Busy weekend! Here are the latest rumblings:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2008/05/upfront-rumblings-mini-dvd-review-jag.html

EDIT: The animated comedy Sitdown Shut Up has been picked-up for mid-season on Fox.

so seriously Pav, are there any more details about some of these new series mentioned in various upfronts that resemble UK shows (at least in name) -

Spaced, Life on Mars, Eleventh Hour, NY-LON (that one HAS to be a remake, although with half of the original series IN New York, it doesn't make a lot of sense to remake it...)

are these really US versions of the same shows?

Life on Mars, Spaced, NY-LON, Good Behavior (remake of Outrageous Fortunes), and even Sit Down Shutup are remakes of sorts of English or Australian series. I'm sure there are more. Didn't know Eleventh hour was one too.

thanks Pav, I checked it out and Eleventh Hour (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleventh_Hour_(TV_series))IS a remake of the UK series starring Patrick Stewart.

it was a pretty good show, but like many UK series, way too short (only 4 - 90 minute episodes)

EDIT: The JJ Abrams drama Fringe has been picked-up for Fall on Fox. No surprise here.

More rumblings from today (see at the end of story):

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2008/05/week-33-numbers-first-four-nights-how.html

CBS eyes 'Back to You'

Recently it was reported that FOX was picking up ‘Til Death but taking a pass on Back to You (FOX also decided to pass on New Amsterdam). Now TV Week is reporting that CBS is taking a look at picking up Back to You.

From a ratings perspective, Back to You did not perform much better than ‘Til Death. It had more viewers and households, but on an 18-49 basis both shows were tied for 104th through the week of May 4th. Back to You was #107 in overall household rating compared to 122 for ‘Til Death (ironically, tied with Jericho, but alas, Jericho was 137th in the 18-49 demo).

But production costs for Back to You may be much higher, especially given its two stars, Kelsey Grammer (of Cheers/Frasier fame) and Patricia Heaton (King of Queens). CBS has been rumored to be considering a second night of comedies, and if they stuck back to you on Monday nights following Two and a Half Men it would no doubt perform considerably better than it did on FOX.

TV Week reports that CBS boss Leslie Moonves has received five episodes of Back to You to screen, and to be honest, I’m a little surprised to find that’s falling on Moonves as opposed to CBS Entertainment president, Nina Tassler. I imagine Ms. Tassler is less surprised than I am.

http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/11/cbs-eyes-back-to-you/3715

Studio Trying to Save 'Back to You'

Fox is getting out in front of the upfront greenlight process, ABC is preparing for "Life on Mars" and CBS is being wooed as a possible new home for the canceled comedy "Back to You."

Meanwhile, the CW is moving forward with two scripted dramas and a new reality show from exec producer Tyra Banks.

Those are among the headlines coming out of New York Sunday as the networks begin their scaled-down upfront week for 2008. Here's a look at some of the details:

—ABC has reached a deal with 20th Century Fox TV and David E. Kelley Productions that will likely result in a series order for "Mars," the Kelley-produced adaptation of the BBC drama. Kelley is expected to depart the project, and in exchange, ABC has renewed Kelley's "Boston Legal" for a fifth season. "Legal" will air in the fall, and it's believed ABC has the right to cut back its episode order on the show to 13, a person familiar with the discussions said.

Kelley would not give his blessing to "Mars" moving forward unless he had a greenlight for "Legal," the source said. Executives at ABC were understandably unhappy about "Mars" being held hostage for "Legal," which has failed to catch fire with audiences (though it does do well with upscale viewers).

As for other upfront buzz at ABC, the game show "Opportunity Knocks" is looking good for a fall or late summer berth, with producer J.D. Roth on board as host. "According to Jim" will be back for another season, while "Scrubs" is moving to ABC from NBC.

—20th has given CBS boss Leslie Moonves episodes of "Back to You" to screen as part of its bid to set up the comedy at the network. Fox canceled the Kelsey Grammer-Patricia Heaton show over the weekend, forcing sister studio 20th to find a new home for the project.

Ironically, CBS had been mentioned as a home for "Back to You" a year ago, before it landed at Fox. Heaton is the former star of CBS's "Everybody Loves Raymond," while CBS several years ago tried to get Grammer to star in a spinoff of "Frasier." The network is hoping to open a new night of comedy beyond its Monday lineup, and a Grammer-Heaton project could be a solid anchor for such an extension.

CBS is expected to make the bulk of its 2008-09 series orders Monday. It may also decide the fate of bubble shows "How I Met Your Mother," "Shark" and "The Unit"-- all from 20th Century Fox TV.

—While Fox isn't officially saying anything, the network has given a thumbs up to "Fringe," an "X-Files"-like drama from exec producer J.J. Abrams; the Jason Bateman-directed comedy pilot "The Inn"; and the animated half-hour "Sit Down, Shut Up" (from "Arrested Development" creator Mitch Hurwitz). And while "Back to You" was canceled, the network did greenlight a third season of Sony's "'Til Death."

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/05/studio_trying_to_save_back_to.php

But production costs for Back to You may be much higher, especially given its two stars, Kelsey Grammer (of Cheers/Frasier fame) and Patricia Heaton (King of Queens). CBS has been rumored to be considering a second night of comedies, and if they stuck back to you on Monday nights following Two and a Half Men it would no doubt perform considerably better than it did on FOX.


... odd haha

But anyways, I just started watching BTY and I have enjoyed it so I hope it gets revived somehow!

I think CBS could pull off a second comedy night if they perhaps send "How I Met Your Mother" over as an anchor - they could have Big Bang/Two and a Half Men one night and HIMYM/Back to You on the other with Old Christine, Rules of Engagement, and new shows mixed in

... odd haha

But anyways, I just started watching BTY and I have enjoyed it so I hope it gets revived somehow!

I think CBS could pull off a second comedy night if they perhaps send "How I Met Your Mother" over as an anchor - they could have Big Bang/Two and a Half Men one night and HIMYM/Back to You on the other with Old Christine, Rules of Engagement, and new shows mixed in

I think no matter what, CBS will have a second comedy night this season. Sure, they have their dramas that do well for them, but their sitcoms also do very well - they are the network for sitcoms. My guess is all their sitcoms will come back next season, with new ones, and hopefully Back to You, which actually does now have a shot on the network. I'd personally love to see this:

Monday:
8pm How I met Your Mother
8:30 Big Bang Theory
9:00 Two And a Half Men
9:30 Back to You

Wednesday
8:00 Rules of Engagement
8:30 New Sitcom
9:00 Old Christine
9:30 New Sitcom

That, or if BTY does end up on CBS, I'd love to see it Wednesdays at 8:30 up against it's old FOX slot.

I have honestly never seen Back to You, but from the commercials, it seemed like something you'd see more on CBS anyway. They could easily replace Old Christine and Rules of Engagement with BTY.

CBS won't create two full sitcom nights. Criminal Minds is too strong to leave Wednesday. Don't get excited about BTY moving to CBS, because I really don't think that will happen.

I think we will see 6 sitcoms on CBS. They will probably open up one more hour, probably on Wednesday. They also will probably have 2 or 3 on the bench for a total of about 8.

I am suprised you do not think BTY to CBS will not happen. It seems like a natural fit to me. I think it has a good chance of happening.

CBS won't create two full sitcom nights. Criminal Minds is too strong to leave Wednesday. Don't get excited about BTY moving to CBS, because I really don't think that will happen.

TVWeek is the only one reporting it. Variety and HR made no such mention. It is all speculation at this point. The cost is the main reason. It's not that simple for them to just get it. CBS passed on it already once. It could happen and get picked-up, but don't have false hope.

As of now, this is how CBS sitcoms are shaping up to be in the Fall:

Mondays
8:00PM Big Bang Theory
8:30PM Rules of Engagement
9:00PM Two and a Half Men
9:30PM New Jay Mohr Comedy

Wednesdays
8:00PM How I Met Your Mother
8:30PM Worst Week/Old Christine

My Secret Public Journal would be picked-up for mid-season. Looks like Single White Millionaire and My Best Friend's Girl could be passed on.

Yes, but it comes from Josef Adalian now of TVWeek formerly of Variety, and he is usually very accurate.

Anyway, here is Variety's take on CBS and their sitcoms :

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117985481.html?categoryid=14&cs=1


TVWeek is the only one reporting it. Variety and HR made no such mention. It is all speculation at this point. The cost is the main reason. CBS passed on it already once.

That CBS article on Variety is with the latest information. More clearer picture of CBS's Fall will be made tomorrow. Official announcement is Wednesday.

Pavanbadal, you seem to have the inside track so I thought I'd ask if you knew anything about the CBS dramas, in particular Tower and Harper's Island. I know Tower was made by the team of Cold Case but I haven't read much about its status at all. I thought with its team assembled it would be likely to be written about, but even the Variety article left it off although Hollywood Reporter said that it was gaining momentum. Harper's Island is another one that has very little mention. Exit 19 seemed to be the most talked about and now it seems like CBS passed on it.

As of now, this is how CBS sitcoms are shaping up to be in the Fall:

Mondays
8:00PM Big Bang Theory
8:30PM Rules of Engagement
9:00PM Two and a Half Men
9:30PM New Jay Mohr Comedy

Wednesdays
8:00PM How I Met Your Mother
8:30PM Worst Week/Old Christine

My Secret Public Journal would be picked-up for mid-season. Looks like Single White Millionaire and My Best Friend's Girl could be passed on.

Interesting, I see you changed from your original prediction, and moved HIMYM from Monday at 8:30 to Wednesday. I guess it is a changing situation.

That isn't my prediction...that is the buzz on the schedule.

Pavanbadal, you seem to have the inside track so I thought I'd ask if you knew anything about the CBS dramas, in particular Tower and Harper's Island. I know Tower was made by the team of Cold Case but I haven't read much about its status at all. I thought with its team assembled it would be likely to be written about, but even the Variety article left it off although Hollywood Reporter said that it was gaining momentum. Harper's Island is another one that has very little mention. Exit 19 seemed to be the most talked about and now it seems like CBS passed on it.

Exit 19 is dead it seems. Sorry. Harper's Island could get a short mid-season order while Mythological Ex could also. The Tower could air this Fall on Sundays. The Mentalist could go to Tuesdays and Eleventh Hour on Thursday.

Okay, thanks.

Please let us know if it changes.

That isn't my prediction...that is the buzz on the schedule.

Exit 19 is dead it seems. Sorry. Harper's Island could get a short mid-season order while Mythological Ex could also. The Tower could air this Fall on Sundays. The Mentalist could go to Tuesdays and Eleventh Hour on Thursday.

Thank you for your response and for the information on potential timeslots. It's interesting how Variety, Hollywood Reporter etc. articles highlight pieces of the schedule and good to see the whole potential schedule laid out.

Yeah, but I have learned even the rough schedules change a lot...even the day before. See our past upfront threads the night before the network schedule is announced. They usually change a bit. We will do the roughs again this year, too. ABC/The CW will be first tomorrow night.

Interesting. I definately will check back when the rough and the final schedules are released.

Here are the rumblings from today:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2008/05/nbc-upfront-2008-09-yet-more-upfront.html

CBS is all but set for the fall.

Interesting. CBS really needs to pick up both Tower and My Secret Public Journal as they need back ups in case something goes wrong. I'm holding out that the slim chance wins out. If not in the fall or spring, tack them on as the summer schedule and wait until needed.

Single White Millionaire starring Fred Savage has no shot now, just like Exit 19 starring Geena Davis.

The Tower had been rumored for the Fall, but it seems mid-season is the only chance now, if bought. The Unit will likely be back this Fall, on Sundays maybe.

EDIT:

CBS:
Renews Moonlight (Mid-Season) and The Unit (Fall)

CW:
Renews Reaper (Mid-Season)

LEGAL TO MONDAYS, ELI TO TUESDAYS, MARS ON THURSDAYS

USA TODAY:

Networks often brag about "stability" when they unveil new-season schedules, but ABC isn't kidding: The network plans just one scripted newcomer this fall, a remake of the BBC series Life on Mars.

And CW, programming just five nights in its third season, will add only two dramas, led by a remake of onetime Fox hit Beverly Hills, 90210.

ABC's plans were interrupted most by the three-month writers' strike. The network renewed three unproven series that have been off the air since January: Pushing Daisies, Private Practice and Dirty Sexy Money. It's adding Scrubs for an eighth season after NBC canceled the sitcom.

ABC agreed on a last-minute deal to renew Boston Legal, picked up drama Eli Stone after a spring tryout run and deep-sixed Women's Murder Club.

One new reality series, Ashton Kutcher's Opportunity Knocks, is expected this fall. But a new animated comedy, The Goode Family, won't be ready until midseason.

That left few time slots to fill, so few changes are expected. Mars, starring Jason O'Mara as a police detective transported back to 1973, is likely to nab the plum post-Grey's Anatomy slot, Thursdays at 10 ET/PT, while Legal is on the move to Mondays and Stone will get Legal's Tuesday spot when the fall schedule is unveiled today.

And CW's third-season schedule, also out today, will include 90210 (for which no pilot episode has been shot), guest-starring Jennie Garth and possibly other original cast members from Fox's former hit.

Surviving the Filthy Rich, the other new series, is a comedic drama about a tutor and her charges, spoiled twin teenagers. And Stylista, from Tyra Banks, is a new reality series to be paired with CW's top-rated America's Next Top Model.

Returning Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill are expected to remain on Mondays, with the two new dramas on Tuesdays and Top Model joined by Stylista on Wednesday. Smallville and Supernatural will stay on Thursdays, while Everybody Hates Chris and The Game are expected to move to Fridays, former home of WWE Smackdown (headed to MyNetwork), joined by a Top Model repeat. Reaper returns in midseason.

But the network has turned over its Sunday lineup to an outside studio, which will confirm its own plans later.

Variety reporting the following for CBS (http://weblogs.variety.com/on_the_air/)

Renewed
How I Met Your Mother
Old Christine
Rules of Engagement
The Unit

Cancelled
Moonlight

No word on "Shark" from Variety, but Hollywood Reporter says it is done. The Reporter also confirms the three comedy pickups plus The Unit.

So it now looks very clear that CBS is going with another hour-long comedy block outside of Mondays. Something will have to be saved for midseason since they now have renewed 5 comedies and picked up 2 new ones. My guess is "Rules of Engagement" will be benched since it looks like "Christine" got 22 episodes.