Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

[SPTO]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

It's awesome to have this thread...I'm weird in that I like following how shows are doing (even if I don't watch) and like to see what's cancelled when. Partly because it kinda shows what strategies the networks are following and what people are watching.

I agree with this, I don't watch a lot of network TV but it's really interesting to learn the behind the scenes machinations and what pushes the network execs to do what they do. In some ways the behind the scenes stuff is more exciting then the actual TV shows!

[CMH]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

Figure this is news considering the topic at hand. Researchers are saying that Univision is now the #5 network on American television surpassing CW. Interesting.

On to some ratings news.

Top 25 shows for week ending October 24th. (in millions)

[CMH]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

The Fear of Cancellation!

ABC

ABC seems focused on its 2011 programming as scheduled and will let their failing shows finish off their original 13 episode runs. This means "The Whole Truth" and "Detroit 187". Both shows are unlikely to be renewed.

"Better With You" is rumored to be a toss up between finishing off its 13 episode run or being getting a back 9 order for a full 22 episode season.

CBS

This animal of a network faces a tough time here because they need to make room for new programming which means that shows doing well in comparison to other networks may not survive.

This means former ratings juggernauts: "CSI: NY" and "The Good Wife."

The only series renewed beyond this season is "Two And A Half Men," but more will follow.

NBC

NBC has made some full-season pickups. "Chuck", "Chase", "Outsourced," "The Event," and "Law & Order: Los Angeles." They also requested four more scripts for "Undercovers" though it is not expected to survive much longer beyond those recent orders.

"Outlaw" is done. The rest of its produced episodes are now airing on Saturdays.

FOX

"Raising Hope" has done relatively well for new shows and also received a back-9 order for 22 full episodes.

With "X-Factor" in Fall 2011, two hours of on-air programming must be axed ("Lone Star" takes one of the needed three for the week).

Continuing to fall and on their way out are "The Good Guys" and "Running Wilde." Both "Fringe" and "Lie To Me" remain on the bubble for FOX.

CW

CW ordered two new scripts for its worst show "Life Unexpected" but not many expect it will last much longer.

Considering that CW mostly focuses on its women demograhic, the low performances are not as serious compared to other networks.

[steelcurtain311]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

It's pretty amazing how Modern Family became such a massive ratings hit with the Emmy boost. It goes to show you that if you're on a successful network, it makes all the difference. The Office did the Modern Family gimmick for years now, yet it's not up there with it in ratings, I don't think it ever was at any point during its run. Why? Because it's on NBC.

[CMH]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

It's pretty amazing how Modern Family became such a massive ratings hit with the Emmy boost. It goes to show you that if you're on a successful network, it makes all the difference. The Office did the Modern Family gimmick for years now, yet it's not up there with it in ratings, I don't think it ever was at any point during its run. Why? Because it's on NBC.

Definitely an NBC thing as The Office is the network's highest rated scripted series.

I don't think anyone would have ever guessed 10 years ago, NBC would be fourth of the major networks.

[MassNole]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

‘Medium’ Order Cut To 13; Is This The End? – Deadline.com

Another one bites the dust?

[SPTO]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

Definitely an NBC thing as The Office is the network's highest rated scripted series.

I don't think anyone would have ever guessed 10 years ago, NBC would be fourth of the major networks.

I dunno, NBC seems like the most manic depressive network out of the classic Big Three. In the 50s it was pretty stable then kinda faded in the '60s but because ABC was in the toilet NBC was status quo #2. The '70s was a bad decade for the network and it wasn't very popular. Brandon Tartikoff took over and while he wasn't successful right away the network started to get better. the '80-'84 period saw stabilization and with Cosby the network was up to astronomical highs which lasted well into the '90s. Unfortunately after Seinfeld left the air the network has dipped back to it's status quo of being a poor sister network.

It's very strange how that network has been the least stable of the Big Three. Even ABC after they got their foot on the ground has been stable and hasn't seen huge swings in its ratings success the way NBC has.

I'd say THE OFFICE is the HILL STREET BLUES of this generation, well loved show by the critics and groundbreaking in a lot of ways. I believe ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT was first to do the whole scripted sitcom in a filmed format with no laugh track deal but FOX never handled it right. NBC has at least nurtured THE OFFICE along and it's the network's pride and joy at the moment. The same way Hill Street was back in the '80s.

[trobinson97]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

I'd say THE OFFICE is the HILL STREET BLUES of this generation, well loved show by the critics and groundbreaking in a lot of ways. I believe ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT was first to do the whole scripted sitcom in a filmed format with no laugh track deal but FOX never handled it right. NBC has at least nurtured THE OFFICE along and it's the network's pride and joy at the moment. The same way Hill Street was back in the '80s.

Not to derail but Curb Your Enthusiasm has no laugh track, neither did the Larry Sanders Show and a good deal of HBO comedies. I even remember episodes of M.A.S.H. with no canned laughter.

[SPTO]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

Not to derail but Curb Your Enthusiasm has no laugh track, neither did the Larry Sanders Show and a good deal of HBO comedies. I even remember episodes of M.A.S.H. with no canned laughter.

Correct, The first two were on cable (i'm talking Network TV) and MASH was a one of a kind show. BTW it did employ a laugh track for a couple of seasons IIRC.

[trobinson97]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

Correct, The first two were on cable (i'm talking Network TV) and MASH was a one of a kind show. BTW it did employ a laugh track for a couple of seasons IIRC.

Ok well what about Scrubs? That came out before AD. Does Ally McBeal count?

[SPTO]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

Ok well what about Scrubs? That came out before AD. Does Ally McBeal count?

OK you killed my point.

Spoiler

Damn you!

[trobinson97]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

OK you killed my point.

Spoiler

Damn you!

LOL. My bad man, but I was just sitting here thinking "That can't be right, can it?"

[CMH]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

A few bits of Fox news here:

Running Wilde and The Good Guys are done. No more episodes ordered after their initial order.

American Idol will be airing on Wednesdays and Thursdays in 2011.

And in a sign that your show is on the brink of cancellation: Fox has moved Fringe to Fridays starting in January.

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

American Idol will be airing on Wednesdays and Thursdays in 2011.

Wonder why they made that change instead of the usual Tuesday and Wednesday slots?

[CMH]

Re: Prime Time Network Television Ratings (Will Your Show Survive?)

Wonder why they made that change instead of the usual Tuesday and Wednesday slots?

Ratings.

Fox doesn't need American Idol on Tuesdays because of Glee.

By switching AI to Thursday, they win three of five weekday nights because everyone knows that AI will dominate the ratings no matter what day it is on.

Also, from a marketing stand point, advertisers like to pollute our boxes on Thursday before the weekend to bump spending.


Fox is also going to move American Dad to 7:30 pm on Sundays with Bob's Burgers slotting in at 8:30 and Family Guy and Cleveland Show following. Simpsons will remain at 8 pm.