ION Television September 2008 --

Blog Story:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2008/08/ion-television-september-2008-schedule.html


Regular schedule changes listed ONLY:

What's new: M*A*S*H, Boston Legal, and NCIS
What's gone: Baywatch, Dead Zone, Quantum Leap

Effective Monday, September 8, 2008 through Sunday, September 28, 2008

Weekdays
3:00pm-4:00pm qubo Hour (Wed-Fri)
4:00pm & 4:30pm M*A*S*H (replaces Paid Programming Mon-Thurs, qubo Fri)
8:00pm Boston Legal (Mon); ER (Tues, Wed) (all replaces Quantum Leap)
9:00pm NCIS (Mon-Tues); ER (Wed) (all replaces The Dead Zone)

Weekends
6:00pm & 6:30pm M*A*S*H (replaces Baywatch Sat, 48 Hours Sun)

Effective Monday, September 29, 2008
TBD




Here is the FULL regular schedule for September:
Mon-Thurs
3:00PM qubo on ION (Wed-Fri)
4:00PM M*A*S*H
4:30PM M*A*S*H
5:00PM The Steve Harvey Show
5:30PM The Steve Harvey Show
6:00PM Hangin' with Mr. Cooper
6:30PM Hangin' with Mr. Cooper
7:00PM Family Feud
7:30PM Family Feud
8:00PM Boston Legal (Mon); ER (Tues, Wed); Total Theatre Thursday (Thurs)
9:00PM NCIS (Mon-Tues); ER (Wed); Total Theatre Thursday cont. (Thurs)
10:00PM ER (Mon-Wed); 48 Hours OR Total Theatre Thursday/Drew Carey Show (Thurs)

Fri-Sun
3:00PM qubo on ION (Fri)
4:00PM M*A*S*H (Fri)
4:30PM M*A*S*H (Fri)
5:00PM The Steve Harvey Show (Fri)
5:30PM The Steve Harvey Show (Fri)
6:00PM Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (Fri); M*A*S*H (Sat-Sun)
6:30PM Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (Fri); M*A*S*H (Sat-Sun)
7:00PM RHI Entertainment
9:00PM RHI Entertainment




Movies, Stunts, Marathons




- Total Theatre Thursday
Thursdays at 8:00PM

September 4 - 8-10:30p Blade Runner (1982) (Drew Carey Show: "Nicki's Parents" follows at 10:30)
September 11 - 8-10:30p Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) (Drew Carey Show: "Two Weddings & A Funeral For Refrigerator" follows at 10:30)
September 18 - 8-10p Risky Business(1983)
September 25 - 8-10:30p Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) (Drew Carey Show: "The Bachelor Party" follows at 10:30)





- RHI on ION

September Programming:

Friday, September 5
7:00PM-8:00PM Flash Gordon: The Series #7
8:00PM-9:00PM 10th Kingdom Part 5 The (2000)
9:00PM-11:00PM ENSLAVEMENT: THE TRUE LIFE STORY OF FANNY KEMBLE (2000)

Saturday, September 6
7:00PM-11:00PM JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS (2000)

Sunday, September 7
7:00PM-11:00PM Scarlett Parts 1 and 2 (1994)

Friday, September 12
7:00PM-8:00PM Flash Gordon: The Series #8
8:00PM-9:00PM 10th Kingdom Part 6, The (2000)
9:00PM-11:00PM Fatal Error (1999)

Saturday, September 13
7:00PM-9:00PM Tornado (1996)
9:00PM-11:00PM Scorpio One (1997)

Sunday, September 14
7:00PM-11:00PM Scarlett Parts 3 and 4 (1994)

Friday, September 19
7:00PM-8:00PM Flash Gordon: The Series #9
8:00PM-9:00PM 10th Kingdom Part 7, The (2000)
9:00PM-11:00PM FORBIDDEN TERRITORY: STANLEY'S SEARCH FOR LIVINGSTONE (1997)

Saturday, September 20
7:00PM-9:00PM The Pathfinder (1996)
9:00PM-11:00PM Captive Heart: The James Mink Story (1996)

Sunday, September 21
7:00PM-11:00PM Ford: The Man and The Machine (1987)

Friday, September 26
7:00PM-8:00PM Flash Gordon: The Series #10
8:00PM-9:00PM 10th Kingdom Part 8, The (2000)
9:00PM-11:00PM The Inspectors 2 (2000)

Saturday, September 27
7:00PM-9:00PM Incident in a Small Town (1994)
9:00PM-11:00PM Shadow of a Doubt (1995)

Sunday, September 28
7:00PM-11:00PM Degree of Guilt (1995)






Read the blog before you post. It will give much more insight than just the schedule, so please link this if you're posting elsewhere: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2008/08/ion-television-september-2008-schedule.html

Knew that Dead Zone and Quantum Leap would be gone and ER almost gone. Pretty much what I expected. No Drew Carey, not a surprise there. This is about what I was expecting.

ER is not almost gone. It is airing the most in primetime: Mon-Wed 10PM, Tues-Wed 8PM, and Wed 9PM. But starting Sept. 29, I bet it will be just Mon-Wed 10PM.

Oh, wow, after looking at it they're airing it for three full hours on Wednesday? This schedule is confusing. What's with all of this ER suddenly?

It is probably just filler until they can air Boston Legal and their other new drama more than once a week, which they will be able to starting Sept. 29. I think ER is doing decent anyway. I knew QL and DZ were the weak links. Read the blog story, I explain it there.

I am glad to see M*A*S*H From 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm CT Time This September.

I think at this point, I'm going to give up on ION. It's just not the network we want it to be, or even the network it was a year ago. They're focusing way too much on dramas and overplayed shows, and it's killing their lineup. Boston Legal was not a bad addition, since it's one of the few dramas I enjoy on television, but I'd rather see it not come than come. ER is airing way too much, even if it is for September. Instead of airing ER so much, you think they could have tried Drew Carey in the 8pm or 9pm slot until BL could air daily. Or maybe they should have even brought Mama back for September.

I'm being sarcastic here - can't wait to hear what the new drama is. Knowing how mainstream ION wants to be, it'll probably be one of the new dramas coming this season-LOL. I definitely wouldn't put it past them.

Oh, and is 5-7PM EVER going to change? Seems that M*A*S*H 4-5, Mama's Family 5-6, and maybe Mr. Cooper from 6-7 would be bettter.

You got a change from 5-7PM already earlier this month when Harvey and Cooper switched hours, lol. What more do you want, lol? I think they meant it that they are done with Mama's Family, at least in the near future.

As for the new drama, it certainly fits the 25-54 age demo they are going after. It has to be a veteran series, Julie, if they are going to air it 2-3 times a week.

I think the change that I meant (and probably most others) is to get rid of this black sitcom block or at least cut it down. 2 hours is too much for them to devote to this given the limited amount of hours and their choices of shows.

You got a change from 5-7PM already earlier this month when Harvey and Cooper switched hours, lol. What more do you want, lol? I think they meant it that they are done with Mama's Family, at least in the near future.

As for the new drama, it certainly fits the 25-54 age demo they are going after. It has to be a veteran series, Julie, if they are going to air it 2-3 times a week.

I was kidding about the current drama thing, Pavan-LOL, but still, I bet it's going to be a recent drama at best. The more I think about it, though, my guess would be The Practice - Since they already have Boston Legal, The Practice would fit greatly with it.

I wish they would switch up the comedy 5-7pm block - I know they have that African American block that they have to stick with, but if they're going to do sitcoms, they should have good sitcoms. We already have enough of MASH on TV Land and Hallmark, which both overplay the show to death. Steve Harvey and Cooper are okay. I'd rather see Cooper stay and Harvey go, and maybe have shows like Wonder Years, Growing Pains, and Perfect Strangers come back.

Why does everystation show mash? it on tv land,hallmark channel and cw. enough is enough. i can't stand this show. cobsy show isn't on that much. I would rather watch it then mash.

And the new show for ION is...


“NCIS” Drops Anchor on ION Television

Strong and Steady Ratings Winner Joins Gripping Fall Lineup of Hit Shows

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Tuesday, August 19, 2008 -- ION Television, a contemporary general entertainment network, today announced that it will add Emmy-nominated “NCIS” to its primetime lineup on Monday, September 8th at 9 p.m. ET. ION Media Networks, Inc., ION Television’s parent company, has entered into a content agreement with CBS Television Distribution for the broadcast syndication rights to the first four seasons of the naval investigators procedural series. The top-rated, hour-long program will air on Mondays and Tuesdays in the 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET timeslot.

“’NCIS’ is a high-caliber, highly rated series that will broaden ION Television’s reach to target audiences and advertisers,” said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO, ION Media Networks. “Stay tuned for more examples of this kind of programming from the network as we continue to migrate to greater mass appeal in 2008 and 2009.”

"We're excited to bring a quality hit show like ‘NCIS’ to broadcast syndication and extend our partnership with ION Television," said Scott Koondel, Executive Vice President of Off Network, Cable and Interactive Media for CTD.

"NCIS," the hit spin-off of CBS’s military legal drama, "JAG," comes from acclaimed producer Donald P. Bellisario. Revolving around a fictional group of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Major Case Response Team (MCRT) of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps., “NCIS” is more than your average action drama. With liberal doses of humor, it focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a squad forced to work together in high-stress situations. From murder and espionage to terrorism and kidnappings, these special agents travel the globe to investigate high-profile crimes involving persons and property associated with the Navy or Marine Corps. The popular show premiered on September 23, 2003, on CBS and enters its sixth season on the network this fall.

“NCIS” is distinguished by its comedy elements, ensemble acting and character-driven plots. Leading the NCIS team is Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), a skilled investigator and interrogator who is smart, tough and willing to bend the rules to get the job done. Working under Gibbs is former homicide detective Agent Anthony Dinozzo (Michael Weatherly). Joining them is Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette), a gifted forensic scientist; Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard (David McCallum), a medical examiner; and Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), a computer genius and crime novelist.

The show joins recent ION additions, like landmark off-network series “Boston Legal” and “ER,” plus favorites like “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,” “The Steve Harvey Show” and “Family Feud,” airing on ION Television’s expanded Fall entertainment schedule. The network is pushing forward with its long-term strategy to meet the entertainment needs of the adult 25-54 demographic with a mix of compelling television series, theatrical and made-for-television movies, specials and sports.

Interesting to see qubo added to wed and thur (why not 5 days a week?) and wow--NCIS?? Of course, nothing ION plays is eye-catching to me, but I can see why they are picking up the ad friendly demographic programming.

BTW, Pav, did they ever get back to you on that interview?

yea I know :horse:

qubo was airing Fridays 2-5pm. They only have 3 hours of programming so they will air it for an hour each on Wed-Fri--comes out to 3 hours.

I don't think the interview will ever be done. They are not replying.

I was also wondering about the interview - who the hell sets up an interview then doesn't reply to the interviewer???-LOL

NCIS? Are you kidding me? But, I was right - it is a show that's still airing on network television. This network is trash to me.

ION SUCKS! They need to totally redue their entire schedule. MASH is one of the worst shows ever. It airs on cable, on regular tv, and it's available on DVD. Show something else! I've tried watching Steve Harvey and Mr. Cooper, but they just ARE NOT FUNNY. Quantum Leap and Dead Zone are painfully boring so I'm glad to see those go. (ER should be next.) Boston Legal started out decently, but got so ridiculous after the second season I gave up on it (don't care to watch reruns of that either). As for NCIS, it's just OK, and it's too new. It airs a thousand times a day on cable so why do they have to show the same shows on this network. BRING BACK THE CLASSICS! And get rid of those movies.

At least you can get ION. I live in Charlotte, NC and the lousy cable- Time Warner- does not carry it and our HOA will not allow a satellite.

Like someone said Ion isn't the network it once was and I am not looking foward to any of the shows coming to ION I think a network that really be interesting to watch is WGN America instead!

Like someone said Ion isn't the network it once was and I am not looking foward to any of the shows coming to ION I think a network that really be interesting to watch is WGN America instead!

IMO, 2 stations that should have been great really let their viewers down - ION and RTN. I have no interest in any station anymore. ION especially - they completely moved away from their original intentions and now only air current shows or shows that air way too much.

WGN American is becoming a great station once again - I"m really looking forward to their classic shows coming soon.

Now that Ion has M*A*S*h How many channel's is airing M*A*S*H now

Now that Ion has M*A*S*h How many channel's is airing M*A*S*H now

3 - Hallmark, TV Land, and ION. Plus, some local stations still air the show, and it's out completely on DVD.

The only2 local station that I know that airs M*A*S*H is WBRZ-ABC2 weeknight's at 1:05 am CT Time and WNYW-FOX5 in New York

It is much more than that Aaron. And no I am not listing the entire list.

I did not expect you to list the station's my friend.

I don't think the interview will ever be done. They are not replying.


I think that's a strong signal that their long term plans don't involve ANY sitcoms. They could have at least politely declined the interview, given the amount of free promotion you've given them over the years.

They didn't decline the interview. They were for it. I gave them the questions, but they never gave the responses. At first they said they are working on it, then they never replied at all when I mentioned it. Which makes me mad.

It is clearly a sign of disrespect on their part, Pav.

And Julie, how did RTN disappoint you? By not renewing the CBS library deal? That disappoints me, but I wouldn't go as far as to say RTN is failing its viewers--what station/network today would go as far as airing The Alfred Hitchock Hour, The Bold Ones, or Bachelor Father?

It is clearly a sign of disrespect on their part, Pav.

And Julie, how did RTN disappoint you? By not renewing the CBS library deal? That disappoints me, but I wouldn't go as far as to say RTN is failing its viewers--what station/network today would go as far as airing The Alfred Hitchock Hour, The Bold Ones, or Bachelor Father?

Yeah, the CBS deal was the only reason I watched RTN when I did. But, you are right - they may have let that go, but they still do air shows that haven't been aired in many, many, many years. Lately, though, they've been airing a lot of the classic dramas and cop shows, and less and less sitcoms.

About the interview, I don't understand why they wouldn't just answer your questions. They agreed to the interview, then they just ignore it. That's is extremely disrespectful.

While RTN may not have as good of quality of programming as they once had, you must admit that they haven't abandoned the all-classic format like most networks probably would have.

While RTN may not have as good of quality of programming as they once had, you must admit that they haven't abandoned the all-classic format like most networks probably would have.

That is very true.

As for sitcoms, RTN doesn't have access to as many as before. Universal is not known for a great bevy of classic sitcoms--just a select few that have popped up such as LITB, Bachelor Father, Operation Petticoat and Kate & Allie.

I just got into Boston Legal. It will be great to watch it from the beginning. qubo is 24/7 on one of ION's digital subchannels here locally.

RTN is a disappointment for sitcoms - McHale's navy is nice, but that is the only one that I do not see elsewhere.

Variety has the Lucy Show, Ozzie and Harriet and (yeah!) Jack Benny Show on the weekends. Jack Benny is a major treat.

I know RTN doesn't have many sitcoms....but my point was, they still are focusing on CLASSIC shows. The concept is the same. Hopefully we will see more sitcoms soon. They haven't abandoned their original concept and don't seem to be planning on doing so any time soon.

I take the point that RTN is still focused on classics. My concern is that RTN seems to be increasing its number of Westerns. Westerns are fine for those that like them, but to me when they increase, they signal a fundamental shift on the part of a network. TVLand was on the road of becoming the Bonanza and Gunsmoke network.

There are just as many cop shows on RTN as there are westerns, if not more.
This is just all part of what content they have and right now they just have access to the Universal library.

But enough about RTN......this is the ION thread. :lol:

There are just as many cop shows on RTN as there are westerns, if not more.
This is just all part of what content they have and right now they just have access to the Universal library.

But enough about RTN......this is the ION thread. :lol:

We can really get off track sometimes :crazy: :lol:

Ya think? :rolleyes: :lol:

Ya think? :rolleyes: :lol:

How we can help ourselves, though - we get so bored with ION now that we have to start talking about another network!

I have a confession to make.

Last week I accidently discovered Superman 2 airing on Ion and watched it. And then the random episode of Drew Carey afterwords. Expect to see a boost in the ratings for this period. LOL

I have a confession to make.

Last week I accidently discovered Superman 2 airing on Ion and watched it. And then the random episode of Drew Carey afterwords. Expect to see a boost in the ratings for this period. LOL

How dare you :lol:

I watched the Drew Carey episodes after the movies whenever they're on - it's just a little piece of what ION used to be when they were a good network.

I don't think Comcast likes ION. A few years ago it was downgraded from channel 9 to channel 67, now it's been downgraded to digital only on channel 253. :lol:

I don't think Comcast likes ION. A few years ago it was downgraded from channel 9 to channel 67, now it's been downgraded to digital only on channel 253. :lol:

I have Comcast, and I still get ION on channel 11 just like always. At this point, though, I don't think I'd care if it moved to digital. And it isn't a shock, considering the ratings they're pulling in nowadays.

Yeah, the CBS deal was the only reason I watched RTN when I did. But, you are right - they may have let that go, but they still do air shows that haven't been aired in many, many, many years. Lately, though, they've been airing a lot of the classic dramas and cop shows, and less and less sitcoms.

What's wrong with dramas and police shows?

What's wrong with dramas and police shows?

Nothing, if you're a fan of those shows. I'm just a bigger fan of sitcoms, and I'd rather watch classic sitcoms instead of dramas.

ION Television Unveils New Look, New Advertisers, New Distributors & Affiliates, New Website and New, Younger Audience
“Positively Entertaining” Rebranding Campaign Launches on September 8

New Advertisers Include Honda, Walgreens, Western Union, Expedia.com, Hotels.com and Red Lobster

New Distribution Deals and Rollouts with Comcast, Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-Verse, Mediacom, Bresnan and Buckeye Solidify Reach to Over 94 Million Homes

Award Winning Off-Network Hits Invigorate Fall Lineup and Attract Desirable 25-54 Demo


WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Today, over 94 million households will have the opportunity to tune-in to a reinvented ION Television, repositioned as a compelling new entertainment destination and galvanized by an exciting new brand, ION Television: Positively Entertaining. The new contemporary look and tag line – Positively Entertaining – complement the robust critically acclaimed off-network series – “Boston Legal,” “ER” and “NCIS” – which launch as part of ION Television’s strategically acquired fall programming lineup that appeals to a younger audience. The rebranding campaign coincides with the launch of ION Television’s new advertisers, distribution partners, shifted viewership, and newly rebranded website, www.iontelevision.com.

“With our contemporary look and ‘Positively Entertaining’ tagline, we are positioning ION Television as a general entertainment network, with broad appeal for consumers, advertisers and content creators,” said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO, ION Media Networks. “We are pleased with our early success in securing marquis off-net acquisitions, as well as our theatrical and made-for-TV movies, targeting a broad and desirable 25-54 demo.”

“Our rebranding campaign essentially frames all that is new to ION Television and reinforces our brand’s limitless potential,” said Eleo Hensleigh, Chief Marketing Officer, ION Media Networks. “The ‘Positively Entertaining’ tagline exudes enthusiasm, translated across multiple genres of programming. The new contemporary aesthetic purposely complements the more youthful, confident and innovative brand personality and values of the network’s programming and mission.”

Advertiser Growth, New Categories: The impact of ION Television’s May upfront presentation is evidenced by our continued growth in advertising sales. The number of first-ever advertisers on ION Television has grown substantially and contributed to the dramatic increase in ad sales post-upfront. This fall, ION Television welcomes Walgreens, Western Union, Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Edward Jones and Red Lobster to its client roster. In addition, the network is introducing a new advertiser within the automotive category with the recent sign-on of Honda.

Multiple Distribution Deals: Straddling the unique position of both broadcaster and cable network, ION Television continues to sign cable, telecommunications and satellite distribution deals in local markets across the country. New rollouts by national distributors, such as Comcast, the nation’s largest multiple service operator, continue to increase momentum and expand the network’s total reach. Upcoming launches will include the continued rollout by Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-Verse, Bresnan, Mediacom and Buckeye, as well as niche cable operators like MidContinent, Broadstripe, Comporium and Sky Angel. Additionally, ION Television recently announced a station affiliation agreement with WRCX–TV in Dayton, the nation’s 62nd largest TV market, which represents approximately 511,000 households.

New Website Launch -- iontelevision.com: ION Television extends its breadth beyond television and is launching a newly revamped and rebranded website, www.iontelevision.com. The site will feature numerous new features from streaming video, interactive games, video mash-ups, cast/show information, show trivia, forums and blogs.

ION Television’s strategy will focus heavily on expanding its programming offerings in coming television seasons, targeting a strong mix of quality major network TV series, as well as signature originals produced specifically for ION Television. Several key content additions have already been secured, such as the successful “Ghost Whisperer” and “Criminal Minds” franchises, which will infuse the lineup in fall 2009.

Why do they have to keep changing their image?-LOL. It seems like every month, Pavan posts ION's press release about becoming a fresh new network, yet every month, we get the same old crap from them. I'm still not watching this network, no matter how they change their image. Until they put some good, classic 80's/90's sitcoms on their lineup (and no, not MASH), then I still won't be watching.

I will check out their new site, though. I'm hoping it has a forum so we can go tell them exactly how we feel about their network! ;)

Who enjoyed M*A*S*H on ION

Good news! Our ION interview is back on! If all goes well, it should be up tomorrow or Thursday!

I am looking forward to The Ion Inviewer Wednesday or Thursday

Good news! Our ION interview is back on! If all goes well, it should be up tomorrow or Thursday!

Finally!!! They may be a few months late, but at least they didn't forget about it! :D

Boston Legal and especially NCIS are off to good starts:

Top 20 Markets Overnights:

Boston Legal / NCIS - Monday, Sept. 8
8PM and 9PM
http://pifeedback.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/63310451/m/870100951?r=240101951#240101951

# 1 # 2 # 3 # 4 # 5
NY LA CHI PHI DAL
0.7/ 1 -.-/-- 0.9/ 1 0.8/ 1 1.0/ 2 (Boston Legal)
1.3/ 2 0.2/ 0 1.4/ 2 1.2/ 2 1.7/ 2 (NCIS)

# 6 # 7 # 8 # 9 #10
SF/OAK/SJ BOS ATL WSH DC HOU
0.0/ 0 0.4/ 1 1.0/ 1 0.8/ 1 0.8/ 1 (Boston Legal)
0.4/ 1 0.8/ 1 0.3/ 0 1.4/ 2 1.0/ 1 (NCIS)

#11 #12 #13 #14 #15
DET PHX TAM-StP SEA-Tac MIN-StPl
0.7/ 1 0.7/ 1 -.-/-- 0.3/ 1 0.2/ 0 (Boston Legal)
1.0/ 1 1.5/ 2 -.-/-- 0.8/ 1 0.8/ 1 (NCIS)

#16 #17 #18 #19 #20 #26
MIA-FtL CLE-Akr DEN ORL-Dyta SAC-Stkn IND
0.6/ 1 0.7/ 1 0.8/ 1 1.4/ 2 0.1/ 0 0.2/ 0 (Boston Legal)
0.6/ 1 1.3/ 2 1.2/ 2 1.4/ 2 2.2/ 3 0.4/ 1 (NCIS)



NCIS - Tuesday, Sept. 9
9PM
http://pifeedback.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/63310451/m/305102951?r=596102951#596102951

# 1 # 2 # 3 # 4 # 5
NY LA CHI PHI DAL
1.6/ 2 0.3/ 1 0.6/ 1 0.5/ 1 1.4/ 2

# 6 # 7 # 8 # 9 #10
SF/OAK/SJ BOS ATL WSH DC HOU
0.3/ 1 0.6/ 1 0.9/ 1 0.6/ 1 0.5/ 1

#11 #12 #13 #14 #15
DET PHX TAM-StP SEA-Tac MIN-StPl
1.2/ 2 1.6/ 3 0.8/ 1 0.8/ 2 1.1/ 2

#16 #17 #18 #19 #20 #26
MIA-FtL CLE-Akr DEN ORL-Dyta SAC-Stkn IND
0.1/ 0 1.7/ 3 1.9/ 3 1.0/ 1 1.2/ 2 0.6/ 1

(NCIS built on ER in each top 20 market except #16)

Wow, those are pretty good numbers, especially for NCIS. I thought Boston Legal would do better, but NCIS is clearly beating it. It's a huge improvement over the summer household numbers, which is a great sign for the networks executives, who obviously want these highly-rated dramas to do well for them.

Week of Sept. 1-7 HH rating/share and total viewers for ION primetime (8-11p):

0.3/0 HH rating/share and 390,000 total viewers average

It'll be interesting to compare it to this week, since it will go up a bit with one airing of Boston Legal and two airings of NCIS...both did much better than the usual ION 8-10pm numbers.

Not sure if I posted Aug 25-31: 0.2 HH rating/0 share and 330,000 total viewers average.

Our ION interview will be on the blog tomorrow! We have it in our hands now!

Week of Sept. 1-7 HH rating/share and total viewers for ION primetime (8-11p):

0.3/0 HH rating/share and 390,000 total viewers average

It'll be interesting to compare it to this week, since it will go up a bit with one airing of Boston Legal and two airings of NCIS...both did much better than the usual ION 8-10pm numbers.

Not sure if I posted Aug 25-31: 0.2 HH rating/0 share and 330,000 total viewers average.

Our ION interview will be on the blog tomorrow! We have it in our hands now!

The household numbers were good, so I'm sure that and total viewers will go up a lot this week, which is a good sign for ION's sake.

And I can't wait for the interview! We've been waiting for months for it!

Here is the interview wth ION:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2008/09/sitcomsonlinecom-exclusive-interview.html

Let us know what you think.

Now we are talking!

Looked like most of her responses were right out of a press release. Most of the classic sitcoms and the elk are probably never coming back as they've moved head first with this latest branding going after proven programs. She emphasized FRESH!

yeah, I have to agree, I was kind of disappointed with the interview. Pavan, you're questions were right on the money, but her answers were extremely vague and everything she said was what we already knew. I wish she could have put more time into her answers, because it would have made the interview a lot better.

It seems to me they want to abandon the classic shows altogether, but she didn't want to say it directly in the interview. That's the sense I got from the vague answers.

We shall see what happens. They will be looking to create a daytime block and remove the paid progamming, so that was the first time that was mentioned officially.

We shall see what happens. They will be looking to create a daytime block and remove the paid progamming, so that was the first time that was mentioned officially.

Good point, Pavan. I'm glad that Paid Programming will be gone sometime soon, hopefully, and that there will be a daytime block (hopefully starting early, maybe noon), but what will air in that block? I wouldn't be surprised to see more still-in-production drama repeats take the block, but MASH at 4pm is a good sign that it may be sitcoms like Who's the Boss? The Wonder Years, and Perfect Strangers making a return.

Pavan, thanks for the insightful interview -- at least we know what direction ION is headed (whether we like it or not).

Hopefully they will do an afternoon block of sitcoms from the 70s & 80s -- I'd love to see Perfect Strangers get another chance.

Week of Sept. 1-7 HH rating/share and total viewers for ION primetime (8-11p):

0.3/0 HH rating/share and 390,000 total viewers average

It'll be interesting to compare it to this week, since it will go up a bit with one airing of Boston Legal and two airings of NCIS...both did much better than the usual ION 8-10pm numbers.

Not sure if I posted Aug 25-31: 0.2 HH rating/0 share and 330,000 total viewers average.

Week of Sept. 8-14 HH rating/share and total viewers for ION primetime (8-11p):

0.3/1 HH rating/share and 460,000 total viewers average

So, that is slightly up.

But still nowhere where ION was when it first launched with Mama.

What an absolute dud. They need to increase ratings 2-4 fold in order to have a chance at long term survival. I doubt they have the resources to retool yet again, they've invested too much into these new shows and have too much corporate debt to service.

They need to air NCIS 5 days a week, but they can't. Come October they will be eligible to air Boston Legal more than once a week...more on that soon.

Wow, I thought those numbers would have been a lot better. I'm thinking NCIS is the hit of the schedule Monday nights (considering it's demos we saw from last week), Boston Legal is doing well, and ER isn't doing as well as they hoped. From the household numbers, you could clearly see that ER was doing the worst out of the 3, and airing it the most probably isn't helping.

Well the Friday ION RHI movie didn't do much for sure in the top 20 markets:
http://pifeedback.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/63310451/m/851109951?r=126102061#126102061

Well the Friday ION RHI movie didn't do much for sure in the top 20 markets:
http://pifeedback.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/63310451/m/851109951?r=126102061#126102061

Those RHI movies don't help at all - I'm sure when they premiere new ones, they do okay numbers, but when they repeat them over and over again, they don't do well. When does that deal end again?

This coming summer, I believe.

This coming summer, I believe.

If they don't renew the contract, that could mean big things for their primetime lineup. I wonder if they'd actually expand the lineup to 7 days a week, without those movies. That would definitely be great, unless they move the Thursday movie to Saturday or something like that.

They will probably air Sony, Warner, and Universal movies on Fridays and Saturdays and air the regular schedule Sun-Thurs when the RHI deal expires, IMO.

I will looking forward to reading Thursday's Blog.

IMO, if the ratings don't start getting in the 600,000-800,000 range (AT LEAST) like last year they're going to fold. The ratings are up a bit, but not as much as they need to survive. If this doesn't work I think the network is pretty much over. Like another poster mentioned, they don't have the money to re-image again and acquire different shows, and since they're set against focusing on the older shows...well.

They need to let that RHI deal expire and use the exisiting library content from the other providers.

I agree - ratings need to jump up fast. IMO, they should be well above 800,000 viewers with the expensive shows they're airing. 400,000 isn't going to cut it anymore. They spent too much money to be getting ratings that dismal. I think once BL starts airing more, though, ratings will jump up. The Thursday movies must be doing well, since they're keeping them around.

I don't know if they'd fold, but I'd say by December, if they keep their same 8pm-11pm schedule, and still get the same 4-500k viewers, they'll try something different. Maybe new shows, or even use more from their library deals. They need to see that the network worked best with sitcoms, not dramas.

For some reason, Mama was pulling in close to a million viewers at one point and WTB? was doing great as well.......then for some reason, THAT wasn't good enough.

For some reason, Mama was pulling in close to a million viewers at one point and WTB? was doing great as well.......then for some reason, THAT wasn't good enough.

Exactly - that's why I don't get why they wanted to rebrand and change their outlook. I guess they wanted even better ratings than that, but now, they can barely manage half of what they used to get. The classic sitcoms were what gave ION the million or so viewers they used to have. Mama alone could pull in a million.

Mama was getting close to a million viewers overall, but it wasn't gettting good numbers in 18-49. It was dialing in around a 0.1 or 0.2 18-49 rating. I think it was good to go younger, but they should bring in Mama for late afternoon to give the evening lineup a jump start. I wouldn't count ION's primetime ratings until w/o Sept. 29 when they officially launch their schedule with BL four nights a week.

The proof will be in the pudding.....the Boston Legal pudding! :D

Mama was getting close to a million viewers overall, but it wasn't gettting good numbers in 18-49. It was dialing in around a 0.1 or 0.2 18-49 rating. I think it was good to go younger, but they should bring in Mama for late afternoon to give the evening lineup a jump start. I wouldn't count ION's primetime ratings until w/o Sept. 29 when they officially launch their schedule with BL four nights a week.

They should really air Mama at 6pm for an hour - it would be a great leadin for the rest of their lineup. Even though the demo is low, a network like ION, IMO, shouldn't be focusing necessarily on that 18-49 demo. I know it's better to go younger, but they're not a top-rated network. I don't think it should matter much.

Well they are focusing on 25-54, and Mama excelled in 55+. So they want to go younger, because you know advertisers would buy.

Well they are focusing on 25-54, and Mama excelled in 55+. So they want to go younger, because you know advertisers would buy.

I really can't stand it how every network is worried about obtaining the younger demo. I can understand the broadcast nets worrying about doing that, but a network like ION, which is only getting roughly 500,000 viewers at the moment, should really be able to focus more on number of viewers rather than the demo. It make more sense.

ER has been removed from 8-10pm this Wednesday for a Warner movie. The Warner movies will air Thursdays 9-11pm starting the week after:


ION Television Inks Multi-Year Film Acquisition Deal With Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution

Deal Includes 27 Critically Acclaimed and Academy Award-Winning Box Office Hits


WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Monday, September 22, 2008 -- ION Television, the “Positively Entertaining” general entertainment network reaching over 94 million homes, has inked a multi-year film acquisition deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution. Extending from fall 2008 through summer 2010, this multi-year deal brings 27 critically acclaimed and Academy Award-winning films to the network’s film slate.

“Our deal with Warner Bros. is part of our newly rebranded commitment to provide entertaining popular content with mass appeal to broad audiences,” said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO, ION Media Networks. “As we broaden our content footprint, we are also putting in place a programming organization that will manage our creative expansion.”

“Theatrical motion pictures are consistent ratings performers and play an important part in a network’s programming mix, so we’re excited to continue our relationship with ION to include this new slate of hit movies from the Warner Bros. collection,” said Ken Werner, President, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution.

ION Television kicks off the first of its Warner Bros. films on Wednesday, September 24th at 8:00 p.m. ET with the comedy favorite Grumpier Old Men (starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margret and Sophia Loren). Through summer 2010, blockbusters featuring some of the biggest names in Hollywood will grace ION Television in a series of cinematic favorites spanning multiple genres.

Dramatic thrillers and crime sagas include classics like The Fugitive (starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones), GoodFellas (starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco and Paul Sorvino) and Heat (starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer and Jon Voight), as well as more recent favorites such as Deep Blue Sea (starring Saffron Burrows, Thomas Jane, LL Cool J and Samuel L. Jackson) and Training Day (starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke).

Also in the mix are two movies from the famed Batman series, Batman Forever (starring Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman and Chris O’Donnell) and Batman Returns (starring Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken), plus Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon 1, 2 and 4.

Modern comedy classics include The Mask (starring Jim Carrey), Analyze This (starring Robert De Niro, Billy Crystal and Lisa Kudrow) and National Lampoon's European Vacation (starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo), among many others.

Rounding out the cinematic variety of ION Television’s “Positively Entertaining” new movie lineup are dramas like City of Angels (starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan) and romantic comedies such as You've Got Mail (starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan).

Aha--so this is an admission that ER is currently the weak link in the ION lineup.

Aha--so this is an admission that ER is currently the weak link in the ION lineup.

I agree - it has to be. They wouldn't just schedule a movie for no apparent reason, so I'm guessing ER isn't doing so well, while the movies must be doing well. They wouldn't ink a great deal with Warner for nothing.

While I don't watch the movies on ION, I'll bet that once the RHI deal expires, the Warner movies will take their spot permanently. Not a bad decision on ION's part.

Full list of movies:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2008/09/60th-primetime-emmy-awards-winners-ion.html

I certainly remember the "ION MOVIE WEEKEND"--certainly had a better crowd pleasing feeling than the RHI selections (which seem best suited to Hallmark).

The ratings for ER must not be that great. I wonder if it'll be gone come November.

ER does ok at 10pm, so it won't be removed completely. They will stick with ER Mon-Wed 10pm, just no more earlier airings.

well The Good News is ER Has not Been removed on The Ion Schedule.all Together.

Week of Sept. 8-14 HH rating/share and total viewers for ION primetime (8-11p):

0.3/1 HH rating/share and 460,000 total viewers average

Week of Sept. 15-21 HH rating/share and total viewers for ION primetime (8-11p):

0.3/0 HH rating/share and 360,000 total viewers average.


Real test is week of 9/29.

What a long way this net has come when it used to be PAX and actually boasted ratings in the 2.0 + when "Doc" and "Diagnosis:Murder" were airing.

it'll be interesting to see next week if the additional Boston Legals will help.
The flucuations must have be due to whatever movie is on Thursdays?

Does Ion still hold the right's to Diagnosis Murder.

Week of Sept. 15-21 HH rating/share and total viewers for ION primetime (8-11p):

0.3/0 HH rating/share and 360,000 total viewers average.


Real test is week of 9/29.

What is going on with this network? Fall is here - with the 3 shows taking over their primetime, they should have double, if not triple those ratings.

It must be the RHI movies pulling them down. Too bad they couldn't get out of their contract earlier.

Remember Boston Legal is airing just once and NCIS just twice. Let's wait until Sept. 29 before making judgments. BL will air 4 times a week then and ER will just be in its 10pm slot rather than the full night on Wednesday.

What were the ratings when it was PAX? Weren't they much higher than they are now?

I find it hard to believe that the movies are bringing the ratings down THAT much. They should be getting 500-600,000 easy even with the movies.

What were the ratings when it was PAX? Weren't they much higher than they are now?

I find it hard to believe that the movies are bringing the ratings down THAT much. They should be getting 500-600,000 easy even with the movies.

I agree - the movies can't be bringing down ratings that much, which means their entire lineup is low-rated. I'm not sure how well NCIS or Boston Legal did this week, but obviously, it wasn't as good as last week since the ratings are down (unless the movies absolutely bombed, which is unlikely).

You can't really compare it to when it was PAX. That was years ago and there were lesser channels compared to today, thus ratings for all networks have gone down. Not to mention the DVR factor. If the network remains steady the w/o 9/29, then you can blast it all you want...but right now you can't really judge by just three new hours.

You can't really compare it to when it was PAX. That was years ago and there were lesser channels compared to today, thus ratings for all networks have gone down. Not to mention the DVR factor. If the network remains steady the w/o 9/29, then you can blast it all you want...but right now you can't really judge by just three new hours.

I see you're point, but whether it's now or September 29th, the 3 same shows will still be in primetime, but 1 will have a few more airings than it does now. If ER is the problem, and come the 29th, ratings pick up to say, over 500k, then good for them. But at this point, it's hard to tell what shows are doing poorly, because they have different schedules every night of the week.

You should be able to compare to this time last year, though, when it was doing a hell lot better than it is now.

Boston Legal is doing much better than ER. BL will air 4 nights a week at 8pm and once at 9pm on Wed...that will drastically help ION primetime, as two ER slots get removed (Wed 8-10pm).

Boston Legal is doing much better than ER. BL will air 4 nights a week at 8pm and once at 9pm on Wed...that will drastically help ION primetime, as two ER slots get removed (Wed 8-10pm).

By the 29th, it should be able to get at least 500,000 viewers. With NCIS and Boston Legal leading Monday-Wednesdays, that should be relatively easy.

I can see why ER's ratings on ION have gone down recently. I've just about stopped watching it on there myself. I have no clue how this network is airing the show. They only bought the rights to seasons 11-14, which is ok, I guess, so how about they actually show seasons 11-14! So far, they aired all of season 11 and most of season 12, but now seem to be skipping episodes, then going back to where they left off, then skipping more episodes, then going back where they left off again! This is the second time they've done this, it happened a few weeks ago too. It's confusing to the viewers.

Here's the upcoming episodes for the next week or so - before they decided to not air tonight's 3 hour block:

September 22nd - Strange Bedfellows (12x18)
September 23rd - Graduation Day (13x2)
September 23rd - Somebody To Love (13x3)
September 24th - From Here To Paternity (13x17)
September 24th - Family Business (13x19)
September 24th - Lights Out (13x20)
September 29th - Darfur (12x15)
September 30th - Out On A Limb (12x16)
October 1st - Lost In America (12x17)

It doesn't make any sense.

I can see why ER's ratings on ION have gone down recently. I've just about stopped watching it on there myself. I have no clue how this network is airing the show. They only bought the rights to seasons 11-14, which is ok, I guess, so how about they actually show seasons 11-14! So far, they aired all of season 11 and most of season 12, but now seem to be skipping episodes, then going back to where they left off, then skipping more episodes, then going back where they left off again! This is the second time they've done this, it happened a few weeks ago too. It's confusing to the viewers.

Here's the upcoming episodes for the next week or so - before they decided to not air tonight's 3 hour block:

September 22nd - Strange Bedfellows (12x18)
September 23rd - Graduation Day (13x2)
September 23rd - Somebody To Love (13x3)
September 24th - From Here To Paternity (13x17)
September 24th - Family Business (13x19)
September 24th - Lights Out (13x20)
September 29th - Darfur (12x15)
September 30th - Out On A Limb (12x16)
October 1st - Lost In America (12x17)

It doesn't make any sense.

They did the same thing with The Drew Carey Show when it was airing - they would air season 1 episodes, then go to season 2, then back to season 1, then back to season 2, as well as skipping many of the season 4 episodes and going straight to season 5, before going back to season 1 all over again. Sometimes, it makes no sense the way they run their scheduling department-LOL

They did the same thing with The Drew Carey Show when it was airing - they would air season 1 episodes, then go to season 2, then back to season 1, then back to season 2, as well as skipping many of the season 4 episodes and going straight to season 5, before going back to season 1 all over again. Sometimes, it makes no sense the way they run their scheduling department-LOL
Aaaah, I see. I meant to ask if this has happened with any other shows on ION. I guess it has! It makes no sense. If your going to skip episodes for whatever reason, then skip them. But don't skip half of a season, show a few episodes from the following season, then go back and show the other half of the season before. ION is getting just as bad as my local CW and FOX channels. :lol:

Aaaah, I see. I meant to ask if this has happened with any other shows on ION. I guess it has! It makes no sense. If your going to skip episodes for whatever reason, then skip them. But don't skip half of a season, show a few episodes from the following season, then go back and show the other half of the season before. ION is getting just as bad as my local CW and FOX channels. :lol:

I don't understand any reason for skipping episodes. They would probably get more viewers by airing the episodes in order, not their order-LOL. I hate it when networks do this - Nick at Nite has done it in the past, although they're getting a little better, by showing episodes in a specific season in order.

Could someone pull up ION's ratings for this time last year? Weren't they around 7-800,000? I remember Mama was on fire and WTB? was doing great too.

If next week doesn't pick up....I don't see them going anywhere with this current format.

Well, I'm sorry if you think I'm making a judgement Pavan, but the truth is the truth. ION keeps trying new things and nothing seems to work. They want that almighty 18-54 demo to improve but at the cost of turning off the viewers that had been tuning in, in nice numbers. I'm willing to see if the additional BLs will help. If they would stick to something consistent, viewers may stick around.

Could someone pull up ION's ratings for this time last year? Weren't they around 7-800,000? I remember Mama was on fire and WTB? was doing great too.

If next week doesn't pick up....I don't see them going anywhere with this current format.

They were something around that. But, their entire primetime lineup was doing well at this point.

I could find a few things on google, though:

*The March 2007 lineup with Diagnosis Murder, Mama, and Charlie's Angels (wow, was that awhile ago) averaged 722,000 viewers.

*The Drew Carey Show's ratings for the end of January at 9pm were great, with about a million viewers, doubling the ratings for its premiere week January 1.

*Who's the Boss? launched in July 2007 at 9pm with some of the largest female demographics the network has seen to date.

*Mama's Family was apparently pulling in around 860,000 viewers at 8pm in October 2007, so that would be around this time. Compare this with what NCIS and Boston Legal will be doing in the slot come October.

Get a glimpse of ION in primetime for the top 20 markets for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday:

Sunday with RHI: http://pifeedback.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/63310451/m/519107161?r=897105261#897105261

Monday with BL/NCIS/ER: http://pifeedback.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/63310451/m/315109161?r=208105261#208105261

Tuesday with ER/NCIS/ER: http://pifeedback.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/63310451/m/952103261?r=508105261#508105261

Thanks Pavan!

I'm not sure what to say based on those household numbers. ER seems like a hit and miss when its one - some markets it does well in (Is that 1.8 correct, because that's beyond excellent for ION), and NCIS doesn't seem to be doing as well as it did when it premiered. Boston Legal seems to be doing well, though. It's hard to say, though.

Well, I'm sorry if you think I'm making a judgement Pavan, but the truth is the truth. ION keeps trying new things and nothing seems to work. They want that almighty 18-54 demo to improve but at the cost of turning off the viewers that had been tuning in, in nice numbers. I'm willing to see if the additional BLs will help. If they would stick to something consistent, viewers may stick around.You hit the nail on the head. This network can't be consistent with ANYTHING....their name, slogan/logo, programming focus...I cannot defend them at all.

and thanks for that info, Julie!

You hit the nail on the head. This network can't be consistent with ANYTHING....their name, slogan/logo, programming focus...I cannot defend them at all.

and thanks for that info, Julie!

Anytime! It's all I could find on google!

I think their inconsistency is hurting them. They've changed their name, their brand, and their image so many times that people just don't care anymore. They payed what must have been a huge sum of money to air ER, etc. in primetime, and they aren't doing what they should be doing.

Really ER is part of their Warner library deal, I believe. But with limitations of only seasons 11-14.

Really ER is part of their Warner library deal, I believe. But with limitations of only seasons 11-14.

So they didn't pay anything for it outside the deal?

Not sure, my guess is no. Same for Drew Carey.

I knew Drew Carey was part of the deal, but I wasn't sure if it was for just sitcoms, or for both sitcoms and dramas.

Get a glimpse of ION in primetime for the top 20 markets:

Saturday with RHI movies: http://pifeedback.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/63310451/m/451107161?r=919102361#919102361

Wednesday with Grumpier Old Men/ER: http://pifeedback.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/63310451/m/271106261?r=329102361#329102361

Thursday with Star Trek 4: http://pifeedback.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/63310451/m/270100361?r=239102361#239102361

Interesting that in some markets, ION does a decent (for them) rating--over 1.0, particularly for the movies, including Star Trek 4.

ER is really a weak link--one market had 0.0/0 :eek:

Week of Sept. 22-28 HH rating/share and total viewers for ION primetime (8-11p):

0.3/0 HH rating/share and 370,000 total viewers average.


Real test again will be this week (9/29).