2012-13 TV Schedule

[kcchief19]

The network schedules are starting to take shape with up fronts arriving ... and I've come to the conclusion that NBC has just finally given up. Among the new shows:

* The New Normal: It's a "post-modern family" -- that's how NBC is promoting it. "Two gay dads and a baby mama create a totally new kind of family comedy." Oh dear lord.

* Go On: "An offbeat comedy about a cocky sportscaster dealing with his issues." Since Chandler Bing running a late night variety show and a municipal arena didn't work, let's make him a sportscaster!

* Animal Practice: "A veterinarian's office comedy with plenty of horsing around." Yes, it stars an ape. It's Mr. Smith and Manimal in one craptacular show.

* Guys with Kids: "Can new dads stay cool dudes? This new comedy is going to find out. Totally Dadass!"

* Revolution: "After 15 years of darkness, an unlikely group sets out to save the world." The pitch: Lost following a power outage!

* Chicago Fire: "America's everyday heroes face life and death in this thrilling drama." I'll be calling it Law & Order: Fire Department.

If you're wondering why NBC loaded up with some reality shows and short-season orders of Community and Parenthood, it's because they have 13 more "upcoming" shows tabbed for replacing bombs and midseason debuts. There's "Surprise with Jenny McCarthy" and "Howie Mandel's White Elephant where -- get this -- Howie hosts a game show based on the white elephant party game. "Crossbones" will test America's love of pirates, and "1600 Penn" will test the waters to see if America is ready for another White House sitcom.

Even when NBC seems to stumble on a potential winning formula, they find a way to piss on it. They have picked up "Hannibal" about early days of Hannibal Lecter from Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies and Heroes). But while they have picked up the show and given it a 13-episode order -- THEY HAVE NOT EVEN CAST HANNIBAL LECTER YET.

I think they need to quit while they are behind.

[Ryan S]

I am going to hold of on judging the sitcoms until I have seen a few episodes, as they are notoriously hard to gauge based on a short trailer and a brief description.

The "Guys with Kids" trailer looks horrible though.

[stevew]

I thought Hannibal was going to be a Hannibal Burress show.

Whitney to Friday night at 8pm is probably better than the show getting cancelled. Pretty funny stuff.

Are any if these shows the Sarah Silverman sitcom?

[molson]

Some of these sound like they were created by a sitcom generator.

I'd rather they green light this one I just generated on www.fal.net/html/sitcom

Almost Full

Crusty, yet lovable ex-bank robbers and their sassy caregiver in the heart of Staten Island, who are obsessed with rescuing stray dogs from the animal shelter, find politics and sex don't mix.

[Suicane75]

I read that last line as "police dogs and sex don't mix". It's true, they don't.

[Ksyrup]

Don't forget that they had a blossoming hit with The Voice, screwed it up for its second season, and then announced they would do 2 seasons a year, potentially with a second set of judges.

[stevew]

Two nights of the Voice sounds like an awesome idea. I can't get enough of these shows about talented amateur's who deserve a shot. I love me some karaoke.

:roll

[kcchief19]

I thought Hannibal was going to be a Hannibal Burress show.

Whitney to Friday night at 8pm is probably better than the show getting cancelled. Pretty funny stuff.

Are any if these shows the Sarah Silverman sitcom?
NBC didn't pick it up after the bidding war, making you wonder if it was that bad or that good. If NBC passed on it, I assume it's great.

[ISiddiqui]

Revolution actually looks pretty cool. Heck J.J. Abrams and Jon Favreau are behind it!

[stevew]

NBC's scedule this year felt like a Pirates season. "We have all the depth". Then Prime Suspect bombs. The Yankees pay more than enough to make the Firm feasible. Let's hope Gerrit Cole isn't Awake.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Once I learned that "Parks and Recreation" was renewed for a full season, I didn't care too much about the rest. I will watch the last 13 episodes of "30 Rock." I will still record "Community", "Modern Family" and "Happy Endings". But that's pretty much it in terms of shows I watch on the traditional networks.

I may give that "Revolution" show a shot, but, so far, all that have tried be "Lost" have sucked.

[Lathum]

Found this list. Most not surprising, a few were guilty pleasures I enjoyed. Terra Nova, breaking in and Pan AM. I've fallen of House a bit but always enjoyed it. Without spoiling to must were they given a chance for a proper ending?


Cancelled Television Programs 2012Alcatraz (Fox)
Allen Gregory (Fox)
Are You There, Chelsea? (NBC)
Awake (NBC)
Best Friends Forever (NBC)
Bent (NBC)
Breaking In (Fox)
Charlie’s Angels (ABC)
Chuck (NBC)
CSI: Miami (CBS)
Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC)
The Finder (Fox)
The Firm (NBC)
Free Agents (NBC)
GCB (ABC)
A Gifted Man (CBS)
H8R (CW)
Harry’s Law (NBC)
House (Fox)
I Hate My Teenage Daughter (Fox)
Man Up! (ABC)
Missing (ABC)
Napoleon Dynamite (Fox)
NYC 22 (CBS)
One Tree Hill (CW)
Pan Am (ABC)
The Playboy Club (NBC)
Prime Suspect (NBC)
Remodeled (CW)
Ringer (CW)
The River (ABC)
Rob (CBS)
The Secret Circle (CW)
Terra Nova (Fox)
Unforgettable (CBS)
Work It (ABC)

[rowech]

Found this list. Most not surprising, a few were guilty pleasures I enjoyed. Terra Nova, breaking in and Pan AM. I've fallen of House a bit but always enjoyed it. Without spoiling to must were they given a chance for a proper ending?


Cancelled Television Programs 2012Alcatraz (Fox)
Allen Gregory (Fox)
Are You There, Chelsea? (NBC)
Awake (NBC)
Best Friends Forever (NBC)
Bent (NBC)
Breaking In (Fox)
Charlie’s Angels (ABC)
Chuck (NBC)
CSI: Miami (CBS)
Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC)
The Finder (Fox)
The Firm (NBC)
Free Agents (NBC)
GCB (ABC)
A Gifted Man (CBS)
H8R (CW)
Harry’s Law (NBC)
House (Fox)
I Hate My Teenage Daughter (Fox)
Man Up! (ABC)
Missing (ABC)
Napoleon Dynamite (Fox)
NYC 22 (CBS)
One Tree Hill (CW)
Pan Am (ABC)
The Playboy Club (NBC)
Prime Suspect (NBC)
Remodeled (CW)
Ringer (CW)
The River (ABC)
Rob (CBS)
The Secret Circle (CW)
Terra Nova (Fox)
Unforgettable (CBS)
Work It (ABC)

This season of House has been awful. That said, some of the House/Wilson moments lately have been outstanding. It's setup to be a very dark finale and I'm hopeful it will be. It ultimately needs to be to stay true to the show.

[Grover]

NBC is to major television networks what the Cleveland Indians are to Major League.

Except there is no happy ending.

[Honolulu_Blue]

NBC is to major television networks what the Cleveland Indians are to Major League.

Except there is no happy ending.

I wonder what it says about me that of the marjor television networks I watch more NBC shows (3) than the other four combined (2). In fact, I don't watch anything on either CBS or FOX.

It probably says that I am pretty cool and have awesome taste, which would be accurate. :cool:

[Grover]

I don't watch a single show on any of the major networks.

That makes me pretentious.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That makes me pretentious.

I'd say that makes you a possessor of less than mainstream taste. Sometimes better, sometimes worse, but rarely mainstream.

(I'm trying to remember the last Big Four network show I actually watched even semi-regularly first run)

[rjolley]

Kinda surprised House was cancelled, but it's been on for awhile, so not that much.

Actually liked Unforgettable, so I'm disappointed that's cancelled. One of the the few shows I record.

What happened to SyFy and their shows? Seems like the only thing on these days is Ghost Hunters or a spin-off of it.

[Grover]

I'd say that makes you a possessor of less than mainstream taste. Sometimes better, sometimes worse, but rarely mainstream.

(I'm trying to remember the last Big Four network show I actually watched even semi-regularly first run)

The only tv shows I watch with regularity, meaning I have to catch new episodes are:

Game of Thrones, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, The Ricky Gervais Show, Life's Too Short and Boardwalk Empire.

I suppose I'm an AMC/HBO man.

[stevew]

I liked Unforgettable, but I think that most of the cast needed replaced. The male lead didn't really work and the supporting players were kind of meh(other than Herc). Ah well, I still liked the central idea and I think sine cable network could make the premise work.

[Easy Mac]

This is the first time I can remember no shows I watched were canceled (except for Chuck, but I'm over a season behind that anyway).

I value the opinions of people who say there is nothing good on network TV somewhere below the opinions of Cub fans.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I value the opinions of people who say there is nothing good on network TV somewhere below the opinions of Cub fans.

Maybe "nothing interesting" is more apt than "nothing good".

I mean I'm sure there's some good, I dunno, let's go with abstract art (for sake of an example) out there but it interests me not in the slightest.

edit to add: That said, there's a handful of the cop procedurals that I've seen virtually every episode of at some point ... just not on the network's timetable. I've binged them on late night cable repeats with an ep (or 2 or 3) at a time.

[Rizon]

This season of House has been awful. That said, some of the House/Wilson moments lately have been outstanding. It's setup to be a very dark finale and I'm hopeful it will be. It ultimately needs to be to stay true to the show.

I make my wife turn it off whenever it happens to come on. It's been unbearable, even with it on mute and Odette on screen.

[Suicane75]

I really don't get the House hate other than perhaps people just threw up their arms when he started cutting out his own tumors and shit, which I wouldn't blame them for at all. But if you take away the goofy patient scenarios, I think the main characters on the show and their interactions have been pretty damn good this season. I never got the hate for the Asian girl at all. But yes, I think the finale needs to be dark. There shouldn't be any redemption for House.

[Hammer755]

Matthew Perry is getting another chance to suck?

[Crapshoot]

Once I learned that "Parks and Recreation" was renewed for a full season, I didn't care too much about the rest. I will watch the last 13 episodes of "30 Rock." I will still record "Community", "Modern Family" and "Happy Endings". But that's pretty much it in terms of shows I watch on the traditional networks.

I may give that "Revolution" show a shot, but, so far, all that have tried be "Lost" have sucked.

Pretty much this, except I don't watch P&R. I also record HIMYM, Cougar Town (which is amazing - seriously, ignore the name) and Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23, which is promising. I also record the Office because I'm a masochist.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Pretty much this, except I don't watch P&R. I also record HIMYM, Cougar Town (which is amazing - seriously, ignore the name) and Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23, which is promising. I also record the Office because I'm a masochist.

Dude, you're missing the best one!!

[sterlingice]

Matthew Perry is getting another chance to suck?

I thought he was good in Studio 60 and basically carried the show because the rest of the cast was not.

SI

[larrymcg421]

I also thought Perry was good in Mr. Sunshine.

[kcchief19]

I finally caught up with the last half dozen episodes or so of House just to be ready for the finale.

I think there are many arguable "jump the shark" moments in House. I think the show was at its best the first three seasons, plateaued in season four, then started a slow decline in season five than picked up steam each season. I really had to sludge through the middle of this season just to make it to the finale.

But the last few episodes have been strong. If the finale isn't dark, you know fans will be upset.

[kcchief19]

Matthew Perry is getting another chance to suck?
I thought he was good in Studio 60 and basically carried the show because the rest of the cast was not.
I also thought Perry was good in Mr. Sunshine.
Here's the strange thing ... I think all of these things are true.

Matthew Perry is a very likable actor. He was great in Studio 60 and Mr. Sunshine. I still think Studio 60 was better than most people did, but I understand the criticisms. But the thing is that Chandler Bing, Matt Albie and Ben Donovan are all pretty much the same character in different settings.

I'm surprised he's getting another vehicle too. I think he's better off finding a project where he doesn't have to carry the show.

[Radii]

I think there are many arguable "jump the shark" moments in House. I think the show was at its best the first three seasons, plateaued in season four, then started a slow decline in season five than picked up steam each season. I really had to sludge through the middle of this season just to make it to the finale.


I loved the first three seasons. The fourth season with the competition between all the applicants reality show style wore me down but I stuck it out through that season, early in season 5 it seemed like it was going to have to keep growing even more absurd and I gave up on it.

[DanGarion]

What happened to SyFy and their shows? Seems like the only thing on these days is Ghost Hunters or a spin-off of it.

SyFy still has all their shows, Eureka is finishing it's last season this year, Warehouse 13 was picked up for 20, Alphas is doing 13, and Haven is doing 13 but those are just the ones I watch).

[DanGarion]

Matthew Perry is getting another chance to suck?

I actually enjoyed Mr. Sunshine.

[Rizon]

SyFy still has all their shows, Eureka is finishing it's last season this year, Warehouse 13 was picked up for 20, Alphas is doing 13, and Haven is doing 13 but those are just the ones I watch).

I stopped watching most of their stuff since they changed to Siffy.

[DanGarion]

I stopped watching most of their stuff since they changed to Siffy.

The name may have changed the shows I mentioned are all great in their own way, IMO.

[Rizon]

The name may have changed the shows I mentioned are all great in their own way, IMO.

Is that the same channel that has made for TV movies like Giant Aligator-Snake Thing etc? I might be getting it mixed up with another channel.

[DanGarion]

Is that the same channel that has made for TV movies like Giant Aligator-Snake Thing etc? I might be getting it mixed up with another channel.

Yes, it is. For whatever reason there are people that enjoy the "creature feature" type movies, I don't but if I hated a network just because of the other crap they had on I would never watch Fringe or Community.

[Rizon]

Yes, it is. For whatever reason there are people that enjoy the "creature feature" type movies, I don't but if I hated a network just because of the other crap they had on I would never watch Fringe or Community.

True, true. I'm looking through a list of their past shows now. Def some I use to watch all the time. Looks like something happened 6-7 years ago to that network where they just infused a ton of cheese and corn into everything. Stuff like Ghost Hunters, Piraniconda and Arachnaquake makes me not take the network seriously. But I still watch Being Human and Alphas.

[Rizon]

Whatever happened to Andromeda, Farscape, MST, Outer Limits, Sliders, Stargate, stuff like that?

[DanGarion]

True, true. I'm looking through a list of their past shows now. Def some I use to watch all the time. Looks like something happened 6-7 years ago to that network where they just infused a ton of cheese and corn into everything. Stuff like Ghost Hunters, Piraniconda and Arachnaquake makes me not take the network seriously. But I still watch Being Human and Alphas.

Agreed, if you want someone insight on the network check out this Ask me Anything on Reddit one of their higher ups did last year, interesting reading.

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/chpqi/iama_senior_executive_at_the_syfy_channel/

It talks about some of the shows you just mentioned.

[Rizon]

Agreed, if you want someone insight on the network check out this Ask me Anything on Reddit one of their higher ups did last year, interesting reading.

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/chpqi/iama_senior_executive_at_the_syfy_channel/

It talks about some of the shows you just mentioned.

Great read, thanks. Pretty much sums it up: SyFy is just not a channel aimed towards viewers like me, therefore I don't really watch it. So when something advertises it's on Siffy, I'm guaranteed not to make any effort to DVR it. I only caught Alphas and Being Human because my wife watched them.

[Chief Rum]

True, true. I'm looking through a list of their past shows now. Def some I use to watch all the time. Looks like something happened 6-7 years ago to that network where they just infused a ton of cheese and corn into everything. Stuff like Ghost Hunters, Piraniconda and Arachnaquake makes me not take the network seriously. But I still watch Being Human and Alphas.

Ghost Hunters, while it gets repetitive if you keep watching, is pretty interesting, IMO. I wouldn't lump it in with the creature flicks or disaster flicks they do.

[Rizon]

Ghost Hunters, while it gets repetitive if you keep watching, is pretty interesting, IMO. I wouldn't lump it in with the creature flicks or disaster flicks they do.

I don't even remotely believe in ghosts or the supernatural, so it's one of those shows that grate my nerves. Badly.

[DanGarion]

I don't even remotely believe in ghosts or the supernatural, so it's one of those shows that grate my nerves. Badly.

Same here, although I do think those things can exist the show just grates my nerves because it's so fake.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Whatever happened to Andromeda, Farscape, MST, Outer Limits, Sliders, Stargate, stuff like that?

Mediocre ratings mostly.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Stuff like Ghost Hunters, Piraniconda and Arachnaquake makes me not take the network seriously.

I'm pretty sure that their movies aren't supposed to be taken seriously. Same could be said for most of television actually, now that I think about it.

[DaddyTorgo]

"Last Resort" looks awesome. Count me the hell in.

I'll take "Revolution" too although I'm sure it won't survive. Seems like a takeoff of the S.M. Stirling "Emberverse" / Dies the Fire universe, which I love.

[stevew]

I heard today that both Dane Cook and Matthew Perry are playing talk radio hosts. NBC must be fracking the Fraiser well.

[Solecismic]

Revolution sounds quite tempting. But it's NBC, which gives high-concept stuff exactly three weeks to build an audience before pulling the rug out. So I'll be disciplined this fall and wait until it's on the 2013-14 schedule before taking a look. I liked Studio 60 and Journeyman, and I thought even the Playboy Club had some promise.

The only new network shows I'm thinking of giving a chance when the season starts are Last Resort (ABC) and Vegas (CBS).

[GrantDawg]

Revolution sounds quite tempting. But it's NBC, which gives high-concept stuff exactly three weeks to build an audience before pulling the rug out. So I'll be disciplined this fall and wait until it's on the 2013-14 schedule before taking a look. I liked Studio 60 and Journeyman, and I thought even the Playboy Club had some promise.

The only new network shows I'm thinking of giving a chance when the season starts are Last Resort (ABC) and Vegas (CBS).


Those both look good, and I'd add "Elementary" and "Chicago Fire" (dad was a fireman, so I'm a sucker for fire-fight shows).

[Passacaglia]

There's "Surprise with Jenny McCarthy"

I'd say the surprise is probably Hepatitis, but then again, that wouldn't really be a surprise.

[stevew]

The surprise is that she gives babies whooping cough and measles because who the fuck needs vaccines anyways.

[PackerFanatic]

I also thought Perry was good in Mr. Sunshine.

Agreed. It was the rest of the cast (aside from Alison Janney) that sucked.

[DaddyTorgo]

Revolution sounds quite tempting. But it's NBC, which gives high-concept stuff exactly three weeks to build an audience before pulling the rug out. So I'll be disciplined this fall and wait until it's on the 2013-14 schedule before

Yeah :(

[JonInMiddleGA]

and I thought even the Playboy Club had some promise

The only promise it displayed was to sink like a stone even amidst the low tide that is NBC.

Playboy Club's cancellation comes after the drama premiered Sept. 20 to underwhelming ratings, attracting 5 million viewers and a 1.6 rating in the advertiser-coveted adults 18-49 demographic. The second episode of the series from showrunner Chad Hodge and 20th Century Fox Television, tumbled 19 percent, luring only 3.8 million viewers and a 1.3 in the demo. Its most recent episode dropped even more, attracting 3.2 million viewers and a 1.2.

It was en route to CW numbers territory.

[Solecismic]

The only promise it displayed was to sink like a stone even amidst the low tide that is NBC.

It was en route to CW numbers territory.

Yes, I understand you have a great knowledge of the numbers. NBC's decision was not controversial nor surprising.

I thought it had promise in terms of a compelling storyline once the characters were well introduced and we had a better grasp of motivations.

Maybe most viewers who would like something like this already knew NBC couldn't sustain it, were smarter than I, and knew not to invest themselves. NBC's reputation for quickly canceling shows may be hurting its numbers.

On the other hand, maybe no network could have made this work. I thought it could be more interesting than Pan Am, which had better production, but seemed too soapy. And Pan Am failed fairly quickly, too.

At any rate, given the ease of finding DVDs, or even waiting until syndication, I don't want to invest in a show that is likely to die quickly. Which is why I think it's best to stay away from freshman NBC shows for the time being.

I just need a little more than a couple of CBS procedurals and waiting for new seasons on AMC and HBO.

[Easy Mac]

Does NBC have a quick hook though? Here's a list of non-reality shows they canceled this year. I've starred shows that didn't finish out a full season/order:

*Free Agents (universally panned)
*The Playboy Club (universally panned)
Prime Suspect (mostly indifferent reviews)
The Firm (universally panned)
*Best Friends Forever (critics were mild)
Bent (burned off in 3 nights)
Are You There Chelsea (universally panned)
Awake (critics liked the concept, but seem mild on their reviews)

So of the 8 canceled shows, only 3 were pulled off prematurely, and one of those only had a 6 episode run scheduled anyway (BFF). Whitney, Grimm, Up All Night, and Smash survived the first season.

Last season, the shows were:
Undercovers (mild critical response)
*Outlaw (universally panned, canceled after 4 episodes, but remaining 4 aired on Saturday)
*Chase (universally panned, canceled after 13 episodes, but remaining 5 aired on Saturday)
*The Cape (critics liked the concept, mild reviews, canceled after 9 episodes, remaining episode aired online)
*Perfect Couples (universally panned, canceled after 11 episodes, remaining 2 unaired)
The Event (mild critical response)
Law & Order: LA (mild critical response)
Outsourced (the original critics Whitney)
Love Bites (aired over the summer)
The Paul Riser Show (even God hated this show)

Only Harry's Law survived that season. Technically, 4 shows were canceled prematurely, but only 1 of those aired less than 9 episodes.

If anything, NBC should probably have a reputation of airing critical successes far longer than any other network would have (P&R, Chuck, Community, FNL) and a reputation of putting a lot of dreck on that would have been canceled sooner on other networks.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I thought it had promise in terms of a compelling storyline once the characters were well introduced and we had a better grasp of motivations.

At some point it becomes the tree falling in the empty forest. There simply weren't enough people who gave a shit for it to matter.

Maybe most viewers who would like something like this already knew NBC couldn't sustain it, were smarter than I, and knew not to invest themselves. NBC's reputation for quickly canceling shows may be hurting its numbers.

I think you're giving most viewers - regardless of their taste - far too much credit.

On the other hand, maybe no network could have made this work.

I really think that's the case here. It seems like pretty tough subject matter to avoid falling into cliches with since, well, in order for characters to be realistic they would also have to have been pretty cliched since the real thing was pretty cliched itself. (Hopefully I phrased that in a way that made sense). Pan Am is a good example of a show/subject that would have had the same problem.

[Lathum]

Modern Family very rarely strays from pure comedy, but this past episode was amazingly poignant and well done. Gave me chills.

[EagleFan]

NBC? Is that network still on the air? Other than hockey that is.

Actually, I think of the major networks the only shows that I watch are all on CBS.
Person of Interest
Criminal Minds
The Big Bang Theory
How I Met Your Mother (though I think I am going through the motions with this one lately)
Survivor
The Amazing Race

[Crapshoot]

NBC? Is that network still on the air? Other than hockey that is.

Actually, I think of the major networks the only shows that I watch are all on CBS.
Person of Interest
Criminal Minds
The Big Bang Theory
How I Met Your Mother (though I think I am going through the motions with this one lately)
Survivor
The Amazing Race

My god, this is depressing. Other than HIMYM, that's just wow. Community, 30 Rock and their ratings vis a vis CBS prove PT Barnum right.

[Lathum]

My god, this is depressing. Other than HIMYM, that's just wow. Community, 30 Rock and their ratings vis a vis CBS prove PT Barnum right.

That is a little rough, people like what they like. Don't make 30 rock out to be Masterpiece Theater.

[JonInMiddleGA]

My god, this is depressing. Other than HIMYM, that's just wow. Community, 30 Rock and their ratings vis a vis CBS prove PT Barnum right.

Your hipster is showing.

[ISiddiqui]

That is a little rough, people like what they like. Don't make 30 rock out to be Masterpiece Theater.

Well, 30 Rock is better than most Masterpiece Theater :D.

[EagleFan]

My god, this is depressing. Other than HIMYM, that's just wow. Community, 30 Rock and their ratings vis a vis CBS prove PT Barnum right.

:rolleyes:

Pretty much expected from the pos cs.

[OldGiants]

Matthew Perry is getting another chance to suck?

I suppose I'll continue to be disappointed that no network honcho has the creative balls to pair him with Norm MacDonald in a 21st century re-make of Mr. Ed.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Your hipster is showing.

Nah. His taste is showing. I am pretty sure I'm nothing close to being a hipster and I agree wholeheartedly.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Nah. His taste is showing. I am pretty sure I'm nothing close to being a hipster and I agree wholeheartedly.

There's a fairly wide swath of the population that would disagree with him (you) about those shows. Far too self-important, far too much too-cool-for-school attitude from both for me (and most of the population) to find them entertaining, luckily their profile is low enough that they don't really reach the level of annoying either.

[Honolulu_Blue]

There's a fairly wide swath of the population that would disagree with him (you) about those shows.

I'm perfectly fine with that. I am very used to there being a fairly wide swath of the population that disagrees with me. Heck, I'm an American hockey fan. :)

It's cool when the things I like happen to fall into the mainstream, but I certainly don't sweat it when they don't.

[Lathum]

Nah. His taste is showing. I am pretty sure I'm nothing close to being a hipster and I agree wholeheartedly.

His taste wasn't the problem, it was the way he came of a s a total douche by being critical of anyone who has different tastes then he does.

[Crapshoot]

Your hipster is showing.

I'm ok with it. If you saw a picture of me, I'm way too big to ever fit into skinny jeans. :D

[Crapshoot]

That is a little rough, people like what they like. Don't make 30 rock out to be Masterpiece Theater.

Its not - at all. But I don't think its a crime to suggest that popularity != quality. Two and a Half Men has been the top rated comedy in the US for what, 5 years (JIMGA would know)? That doesn't change the fact that its not really "good", per se; We don't suggest Twilight constitutes better writing than Kundera, for example; why should we hold TV to a different standard?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Its not - at all. But I don't think its a crime to suggest that popularity != quality. Two and a Half Men has been the top rated comedy in the US for what, 5 years (JIMGA would know)? That doesn't change the fact that its not really "good", per se; We don't suggest Twilight constitutes better writing than Kundera, for example; why should we hold TV to a different standard?

Let me first stipulate that I think 2.5 is one of the dumber shows to hit television in a good long while.

That said though, what's "good television"? What I mean by that is that "good" might be fairly described "achieving it's goals". By definition "satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree" ... and I think it probably reaches that standard.

Television, whether we like it or not, really isn't meant to be rocket science. By & large the more low brow it is, the more people watch it. But I don't know if I mean that in a (negatively) critical way ... because the primary object, beyond simply getting the most viewers possible, is to entertain.

Whether all FOFC'ers like me or not, I think most would give me credit for at least being smarter/brighter/more intelligent than the average bear ... but it's extremely rare that I turn to television for anything that resembles thought provoking. It's mostly background noise, it's occasionally entertainment, can't say that I ever turn it on thinking "show me how smart you are".

Back to the bit about "good" for a second. To stretch the analogy I'm trying to make it's kind of like writing a brilliant treatise on global macroeconomics. If that's going into a textbook, it's "good" ... if it's going into a comic book, almost certainly not so good. And television, for better or worse, is a helluva lot closer to a comic book than a text book ... because that's really the purpose it's intended to serve as well as the purpose that people want it to serve.

[Matthean]

I might be wrong in this, but I thought CBS's demographic was towards an older audience. Since that audience is far more likely to watch TV when it comes on, that's why it succeeds in the ratings. I'm on the older side of the younger generation and I haven't sat down and watched a show when it came on since when Heroes was good. These days, if a TV show isn't on some sort of online streaming, it doesn't exist to me.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I might be wrong in this, but I thought CBS's demographic was towards an older audience.

That's kinda right, but it's kinda wrong too.

The key to CBS' success (in total viewers) is that they've been able to come up with shows that appeal across a lot of different demos. While they usually dominate in Total Audience, they're also competitive in A18-49. Fox, who is usually right there for A18-49 has trouble outside the young end of the demos. ABC frequently ends up 2nd in Total -- thanks to programs like DWTS but has trouble outside of the upper ends (these days).

While CBS' reputation is with graying viewers, a lot of their shows do fine with folks who still have both all their teeth and their natural hair color ;)

[RainMaker]

The only show that has me interested is Revolution. But I'm skeptical how it'll come across on NBC and whether it'll get the time to build an audience.

I guess one thing I'm realizing is that I just haven't been that into network shows lately. They all seem to have to cater to a broader audience and thus never really catch me.

[stevew]

Actually liked Unforgettable, so I'm disappointed that's cancelled. One of the the few shows I record.



I didn't read it until today, but a few weeks ago CBS announced that Unforgettable would return for 13 episodes next summer. I'm guessing it's a hedge vs other shows bombing. Hopefully most of the cast gets killed off. Would be glorious if there was a huge gunfight to open the season.

I'd prefer if they fired her from the police force and she became some sort of ATeam/Burn Notice problem fixer.

[rjolley]

I didn't read it until today, but a few weeks ago CBS announced that Unforgettable would return for 13 episodes next summer. I'm guessing it's a hedge vs other shows bombing. Hopefully most of the cast gets killed off. Would be glorious if there was a huge gunfight to open the season.

I'd prefer if they fired her from the police force and she became some sort of ATeam/Burn Notice problem fixer.

Thanks. Now I have to go back and actually watch the shows I have recorded.

[Thomkal]

A very late heads up but the new seasons of Warehouse 13 and Alphas start tonight on Syfy at 9 pm EST.

[DanGarion]

A very late heads up but the new seasons of Warehouse 13 and Alphas start tonight on Syfy at 9 pm EST.

YAY!

[stevew]

I'm bored and was checking out the new Michael J. Fox to NBC in 2013 announcement.


Michael J. Fox Will Return To NBC With New Sitcom In 2013 (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/20/michael-j-fox-nbc-sitcom_n_1813818.html?utm_hp_ref=celebrity&ir=Celebrity&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009#slide=958955)

Their fall schedule impressions(I watched a slide show, not actual footage)
1600 Penn-Looks like shit. Nobody gives a fuck about the underpinning of the white house, especially in a comedy. This shit makes Cory in the House look like Citizen fucking Kane

Animal Practice-Maybe decent? Probably will give it a chance

Go On-Requisite all encompassing multi-racial cast. Matthew Perry. Radio DJ. This show looks like a pile of fuck.


Revolution-Will give it a look. Interesting idea, although the sword fighting shit will get old fast if it's lame

New Normal- This show will probably suck, but the one cast member was really good on Girls. A comedian I like(Moshe Kasher) is writing on it. I'll give it a 2-3 episode shot. I wonder if NBC will give it that long.

Save Me-More like Spare Me.

Chicago Fire-I'll think about watching it once it gets about 75 episodes in the can. Reminds me of some other earnest show that used to be on NBC. Maybe First Watch was what that was called?

Do No Harm- The promo is"Steven Pasquale as Dr. Jeffery Kohl/Ian Price". Hmmm, and he's shooting heroin up? Maybe I'll check this one out as I love the dual identity shit.

Infamous-Meagan Good is so hot. This looks like the one show that's on ABC with the other really hot black chick, and I think that it has a similar "damage control" type main character. Will monitor, but probably won't watch. And it has the dad from Alias.

Next Caller-WTF, one DJ show isn't enough? I'm not sure who Dane Cook's fanbase is, but this looks like it could be Frasier for the protein shake bro bro audience. I certainly won't watch.

Guys With Kids-Anthony Anderson with a fucking baby. I saw a promo trailer for this one, and it absolutely looks like a pile of fuck. There's no way in hell I would watch this, even if it's so bad it must be enjoyed in an ironic way. If this shit got picked up, how fucking miserable must the rest of their pilots be. I mean, they passed up a Sarah Silverman pilot they bid a fuckload on, just to put Anthony Anderson back on TV again. Nothing against him in some roles, as he's been pretty good before(K-Ville was solid, as was his performance in Hustle & Flow)

[PackerFanatic]

The Office will be ending after this season. At least two seasons too late, IMO - but Greg Daniels is back for the final season, so hopefully he can help them go out with a bang.

[CrimsonFox]

I caught the Matthew Perry thing last night. It was definitely quirky. I like a couple of the supporters. No laugh track (cause "all the cool shows have no laugh track nowadays"). I think it has a chance. Especially if it starts throwing other stars into the mix or gets a wellknown regular.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I know that NBC was banking on the Olympics as a vehicle to promote its new shows, but all of the ads for them were horrible. Even a high-conept idea like "Revolution", one that should really appeal to me given my love for post-apocalyptic settings, looked pretty terrible.

"30 Rock" and "Parks & Rec" look to remain the only NBC shows I watch (I finally dumped "The Office" last year).

Still, plenty to look forward to. I mainly excited about the return of "American Horror Story" and "The Walking Dead".

[CrimsonFox]

Yeah Revolution looks tgo be another "Heroes" attempt. Really forced too. I still don't see why so many people think 30 Rock is Masterpiece theare (good one Lathum)

I've tried and tried and just don't like it. I think it's because I dislike a lot of the supporting players like Morgan and Friedlander.

[PackerFanatic]

I caught the Matthew Perry thing last night. It was definitely quirky. I like a couple of the supporters. No laugh track (cause "all the cool shows have no laugh track nowadays"). I think it has a chance. Especially if it starts throwing other stars into the mix or gets a wellknown regular.

I hope so...I really like Matthew Perry and I enjoyed Mr. Sunshine, but most of the supporting cast was terrible and didn't give that show much of a chance. It looks like this one has a shot, but we will see. NBC can use another hit...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yeah Revolution looks tgo be another "Heroes" attempt. Really forced too. I still don't see why so many people think 30 Rock is Masterpiece theare (good one Lathum)

I've tried and tried and just don't like it. I think it's because I dislike a lot of the supporting players like Morgan and Friedlander.

The first season of Heroes was fantastic. The rest... Horrible.

I like "30 Rock", but I am not sure I'd ever call it "Masterpiece theare". It's usually good for a handful of great lines/moments an episode that are really genius, but rarely is it strong from beginning to end. There are a few episodes that are great, but overall I watch it for those good moments. In sum: It's a lot better than most 1/2 hour comedies out there.

I don't think I watched the last half dozen or so episodes last year. I had to record the entire Season 4 of "Breaking Bad" on my DVR. AMC was airing them late at night, back to back, for a week or so. I had to make room.

[PackerFanatic]

I miss season 1 of Heroes. I wish it wouldn't have fallen so far off - that season was amazing.

[sterlingice]

Agreed- the first seasons of Heroes was excellent. But I just don't think Kring knew where to go from there and it was hard to tell if he was bastardizing major plots from the X-Men or just stumbling around in the dark with no clue.

SI

[DaddyTorgo]

If Revolution would have just cribbed 95% from S.M. Stirling's "Emberverse" universe I think it would have been frigging amazing. As-is it seems heavily inspired by it (which makes sense, Sony was expressing interest in a series back in 2009 - wonder if this is the result of that), but I can't get down with this "OMG THE MAIN CHARACTER'S FATHER IS THE ONE PERSON WHO KNOWS HOW TO GET POWER BACK" lameplot. (and yes...i fully recognize the lameplotness of the Emberverse series with Rudi having a magical sword and being "the chosen one" basically. I just choose to ignore the lameness of that in favor of the rest of the awesomeness. And with word that there's another trilogy coming after the one that's due to conclude next year that will be set further in the future I'm somewhat convinced that Rudi isn't going to reverse-the-Change).

[panerd]

I know that NBC was banking on the Olympics as a vehicle to promote its new shows, but all of the ads for them were horrible. Even a high-conept idea like "Revolution", one that should really appeal to me given my love for post-apocalyptic settings, looked pretty terrible.

"30 Rock" and "Parks & Rec" look to remain the only NBC shows I watch (I finally dumped "The Office" last year).

Still, plenty to look forward to. I mainly excited about the return of "American Horror Story" and "The Walking Dead".

I wish I could dump the office. It is horrible now. The problem is that my wife still watches it and I will walk by and see Jim or Dwight and remember how fantastic the show used to be, sit down and watch, and then 20 minutes later bang my head against the wall. Maybe I can get her to quit watching somehow?

[DaddyTorgo]

I found the following handy calendar just now for anyone who doesn't already have one lined up. Premieres of new and returning shows.

http://www.tvguide.com/special/fall-preview/calendar.aspx (http://www.tvguide.com/special/fall-preview/calendar.aspx)

[MrBug708]

Is there any must watch TV shows?

[DaddyTorgo]

"Revolution" kicks off tonight on NBC.

[Lathum]

"Revolution" kicks off tonight on NBC.

looking forward to this. I hope the network gives it time to develop

[DaddyTorgo]

looking forward to this. I hope the network gives it time to develop

Me too. I'm sure they won't, or they'll find some way to stupid it up, but I'm looking forward to really the "little moments" I'm hoping we'll get in it of how people have adapted and survived.

[Easy Mac]

Watched the first episode on demand on Saturday. It was not good. There was so many more interesting ways they could have gone about making the show. The way they chose was not good. It was like a slightly higher budget Syfy miniseries.

[Passacaglia]

* Guys with Kids: "Can new dads stay cool dudes? This new comedy is going to find out. Totally Dadass!"


Dadass? Seriously?

[Easy Mac]

The first episode of Go On that I watched was meh. There might be something there, but it was just boring.

Guys with Kids was horrible. The overactive laugh track was just distracting, especially when there were no jokes.

[kingfc22]

Watched the first episode on demand on Saturday. It was not good. There was so many more interesting ways they could have gone about making the show. The way they chose was not good. It was like a slightly higher budget Syfy miniseries.

Damn. Not that I'm surprised that this is how the show turned out.

[Thomkal]

In addition to Revolution, I'm intrigued by Last Resort on ABC-about a crew on a nuclear submarine defying orders to fire nuclear missiles and then have to seek sanctuary at a NATO base.

[stevew]

In addition to Revolution, I'm intrigued by Last Resort on ABC-about a crew on a nuclear submarine defying orders to fire nuclear missiles and then have to seek sanctuary at a NATO base.

Those 2, Nashville and the Mindy Project. I checked out "The New Normal" and if it gets time, it could be a pretty good show.

[DaddyTorgo]

Watched the first episode on demand on Saturday. It was not good. There was so many more interesting ways they could have gone about making the show. The way they chose was not good. It was like a slightly higher budget Syfy miniseries.

Damn. :( Hopefully it gets better.

[Easy Mac]

Mild spoilers for Revolution, but its set 15 years in the future and seems to have an occasional flashback to basically set up who people are.

I'd prefer if they did it the other way, if that's even possible. We'd get to follow the people becoming who they are and maybe show a few flashforwards to who these people have become. I guess this way, they don't have to worry about utilizing kid actors, but the minimal flashbacks they showed had far more depth and characterization to them than anything that occurred in the present in the show.

Dollhouse did this greatly at the end of its first season, flashing forward a couple of years and showing us how the world became. The second (last) season caught up with a couple of episodes left. A show set 15 years in the future obviously makes it more difficult, but I think that would have made for a more interesting show.

[DaddyTorgo]

I'd prefer if they did it the other way, if that's even possible. We'd get to follow the people becoming who they are and maybe show a few flashforwards to who these people have become. I guess this way, they don't have to worry about utilizing kid actors, .

A show set 15 years in the future obviously makes it more difficult, but I think that would have made for a more interesting show.

100% agree

[sterlingice]

Mild spoilers for Revolution, but its set 15 years in the future and seems to have an occasional flashback to basically set up who people are.

I'd prefer if they did it the other way, if that's even possible. We'd get to follow the people becoming who they are and maybe show a few flashforwards to who these people have become. I guess this way, they don't have to worry about utilizing kid actors, but the minimal flashbacks they showed had far more depth and characterization to them than anything that occurred in the present in the show.

Dollhouse did this greatly at the end of its first season, flashing forward a couple of years and showing us how the world became. The second (last) season caught up with a couple of episodes left. A show set 15 years in the future obviously makes it more difficult, but I think that would have made for a more interesting show.

It seems like The Lost model is the way people will be doing things for a while now: show the plot and then flashback to the backstory. Once Upon a Time does this, too

SI

[Honolulu_Blue]

It seems like The Lost model is the way people will be doing things for a while now: show the plot and then flashback to the backstory. Once Upon a Time does this, too

SI

I know "Lost" took a lot of flak from a lot of folks, especially during the later seasons, but given all of the completely unremarkable and utterly forgetable "Lost" clones that have and come since then, it really makes what "Lost" managed to pull off - more often than not - pretty damned impressive.

[sterlingice]

Yeah, that was not a criticism of Lost, by any means.

SI

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yeah, that was not a criticism of Lost, by any means.

SI

I didn't take it as such. Just an observation on "Lost" and all the multitudes of "Lost" clones over the years.

[Easy Mac]

If it wasn't for the horrible acting of Joseph Fiennes and Jack Davenport and the horrible storytelling (but good plot idea), FlashForward could have been a very good show. It needed more John Cho and the Famous Jett Jackson. I thought the outline of the show was very good, but the execution was just horrible. It just spent too much time telling side stories that didn't really go anywhere (that Japanese love triangle, what was the point?).

[BrianD]

The first episode of Go On that I watched was meh. There might be something there, but it was just boring.

I thought the preview episode during the Olympics was quite good, but the second episode wasn't as good. The show definitely has potential as they have enough different characters in the group to develop some of them into interesting personalities. I just worry that the every episode will be about Perry's character screwing things up while trying to help and then learning from the real group leader while she fixes his mistakes. That will get old quickly.

Guys with Kids was horrible. The overactive laugh track was just distracting, especially when there were no jokes.

"Filmed in front of a live studio audience". Possibly true, but the laughter did not come from the audience. The show was worth a smile or chuckle once or twice, but no actual laughter. Uninspiring characters and no great actors to drive the show. Cliches abound.

[Swaggs]

In addition to Revolution, I'm intrigued by Last Resort on ABC-about a crew on a nuclear submarine defying orders to fire nuclear missiles and then have to seek sanctuary at a NATO base.

These two plus 666 Park Avenue look good to me.

[DaddyTorgo]

These two plus 666 Park Avenue look good to me.

666 Park Avenue looks like good campy, guilty-pleasure fun.

[stevew]

The thing that annoys me is that you'll see ads for these new shows, but there is no way to one touch record the show. At least not with a Directv DVR anyways. Like I wanted to record Last Resort, but it was more than 10 or so days out and I couldn't find it with my DVR. Frustrating.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The thing that annoys me is that you'll see ads for these new shows, but there is no way to one touch record the show. At least not with a Directv DVR anyways. Like I wanted to record Last Resort, but it was more than 10 or so days out and I couldn't find it with my DVR. Frustrating.

#firstworldproblems

[stevew]

The thing that annoys me is that after a 12 hour shift painstakingly making Ipads by hand, when I get home to my one room apartment I will see ads for these new shows. If I had a TV, I mean. There is no way to one touch record the show, at least that's what my uncle who makes the DVR's told me before he died of copper poisoning. I wanted to record the show Last Resort, of course it was blocked by my government, but it was more than 10 or so days out anyways. I'm sure a DVR doesn't work like that.

#3rdworldproblems

[DaddyTorgo]

Not digging this bullshit about the one guy who knew about it and apparently has something on a flash drive (although without power how's that going to help? A shielded computer somewhere I guess?)

And magically guns still work?

Meh. Lame.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Not digging this bullshit about the one guy who knew about it and apparently has something on a flash drive (although without power how's that going to help? A shielded computer somewhere I guess?)

And magically guns still work?

Meh. Lame.

Why wouldn't guns work? They aren't powered by electricity.

[DaddyTorgo]

Why wouldn't guns work? They aren't powered by electricity.

Well yes, they "would" still work if it's just electricity that died, but I was hoping for a future with even less technology. I guess I shouldn't have said "magically" but just "oh but guns work? Meh."

Just think it leads to the easy cop-out of "the bad guys have guns so they're stronger and more dangerous" which promotes shallow characterization instead of deeper characters.

[Lathum]

can we be careful of spoiler in here. k.thx

[stevew]

Walt White is Heisenberg

[saldana]

i would like the producers and writers of "the new normal" to be summarily shot...what a stupid show...i didnt intend on watching it, but had that channel on from The Voice and the remote was across the room...cannot be cancelled soon enough.

[CleBrownsfan]

i would like the producers and writers of "the new normal" to be summarily shot...what a stupid show...i didnt intend on watching it, but had that channel on from The Voice and the remote was across the room...cannot be cancelled soon enough.

So you liked it?? ;)

[Scarecrow]

Is it just me, or...

Go On = Community
The New Normal = Modern Family

(not talking quality, just the preface)

[DanGarion]

Is it just me, or...

Go On = Community


I said this to my wife while watching the second episode.

[PackerFanatic]

Enjoying Go On so far. I think the ensemble is better than Mr. Sunshine was (even though I enjoyed that show as well). Not sure how it is doing ratings-wise, but I hope it lasts.

[PackerFanatic]

And I found this amusing...so I have been in the boat of "The Office should have been done 2 years ago" for a while. While I have watched every episode and would always stick with it, I just knew that they have tried to drag it on too long. So when I heard earlier this year that this would be the last season, I was somewhat happy and not all surprised - until I actually saw the first preview that said "The Office's Farewell Season". Then I got super bummed! Even though it's gone on past its prime, it was a great show - hope this season can give it a good send-off.

[Easy Mac]

Go On had 9.3 million viewers, 3.3 million 18-49. A godsend for NBC, although no episodes of new shows have been going against it. Unless it bombs once the real shows come on, I'd be shocked if it doesn't at least last the season. It can drop maybe 20% and still get renewed for next year.

[kcchief19]

Is it just me, or...

Go On = Community
The New Normal = Modern Family

(not talking quality, just the preface)
The New Normal is definitely an attempt at a Modern Family clone. I'm not sure that Community is the model for Go On -- hard to justify making a clone of a low-rated (but awesome) show that the network seems to have little faith in. But there are definite similarities.

I'm trying to like Go On because I root for Matt Perry. But I'm having a hard time getting past the horrible premise and the excruciating writing. This isn't Perry's best work either.

Maybe it'll grow on me. I hated Friends at first too, although that was mostly due to the damn monkey.

[BrianD]

I'm trying to like Go On because I root for Matt Perry. But I'm having a hard time getting past the horrible premise and the excruciating writing. This isn't Perry's best work either.


What don't you like about the premise of Go On?

The most jarring thing for me is the caricatures in the group. The crazy cat lady, the inappropriate-touching guy, etc. Most TV shows make their characters very one-dimensional for the first 5 episodes and then allow them to expand. If they expand decently, the show should be OK.

I think of both Community and Parks and Rec in terms of this expansion. Community was decent and then got really good. Parks and Rec was awful early and then got really good. We'll see what this show does.

[Easy Mac]

Last Resort is streaming on Hulu, ABC, and available on iTunes.

I thought it was the best premier I've seen since Lost.

[kcchief19]

What don't you like about the premise of Go On?
Guy goes into therapy after his wife dies in a car accident caused by texting. That's a horrible premise for a comedy. If this show were done like a SportsNight where there was drama and comedy, it could work. You can also pull off slapstick humor and death for half an hour. But you can't do it for half an hour every single week. It's just too odd.

The most jarring thing for me is the caricatures in the group. The crazy cat lady, the inappropriate-touching guy, etc. Most TV shows make their characters very one-dimensional for the first 5 episodes and then allow them to expand. If they expand decently, the show should be OK.
Couldn't agree more. The group characters are by and large horribly created. I'm just waiting for the protests to start about this show making fun of the mentally ill.

For NBC, the numbers it's putting up are great. But once the other networks come back, I have a feeling it will be getting beat by New Girl by Thanksgiving.

[kcchief19]

In other news, Animal Practice "debuts" this week and I'm hoping this thing tanks and is cancelled quickly. I'm not sure I have ever seen previews for a show that annoy me as much as this. It just looks god awful.

[stevew]

KC-
I gather you missed "Guys with Kids?"

[Mota]

Office was pretty bad this week. I'm watching just because I've watched every episode and I know there is an end in sight. Last year had some bright moments but floundered most of the season, and this first episode felt like it was written by a bunch of people who were bored with their jobs and just trying to cash for a bit longer.

[EagleFan]

Watched the first episode of Go On after the olympics one night. Have no desire to watch another episode.

Looking forward to Person of Interest to see what direction it takes this season. Also the usual mix of Big Bang Theory, Criminal Minds and How I Met Your Mother (only because I have watched it this long but it needs to be better than last season).

Then it seems I have a diet of reality TV with Survivor, Amazing Race, Ultimate Fighter and Being Liverpool.

[BishopMVP]

I'm trying to like Go On because I root for Matt Perry. But I'm having a hard time getting past the horrible premise and the excruciating writing. This isn't Perry's best work either.

Maybe it'll grow on me. I hated Friends at first too, although that was mostly due to the damn monkey.What don't you like about the premise of Go On?

The most jarring thing for me is the caricatures in the group. The crazy cat lady, the inappropriate-touching guy, etc. Most TV shows make their characters very one-dimensional for the first 5 episodes and then allow them to expand. If they expand decently, the show should be OK.

I think of both Community and Parks and Rec in terms of this expansion. Community was decent and then got really good. Parks and Rec was awful early and then got really good. We'll see what this show does.That's about where I am - I like it enough as a flawed show right now, and as a comedy I'm willing to give it a longer leash than a drama. Everyone in the therapy group (with the possible exception of the blind black guy and the therapist) is a Modern Family-esque caricature, but the two work acquaintances (Harold and the girl from Terra Nova) have actually been well written and acted so far, so I'm willing to go along with it and see if they can fix the rest of the show by season 2, a la P&R.Last Resort is streaming on Hulu, ABC, and available on iTunes.

I thought it was the best premier I've seen since Lost.It was good. I'm surprised no one has mentioned that it is written by Shawn Ryan (The Shield/Terriers). Not entirely sure where it will go long term, but I assume it will hold up on the journey there.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

so they're finally making a fargo tv show. i know the coens had been shopping it for years but... idk. i'd feel better if it was on a cable network. i guess i'm cautiously optimistic.

thing about fargo is it was crazy shit happens somewhere crazy shit never happens. i'm curious as to what direction they'll take it.

[sterlingice]

Like Northern Exposure but with crazy killings?

SI

[stevew]

I wonder if the NAACP will protest an all white cast

[kcchief19]

KC-
I gather you missed "Guys with Kids?"
I haven't checked it out yet. I feel like I should watch at least the pilots of these shows I hate on spec just so my criticism doesn't seem so superficial.

Are those guys able to still stay cool dudes? It is totally dadass?

[BrianD]

The Mindy Project and Ben and Kate.

Anyone else watch either of these? Did you find them as awful as I did?

[larrymcg421]

The Mindy Project and Ben and Kate.

Anyone else watch either of these? Did you find them as awful as I did?

I didn't watch them yet, but will tonight probably. They both had underwhelming premiere #'s, although part of that is New Girl being down from last year. Mindy did hold a good % and was 2nd in it's timeslot.

[rowech]

The Mindy Project and Ben and Kate.

Anyone else watch either of these? Did you find them as awful as I did?

I didn't watch The Mindy Project because it seemed stupid from the start. Ben and Kate I decided was stupid prior to the first commercial break. How do shows like this even make it to air?

[stevew]

I really like Mindy Kaling and from what I've heard it gets better in the shows after the pilot. I haven't had time to check it out yet.

[BrianD]

I didn't watch The Mindy Project because it seemed stupid from the start. Ben and Kate I decided was stupid prior to the first commercial break. How do shows like this even make it to air?

I'll probably give both another try to see if they get better, but I was ready to turn both shows off by the commercial break. The Mindy Project didn't get any better. Ben and Kate got slightly better, but not nearly enough. The Ben character is completely annoying, and Kate is only slightly better. They have to hope the 5-year old can carry the show.

I did catch the latest episode of Go On. I'm still liking this one. Less screen-time for the goofy side characters, but just enough to keep things fun. I like that the show has a bit of a serious side to add heart, but still plenty of comedy. Then again, I like comedy best when it can play opposite serious.

[kingfc22]

The Mindy Project and Ben and Kate.

Anyone else watch either of these? Did you find them as awful as I did?

I thought the Mindy Project was awful, but found Ben and Kate semi amusing. I'd probably give that one another chance next week.

[gstelmack]

Enjoyed Elementary last night. We'll see if it keeps up, but pretty decent start.

[stevew]

The New Girl premiere episode was pretty great. I love that show.

[Easy Mac]

Looks like Last Resort is on the fast train to cancelville, based on its ratings.

[stevew]

Cancellation Bear (TheCancelBear) on Twitter (https://twitter.com/TheCancelBear)

Last resort is pretty much toast. It barely beat Charlie's Angels from last year.

[Radii]

The New Girl premiere episode was pretty great.

+1, I'm glad I stuck with it after a bit of a slow start last year.

[BrianD]

Looks like Last Resort is on the fast train to cancelville, based on its ratings.

How is this possible? I thought the show was quite good.

[Easy Mac]

Because America was too busy watching 2.5 men and the big bang theory.

[Easy Mac]

Also, America is stupid.

[chadritt]

Ratings and quality dont have a TON to do with each other, particularly for premieres.

[Easy Mac]

It was like 2 years ago when every critic said Lonestar was the best new show on TV by miles. I'm pretty sure people actively walked away from the TV, its ratings were so low.

[Scarecrow]

How is this possible? I thought the show was quite good.

+1
(and to keep with my comparisons, this has all the feelings of Lost)

The new show that Mrs. King and I have enjoyed the most (and seems to be left out of these discussions) is ABC's The Neighbors.

Premise: a group of aliens arrive on earth and move into a new community. The leader realizes that he forgot the charger to their communications device, and have been stuck on earth for 10 years. Finally one of the aliens decides to leave, and a human couple move into the community. Funny thing is the aliens took names of famous sports figures (Larry Bird, Jackie Joyner Kersie, Dick Butkis, Reggie Jackson).

[EagleFan]

Enjoyed Elementary last night. We'll see if it keeps up, but pretty decent start.

+1 it has promise.

[cougarfreak]

Looks like Last Resort is on the fast train to cancelville, based on its ratings.
How can they tell after only one week? Wasn't the premiere available online as well?

[Passacaglia]

Mrs.. King

Is that a reference you pull out often, or just for TV threads?

[Easy Mac]

Passively watching Go On. The problem I have is that the supporting characters in the group are pretty weak, but I love the supporting characters in the office. It may just be a bias, since I love John Cho and have been in love with Allison Miller since Kings.

[Scarecrow]

nope - most message boards know my wife as Mrs. King, even though our last name is Benson (another TV reference)

[EagleFan]

A little disappointed by the Person of Interest premier. I hope they aren't backing themselves into a corner this season. They could put themselves into a spot where they almost have to give us the entire background of everyone in order to get through this plot line. At that point I hope it doesn't make the show jump the shark as part of the interest was how they slowly peeled back a little more about each character throughout the first season.

[Lathum]

+1

The new show that Mrs. King and I have enjoyed the most (and seems to be left out of these discussions) is ABC's The Neighbors.

Premise: a group of aliens arrive on earth and move into a new community. The leader realizes that he forgot the charger to their communications device, and have been stuck on earth for 10 years. Finally one of the aliens decides to leave, and a human couple move into the community. Funny thing is the aliens took names of famous sports figures (Larry Bird, Jackie Joyner Kersie, Dick Butkis, Reggie Jackson).

That sounds dreadful.

[Butter]

I liked Ben and Kate, unlike whoever mentioned it from earlier that thought it was terrible.

[BrianD]

+1
(and to keep with my comparisons, this has all the feelings of Lost)

The new show that Mrs. King and I have enjoyed the most (and seems to be left out of these discussions) is ABC's The Neighbors.

Premise: a group of aliens arrive on earth and move into a new community. The leader realizes that he forgot the charger to their communications device, and have been stuck on earth for 10 years. Finally one of the aliens decides to leave, and a human couple move into the community. Funny thing is the aliens took names of famous sports figures (Larry Bird, Jackie Joyner Kersie, Dick Butkis, Reggie Jackson).

I think I'll reserve judgement on this one for a few episodes. Giving the aliens zero emotions is going to be a tricky thing to pull off without it getting very old. Jami Gertz is a bad actor, and that will be hard to overcome too. Still, it is taking a chance and I'm willing to give it a chance.

[BrianD]

I liked Ben and Kate, unlike whoever mentioned it from earlier that thought it was terrible.

That was me. I won't be surprised if this one does better than I think it should. Comedy is pretty subjective and I often fall outside the majority in this area.

[BrianD]

Because America was too busy watching 2.5 men and the big bang theory.

I hope it was just a timeslot thing. In addition to being good, it had some very good acting. It also seems to cross Lost and Hunt for Red October. On paper, this should be the new hit...not that this means much.

[Alan T]

Yes, last resort was easily my favorite premiere of this season.

It is doomed

[stevew]

How can they tell after only one week? Wasn't the premiere available online as well?

Doesnt matter. If it's not drawing a desired number, it can be citizen Kane. They dumped Charlie's Angels really fast last year(2 episodes?) And this did similar ratings. They incur a significant additional cost by picking up more episodes. If they trash it early, you waste less money.

[Shkspr]

Based solely on the trailers we saw, the cast of Last Resort came across as traitors. I'm sure that in the context of the whole episode that the crew was doing the Right Thing, but based on the teasers from months ago, my family totally wrote the show off.

[kcchief19]

Last Resort is in an absolutely horrific time slot. It's going up against X-Factor, TBBT/2.5 Men and the NFL on a busy TV night. Doesn't help that I think it's a smart show, and might have some overlap with NBC's comedies at 7 p.m.

Last Resort is a Lost type show ... and you didn't see Lost at 8 p.m. on Thursday. That's the most competitive time slot on TV. Hard to ask a rookie drama to win that.

The problem is that ABC had nowhere else to put it. You can't put a show like that on Friday, and the only other open hour on the schedule was 10 p.m. Wednesday. However, that would mean flipping with Nashville, and Nashville would get killed at 8 p.m. on Thursday. And I don't think Sunday is a good night for the show either. To me, the ideal time slot for Last Resort would be Wednesday night or Monday night midseason after football is over.

The only other solution is to move one of their other dramas to Thursday -- which isn't necessarily a horrible idea. Castle might survive the move, so let's move that to Thursdays at 8 p.m. Now you put Nashville at 10 p.m. Monday after Dancing With the Stars. That's not a bad fit. That frees up 10 p.m. Wednesday for Last Resort.

[EagleFan]

Watching Last Resort now and hoping this survives.

[GrantDawg]

Last Resort is in an absolutely horrific time slot. It's going up against X-Factor, TBBT/2.5 Men and the NFL on a busy TV night. Doesn't help that I think it's a smart show, and might have some overlap with NBC's comedies at 7 p.m.

Last Resort is a Lost type show ... and you didn't see Lost at 8 p.m. on Thursday. That's the most competitive time slot on TV. Hard to ask a rookie drama to win that.

The problem is that ABC had nowhere else to put it. You can't put a show like that on Friday, and the only other open hour on the schedule was 10 p.m. Wednesday. However, that would mean flipping with Nashville, and Nashville would get killed at 8 p.m. on Thursday. And I don't think Sunday is a good night for the show either. To me, the ideal time slot for Last Resort would be Wednesday night or Monday night midseason after football is over.

The only other solution is to move one of their other dramas to Thursday -- which isn't necessarily a horrible idea. Castle might survive the move, so let's move that to Thursdays at 8 p.m. Now you put Nashville at 10 p.m. Monday after Dancing With the Stars. That's not a bad fit. That frees up 10 p.m. Wednesday for Last Resort.


It really was a suicidal time-slot.

[kingfc22]

Yes, last resort was easily my favorite premiere of this season.

Agreed. This pilot was by far the best I have seen this week and is the only show to get added to my season pass list

[Alan T]

I thought last night's episode of Last Resort was as good as the first week. Does anyone know if the numbers were any better for it?

[DanGarion]

I thought last night's episode of Last Resort was as good as the first week. Does anyone know if the numbers were any better for it?

As good as last week? Well I'm glad I didn't watch it then. I wanted to like it (and you and I typically like similar shows) but it just got way out there the second half and I lost interest once the guy gave his speech at the end.

[Easy Mac]

dropped 18%. Barely beat 30 Rock/Up All Night for 18-49 y/o. I'd be surprised if it lasts past February with those numbers.

For comparisons, Charlie's Angels in the same slot last year premiered with 2.1 in 18-49 y/o, was at 1.5 in its second week. Last Resort went from 2.2 to 1.8. It will get a few more episodes to see if it normalizes, but it will probably be hurt by baseball. It's also probably being hurt by Thursday Night football (and being on ABC, which is mostly a chick channel).

[stevew]

Gorged myself on TV last night.

New Normal-its on the cusp of being better than average. Probably an acquired taste, but I think they are molding it pretty well

New Girl-Tagg Romney....lol. this show is awesome

Person of Interest-yes it's a procedural basically on an old person channel. But I'll take it, consistently better than expected

Mindy Project-Didn't see the premiere. Really liked the second episode though. I think there's potential here.

[stevew]

I'm really excited for Nashville next week.

[Easy Mac]

You can stream the premiere on hulu or ABC, or download it at itunes

iTunes - TV Shows - Nashville, Season 1 (http://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/nashville-season-1/id550311456)

Nashville Season 1 Episode 1 | Full TV Episode Online - ABC.com (http://abc.go.com/watch/nashville/SH55199662/VD55236526/pilot)

Watch Nashville | Pilot online | Free | Hulu (http://www.hulu.com/watch/408884)

[sterlingice]

Heck, it was on a plane flight I was on recently

SI

[kingfc22]

New Girl-Tagg Romney....lol. this show is awesome.

New Girl is hilarious!

[saldana]

i cant say i loved elementary, but i cant say i hated it either.

[Easy Mac]

New Girl-Tagg Romney....lol. this show is awesome

I think you need Tuggb Romney.

[Alan T]

i cant say i loved elementary, but i cant say i hated it either.

I haven't seen the second episode yet (Thursday DVR night is crazy for me since I watch the football game. I spend all friday catching up on shows while I work). The first one was better than I thought it would be though. So giving it a try until I feel otherwise.

[saldana]

I haven't seen the second episode yet (Thursday DVR night is crazy for me since I watch the football game. I spend all friday catching up on shows while I work). The first one was better than I thought it would be though. So giving it a try until I feel otherwise.

same here

[GrantDawg]

same here


+3. Haven't watched this episode yet, but I did enjoy the first one more than I thought.

[kcchief19]

dropped 18%. Barely beat 30 Rock/Up All Night for 18-49 y/o. I'd be surprised if it lasts past February with those numbers.

For comparisons, Charlie's Angels in the same slot last year premiered with 2.1 in 18-49 y/o, was at 1.5 in its second week. Last Resort went from 2.2 to 1.8. It will get a few more episodes to see if it normalizes, but it will probably be hurt by baseball. It's also probably being hurt by Thursday Night football (and being on ABC, which is mostly a chick channel).
One way you could look at it is that Last Resort is a lost cause; all four networks are putting up virtually identical numbers in that slot versus a year ago.

The difference is that NFL wasn't on a year ago in that slot. I have to think of the four shows on at that time, Last Resort would be hurt that most. Even a couple of tenths in the demo and a few more viewers would be OK.

Even then, Last Resort is putting up an identical demo number to Castle (albeit with fewer viewers). No reason to keep one and not the other.

Of course I'm a great example of why Last Resort is struggling; I'm not checking it out because I don't want to get invested in a show like that and have the plug pulled after 13 episodes. I need a season of proof before I buy.

[Thomkal]

I'm interested in the premiere of Arrow on CW tonight at 8 ET. Of course they put it in the absolute worse time slot-against Survivor. But it will likely develop a core of comic geek fans regardless.

In case you don't know, its a retelling of the Green Arrow character from DC comics. I like the actor playing Arrow so hoping it turns out well for the network.

[Easy Mac]

Last Resort dropped to a 1.6 in the 18-49 and had a lower share than Vampire Diaries and barely beat 30 Rock. The sub might sink by mid-season.

[Alan T]

Last Resort dropped to a 1.6 in the 18-49 and had a lower share than Vampire Diaries and barely beat 30 Rock. The sub might sink by mid-season.


Ugh... That is it, I am not DVR'ing Vampire Diaries anymore for my wife out of protest. That will show them!

[kcchief19]

It's not looking good but you can't put a huge stock in last night's numbers with the debate and baseball screwing up the night. I also see that the NFL game was on the CW in both Pittsburgh and Nashville, which inflates their overnights. Still, it's finishing a distance third.

On the bright side, it's still outperforming it's time slot year over year handily. The down side, that was Charlie's Angels.

Adding MLB playoffs to the competition for male viewers hasn't helped Last Resort. I still wonder why ABC didn't hold this for midseason. I still think they would be smart to pull it soon and hold it back until the competition is lesser.

[kcchief19]

Somewhat skipped over, but good it was actually very good news that Community's upcoming premier has been cancelled. With Animal Practice and Guys with Kids putting up ratings only CW would love (they both actually got beat by Arrow this week), NBC cancelled their Friday night premieres. The official reason is that they want to focus promotions on their new shows Monday thru Wednesday and not have to sacrifice promotions for Community and Whitney.

The real reason is that they have four comedies tanking right now. 30 Rock is one of them, but there really isn't any point in cancelling 30 Rock since it's only got half a season left anyway essentially. Two of those comedies will be cancelled soon, and the replacements are ready.

That was probably NBC's plan all along. Taking the expense to make episodes of Community and Whitney and setting fire to them on Friday made no sense.

[chadritt]

Yeah, last nights numbers were down pretty much across the boards due to baseball and the debate. Im hoping the networks sort of write them off.

[Solecismic]

ABC's spin machine references the competition.


The biggest percentage gainer via DVR playback for any 8:00 p.m. show, last week’s broadcast of “Last Resort” saw its Adult 18-49 number jump 42% (up from a 36% increase for its debut telecast) to a 2.7 rating, from the Live + Same Day to the Live + 3 Day numbers. The new drama also surged by an additional 1.9 million viewers in its first 3 days of playback, rising to 9.9 million viewers.



The new ABC drama continued to generate double-digit time period improvement year to year (up for its 3rd straight telecast), growing its hour by 17% in Total Viewers and by 23% in Adults 18-49 over the same night last year with original drama programming. In addition despite going up against Major League Baseball Playoffs, “Last Resort” delivered huge year-to-year increases across all key Men demos: M18-34 +120%, M18-49 +100% and M25-54 +82%.


I don't think Last Resort is quite dead yet. I just dropped Vegas (seems too cliche to me), so it's the only new show I'm still watching. I've really cut back on TV this year - watching a lot was a bad habit I got into when I was married.

[EagleFan]

No TV... TCY 2!!!!

;)

[stevew]

Hey Dane Cook-fuck off

Deadline reports that NBC has decided to call it quits on Next Caller after four episodes (out of the six ordered) were filmed. Apparently NBC didn't like the creative direction of the comedy starring Dane Cook. According to the report, production has been shut down and the filmed episodes will not air.

[stevew]

‘Mockingbird Lane’ series downgraded to NBC Halloween Special
NBC’s rebooted Munsters series “Mockingbird Lane” will air as a Halloween special on Friday, Oct. 26 at 8/7 before their megahit supernatrural drama “Grimm,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

10 million more dollars in the toilet.

[kcchief19]

Heh-heh ... creative differences and Dane Cook. Who could have predicted that?

Reading conflicting reports on Mockingbird Lane. Some reports say the show is dead and this is NBC trying to salvage some of its money back. Others say that there were "creative differences" between NBC and Bryan Fuller and Bryan Singer. NBC still wants to do the show, but now that Bryan Fuller is working on their Hannibal Lecter series, there's nobody to run Mockingbird Lane.

Given that it's taken them two years to get here, the show seems dead. Too bad, it seems like an interesting take from some creative people and a nice cast. Maybe a bit too Teen Wolf of a premise rather than Munsters, but I would like to have seen what Fuller and Singer could do.

[rowech]

I'm not sure how many people watch the tv show Parenthood but it is an OUTSTANDING tv show. It's too bad it doesn't get more press.

[GrantDawg]

I'm not sure how many people watch the tv show Parenthood but it is an OUTSTANDING tv show. It's too bad it doesn't get more press.


One of my favorites for sure. A bit too sweet at times, but still really good.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm not sure how many people watch the tv show Parenthood but it is an OUTSTANDING tv show. It's too bad it doesn't get more press.

It is a favorite in our house.

[Radii]

How do we not have a Parks and Recreation thread here? Sex Education for Seniors, the first scene at the senior center talking to the old folks about sex was one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

[RainMaker]

Has anyone watched Last Resort? It's on my DVR but I've read it's getting terrible ratings and will likely be cancelled. Just not sure if it's worth digging into a show that'll be off the air soon with no resolution.

[Radii]

Has anyone watched Last Resort? It's on my DVR but I've read it's getting terrible ratings and will likely be cancelled. Just not sure if it's worth digging into a show that'll be off the air soon with no resolution.

Its the only new show I've tried this season that I thought had obvious potential. There are some disjointed side stories that seem like they're going to be important but just don't interest me. I like the overall idea of the show, and I really like Andre Braugher, Scott Speedman and Robert Patrick.

It could get cancelled without a chance for any resolution, it could go bad in countless ways (though as a The Shield fanatic I want to trust Shawn Ryan and am not so worried about this)... but it could also come together into something truly interesting.

Its the only new show I'd come close to recommending, and this is obviously with some caveats. I'll stick with it as long as its around.

[Thomkal]

And Animal Practice is the second show to be cancelled this season. Made in Jersey was the first:

‘Animal Practice’ Cancelled — Whitney Season 2 Returns Nov. 14 - TVLine (http://tvline.com/2012/10/18/animal-practice-cancelled/)

[PackerFanatic]

How do we not have a Parks and Recreation thread here? Sex Education for Seniors, the first scene at the senior center talking to the old folks about sex was one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

Easily one of the best episodes of the series. Such a great show.

[BrianD]

And Animal Practice is the second show to be cancelled this season. Made in Jersey was the first:

‘Animal Practice’ Cancelled — Whitney Season 2 Returns Nov. 14 - TVLine (http://tvline.com/2012/10/18/animal-practice-cancelled/)

Not surprising that this got canceled. Way too many novelty characters, and just not very funny. I don't get why Whitney is still on the air.

[MrBug708]

You can use either Whitney or Community, but you choose Whitney? No wonder that network sucks

[Passacaglia]

You can use either Whitney or Community, but you choose Whitney? No wonder that network sucks

huh?

EDIT: Read the article, now I get it.

[cschex]

Parks and Rec is one of my favorite shows and last night's episode was one of the best ever. I was a bit underwhelmed by the beginning of this season but they hit that one out of the park.

[Easy Mac]

I wouldn't be surprised if Community gets held until 30 Rock gets its half season in or if they decide to cut Up All Night short.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Parks & Rec has been one of my favorite shows for a while now. Easily my favorite sitcom for the last 3-4 years.

I am very glad "American Horror Story" is back. The show is absolutely crazy and the first episode did not disappoint.

[mckerney]

New Girl-Tagg Romney....lol. this show is awesome

Just got around to watching New Girl, Schmidt as Tuggb Romney and trying to explain himself after getting caught is one of the funniest things I've seen on TV in quite a while.

"We don't drink the beers. We just buy them to support American breweries, then we pour them in the lake."

[mckerney]

And Animal Practice is the second show to be cancelled this season. Made in Jersey was the first:

‘Animal Practice’ Cancelled — Whitney Season 2 Returns Nov. 14 - TVLine (http://tvline.com/2012/10/18/animal-practice-cancelled/)

After seeing promos for Animal Practice and hearing radio ads for Made in Jersey I couldn't believe either one of them was put into production.

[Easy Mac]

I guess they had no other recourse, Last Resort is canceled.

[DaddyTorgo]

I guess they had no other recourse, Last Resort is canceled.

D'oh

[CrimsonFox]

NBC is so pathetic. And they don't even have that many shows...

[stevew]

Last Resort was on ABC

[EagleFan]

Last Resort was on ABC

That doesn't make NBC any less pathetic... ;)

As for Last Resort, do we know if it is completely done as of now (should I even bother to watch this week's show on the DVR?).

[DaddyTorgo]

That doesn't make NBC any less pathetic... ;)

As for Last Resort, do we know if it is completely done as of now (should I even bother to watch this week's show on the DVR?).

Heard they were going to air the remaining taped episodes, but I have my doubts about whether there'll be any sort of resolution, so it might not be worth it.

[EagleFan]

Heard they were going to air the remaining taped episodes, but I have my doubts about whether there'll be any sort of resolution, so it might not be worth it.

That sucks. Though to be honest I don't see how this could have lasted for multiple seasons. At some point you would start to wonder how this wouldn't have reached some sort of "conclusion" by then and it pretty much loses any entertainment once there is a conclusion.

[stevew]

I couldn't make it thru much more that the pilot of Last Resort. It was obviously doomed from the start....didn't see a point when it was going to be canned.

[Radii]

Last Resort is the only new show I was watching, certainly it wasn't spectacular, but I thought it was more than good enough for an hour of my time every week. Sucks to see it go.

[stevew]

I've been watching Don't Trust The Bitch in Apt 23 on my DVR. I must say that it's way funnier than I thought it would be. Krysten Ritter is great.

[kcchief19]

Fun with math announcement of the day from NBC.

NBC is crowing over it's winning of adults 18-49 for the November sweeps, soaring from No. 4 to No. 1 and winning the November sweeps for the first time in nine years. Sounds great, eh?

Here's the problem. Their 2.8 is largely fueled by Sunday Night Football's ridiculous 7.6 rating. Take out football (and just the game, we'll still give NBC the pregame show). Their 18-49 rating would be 2.0. That would be good for last place among the Big 4.

NBC is in some respects better than they were a year ago, but so much of their woes this fall have been completely covered by phenomenal SNF ratings. Come February, NBC will be back in the dumper.

[EagleFan]

but what's their WAR...

[EagleFan]

Have to say Elementary has been rather entertaining, and now that they have introduced the reference of Moriarty into the show it has added another interesting layer.

[stevew]

Was excited for The Following until Sepinwall/Feinberg trashed it. Still will check it out.

The Americans also looks interesting. I'm willing to accept pretty weak cold war type stuff and still enjoy it.

[PackerFanatic]

Have to say Elementary has been rather entertaining, and now that they have introduced the reference of Moriarty into the show it has added another interesting layer.

Very much been enjoying this one. Jonny Lee Miller rocks and I am pleasantly surprised by Luci Lui. Never been a huge fan of her and she has done pretty well. I hope it keeps up.

[stevew]

I didn't see it until now, but apparently NBC also shitcanned the showrunner on "Save Me" starring Anne Heche. It's possible that they will figure out a way to get it back and running, but I gotta wonder at this point if they will just move on. Pretty crazy that they've cancelled/delayed/aborted this many programs in the last 12 months. Is this the type of stuff that typically happens, because I can't seem to recall shows getting this type of preemptive shitcanning before?

[BishopMVP]

That sucks. Though to be honest I don't see how this could have lasted for multiple seasons. At some point you would start to wonder how this wouldn't have reached some sort of "conclusion" by then and it pretty much loses any entertainment once there is a conclusion.I agree with this... I loved the pedigree of the show, and I thought the pilot was great, but that idea should have been a miniseries, which the networks really won't do. Maybe you could have started from a different angle and ended up with that plot as part of series, but as a standalone storyline that was always a one-season arc at best imo. Even by episode 5 or 6 they were basically dragging their feet and delving into ancillary storylines. Haven't caught the last few yet, but hopefully they had the right amount of warning on their impending cancellation and were able to tie everything up nicely.

[cougarfreak]

I'm not big on new TV shows, every time I like one it gets cancelled (so I guess my taste sucks). That being said, The Following really interests me. The Americans really, REALLY interests me.

[rowech]

I'm not big on new TV shows, every time I like one it gets cancelled (so I guess my taste sucks). That being said, The Following really interests me. The Americans really, REALLY interests me.

I'm going to be curious on the fallout on "The Following" for how graphic it is supposed to be. People saying it is the most graphic thing to ever hit the regular networks. Especially, in light of the violence within the last year, etc.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'm going to be curious on the fallout on "The Following" for how graphic it is supposed to be. People saying it is the most graphic thing to ever hit the regular networks. Especially, in light of the violence within the last year, etc.

If the story is good and the acting is tolerable, a fair number of people will watch (look at Breaking Bad, Walking Dead, etc). If the story sucks or the acting sucks, a considerably smaller number of people will watch.

[BrianD]

I'm not big on new TV shows, every time I like one it gets cancelled (so I guess my taste sucks). That being said, The Following really interests me. The Americans really, REALLY interests me.

This is probably a good indication that your taste doesn't suck. Seeing all of the crap shows that do make it leads me to believe that taste is rarely rewarded.

[Jas_lov]

I am interested enough in The Following to keep watching. Good pilot episode.

[kcchief19]

The Following is another of those Last Resort type shows with a higher profile. I think it looks attractive and something I want to check out, but it's hard to invest time in it until you know it will survive and you'll get a satisfactory resolution. I'm starting to find an appeal to those limited-run series that know when they are ending ahead of time.

[JonInMiddleGA]

It'll be interesting to see the national numbers later in the day but I got the Atlanta overnights in my email this morning.

Following won its timeslot in HH, 8.9 to 8.5 for Bachelor
Opened up with a 9.6 qtr hour then fell to 8.7/8.5/8.7. That's pretty good in terms of retaining audience for a debut I think, if you made it past the first 15 minutes then you stuck with it.

A18-49 it also won the timeslot, 4.9 to 4.6. That's on AQH of 5.2/4.6/5.0/5.0 and was actually a slighter bigger win since that's compared to the full 2-hours of Bachelor, which averaged a 4.5 in 9p-10p head to head portion.

Bachelor won W18-49 7.4 to 4.2, while Following won M18-49 5.7 to 1.7. Only Adults demo it didn't win was 18-34, and the older the demo the better the rating for Following (10.4 with A55+, thanks in part to a strong lead-in with the older viewers courtesy of Bones

[PackerFanatic]

Got The Following on my DVR, looking forward to checking it out. And the more I see commercials for The Americans, the more likely I will be checking that one out too.

[Lathum]

Got The Following on my DVR, looking forward to checking it out. And the more I see commercials for The Americans, the more likely I will be checking that one out too.

Really excited for The Americans also.

We have the Following DVRed and am looking forward to checking it out.

Jons numbers surprised me, do that many people really bail on a debut show 15 minutes into it?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Jons numbers surprised me, do that many people really bail on a debut show 15 minutes into it?

Not horribly unusual.

Just to grab a few of quick recent series debuts for examples, here are quarter hour numbers from Atlanta

Following: 9.6 / 8.7 / 8.5 / 8.7 ... drop 10% from 1st QH to 2nd
Nashville: 10.0 / 9.3 / 8.6 / 8.7 ... drop 7% from 1st QH to 2nd
Last Resort: 8.4 / 7.7 / 8.1 / 8.2 ... drop 8% from 1st QH to 2nd
Elementary : 6.4 / 5.8 / 5.7 / 5.7 ... drop 9% from 1st QH to 2nd

My comment about how it held on was more about how it stabilized for the final half-hour. What you don't want to see as a new show (generally speaking) is a steady decline throughout the hour.

[kcchief19]

Don't know about quarter hours but looks like The Following did a decent debut number in the overnights. Barely lost the hour to CBS but beat The Bachelor fairly handily. It built on its Bones opening. If it can hold 80% of the look-in audience, it should be OK.

Also saw on TV By the Numbers that NCIS topped 25 million viewers for the first time last week. First off, given that we're in an era where just north of 10 million viewers makes you a top 10 scripted hit, that's amazing. Given that NCIS continues to put up its best ratings in its tenth season, that's some impressive longevity.

Have to wonder how much longer they can afford to keep the band together, and if changing the cast damages the chemistry. The Law & Order franchise seemed to thrive on changes but it also never put up the numbers NCIS does. The principal cast seems to be the driver of the appeal of the show. Harmon has sounded like he might be getting tired, but it feels like if any of the big four leave the show feels doomed.

[Lathum]

I think NCIS is doomed if any of the big 4 leave.

[stevew]

A bit disheartened that ABC cancelled "Don't trust the B in apt 23". Obviously this show had one of the dumbest titles ever, which probably lead to it not appealing to most potential viewers. But Krysten Ritter and James Van Der Beek were both great, in spite of the fact that the other female lead in the show was flat out awful. I figure that the next Ritter project will probably succeed as she has massive charisma.

[cougarfreak]

Watched "The Following" on DVR last night. I thought the pilot was pretty good. Looking forward to watching the rest of the show.

[PackerFanatic]

Love Krysten Ritter. Excellent on Breaking Bad.