
I read somewhere recently (yes, I know that’s a solid source!) that NBC was considering bringing back a lot of its bubble shows for 13-episode seasons and running them one after the other, rather than canning half the shows and giving 22 to the remainders. Perhaps then, if Leno tanks, they can just extend the season orders to their 13ers… What do you guys think of that idea, and if they go for it, which do you think they’d keep around at reduced orders?
I think that would be fine. I just want Chuck back, and 13 episodes is good, even if I would like a full season.
Alden, its not an entirely crazy idea, but it’s unusual enough that I’d not have any guess based on past numbers.
If Angela has a way to save CHUCK or LIFE she will. MEDIUM and LAW & ORDER on the other hand…
Robert, since this site is about stats and given the strong and numerous love/hate posts Chuck gets, do you see a signficant increase in Tuesday views as opposed to other days of the week?
“If Angela has a way to save CHUCK or LIFE she will. MEDIUM and LAW & ORDER on the other hand…”
Life is dead. Law and Order was able to build out of its lousy 1.4 demo to a 2.2 demo. Medium and Chuck are on the bubble.
David, for the overnight posts, Monday night’s data is typically one of the most popular (though crazy as it is — Friday is big too
. I can’t ascribe it to any one show — I think Chuck and Heroes are likely the primary drivers, but there is interest in Castle, etc.
Tuesdays in general are typically our busiest day for the site, but it’s not because of Chuck — it’s because that’s when the weekly Nielsen data is released and we do a LOT of posts. Today alone we’ve done around 50 postings. Most days it’s ~10.
Just so you know SVU has been officially renewed.
Raymond, correct you are. Fixed.
RJ, LIFE isn’t dead in Angela’s eyes. Don’t be stunned if it gets a short order pick up to be aired during a down time.
Yes, a show with a 1.4 demo will be renewed. What a load of garbage.
Robert, thanks. I found this site looking for ratings on a specific show and have now become a bit of a ratings junkie for ratings sake. Not sure if that’s a good thing, but I do appreciate your’s and Bill’s insights.
I hope Chuck and Medium are picked up and Earl and L&O are “chucked.”
If May 5 rolls around without a Chuck pickup, there will be pandemonium on this site!
(Will the fall schedules for the networks be posted on this site when they’re released?)
NBC has the same issue ABC does and that’s a lack of programming however the Jay Leno move up will result in fewer spots needing to be filled. I do hope Chuck is picked up as I like that show.
Mike, I’m sure they will be, I’d put money on them being posted day of release.
And I agree with you, it probably would be nothing short of an uproar, that or the Chuck fans would just die off completely, and all 4 of the Medium fans would now be able to get their voices heard.
That is, if Medium comes back…
“Thank you Leno, for getting garbage like Chuck off my tv.”
What a fabulous troll. Awesome!
i read somewhere that FOX was negotiating picking up Earl for a final season so it can reach syndication(similar to ABC /Scrubs)
I’ve got nothing against heroes. But the fact remains that while Chuck’s AVERAGE stays roughly constant at 6-6.7m, Heroes, starting in “volume” 4, has been dropping a quarter million viewers each episode, and hasn’t flattened out.
Also, Chuck is on the bubble but doing okay. Also, when do they have to post what is in fall lineuP? i’ve heard varying answers.
I’d choose My Name is Earl and Law and Order for the chopping block. I’m a huge My Name is Earl fan, but the show just seems finished. I’d be satisfied with the show as a whole if it were to end after this season. Shows like Law and Order are a dime a dozen – if it goes, ten more shows will pop up to take its place. No real loss.
On the flip side, I’ve heard good things about Medium, and Chuck has so much story left to tell. I’d be heartbroken if Chuck was canceled right now. Maybe in one or two seasons I’ll be satisfied with the show, but right now I want MORE!
TBTN (and you’re welcome). It’s possible that they will announce some information sooner, but they will announce the fall lineup no later than May 5, when NBC has its upfront.
I watch Southland on Hulu and thought that NBC is showing some balls. To me the show is taking a shot for some of the audience that has drifted over to cable original programming. If Southland is successful and gets a full pickup it will air between 8-10 PM. If NBC does not tone it down, every MY KID SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO THIS CRAP organization will be out protesting, which will probaly help ratings.
ARTY- That is a code word meaning, why don’t they want to have the same look as ever other show.
Kings is cancelled
There are a LOT of ‘Chuck’ fans outside the USA! Britain, Europe and even in New Zealand. In fact, there’s a convention in the UK shortly featuring ‘Chuck’ with both Adam Baldwin and Zach Levi as guests.
[http://www.seanharry.com/T1/index.htm]
THAT’S how keen we are over here in the UK!
Watched Southland on NBC.com and have to say that I doubt I’ll watch again. It’s not horrible, but I didn’t like it. Just my opinion. I didn’t like ANY of the characters, was interested in some of the stories the characters were involved in, so that’s something. And it definitely does have potential so I’m sure in future episodes the characters will be fleshed out more, but in this day and age if something isn’t loved from day 1, it will turn off too many viewers to be able to stick around. Plus anyone thinking ER is going to be on or expecting Southland to replace ER, the shows are very different.
I know this is a ratings site, but just was curious if anyone knew why NBC would go ahead with this show when it pushes the boundaries for network tv language and content wise so it HAS to be a 10pm show? (a**hole is used a few times and occasionally part is bleeped out and others not, which I don’t get, maybe it will be different when it airs Thursday night). I know people have been wondering about SVU, but that could be shown in the middle of the afternoon at this point (ok I’m exaggerating a bit) but seriously Southland would fit better on FX than NBC. My point is, where does the show go if it does get picked up? They have to wait until January after football to air it on Sunday. There would have to be moderate tweaks to move it to 9 unless NBC gets away with their “we’re a cable network” argument. Making changes after possible success now will likely then lead to a significant erosion of viewers. So I just don’t get why this show is on NBC when the time it must be on is about to be taken over by Mr. J.L. I guess maybe the answer is simply that it’s NBC and logic doesn’t apply or this show was made b4 the Leno deal was done??? I don’t know.
Sorry for the long post, but had to get that off my chest as it makes little sense to me, plus I figure maybe it’s good news for Chuck fans to hear from people who don’t like a show that could threaten Chuck, so there you go!!
In this moment in bet more in chuck than in heroes…
i don’t believe in southland… but i think some people forgot the 10 pm sunday slot…
FYI…It was reported awhile ago that Knight Rider was definitely not coming back. Not that it really affects anything here, except that you technically still have it as being a “in danger” show.
Heroes>Chuck says:
April 7th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Thank you Leno, for getting garbage like Chuck off my tv.
You act like NBC is the ABSOLUTE only network on television. We all know you dislike Chuck, but newsflash, you aren’t going to like every single show that is put on television!! Get over yourself, get over your hatred of Chuck and go find something else to watch. You will survive if Chuck gets renewed for a third season, I promise.
Besides, how many of the other “new” shows that NBC has rolled out recently have you absolutely fallen in love with? Kings? Chopping Block? You made a comment on another board about how NBC could use Chuck’s timeslot for new shows. Well buddy, hate to tell you, NBC’s track record, especially of late, rolling out new successful shows is worse than the odds of Knight Rider being resurrected.
Alden says:
I read somewhere recently (yes, I know that’s a solid source!) that NBC was considering bringing back a lot of its bubble shows for 13-episode seasons and running them one after the other, rather than canning half the shows and giving 22 to the remainders. Perhaps then, if Leno tanks, they can just extend the season orders to their 13ers… What do you guys think of that idea, and if they go for it, which do you think they’d keep around at reduced orders?
I think that actually has a great possibility of happening for a few reasons. One, NBC doesn’t know how successful Leno is going to be and you do want to have something in your hip pocket in case the show bombs. Two, I don’t know if everyone is considering that the Winter Olympics is coming up right in the middle of the 2009-2010 season. That is going to mean that whatever shows are currently on the air are going to be on an extended hiatus. But if you have two half seasons, you could sandwich the Olympics in between and not have to put shows on extended hiatus or push the 2009-2010 season well into June. Three, NBC (as well as the other networks) have cut back on the number of new shows they have created because of the recession, but if NBC rolls out the new shows (whether reality, comedy, or drama) and they bomb, it would be easy to slide a show into that timeslot. It is what NBC did with Medium. They renewed it for 13 episodes, then when My Own Worst Enemy bombed, they replaced it with Medium and since NBC yanked the plug so quickly they actually ordered more episodes of Medium, which they could easily do again next season.
Craig says “Southland would fit better on FX than NBC. My point is, where does the show go if it does get picked up?”
I wouldn’t be surprised if NBC is giving Southland a test run to see the audience reaction. If it is successful and audiences love the show (although every review I have read, critics hate it), then what will likely happen is NBC will ship it off to a sister cable network, such as USA, DirecTV, Bravo, SciFi, etc. where the rules for profanity, nudity, etc. are not as stringent.
Right, because it’s not like they actually launch new shows on USA…. Oh wait…
Also, NBCU does not own DirectTV, and it’s not a cable network.
“RJ, LIFE isn’t dead in Angela’s eyes. Don’t be stunned if it gets a short order pick up to be aired during a down time.”
Please, don’t get our hopes up!!!
LOL @ the Leno headline – I think we’ve all been blaming him for a while. And thanks, Robert, for posting the snippet from that negative review of Southland! It does make me feel better, if only slightly.
Holly says:
April 8th, 2009 at 5:05 am
Right, because it’s not like they actually launch new shows on USA…. Oh wait…
Holly,
USA does launch new shows, lots of them. Psych, Burn Notice, In Plain Sight, etc. But most of the ones launched by USA are meant to reach a broader audience, families, couples, etc. Shows like Law & Order: Criminal Intent, which was shipped over by NBC last year, would never have been originally created by USA. I don’t know of a single show USA has created that is ultimately considered a major, serious drama, although I could be mistaken.
I mentioned DirecTV because I am unsure of who produces Southland. If NBCUniversal produces it then it is owned by them and they could ship it off to DirecTV.
Katherine, NBCU doesn’t own or have any partnership with DirecTV outside of the FNL deal. There would be no reason to ship a show to DirecTV if it really were meant for cable. And, as Holly said, DirecTV is a satellite company, not a cable network, though they do have channel 101.
But trying to claim NBC created a show to test the waters for cable is ridiculous. Since NBCU has far more success on USA, airing it first on NBC would be counterproductive.
But trying to claim NBC created a show to test the waters for cable is ridiculous. Since NBCU has far more success on USA, airing it first on NBC would be counterproductive.
You are probably right, I was simply trying to give a logical explanation of what could happen if the show is a success (based on the reviews, I am figuring in a few weeks this topic is going to be a moot point anyways). Because of Leno, if Southland was renewed and remained on NBC as someone above stated they would have to drastically change the show because of the profanity, nudity issues on network television.
“NBCU doesn’t own or have any partnership with DirecTV outside of the FNL deal. There would be no reason to ship a show to DirecTV if it really were meant for cable. And, as Holly said, DirecTV is a satellite company, not a cable network, though they do have channel 101.”
You are also right here, but with all the expansions between production and satellite companies, it wouldn’t surprise me if NBC or another network tried to ship a show off to DirecTV. And with NBC starting the trend, it might be feasible to say they would consider doing it with other shows in addition to FNL. That is all I was saying.
NBCU and DirectTV are NOT affiliated. They are not owned by the same people and they do not share all their content. They are no more related than ABC Productions and CBS. CBS airs some shows by ABC Productions (e.g. Criminal Minds), but that doesn’t mean ABC is going to ship Castle off to CBS. NBCU and DirectTV have ONE special deal on FNL. This is not standard procedure for them and is not likely to be in the future.
USA is actually owned by the same company as NBC, so you’re ahead there, but there is no reason for NBCU to launch a show on NBC with the intent of moving it after a handful of episodes. Production minimums for broadcast networks are much higher than for cable nets. It would make no sense to start a show with one budget then change it after half a season (and hope that all the actors, writers, etc. are willing to take the pay cuts).
Sorry, took me to long to write the post…refer to Julia above.
Monday is the day I look forward too. How sick is that? Chuck at 7pm,DVRed House at 8pm and Castle at 9pm. If you want me too turn off my set, show me any reality show or variety show. When I get home from work I want escape!!!
I have heard some good buzz, and bad buzz about Southland. I watched it on Hulu, and didn’t care for it. I didn’t hate it, but probably wouldn’t watch again.
Holly said: USA is actually owned by the same company as NBC, so you’re ahead there, but there is no reason for NBCU to launch a show on NBC with the intent of moving it after a handful of episodes. Production minimums for broadcast networks are much higher than for cable nets. It would make no sense to start a show with one budget then change it after half a season (and hope that all the actors, writers, etc. are willing to take the pay cuts).
Holly,
I agree with you, but then I guess I am perplexed by the logic of creating Southland in the first place. I mean, if NBC actually figures that it is going to be successful (and I would think that if you pump money into a show, you assume it is going to be successful) why would you writes episodes and take a certain path knowing you are going to have to modify that path down the road (I know there are lots of questions of what SVU producers/writers are going to do since obviously SVU is moving to 9 and some of there content at times would be questionable in the 9 o’clock timeslot). If NBC is using it as a filler for ER, why not just show more reruns of one of the L&O or another show?
Holly said: NBCU and DirectTV are NOT affiliated. They are not owned by the same people and they do not share all their content. They are no more related than ABC Productions and CBS. CBS airs some shows by ABC Productions (e.g. Criminal Minds), but that doesn’t mean ABC is going to ship Castle off to CBS. NBCU and DirectTV have ONE special deal on FNL. This is not standard procedure for them and is not likely to be in the future.
As I stated to Julia above, I understand that NBCU and DirecTV aren’t affiliated and the FNL deal was unique. That being said, it is feasible that in the future, NBCU or another production company/network might decide to make the same kind of deal as with FNL. There is nothing stopping WB from pitching a show to DirecTV. I have read that DirecTV has been trying to get into broadcasting shows on their channel 101.
Ava says:
April 8th, 2009 at 6:12 am
I have heard some good buzz, and bad buzz about Southland. I watched it on Hulu, and didn’t care for it. I didn’t hate it, but probably wouldn’t watch again.
Ava,
I don’t know where you heard the good buzz from. LOL I mean, yeah there are going to be some people that are obviously going to tune in, but I have yet to read a review from either a critic or a person that tuned into the show and actually liked it. One critic recently gave the show 1.5 stars out of 4 and said something to the effect that you will get a major headache if you tune in too long. I am figuring it is not going to last very long, just like Kings.
I know the ratings arent great but considering the time slot and competiton, Chuck is holding its own, how many other shows could say the same?
I’m not trying to say that I want any show to fail, but isnt it safe to assume that if Southland tanks, Chuck chances for Season 3 are greatly improved??
“Thank you Leno, for getting garbage like Chuck off my tv”.
You act as if someone puts a gun to your head and forces you to watch the show. If you don’t like the show than simply don’t watch it. The critics seem to really like it, reading their reviews is what turned me onto the show in the first place.
Southland is being given away for free, in HD no less, on iTunes right now. Personally I think that’s the wrong strategy. On Hulu its okay, because its streamed, but iTunes you have to download the entire show. That’s a gigabyte download just to see if you like it.
They should do what ABC did for Castle. Castle episodes are not free, but ABC offers a nice little four minute “Introduction to..” video. So…download Southland for half an hour just to see if you like it, or download the Castle promo in five minutes… I watched the Castle promo. I may actually try to watch the show next week.
Rick L says:
April 8th, 2009 at 6:40 am
I know the ratings arent great but considering the time slot and competiton, Chuck is holding its own, how many other shows could say the same?
I’m not trying to say that I want any show to fail, but isnt it safe to assume that if Southland tanks, Chuck chances for Season 3 are greatly improved??
Rick,
I think that Chuck’s chances have already improved with Kings bombing. I don’t know that if Southland fails it greatly improves Chuck’s chances, but it would certainly help. As has been pointed out to me by others, it is all about demo numbers, but the truth is that NBC realizes and has acknowledged on several occasions that Chuck is up against the toughest hour on television (especially since Fox moved House to Monday nights), which has kept the demo numbers lower. Knowing that, the fact that NBC loves the show and so do many critics, and the fact that right now NBC can’t seem to buy a hit series, has likely given Chuck an edge when it comes to being renewed.
FrankJ says:
April 8th, 2009 at 6:54 am
Southland is being given away for free, in HD no less, on iTunes right now. Personally I think that’s the wrong strategy. On Hulu its okay, because its streamed, but iTunes you have to download the entire show. That’s a gigabyte download just to see if you like it.
They should do what ABC did for Castle. Castle episodes are not free, but ABC offers a nice little four minute “Introduction to..” video. So…download Southland for half an hour just to see if you like it, or download the Castle promo in five minutes… I watched the Castle promo. I may actually try to watch the show next week.
Frank,
That says something about both NBC and Southland if they are giving away the pilot episode for free on iTunes. They are trying to promote the heck out of Southland hoping that people will tune in, but it sounds like a desperate ploy to me. It might also stem right now from everything that I have heard and read, which is basically that Southland stinks. I have yet to read a critic that even partially liked the show and none of the people that watched the pilot on Hulu for free said they were going to tune in again. The highest rating I have seen from a critic is 1.5 stars out of 4.
FrankJ, Full episodes of Castle (streaming) are available for free on ABC.com.
Well I hope you are right about Chuck, it is the only TV show that I look forward to sitting down with my wife and kids to watch.
Katherine, Here are a few positive reviews for Southland
The Salt Lake Tribune
…I can’t say NBC’s upcoming midseason cop drama, “Southland,” is going to break records for originality. But there is enough grit… and realism in each frame that I’m happy to report it’s a notch above all other police dramas on the broadcast dial… It’s not perfect, but “Southland” hits surprising dual notes of sincerity and authenticity, emotions we’re not used to seeing unravel in prime time police shows.
Cinema Blend
…I’d have to say that NBC definitely has a potentially great new series on their hand. This dark and gritty cop drama follows a group of cops as they take to the streets of the “Southland” area of Los Angeles, California… The series doesn’t seem to be banking on gore to draw viewers in. It’s evident as the episode goes on that behind the violent nature of the work these cops do is a show about the kind of people who can do this job. It’s dark and borders on gloomy but not so much that it’s hard to watch. Based on the pilot, Southland has the potential to be a truly compelling series.
From TV Gal on Zap2it.com
“Well I’m thrilled to tell you that I really liked “Southland,” the new drama that is going into the “ER” time slot next week. It kind of reminded me of “Boomtown,” which is a very good thing. You can get a look at how Ben McKenzie is doing in the new series by clicking Here..”
Kristin E!online Spoiler Chat
Suzanne in Hickory, N.C.: Any scoop on the series finale of one of the greatest shows of all time, ER?
Shane West told E! News, “I do know the punch line for the finale…and it’s something that everybody [should] tune in and watch. They end it very well.” BTW, the pilot for Southland (the time-slot successor to ER), starring Ben McKenzie, is awesome. You will definitely still have something good to watch on NBC at 10 p.m. after ER goes off the air.
TheFutonCritic reviews NBC’s new series, “Southland”
With its quasi-documentary style, understated soapiness and a genuine focus on the job at hand, “Southland” is a well-oiled procedural machine right out of the gate… Not since the Peacock’s short-lived “Boomtown” has a show so fully embraced the city of Los Angeles… Nevertheless as is often the case – for lack of a better word – with procedurals, it’s not always the twists and turns themselves that set it apart, but rather the characters’ journey through them that make us want to tune in. All in all… it’s a nice addition to my viewing schedule.
You guys should have a ratings predictions post for the upcoming midseason shows.
Anyway,here is what the New York Times said about Southland:
‘Thursday’s pilot is one of the most gripping opening episodes of any network crime series. That’s partly because “Southland” leaves behind the hokey forensics fetishes of “CSI” and the soap-opera anguish of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”; it bypasses the trend of eccentric, mind-reading detectives in favor of the harsh realism and moral ambiguities of cable shows like “The Shield” and “Rescue Me” and even, to a point, “The Wire.”’
Yikes, is this a Kiss of Death???
So basically what that NYT review is that Southland is better suited for cable?
*what that NYT review is SAYING
heh, sorry.
About bubble shows getting 13 episode orders:
Again, due to the NFL and then the Olympics, all the Sunday shows will be given 13 episode orders, period.
So yes, it is likely that NBC will likely keep a batch of roughly 6 new/returning shows with 13 episode orders on reserve as midseason replacements of the Monday & Wednesday 8pm slots or to fill Sunday. The question we then have to ask, is which of the bubble shows would work as either M/W 8pm replacements or Sunday shows?
Medium: Only works as a Sunday 9 or 10 pm show; but would probably get killed vs. DH at 9pm. Apprentice would be more profitable at 10; therefore show is unlikely to come back (but hey, at least Gorman is finally acknowledging the show is in trouble now). Also not particularly cheap.
Law & Order: Could slot into any of the Sundays; could probably pair with SVU on Wed. @ 8pm (the show airs all day long on cable channels, after all). Add the historical possibilities and it is a lock that Wolf & NBC will agree to a price that lets this come back.
Southland: Even if its a hit, the only slot it works in is Sundays @ 10pm, 10 months from now. (It’s too expensive to work as a cable show.) It’s time to face facts – the show was never going anywhere, and was simply the bribe NBC had to pay Wells to get more ERs (after the predicted failure of Kings) – NBC is simply trying to recoup some advertising money out of the mess.
Earl: Only works as a Thursday show. It is vaguely possible Fox/NBC work out a price for this to come back for 13 episodes, but it is unlikely to show up on NBC next year.
Chuck: Probably only works as a Monday show. It would do worse vs. the Fox Sunday animation block than it does now; not a good thematic match for SVU on Wednesday. Basically comes down to how NBC reviews their pilot options; I think there’s a slightly better than 50% chance it comes back as a 13 episode midseason replacement on Mondays.
Apprentice: Could slot into Wed. at 8pm or any of the Sundays. Despite its drop, I think this comes back in Spring.
Although, again, all these options are (with the exception of the lock of L&O coming back) based on the assumption that NBC likes a usual number of pilots. If they are all failures, then all of the above might have to come back.
Katherine-
Hollywood Reporter, Variety and New York Times all gave rave reviews to Southland.
You should go back to hulu.com and reread the viewer reviews. Check out the comments on twitter as well.
Actually, I caught Jay’s monologue on Monday night’s show. Bill couldn’t have used a more appropriate word when describing Jay than “suck.” If even his monologue is going downhill, what does he have left? The band OK at best, he still can’t interview worth a crap, and Jay Walking is a routine stolen from about 10 different sources.
Sadly, none of that will matter when NBC is making a huge profit off his 10PM show.
Katherine, it may have been reported in the media that KN’s chances are small, but there has been no announcement from NBC. If you have one, please link it and I will correct.
Matt Roush over at tvguidemagazine.com has suggested the idea that Chuck revamp as a half hour show… that would give it space in NBC’s otherwise very crowded schedule. Drop Earl (let Fox or whoever was talking about it pick it up) and have a Thursday night comedy block of Chuck, 30 Rock, Office, and Parks? Sounds good to me.
How long was the Jay deal for, anyway? Was it a multi-year deal? I’m hoping it flops. It’s so limiting on NBC’s schedule, and it looks like they have some pretty promising pilots in the works for next year.
Katherine-
Also, according to the hulu blog, “the Southland sneak peak has already garnered MOSTLY FAVORABLE REVIEWS from users”.
I think Medium deserves the renewal. Chuck has had terrible ratings since day 1. Law and Order has been around too long. Medium usually brings in ratings but it seems it’s a bit down but i reckon once Heroes has finished and the show has less competion, the show will start earning 8-9 million as it usually does.
I think NBC will really beneifit if they cancel Chuck. I think getting rid of Medium and Earl will upset a lot of people. I believe they have more of a loyal fanbase comapred to Chuck.
Law and Order just needs to go. I think 19/20 seasons is enough.
No, I expect Leno will actually do well in that slot, as will Conan, and that NBC’s shortened prime-time line up will be here to stay. There is no chance of Knight Rider or any of the other “bubble shows” being resurected for a 13 episode season, it will never happen. Expect more sitcoms, reality tv and talk shows, that’s the future for the network. Not god-awful scripted shows like KR that cost a fortune to fund and fail to deliver.
I think this is funny, we are talking about Jay Leno stealing away from other shows getting there renewals. Most of thes blogs are talking about Chuck, what about the other bubble shows? Where are there fans? NBC should let the Chuck fans know there show is coming back. MOVE THE SHOW NIGHT AND WATCH THE RATING GO UP!
“MOVE THE SHOW NIGHT AND WATCH THE RATING GO UP!”
Again, to what? Tuesday & Thursday are booked, Friday & Saturday are ratings graveyards, Sunday has football and the Olympics until March (and the Fox animated comedies aren’t kind competition either). Which leaves all of Wednesday at 8pm to work with – and why do you think Chuck would be a good lead in to SVU?
Unless Biggest Loser collapses overnight, or NBC gives up their, what, 20? 30? year tradition of Thursday 30 min sitcoms, there is practically no where else for Chuck to go.
Louie, Chuck has not had “terrible ratings since day one.” It was solid during its first season and gaining every week until the strike. NBC bungled its returning by waiting so long. It opened lower for season two then was gaining steam until its completely unnecessary bungled-again 7 week hiatus leading to the Superbowl. A bit of bad luck with timing since then hurt it some more, but its bottomed out and holding steady where it is. Hopefully its remaining episodes can trend upwards again.
NBC was so pleased with it pre-strike that it gave a full 22-episode order before production started up again. That’s hardly the mark of a show that the network didn’t have confidence in. So, no… it most certain was not terrible since day one.
“I think NBC will really beneifit if they cancel Chuck. I think getting rid of Medium and Earl will upset a lot of people. I believe they have more of a loyal fanbase comapred to Chuck.”
Have you seen the people who flock to this site, for the purpose of rooting for Chuck?
Have you seen the people who flock to this site, for the purpose of rooting for Chuck?
He said more loyal, not more vocal. (Not saying I agree with him or not, but, really, you can’t judge the loyalty of fans based on how annoying they are.)
I am one of the flockers, Ava.
SAVE CHUCK
Or a PUPPY DIES
[i]Medium: Only works as a Sunday 9 or 10 pm show; but would probably get killed vs. DH at 9pm. Apprentice would be more profitable at 10; therefore show is unlikely to come back (but hey, at least Gorman is finally acknowledging the show is in trouble now). Also not particularly cheap.[/i]
Medium could actually work as a 9 pm show. It’s not as graphic as some of the other crime shows, and it’s not sexually explicit,nor does it have a lot of foul language. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work at 9. But it would probably work on Sundays at 10 very well, and could probably hold its own against Brothers & Sisters. It holds up okay against CSI:Miami on most nights.
As for Medium vs. Chuck, since Medium consistently dominates Chuck in the ratings, scoring both more total viewers and higher demos, the choice should be easy. Granted, Chuck is a “fan” favorite, but Medium also has a steady fanbase, and Angela Bromstad has said that Medium is also a favorite at NBC and that it would definitely be in contention to return next season.
That being said, I could easily see NBC bringing back all of its bubble shows and rotating them through the season, or keeping them in reserve to fill the 10 pm slot in case the Leno experiment tanks. I believe NBC execs mentioned last year the idea of scheduling year-round programming, so this could easily accomodate all of the bubble shows, which would fill some of the holes in NBC’s schedule. Jmo.
I think Medium deserves the renewal. Chuck has had terrible ratings since day 1. Law and Order has been around too long. Medium usually brings in ratings but it seems it’s a bit down but i reckon once Heroes has finished and the show has less competion, the show will start earning 8-9 million as it usually does.
I think NBC will really beneifit if they cancel Chuck. I think getting rid of Medium and Earl will upset a lot of people. I believe they have more of a loyal fanbase comapred to Chuck.
I agree. Medium is a much more solid performer than Chuck. The only reason that Medium’s numbers have been down the last few weeks is because Heroes is tanking. The fact that Medium is still able to build on Heroes’ audience should be enough to guarantee its renewal. It’s one of the best shows on NBC and should definitely have a spot on next year’s schedule.
SAVE Medium!!
SUBJECT: GOOD REVIEW OF SOUTHLAND
Television critic for New York Times April 7th or 8th likes show
Again, how many shows can be renewed and how many are available?
I still can’t believe NBC is giving up 5 hours of programming to Leno.
Tom says:
April 8th, 2009 at 9:17 am
“MOVE THE SHOW NIGHT AND WATCH THE RATING GO UP!”
“Again, to what? Tuesday & Thursday are booked, Friday & Saturday are ratings graveyards, Sunday has football and the Olympics until March (and the Fox animated comedies aren’t kind competition either). Which leaves all of Wednesday at 8pm to work with – and why do you think Chuck would be a good lead in to SVU?”
“Unless Biggest Loser collapses overnight, or NBC gives up their, what, 20? 30? year tradition of Thursday 30 min sitcoms, there is practically no where else for Chuck to go.”
You’re also assuming that SVU is definitely moving to Wednesdays. NBC doesn’t have anything currently on its schedule that would be a good lead-in to SVU. There are a couple of new shows that might work, such as Legally Mad, but I think Chuck would pair up better with that, as they are both dramedys. A Chuck lead-in to Legally Mad on Wednesdays can grab the non-Lost crowd and drop to third at worst when Idol returns in January. 3rd place is better than 4th.
Medium might do well staying on Monday nights, starting at the same time that Heroes returns (or Day One tanks). Place SVU on Sunday nights after football is over(last Sunday game is January 3rd), which admittedly would make it go until June when you account for the 3 Sundays for the Olympics. But then it’s also going to a slot where it only has to compete against Brothers & Sisters and whatever CBS sticks there. It has a very good shot of winning that slot.
CHUCK VS THE MEDIUM
Switch time slots, switch ratings number. No CW programming at 10 PM.
This would benefit Chuck. I think Medium would be crushed at the more family around the TV hour of 8 PM.
TBTN, we don’t really track pilots, so I can’t answer about them. As for how many can be renewed, that is impossible to answer.
There is no chance NBC would hold SVU until mid-season. It one of a handful of shows that is actually doing good and repeats fairly well. The only way it would hold it until mid-season is because it can’t adapt the show for 9pm or contracts disputes with the two stars (both are up there with the highest paid actors/actresses on tv).
SVU will most likely get the Weds 9pm time-slot.
“I think Medium deserves the renewal. Chuck has had terrible ratings since day 1. Law and Order has been around too long. Medium usually brings in ratings but it seems it’s a bit down but i reckon once Heroes has finished and the show has less competion, the show will start earning 8-9 million as it usually does.
I think NBC will really beneifit if they cancel Chuck. I think getting rid of Medium and Earl will upset a lot of people. I believe they have more of a loyal fanbase comapred to Chuck”.
Dawn, what utter rubbish. Chuck has not had terrible ratings since day 1, if it did than it wouldn’t have been brought back for a season 2. If you think Earl and Medium have a more loyal fanbase than Chuck than you are delusional. Chuck doesn’t get as high as numbers as Medium and Earl but it’s fanbase is a lot more fanatical and loyal.
“As for Medium vs. Chuck, since Medium consistently dominates Chuck in the ratings, scoring both more total viewers and higher demos, the choice should be easy. Granted, Chuck is a “fan” favorite, but Medium also has a steady fanbase, and Angela Bromstad has said that Medium is also a favorite at NBC and that it would definitely be in contention to return next season”.
It is known on here that the execs at NBC love Chuck.
“Chuck doesn’t get as high as numbers as Medium and Earl but it’s fanbase is a lot more fanatical and loyal.”
Got that right.
“Chuck doesn’t get as high as numbers as Medium and Earl but it’s fanbase is a lot more CRAZY OBSESSED.”
thats more like it… guilty as charged +D
Tom said: Chuck: Probably only works as a Monday show. It would do worse vs. the Fox Sunday animation block than it does now; not a good thematic match for SVU on Wednesday. Basically comes down to how NBC reviews their pilot options; I think there’s a slightly better than 50% chance it comes back as a 13 episode midseason replacement on Mondays.
Tom,
If you go back and check the ratings of Chuck, it actually holds it own versus Fox Sunday animation block and I don’t think that it would lose viewers to the Simpsons and Family Guy.
Patrick Murphy – if NBC is willing to pay for SVU (and they essentially have to, given the disarray of the rest of their dramas), NBC will air the show for the entire year. Given that their Day One talk all relates to scheduling around Heroes, Monday is staying as the sci-fi block. That leaves Wed at 9pm, period, for SVU. No, NBC doesn’t have any existing shows (aside from the original L&O) that will work well as an SVU lead-in; that in fact makes it more likely that an appropriate new pilot (like Mad) would be slotted there, and leave one less spot for Chuck (as I said above).
As far as Sundays go, I thought the break down was NFL, 6 Sundays, 3 Olympic Sundays, then 12 Sundays until the end of sweeps. I feel it is absurdly more likely that NBC will air some limited-run reality programming (such as the Seinfeld project) in that Jan/Feb block and then a normal 13 episode order for March to May, rather than your apparent plan of buying non-standard 18 episode orders, starting them in the barren early weeks of January, putting them on hiatus for three weeks once they finally settle into a rhythm, then airing the rest afterward.
Katherine, stop looking at viewers. FOX animation crushes Chuck when you compare the demo, which is all that matters, as has been explained to you before.
Julia,
That is why you do what you do and the decisionmakers do what they do. There is more to it than demo numbers.
Yes, there is, but it’s not viewers. At all.
Katherine, what in the world do you mean that Chuck holds it’s own against Fox’s sunday animation block? It has never aired on Sunday, so it has never had a chance to hold it’s own.
If you are comparing each shows ratings to each other for the same week regardless of the fact that they air on different nights, don’t bother. This in no way proves how the shows will act when actually pitted against each other.
Julia, back away slowly….
I think it is amazing that everyone on here feels that Thursday nights are locked up for NBC. The second half is locked up with the Office and 30 Rock already being renewed, but there has been no word on My Name is Earl and Kath & Kim. There was an article that stated My Name is Earl might move to Fox next season, and Kath & Kim doesn’t look good for renewal. That frees up the 8:00 hour. What would be wrong with having the Thursday night lineup look like this:
8:00 Chuck
9:00 Office
9:30 30 Rock
10:00 Jay Leno
Julia states: Yes, there is, but it’s not viewers. At all.
Julia I have one word for you Jericho.
Right. Don’t engage the crazy. Must try to remember.
Katherine, LOL!
Jericho? What is that supposed to mean?
That show did not get good viewer numbers. It’s demo numbers were bad, but better than it’s viewer numbers. Great job at proving demo is more important than the worthless total viewership.
128boy, I don’t think Katherine’s Jericho example was concerning its numbers. The lesson (true or not) learned by crazy internet TV fans from Jericho is “Crazy people matter”. I’m sure that all network executives curse CBS for that lesson, often.
Katherine, what about Parks And Recreation? Oh right, that is doomed before it airs…
What about NBC’s comedy pilots? I guess they are spending money on those for fun?
Or maybe they could put Chuck on Thursdays at 8pm and try and launch a comedy hour in it’s place Monday at 8pm. Because it would be better for Chuck that way. Because NBC revolves around Chuck.
Glad to see Chuck is still in the green. NBC should just renew it already!!
Tom says:
April 8th, 2009 at 11:48 am “As far as Sundays go, I thought the break down was NFL, 6 Sundays, 3 Olympic Sundays, then 12 Sundays until the end of sweeps. I feel it is absurdly more likely that NBC will air some limited-run reality programming (such as the Seinfeld project) in that Jan/Feb block and then a normal 13 episode order for March to May, rather than your apparent plan of buying non-standard 18 episode orders, starting them in the barren early weeks of January, putting them on hiatus for three weeks once they finally settle into a rhythm, then airing the rest afterward.”
Yeah, but that’s not the same as taking a show off for two months, then returning it. That hurt Chuck and Heroes as much as anything else. (although I think a lot of people will fault Heroes’ bad scripts in the middle seasons)
Given NBC’s track record of temporary replacement shows, they may do better to start a series in January and live with it being off for only 3 Sundays instead of 6. Plus, if they REALLY need to finish the show while May sweeps are going, they can double-up on certain nights. Granted, that may require another show to get a 13-episode run instead of a full 22 (like Medium or Southland), but if SVU is your bread-and-butter, it can do well with no Fox, a rookie CBS show, and a female-oriented lineup on ABC.
Those will be the two advantages that SVU and Medium have: being able to withstand long layoffs.
Bill Gorman says:
April 8th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
128boy, I don’t think Katherine’s Jericho example was concerning its numbers. The lesson (true or not) learned by crazy internet TV fans from Jericho is “Crazy people matter”. I’m sure that all network executives curse CBS for that lesson, often.
A good point, Bill. Well said. And I know I sound like a broken record, but I’d like to see NBC at least try Chuck in another 8PM slot before giving it the full heave-ho. When House and/or The Big Bang Theory/How I Met Your Mother run repeats, Chuck’s numbers get a slight bump. That would lead me to believe that there is some crossover audience among the shows. Not to mention, for all the love NBC claims to profess for Chuck, they do a lousy job of giving it good promotion, much like a lot of their shows. If it doesn’t perform after giving it a decent shot, then cancel it and everybody walks away happy. Given the stable numbers for it, though (while Heroes and NBC still plummet), I would hope NBC notices.
Okay Julia, I am going to roll with your theory that renewal of a show has nothing at all (your words) to do with viewers. So then I have two questions for you:
1) How is a demo number determined? Do they go to the nearest tree and select them randomly? Oh, wait I know they send an owl to Harry Potter who then waves his magic wand and say Aloha Mora and the numbers just magically appear, right?
2) If as you say it has absolutely nothing at all to do with viewers then why under God’s green earth keep track of the number and report it? Are you telling me that Matt Mitovich over at TV Guide has nothing better to do with his time than to report the number of people that watched American Idol last week, especially since that number means nothing? Why would the industry approved and accepted Nielsens report the number of viewers if all that matters are demo numbers? Why not just report the demo numbers? Why if the viewership number is frivolous, do the Nielsens rank show, NOT ACCORDING TO THEIR DEMO NUMBER FOR THE WEEK, but wait for it…..the number of viewers that watch the show? I mean surely the USA Today has better things to do with half a page than to print the Nielsen ratings, especially since they don’t count and are not important and have absolutely nothing to do with ratings. Wait, someone should notify the USA Today that they have been throwing money away for years. Maybe they can ask the government for a bailout to recoup the money they lost on reporting frivolous numbers.
I am not saying that viewership is what determines if a show gets renewed or not, but it is not only demo numbers either.
the128boy states: What about NBC’s comedy pilots? I guess they are spending money on those for fun?
None of the NBC pilots have been picked up yet. The only shows that NBC has given a green light to is Legally Mad and Day One.
How many pilots are developed and pitched that never get picked up?
Katherine, I was asking a rhetorical question.
I seriously doubt that NONE of those comedies will be picked up. That’s what I was implying.
So the question is… where will they go? Most likely Thursday. No Chuck on Thursday. Really.
i liked southland
a lot
the128boy stated: So the question is… where will they go? Most likely Thursday. No Chuck on Thursday. Really.
Who knows. You are probably right, but all I was saying is that you can’t rule out the possibility that Chuck could be moved to Thursdays, if it gets renewed. It was more of a point to make to those people who said that Thursdays lineup was already in place. The 9:00 hour is in place, but the 8:00 hour hasn’t been determined yet. That was what I was saying
i just hope Earl comes back, on NBC of FOX
CHUCK is the best show on NBC, and is the only show myself or my wife watch on NBC, other then that I only watch Showtime, They are stupid for even thinking about getting rid of chuck and that will be very upsetting if that happens, Don’t get rid of CHUCK !!! If you do I’ll never watch NBC again !!!!
They cant cancel Law & Order, its been on for 20 years!!!!! NBC cant cancel it that would be cold, but then again its NBC. Chuck, I think NBC really wants to keep it but i think its a goner. Medium is the only bright spot on mondays and they should keep it, and Earl is dead its already syndicated.
I get sucked into reading comments on this site every day! I can’t help it!
This is better than anything NBC has on right now (well, except for the Office, 30 Rock, Chuck and Heroes )!
Very interesting reading. Two things:
First off, after reading all these comments I will definitely tune in and watch ‘Chuck’. If there are that many FANatics for this show, it’s probably worth watching.
Secondly, (and you can take this with a grain of salt because I’m an actor who has done an episode of Southland), BUT I believe it will be a great show. Granted it does need to remain in the 10pm timeslot. When I first auditioned for this show, I automatically assumed it was HBO, Showtime, etc. The writing was funny, intellectual and EXTREMELY edgy. When I found out it was NBC I couldn’t believe it. I asked myself, “How are they going to get away with this?”
After shooting the episode and talking with the director/producer/cast, I sincerely hope NBC figures a way to get away with a show like this. Should this be an HBO/cable show? Absolutely. And that’s the point. We all know the best television is on cable so why shouldn’t NBC try to change that?
As an actor who does television, I will tell you that I have never had the freedom on a network show that I had on Southland. Remember guys, these are the SAME people who brought you 15 years of ER. Why not give them a chance to bring you another innovative series. When ER aired, people were taken by the style and the pace. When Southland airs I do believe people will feel the same way. Will conservatives like it? I doubt it, but it will have an audience.
I can’t profess to have a huge list of tv credits but I promise you I have never spent the time to comment on a show I’ve done. Southland is going to turn heads.
Rob
Rob says: After shooting the episode and talking with the director/producer/cast, I sincerely hope NBC figures a way to get away with a show like this. Should this be an HBO/cable show? Absolutely. And that’s the point. We all know the best television is on cable so why shouldn’t NBC try to change that?
Rob,
I do hope that Southland succeeds and I hope that you succeed. I have read some bad reviews but I have also had people tell me that there are a lot of good reviews to. I am sure that it will be an interesting show. As you said, from everything I have read, this show pushes the envelope, which is a good thing, but like you also mentioned, if this show has to be moved to 9PM it is going to have to make some changes. One thought would be that if it is successful and NBC wants to keep the show the way that it is, it could get moved to Sunday nights at 10PM.
Rob. Get your friends to watch Chuck too. Right Alex! Just joking! If the shows on the bubble are all picked up for thirteen episodes will programming work? I know some can be mid season replacements but how much time is really available with the Olympics? Are there charts or anything out there that would give me a visual? I work better that way. Is Leno guaranteed for the whole year?
I’ve also been hearing rumors that NBC is holding out against SVUs returning vets!
Cthaskins says:
April 8th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
I’ve also been hearing rumors that NBC is holding out against SVUs returning vets!
They did this the last time that they went through contract negotiations. I think that this could be contentious but in the end I think things will work out. I mean, yes, Law & Order and Law & Order: Criminal Intent have changed characters before, but this is different. I don’t think SVU would be successful if Mariska and Chris leave. But who knows.
Fanatical fans seems to matter far less than ratings. The only time fanatical fans saved a show from cancellation was with Jericho, which was canceled the season right after. And now whenever a show is in danger of being canceled the fans start mailing things to the network to show how much they care, but that will never work again. What matters is ratings, not crazy people obsessed with a show. And trust me I have been obsessed with plenty of shows (I am still mad about Veronica Mars), but it just doesnt matter.
I read the same article about the SVU actors holding out for more money. I hope that NBC sticks to their guns and doesn’t give in to them, because if these two divas get more money, then NBC is going to have to make cuts somewhere else to come up with that money, right? So the logical choice would be to cancel one or more of their bubble shows, like Chuck, Medium, or My Name is Earl. I seriously doubt that Dick Wolf is going to let them cancel the original L&O, which puts the other three shows (bubble shows, that is) in grave danger of cancellation. And at this point, it’s just a flip of the coin.
But what amazes me is that when CBS has basically ordered most of their shows to cut, and their actors to take pay cuts, that these two think they can just demand more money, and get it??!! I know they are the heart and soul of SVU, but perhaps they should take a look at who they’re dealing with. It’s NBC, people, and they ain’t exactly rollin’ in the dough. If these two get what they’re damanding, there’s a good chance it could put a lot of other people out of work. Why can’t they just sign a short term contract at the same terms and renegotiate when the network (and the economy) is doing better? That is extremely selfish of them.
Rory: I never said that the NBC execs DIDN’T love Chuck. I just said that they ALSO loved Medium, and that it was a strong contender for renewal. As for Chuck’s ratings, they have been in a steady decline since season one. Go ahead. Try to deny it. And while Medium is not as strong as it was in its first couple of seasons, it has certainly shown the ability to survive lengthy layoffs, numerous schedule changes, and poor promotion, and come back at any time to a steady audience. And it has consistently built on its lead-ins (both Heroes and Chuck) in every outing this season. Now THAT is a loyal fanbase.
Chuck, unfortunately, cannot say that. And yes, I know it doesn’t have a lead-in to build from, but it’s still a weak launching pad for NBC’s Monday night lineup, while Medium is a fairly solid closer week after week.
No matter what your argument, a small, rabid fanbase does not equal ratings gold, and all the clamoring in the world by Chuck fans probably won’t amount to a hill of beans to the execs at NBC when it comes time to swing the axe at something. So just be prepared for the inevitable lopping off of limbs. I am hopeful that my favorite show will be back, but I know that it might be cancelled, and I am prepared to accept it without screaming at the top of my lungs that it’s unfair. That’s life.
Well then, i hope they axe medium so i can laugh in your face.
A potential solution to free up slots for other shows – AND seemingly think well “outside the box”…
…anyone remember the old NBC Mystery Movie of the Week? McCloud, Colombo, McMillan & Wife, Quincy – rotating in the same time slot?
One could easily do that with all three variants of Law and Order – order 22 episodes each, with 16 each in the entire calendar year in the same time slot, with no repeats in slot, and four weeks off for specials, etcetera (and six episodes each available for cover in case something else crashes and burns, like Jay Leno)…
…this would leave at least one extra hour slot open, and be a model for year-round programming – plus, since they share the same sets and executive production staff, it would be very cost effective – particularly with crossovers between the shows (Goren on SVU? McCoy prosecuting a case from CI on L&O? Bill Gorman the murder victim on a very special CI, apparently killed by rabid Chuck, Worst Week, Castle, and Dollhouse fans, but in fact killed by Robin Williams’ character from SVU (who actually may be a secret Dollhouse fan), who is then caught by a neat piece of detective work by Mariska Hartigay and Julia, then fried extra-crispy by Lenny at Sing Sing?)
The more compatible shows NBC can rotate in the same slots like they could do with all the L&O’s, the more they can have a true year-round network, and possibly gain a competitive advantage of some value against the other networks and against cable. And by doing this, Jay Leno wouldn’t really matter – they would have fresh stuff all over their schedule, all year long…
…and as for Saturday nights, they could do far worse during football season than slot in Notre Dame football there – in fact, they already have.
Please keep Chuck, Life, Knight Rider, My Name is Earl and Meduim. These are shows we sit and watch as a family. They all are shows we all enjoy. I don’t think Jay Leno will reach out to us as a whole family. In the winter months were we live this is good family time together. NBC has already cut to many good family shows. Biggest Loser, Chopping Block, and Heros are not the best family shows. NBC needs to get rid of all the reality shows. I guess if these shows are cancelled as a family we will have to change to another network. We have been very good supporters of NBC for many years even through the terrible showings.
Also, season two of chuck has between 6-7million viewers. Every single episode, with six outliers, two above (7.25, 7.66 and 8.47) and two below (5.83, 5.82 and 5.72) with an average of 6.69million. so that isn’t “Dropping steadily” every time.
although medium is also doing well. So no comment there.
“As for Chuck’s ratings, they have been in a steady decline since season one. Go ahead. Try to deny it.”
Season One averaged about 7.8 million, and season two is averaging 6.7 million. The variance is very small, and I shouldn’t have to worry. But i do, because it hasnt’ been renewed yet and on the bubble.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_(TV_series)#Weekly_ratings
I think it comes down to Medium and Chuck, and if that’s the case, then Medium will win out. Slightly higher ratings, longer tenure and thus more established, and so on.
There’s just no room for both of them. Law and Order’s a lock to return IMO, seeing as it’s freaking Law and Order, and I’m guessing it’ll get paired up with SVU on its night (Wednesday). Tuesday is two hours of The Biggest Loser, so that’s taken up. Thursday is two hours of comedies. Sunday is Sunday Night Football in the fall and then probably two hours of Celebrity Apprentice in the midseason, since that show is doing well. Saturday night is reruns and Dateline, Friday is Friday Night Lights, possibly Howie Do It or some other cheap reality series, and probably a new series or two they don’t have a lot of faith in. And then Monday at 9:00 is Day One in the fall and Heroes in the winter. So then that leaves Monday at 8:00, which will probably go to Chuck or Medium, with a new series sharing the other half of the season. That’s my prediction for the 09-10 season.
I mean, I don’t even know what all the NBC pilots are (besides Day One), and there is barely any room for new series in there to begin with. And then there’s factoring in if Southland is a success or if Deal or No Deal returns.
So there’s no room for both Chuck and Medium at all. They may both go even.
It’s safe to say that House has been the huge monkey on Chuck’s back. Back in the fall minus House the show was holding its own and it was even competitive in the 18-34 demos with DWTS and BBT on certain weeks. But with House, Chuck’s demos took a hit, more noticeable in the 18-34 where we dropped a full point (OUCH).
Looking at the season ratings for Chuck, I truly believe that Chuck would’ve been fine if we only had to go up against House OR DWTS. Look at the ratings for Feb 16th-March 2nd. All those episodes we had to go up against House but not DWTS, which debuted the next week, March 9th. Those three episodes the show was doing fine in terms of viewership (6.6-6.8 million) and just a tad lower in the demos (2.3-2.4). At those levels Chuck would be fine.
But when Chuck has to go up against BOTH shows, we saw what it did to Chuck’s ratings (look at the last 4 weeks, demos between 2.1-2.2 and viewership between 5.7-6.1 million). It siphoned off more viewers.
Chuck CAN survive going up against House or DWTS, but not both.
And Dawn, Medium has never built out of Heroes. In total viewership it has, but that’s meaningless. The 18-49 demos for Medium has never beaten Heroes. In fact, it’s closer to Chuck’s than Medium. Just go look back at the ratings. There’s no growth out of Heroes.
How about switch the slots and see how Medium does going up against the 8pm competition. I’ll gladly bet that Medium will get the same demos as Chuck is getting right now.
Im one of the loyal fans of chuck so are a bunch of people i know…
PEOPLE WATCH CHUCK….keep it alive
When does NBC say the final selection of shows its canceling?
Dawn- “As for Chuck’s ratings, they have been in a steady decline since season one. Go ahead. Try to deny it.”
I’ll take that challenge.
Yes it dropped in the ratings at the beginning of the season, but MOST shows lost viewers from last season.
During the fall, Chuck held STEADY in the demos from it’s premiere (2.7 to 2.6) and actually increased its viewership from 6.8 to 7.7 million. And if you want to add the 3D episode, that got 8.5 million and 3.0 in the demo. But that had the Super Bowl promo so those numbers could be a little inflated.
Even when House came back, Chuck was still relatively strong. As mentioned above in my other post, the 3 episodes that aired before the DTWS premiere Chuck had viewership between 6.6-6.9 million viewers. The demos took the hit though to around 2.3-2.4, hardly BLEEDING viewers as you mentioned.
It wasn’t until DWTS premiered (with better ratings than it was getting in the fall mind you) that we see the current Chuck ratings for the last 4 weeks. And even in these 4 weeks Chuck held steady, although at a lower range.
You cannot completely discount what House AND DWTS did to Chuck’s ratings, just look at my explanation.
I’m a Chuck fan and yes I’m interpreting the numbers the way I see it. My speculation is as valid as any others. Alex and others may see it differently, but that’s no more different than my opinion.
Alex or Julia, wouldn’t you say that Chuck would be safe around 2.3-2.4 in the demos, what it was getting the 3 weeks before DWTS aired? Julia made a comment that CASTLE would be safe even with a 2.4 (Mar. 24th post) so if Chuck was getting that, same opinion right? I know it’s hypothetical.
Effing Leno!! LOL
My views don’t really “matter” since I’m watching Chuck in an entirely different country, but everyone I know is watching it and loves it. One or two more seasons then it can go, but not yet, it’s still getting better.
Well, the reviews for Parks and Recreation have been mixed so far. Who knows how that will work out.
VYuci stated: Alex or Julia, wouldn’t you say that Chuck would be safe around 2.3-2.4 in the demos, what it was getting the 3 weeks before DWTS aired? Julia made a comment that CASTLE would be safe even with a 2.4 (Mar. 24th post) so if Chuck was getting that, same opinion right? I know it’s hypothetical.
VYuci,
Unfortunately you aren’t going to get Alex or Julia to agree with anything you say regarding Chuck. They both obviously loathe the show, so the demo numbers and ratings could be through the roof and they would find fault with it. Ironically, Julia will spout to you that it is all about the demo numbers, but if the demo numbers were really, really good, she would spout that it is all about the money, and if the show makes money, she would spout that it is all about the viewers, and if the number of viewers is good, then she would find some other excuse to give as to why Chuck should go.
She thinks she knows what it comes down to regarding whether or not a show gets renewed, but she isn’t a decisionmaker and hasn’t, to my knowledge, sat in on meetings when decisionmakers determine whether or not to renew a show. But in her own little world she knows everything there is to know about shows getting renewed.
VYuci, You can’t really compare a show on ABC to a show on NBC when it comes to renewal thresholds. Castle might slip by with a 2.4, but only because ABC has a lot of spots to fill next season. NBC, on the other hand, is very limited because of the Leno deal (and football in the fall). With Tuesdays taken with Biggest Loser and Thursdays taken with the 1/2 hour comedies, there are only 6 available slots on NBC’s schedule. SVU and Heroes are already coming back, that leaves 4 slots, two of them on Friday (and one of the Friday slots is only for the fall because FNL is coming back in the spring).
Joyeful says:
April 9th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Effing Leno!! LOL
My views don’t really “matter” since I’m watching Chuck in an entirely different country, but everyone I know is watching it and loves it. One or two more seasons then it can go, but not yet, it’s still getting better.
Well, the reviews for Parks and Recreation have been mixed so far. Who knows how that will work out.
Joyeful,
I disagree with your statement that your view doesn’t matter. Of course, I am going to start WWIII by saying this with certain people on this board, but I don’t care.
While Chuck is produced by WB and not NBC or NBCU, knowing that there are overseas viewers that absolutely love watching it gives the show much needed exposure, which contrary to what some people on this board will tell you, is important. For those that will disagree with me on this, they say that NBC doesn’t care because they don’t make money off the show overseas, which they are correct, but they do care because they know that while they may not make money off you watching the show overseas, they can make money off of you if you go online to the Chuck website and purchase items from the Company Store and in other capacities in the future.
Holly says:
April 9th, 2009 at 8:23 am
With Tuesdays taken with Biggest Loser and Thursdays taken with the 1/2 hour comedies, there are only 6 available slots on NBC’s schedule.
Holly,
I don’t quite agree with your statement here. Yes Tuesdays are taken, but not all of Thursdays are taken. The Office and 30 Rock obviously have been renewed, but there has been no word on MYIE and Kath & Kim and you can’t make the assumption that they are returning. Also, we don’t know how Parks & Recreation are going to fair. So that increases the number of slots for right now. And with the fact that NBC has only given the green light to two pilots so far, it might be feasible that more “bubble” shows on NBC could be renewed.
They may not keep Earl, K&K or Parks and Recreation (though I’d bet they keep at least one), but they will have two 1/2 hour comedies.
Also, regarding overseas “exposure”, what makes you think that the same scenario you’re touting isn’t true for nearly every other show on television? Almost every US show is aired in dozens of other countries and has fans outside of the US. Fans of every failing show claim “but we have fans from all over the world” like that is something unique to their show. It isn’t. NBC is just as likely to get as much international “exposure” from whatever other shows they launch as they get from Chuck.
Holly states: They may not keep Earl, K&K or Parks and Recreation (though I’d bet they keep at least one), but they will have two 1/2 hour comedies.
Which ones?
Holly says:
April 9th, 2009 at 8:34 am
They may not keep Earl, K&K or Parks and Recreation (though I’d bet they keep at least one), but they will have two 1/2 hour comedies.
And how do you know that they are going to have two 1/2 hour comedies? Are you on the board for NBC? Do you sit in on the decisionmaking? Just because they have done something the same way for so many years doesn’t mean that they will continue to do that.
Holly, NBC is not guaranteed, but IMO they’re likely, to keep Thursdays as half hour comedies. But NBC could do anything at this point. If P&R really tanks (it will do better than K&K) then it’s very plausible that NBC cancels MNIE as well. NBC could hate the comedy pilots they’re developing and not pick up anything. Thn they could slot an hour scripted drama into the time slot.
A lot of IF’s, but anything is possible at this point.
VYuci says:
April 9th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Holly, NBC is not guaranteed, but IMO they’re likely, to keep Thursdays as half hour comedies. But NBC could do anything at this point. If P&R really tanks (it will do better than K&K) then it’s very plausible that NBC cancels MNIE as well. NBC could hate the comedy pilots they’re developing and not pick up anything. Thn they could slot an hour scripted drama into the time slot.
A lot of IF’s, but anything is possible at this point.
VYuci,
While I agree that it is LIKELY that Thursday nights will remain NBC’s comedy night, what is stopping NBC from getting a wild hair up their bootie and moving the Office and 30 Rock to another night, say Monday nights to see if it can compete with Big Bang Theory/How I Met Your Mother/Rules of Engagement/Two and a Half Men? No one except the people making the decisions knows what they are going to do.
I would not be surprised if NBC shakes things up a bit, considering that all season they have basically sat in fourth place behind all the other networks. They might change everything around hoping that the changes, coupled with Leno, will boost ratings for all shows and get them out of fourth place.
Katherine,
Oh. my. goodness. gracious.
Why would they move Office/30 Rock to another night? It’s perfect counterprogramming right where it is! Why would they intentionally put it opposite the most successful comedy block on television?
If things worked like that you could ask, “Why don’t they move all their best shows to Saturday! They could bring back the old days when people watched tv on Saturday, and besides, there is no competition!”
Why won’t they move Office/30 Rock? Because it’s a terrible terrible idea for many many reasons, that’s why.
the128boy says:
April 9th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Katherine,
Oh. my. goodness. gracious.
Why would they move Office/30 Rock to another night? It’s perfect counterprogramming right where it is! Why would they intentionally put it opposite the most successful comedy block on television?
If things worked like that you could ask, “Why don’t they move all their best shows to Saturday! They could bring back the old days when people watched tv on Saturday, and besides, there is no competition!”
Why won’t they move Office/30 Rock? Because it’s a terrible terrible idea for many many reasons, that’s why.
the128boy,
I did not say they would, I simply said that it is always a possibility, no matter how slim. And while Office/30 Rock do alright on Thursday nights, they aren’t exactly lighting it up there now are they? My point to Holly, VYuci, you, and everyone else is that the only things that definite are that the Office, 30 Rock, SVU, and Heroes have been renewed. What nights they are on, what time slots, etc. are anyone’s guess, unless there is something you aren’t telling us and you actually are on the board of directors, or a decisionmaker in disguise. So to sit there and say that its a terrible idea, maybe to you its terrible, but you know what, NBC hasn’t been able to find anything better and at this point they can’t sink much lower.
Katherine whilst its possible that Heroes, SVU and every other NBC drama will get moved around the schedule next year I think it’s a safe bet to say that the NBC comedies are staying put on Thursday nights. Thursday night comedy is part of NBC’s brand and its pretty much the only successful part of their brand at this point, they aren’t going to change it.
It’s also worth pointing out that The Office is ‘lighting it up’ on Thursday nights.
Alex says:
April 9th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Katherine whilst its possible that Heroes, SVU and every other NBC drama will get moved around the schedule next year I think it’s a safe bet to say that the NBC comedies are staying put on Thursday nights. Thursday night comedy is part of NBC’s brand and its pretty much the only successful part of their brand at this point, they aren’t going to change it.
It’s also worth pointing out that The Office is ‘lighting it up’ on Thursday nights.
Alex,
I do agree that it is likely a safe bet that they will stay on Thursday nights, but my point is that we can’t assume anything when it comes to the lineup. But yes, if I had to bet, I would say that the Office/30 Rock will be on the Thursday night lineup come May 5th.
Alex says: It’s also worth pointing out that The Office is ‘lighting it up’ on Thursday nights.
Alex,
I don’t know what ratings you have been looking at, but the Office hasn’t been ‘lighting it up’ on Thursday nights. I went back one month and compared the ratings of the Office/30 Rock against its competition that hour. Here are the statistics.
Thursday March 5th, 2009
Hell’s Kitchen (6.2/10 HH rating/share, 10.64M viewers, 4.6/12 A18-49 rating/share) – Beat NBC all around
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (12.8/20 HH rating/share, 20.80M viewers, 5.3/13 A18-49 rating/share) – Beat NBC all around
The Office (5.2/8 HH rating/share, 8.63M viewers, 4.5/11 A18-49 rating/share)/ 30 Rock (4.6/7 HH rating/share, 7.35M viewers, 3.8/9 A18-49 rating/share)
Grey’s Anatomy-REPEAT (4.1/6 HH rating/share, 5.68M viewers, 1.6/4 A18-49 rating/share)
NBC finished 3rd, due to Grey’s Anatomy repeat
Thursday March 12th, 2009
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (10.3/16 HH rating/share, 16.96M viewers, 4.2/12 A18-49 rating/share) – beat NBC all around
Grey’s Anatomy (9.0/14 HH rating/share, 13.54M viewers, 4.9/12 A18-49 rating/share) – beat NBC all around
Hell’s Kitchen (4.5/7 HH rating/share, 7.76M viewers, 3.5/9 A18-49 rating/share) – Office beat Hell’s Kitchen in A18-49 rating/shares only. Beat 30 Rock all around.
The Office (4.5/7 HH rating/share, 7.51M viewers, 4.0/10 A18-49 rating/share)/ 30 Rock (3.9/6 HH rating/share, 6.41M viewers, 3.3/8 A18-49 rating/share)
NBC placed fourth for the night
Thursday March 19th, 2009
Grey’s Anatomy (9.7/15 HH rating/share, 14.36M viewers, 4.9/12 A18-49 rating/share) – Beat NBC all around
CBS NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (5.7/10 HH rating/share, 8.97M viewers, 3.1/10 A18-49 rating/share) – the Office did better in the A18-49 rating only 3.9 to 3.1, but not shares. 30 Rock did better in the A18-49 rating only 3.2 to 3.1.
Hell’s Kitchen (4.6/7 HH rating/share, 7.55M viewers, 3.3/8 A18-49 rating/share), the Office beat it totally, but Hell’s Kitchen beat 30 Rock all the way around
The Office (4.9/8 HH rating/share, 7.93M viewers, 3.9/10 A18-49 rating/share)/
30 Rock (4.3/7 HH rating/share, 7.02M viewers, 3.2/8 A18-49 rating/share)
NBC placed fourth for the night
Thursday March 26th, 2009
Hell’s Kitchen (6.5/10 HH rating/share, 10.94M viewers, 4.8/12 A18-49 rating/share) – the Office beat Hell’s Kitch in shares only 12-11. Beat 30 Rock all around
Grey’s Anatomy (10.3/16 HH rating/share, 15.81M viewers, 5.5/13 A18-49 rating/share) – Beat NBC all around
CBS NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament: Xavier vs. Pittsburgh (5.6/10 HH rating/share, 8.63M viewers, 2.8/9 A18-49 rating/share)- the Office beat basketball in the A18-49 rating/share only. 30 Rock beat basketball in ratings only, 3.4 to 2.8.
The Office (4.9/7 HH rating/share, 8.44M viewers, 4.3/11 A18-49 rating/share)/ 30 Rock (4.3/7 HH rating/share, 7.17M viewers, 3.4/8 A18-49 rating/share)
NBC placed fourth for the night
Yeah, the Office is really lighting it up by NBC standards, but not compared to its competition. You still think its a bad idea to move the shows to another night?
I feel like I’ve had this Office conversation before but none the less I’m just using the overnights because I can’t be bothered to hunt for the final numbers below. It’s possible/likely that where shows (Hell’s Kitchen and Private Practice) are assisted by an overrun they’re behind The Office in the finals.
February 12 – The Office is the third most watched 18-34 of the night behind Grey’s and a Grey’s overrun assisted Private Practice. Fourth for the night in 18-49 behind CSI, Grey’s and again the Grey’s assisted Private Practice.
February 19 – An Office repeat still beat everyone’s original line-up at 8 in the 18-34 and everything but Private Practice at 10 in the 18-34. Meanwhile the repeating Office beat an original Eleventh Hour, ER and Ugly Betty in the 18-49.
February 26 – An Office repeat beats everything but Idol and Hell’s Kitchen in the 18-34 it also ties an original episode of CSI in the 18-34 (ABC was in repeats from 9).
March 5 – The Office is behind only American Idol in the 18-34 for the night and behind Idol, CSI and an Idol overrun assisted Hell’s Kitchen in the 18-49. (ABC in repeats from 9)
March 12 – Is second to Grey’s in the 18-34 for the night and is behind Survivor, Grey’s and CSI in the 18-49 for the night.
March 19 – Again second to Grey’s for the 18-34 for the night and is second to Grey’s in the 18-49 for the night as well, beating NCAA game in both demos.
March 26 – Behind a special American Idol only in the 18-34. Behind Idol, Grey’s and an Idol overrun assisted Hell’s Kitchen in the 18-49.
In conclusion yes I think it’s a horrible mistake to move The Office to a different night and yes I still think The Office is ‘lighting it up’ on Thursday nights. By my count including in slot repeats The Office has averaged out at a 4.3 in the 18-34 since February and 3.8 in the 18-49 and if you only factor in the original episodes that jumps to 4.2 (18-49) and 4.9 (18-34), which are impressive numbers by anyone’s standards.
Medium should come back. It’s doing ok even after being tossed all over the schedule. Not to mention being off the air for 9 months! I don’t like Chuck, but as far as I can see it has a lot of dedicated fans. I think NBC should pick up both, but Medium simply deserves it more.
Puleeze dont cancel LIFE…quality writing and originality may not be the favorite of the American target demographic, but of all the junk on mainstream networks, this is one of the few shows I watch religiously every week. America likes to be spoon-fed and live vicariously through reality tv…OK…there is plenty of that available, especially with the “voting a person off” each week format…but please please leave on a few shows that actually make intelligent people THINK, as well as be entertained, and not in an over-contrived way as other shoes with a mystery as its’ subplot. It’s like too much junk food: alittle is OK, but a full diet will kill you. Theres no sustenance in it! You need a little salad now and then to keep yourself healthy! Dont take the salad away! We at least need it on the menu!
Interesting tidbit about NBC’s bubble shows:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Ratings-Life-Lost-1004891.aspx
NBC’s Life wrapped up its sophomore run with an audience of 4.5 mil, plunging 19 percent. Will Life go on? Although it might seem unlikely, there is talk of struggling NBC picking up “mini” seasons of a few on-the-bubble series. Stay tuned.
CHUCK has to be renewed!!!
Alex, great Office breakdown. The fact is that The Office brings in more money per 30 second spot than almost any other show on television. There are many factors, and those two demo category ratings are a big reason. To move them would be to potentially ruin one of NBC’s few hours that is actually working.
I believe that Chuck will be back. It has a loyal fan base & does well with the 18-49 crowd. Now if I were NBC this is what I would do with some of the shows. Going into late summer and thru the fall Sunday Night Football on NBC will deliver decent ratings. I think that after Football goes off they should make there line up look something like this to try and hold the momentum. This is how I would see there Sunday schedule starting in January, 2010:
7:00-8:00: Howie Do It! (counter 60-min w/ a show that may appeal to kids at an early hour)
8:00-9:00: Heroes (Sunday is a big night for TV and Heroes has lots of young fans. Heroes may have a shot at getting back it’s audience on Sunday night at 8
9:00-10:00: Medium (I think Sundays at 9 is the perfect slot for Medium with it’s appeal especially to female fans & supernatural quality).
10:00-11:00: Law & Order (I would put the original L&O on Sunday nights and see how it performs at the 10pm time slot, my guess is that it could see a ratings comeback.
I think with a line up on Sundays of “Heroes” “Medium” and “Law & Order” that NBC could make Sundays a strong night for the network.
Now Thursday nights, we have to see how “Southland” does in the ratings. If it delivers then I could see it moved to Thursdays @ 9PM, just before Leno. I would start the night (strongly) with “The Office” & “30 Rock” @ 8PM.
Mondays I think I would bring back “Deal or No Deal”, the problem with that show is that initially it was over exposed, just like “Millionaire” was a few years back on ABC. I would put Deal at 8PM on Mondays followed by “Chuck” at 9PM, and of course Leno is already scheduled for 10 PM.
Tuesdays I might do something like this:
8: Parenthood (if pilot is picked up)
8:30: Parks and Recreation (If series performs fairly well and returns)
9:00: The Biggest Loser
10:00: Leno
Wednesday: 8:00: My Name is Earl (try it out on Wed)
8:30: I think there is a new pilot which may be green lighted with Joel McHale and Chevy Chase called “Community College” and try it at this time.
9:00: Law & Order: SUV
10:00: Leno
Now looking at Friday:
8:00: Friday Night Lights
9:00: Dateline
10:00: Leno
That leaves the wasteland called Saturday night. I think they make a mistake showing repeats of series. I would do something like this:
8:00: Last Comic Standing
9:00: Celebrity Apprentice
10:00: Dateline: Mysteries
I might also show ocassional movies/ limited run series on Saturday nights.
In my opinionNBC should give the timeslot to Medium and ship Chuck over to the CW because it appears the CW might axe 90210. Then us viewers can watch the new Heroes vs. Chuck war and Medium vs. House war.
Steven says:
April 9th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
In my opinionNBC should give the timeslot to Medium and ship Chuck over to the CW because it appears the CW might axe 90210. Then us viewers can watch the new Heroes vs. Chuck war and Medium vs. House war.
Steven,
First CW has already renewed 90210 for a second season. Second, if NBC is going to ship Chuck anywhere, it would be to a sister network such as USA, Bravo, SciFi, etc. They would never ship it over to a rival. The only way that Chuck would end up on CW, ABC, Fox, etc. is if NBC cancels the show and WB, who produces the show, makes a deal with another network to revive it. This has happened a few times with shows that aired on NBC. Two that automatically come to mind are JAG (back in the mid 90s) and Scrubs. There has been talk that My Name is Earl might head to Fox if NBC cancels it.
Jay Leno does not deserve 5 hours – total waste – and get rid of Chuck, Night Rider, Kings, Law and order. There are new pilots that will give new life into NBC – especially Parenthood – whose executive producer is Ron Howard – and the cast is amazing – Peter Krause and Maura Tierney (from E.R.) so lets hope Parenthood gets picked up!
chris on April 10th, let’s not. A small-screen adaptation of a 20-year-old film and a remake of a 19-year-old TV series that already failed miserably on NBC when it was fresh in people’s minds? “Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it” doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface here…
What’s next? ABC greenlights a new “Gung Ho” pilot? Maybe CBS can revisit “Stir Crazy.” Or perhaps FOX can take another stab at “Down and Out in Beverly Hills.”
I don’t think the CW will pick up Chuck. They don’t usually go for picking up axed shows from other networks (Moonlight, The O.C.) I seriously think NBC will renew Chuck along with the other shows in green (Earl, L&O, Medium). Earl will be picked up probably for the same reason as Chuck (so FOX doesn’t pick it up, plus its close to 100 episodes good for syndication), Law & Order will definitely be picked up probably for a final glorified 20th season, and Medium has just been a good “replacement” performer that NBC may want to keep that around. I still think Parks and Recreation will be given another chance too. All of the other “bubble” shows are gone. Life is Dead, Knight Rider has gotten low ratings throughout its only season of 17 episodes as did Kath & Kim. And the burn off for Kings signifies that its not returning. If NBC wants to make any significant turn arounds next season they need to make big changes.
I know this is a theory but, what if they move all of the Law & Order shows(i.e. Law & Order, Law & Order:SVU & Law & Order:CI)on Saturday. That way the other Shows(i.e. Chuck, My Name is Earl, and Medium)can be saved. Plus they may add some new shows on the empty(If any) timeslots.
If not saturday than Sunday starting at 7pm.
If anything at 10pm sunday nights put in Celebrity Apprentice, Southland, or New Drama
If the choice to renew is among Chuck, My Name is Earl, Medium, and Law & Order, I’d say the two returning would be Medium and L&O. Medium is actually not very expensive to produce in terms of hour dramas (not a lot of big fancy special effects and exotic location shooting). And I think Dick Wolf will make a package deal with NBC that says if they’re going to keep SVU, then they have to take the flagship series as well.
LIFE deserves to live. Quality writing, acting and originality should be rewarded. The season ender was fantastic
Dan says:
April 10th, 2009 at 8:15 am
I don’t think the CW will pick up Chuck. They don’t usually go for picking up axed shows from other networks (Moonlight, The O.C.) I seriously think NBC will renew Chuck along with the other shows in green (Earl, L&O, Medium).
Dan,
The reason the CW has been mentioned recently as a potential place for Chuck to land should NBC cancel it is because one of the head honchos over there really loves the show and has expressed interest in the show, should it get cancelled. That is the whole reason for the discussion.
actually I suspect that rumor was started here in comments left by Nick C suggesting that Dawn Ostroff promised producer Josh Schwartz she’d pick it up if NBC didn’t. Schwartz also produces Gossip Girl, a CW show (and is doing the pilot for potential GG spinoff, Lilly). Chuck is a Warner Brothers produced show and CW is 50% owned by Warner Brothers, so it all seems like a tidy solution.
There’s no way for us to actually substantiate it and I’d suggest (at least as of today) that any site saying they can substantiate that it will happen is lying. But it won’t matter, a few weeks from now we will know NBC’s plans either way and go from there.
Robert, so you think other web sites making these statements took it from my comment about it on here long ago?
That would be crazy. I think the reason the rumor exists is because either people think it’s a Warner show, the producer is the producer of the “chosen show,” of the CW, and they think it would make sense, or they actually heard it some where. I heard it some where.
I don’t think it matters. CHUCK will be back on NBC. They’d be crazy to drop it.
Heroes has lost 4 million viewers since its premier in the Fall (10m vs 6m last week), how is that show *not* “on the bubble?”
Because it was renewed already.
Also,will somebody tell Jay Leno to retired (He’s not funny anymore.)
and I hope his show flops.
Nick C,
What do you think about the TVGuide blurb saying that NBC is talking about bringing back some of its bubble shows for “mini-seasons”? It seems like that NBC may share time slots, and they could do this for all their shows, minus The Office, 30 Rock, and Biggest Loser. Could we see shows get 16-18 episode orders, with a show airing from September-Feb, then after the Olympics, from March to the first week of June?
Only just watched the first three episodes of Chuck and its soo funny: I hope it gets renewed! Plus its numbers warrant it: with it showing itself to be a average show even when against big network shows like House and Dancing With The Stars.
NBC should put Life where it belongs: to the Thursday line-up, ER’s previous timeslot or earlier! Life should be renewed!
I agree with many who have posted here: I hope Leno crashes & burns. He needs to retire. When Leno comes on at 10pm, will watch early news & go to bed at 11pm.
Chuck should be renewed. It’s the only show I NEVER miss period. Doesn’t it cost alot more to produce Heroes, which ratings are sinking fast? Have been closely watching Chuck’s demo’s & are consistant. Considering Chuck hardly is promoted anymore, it’s doing great. Dancing with the Stars & reality TV in general, are consistantly bad. They are just showing how greedy people are. I can’t believe that people share their dirty laundry with the world!
I blame Jay Leno, but only because I don’t like him and think he is annoying (and he has a HUGE ego, ask anyone who works with him).
But besides that, I really hope Chuck and My Name is Earl are renewed. I’ve only recently started watching them, and they kick ass.
I REALLY hope Life doesn’t get chopped, I know it’s not the best show of all time, but I love it. I don’t really watch much other than History Channel, but Life has me waiting for a new show every week. If it goes it goes, but I may shed a tear.
I get a warm fuzzy feeling seeing FNL in the black, especially at the expense of other less worthy but higher rated shows.
In response to Dawn and those who think Chuck’s ratings being worse than Medium and Heroes is cause for cancelation,consider the competition. Chuck goes up against House and Dancing with the Stars! Two of TV’s top rated shows that were titans before Chuck came around. Couple that with the fact that a lot of Chuck’s demographic was already hooked on How I Met Your Mother and Chuck is in a far worse time slot than Medium, or many of NBC’s other shows. The fact that Chuck has close numbers with Medium and better than Law & Order (which are both in easier time slots) should show Chuck’s potential if it had the proper time slot and promotion.
On another note, I think NBC has already shown that they have the worst network minds of the major networks. Putting Jay Leno on for an hour a night is not only eating up air time with a guy that IS NOT FUNNY, but it has already conceded that this move with most likely lose them viewers and it is strictly a $ move. I wonder how much their ad space will go for now though, since they are basically relegating themselves to 3rd or 4th place every night at 10E/9C? NBC has 3 shows I watch (Chuck, The Office, and 30 Rock) and Chuck is the only one I make a point to watch.
I am sick at the thought of losing LIFE. I’ve already lost Lipstick Jungle, My Own Worst Enemy and Jericho (what a refreshing new twist for both of these shows). What is it with these network people?? They get fresh new ideas for a show..not a reproduction of another Law and Order or SUV type show and they ax them. And this time all so Jay Leno (never has taken Johnny’s place) has to go to bed earlier?? I say ac Leno and pick up the good shows. Who cares about Leno anyway..How many times can you see the same guests??? I agree with Josh put Life in the ER spot!!! PLEASE! And I don’t know who Angela is but there’s cookies in it for her if she can keep LIFE ALIVE!
the only reason that chuck is doing not as well is because house is on at the same time as chuck. move chuck to another time slot and it will recieve many more viewers
DO NOT TAKE AWAY CHUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chuck is an amazing show and we’ve never seen this idea before! Move chuck to a different time and you will see an increase in viewers
I agree wih the post that notes Chuck’s position vs. two top rated shows. If Chuck were part of the Thursday mix for NBC, it would show its ratings legs. NBC keeps jerking around with that 8:30 slot on Thursdays and instead of garbage like Kath & Kim (how some of this crap gets greenlighted I don’t know — more evidence that Lorne has become Dr. Evil) if they end up bagging Earl, they should replace the whole thursday 8 hour with Chuck.
Give me Chuck or give me death! It’s literally the only show that I watch, other than that the tv in my room stays off. If they were to move it to Thursday where Office/30 Rock are, I might even tune into those shows out of convenience since I hear they’re good but I haven’t really watched them. I want Chuck to shine and I want other viewers to see the show for the gem that it is.
Don’t take away chuck!
Leno has to go!
NBC should cancel Earl and Office and put in Knight Rider!
Support the quest for season 2!
Knight Rider Online
nepps, the only way they would cancel Earl and Office and put season 2 of Knight Rider in their place would be if it was the Nepps Broadcasting Company.
If chuck isn’t renewed, there will only be one NBC show I watch [Heros] but I won’t be watching that as much if there is no chuck. Usually I watch it because it follows chuck. Cancel Knight Rider. That’s a very pathetic remake of a series. Anyone who liked the original hates this series. This is one of many reasons why NBC can’t catch CBS for years. They keep playing musical chairs with their shows. By the time you become a fan of a show, they cancel it and start some other stupid show.
It would be horrifying if “Chuck” is not renewed. It is a show with many possibilities, has more “good clean fun” than other shows out there, and it is just so original and funny and action packed. Zachary Levi is a great actor, certainly a great comedic talent. And I’m sorry, but I would like to see “Chuck” more than the any other show renewed. NBC should give Jay Leno less air time (he shouldn’t be so greedy. Why can’t Jay Leno wait till Jan. 2010 to appear again on TV, why doesn’t he retool his motorcycles or something).
I think Chuck has a good chance for renewal. People have mentioned how loyal the fan base is for Chuck. Guess who likes a loyal fan base….ADVERTISERS! Plus, Chuck is a great platform to market products (Buymore/BestBuy). Chuck has the ability to hold its own on Monday nights (which is a very busy night for television).
Also, I think Chuck would work on other nights including Sunday. The Fox animation block does alright, but it does not bring in (20+ million viewers like Dancing With The Stars). The ratings for Fox Sundays have not been as strong and King of the Hill is on its last legs (Series is ending shortly). Also, CBS is toying around with the idea of canceling Cold Case, which could help NBC on Sunday nights.
Benefits For Chuck:
1. Loyal Fan Base (online, live, DVR, and DVD)
2. Perfect Platform for Advertisers
3. Newer Show, so the costs are not as high as a show like L&O, My Name Is Earl
4. Proven track record. This show would be great for syndication.
5. Critic Favorite (So Additional Stories In Mags…Free Advertising)
6. Ask yourself this, how did shows like Cheers & Seinfeld do initially in the ratings?
I think Chuck will be OK when NBC weighs all these factors. If not, NBC could loose even more audience members as a whole to an already dwindling viewer base.
Well, I just watched the latest episode of Chuck and it doesn’t look like it will be renewed in my eyes. They packaged it all up with all the answers with a nice little bow. Why couldn’t it be heros instead!!! I like Chevy Chase as the bad guy. If they do renew it I hope he stays on.