Seems ABC just wont run DWTS for more than 10 weeks (even though last Spring it ran for 11). Missed opportunity not to start night after the Oscars especially after the drop this season.

http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272629618.shtml

Tom Bergeron reveals that although "We haven't gotten a definite pickup," Season 10 of "Dancing With the Stars" has been targeted for a March 22 premiere. The show took a ratings dip in Season 9, which is being attributed to less audience interest in the season's lineup of competitors, including winner Donny Osmond.
Tom Bergeron Talks 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 10.
Tom Bergeron Talks 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 10.

So next season's cast of stars will be all the more important. Bergeron tells us he's already aware of a couple of the celebrities who'll be joining the show -- but, of course, his lips are sealed.

He won't even spill the details to friends, he says.

"I remind them that when my wife was pregnant with the first of our two daughters, for six months, I knew she was going to have a girl, but she did not want to know. If I could keep the sex of our child secret from my own wife for six months, then keeping the names of celebrities from friends is a walk in the park."

"DWTS" still came in at No. 1 in total viewership its finale week and is still one of TV's top-rated shows, and Bergeron continues to feel that as a job it offers him "an embarrassment of riches. I just really love the fact that it's a live show, and I get to be on with those three judges and Samantha (Harris), who are all friends."

We caught up with the genial host as he was driving down a Connecticut highway in 28-degree weather, en route to having "Christmas with family. Then we'll do a little bit of traveling. We're a very family-centric family," he says.

Bergeron resumes his "America's Funniest Home Videos" hosting duties in January

I doubt March 22. It will be either March 8 or 15.

are you just guessing, because I would assume Tom would know. Can I ask what you are basing that on?

Pavan, Just in case it wasnt clear, my last question was honestly asked respectfully, not antogonistically (sometimes tone isnt conveyed well in written form) . I was wondering if you are just assuming that they will start the 8th or 15th like I was or you have insider ABC info. I would think Tom would be told the date since he has to plan accordingly, that's why I put stock in the date he said.

I assume they'll announce it at TCA, so I guess we'll find oiut soon enough. If it isnt starting til the 22nd I would wonder why they didnt have 30 Bachelorfettes like Summer and have it go 11 weeks until the premeire of DWTS.

I'm just guessing it is March 8 or 15. I'm sure Tom knows but plans always change. Don't think a March 22 date is set in stone in December. I think that won't happen. March 15 is more likely.

Thanks. Last year the retun date was set in December and it was announced then as well. I think you and I just want it to be earlier (as that would make sense), however based on ABC's reticence to air this show for more than 10 weeks 98 percent of the time and the fact that Tom said that date, I am betting that's the date.

Hopefully it will change as you suggested, but I think with a show of this nature, schedules are locked in earlier as dancers have things to do on hiatus like Broadway etc and they need to avaiable at least a month before to rehearse etc.

Modern Family and Cougar Town will be all-new now on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Repeats were originally scheduled. The Middle, as of now, is a repeat on this date still.
[Modern Family/Cougar Town will be new all month now (Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27). The Middle is new every week but Jan. 20.]

Due to the change, Comedy Wednesday are repeats on Wednesday, Feb. 3 (day before sweeps starts).

Also, ABC Sunday is all-new on Sunday, Jan. 31 from 7-11pm.

Modern Family and Cougar Town will be all-new now on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Repeats were originally scheduled. The Middle, as of now, is a repeat on this date still.
[Modern Family/Cougar Town will be new all month now (Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27). The Middle is new every week but Jan. 20.]

Due to the change, Comedy Wednesday are repeats on Wednesday, Feb. 3 (day before sweeps starts).

Also, ABC Sunday is all-new on Sunday, Jan. 31 from 7-11pm.

Cougar Town's order got upped to 24 episodes for season 1 yesterday. Does the same go for the rest of the comedy block? And if not Pavan, do you know why?

I stated yesterday that Modern Family is a lock for 24 episodes. The Middle not so sure, but maybe.

Pavan,

Any idea why ABC is not premiering TDE next week. Initially I thought it was because they needed GA/PP to promote it, but it has had non stop promotion with spots in DH, BACHELOR, plus 30 million people saw it in spots last night.

In light of the fact that GA/PP will be in reruns its second week and the fact that there is no young audult competition next week (VD not back til the 21st) and there is no SURVIVOR, plus there might be more tune in because of the crossover, plus the fact that it would have 2 weeks with GREYS originals, I really dont understand.

Any insight from ABC insiders?

Even with the promotion it has been getting, it will still be leading off, so I think they want the Grey's audience promo for it. I'm fine with it launching Jan. 21. It's not like Grey's will be leading into it on Jan. 28, so if it hits on Jan. 21, most of that audience will be back on Jan. 28 despite if Grey's is a repeat or not.

I think they should have a third play of the Deep End pilot. Third being on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 10pm (as you suggested). What do you think of the pilot if you saw it? I think it is decent, but not perfect. It seems like it will get better and better. It certainly reminds me of Grey's, with the five first year attorneys.

yeah its definitely GREYS with lawyers. I agree pilot is good with potential but not great, but thats true of most pilots. In fact thats how GREYS was treated inintially.. Also, they added Mechad Brooks after the pilot was shot, so thats why he's only in that one scene (added in later clearly). Although Justin Chambers was also added After GREYS pilot was shot. Also Nicole Ari Parker replaced Sherri Saum so her scenes were reshot. I think 2nd episode could be better since it will have been formed with changes in place. Theres also no obvious breakout star here like there was with GREYS, maybe Billy Zane, but there's lots of potential, could see it really growing.

Its definitely schduled on the right night, BUT GREYS premiered after DH when that show was getting double digits and 8p Thurs is very competetive now. Witness where FF ended up. I think DEEP END is a good fit tonally with the night, but I'd be taking advantage of the fact that Survivor isnt on. I certainly would have premiered this week if mostly because VD is not on. That show is getting a 2.0 and its on the CW. They are competing with that young adult audience. I hope you're right but I think a show like this (not high concept like a V) needs all the help it can get and reruns of GREYS second week is not gonna help, although if it tanks first week (hopefully not) wont make a difference.

Yes i am all for running it again Sun at 10p (as you know and noted) especially since its replacing a DH rerun and could do as well, plus Sun at 10p it will have less competition to deal with and there will certainly be more eyeballs than Sat at 9p, although I am fine with running it 3 times. With new shows, I think you can never expose it enough. If ABC sun was new I would understand, but what would they have to lose by running it instead of a DH rerun. They have the potential of picking up new viewers. Maybe you shoudl suggest that to ABc.

Huzzah! WH has decided not to slot State of the Union on Feb. 2. VICTORY! Impacting...

I guess my e-mail to White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs helped, lol. I think they'll slot the State of the Union either Tuesday, Jan. 26 or Wednesday, Feb. 3.

Scrubs and Better off Ted are repeats in the 8pm hour now on Tuesday, Jan. 19. They will still be all-new though on that date in the 9pm hour. the forgotten is a repeat on Jan. 19 at 10. Confused about Scrubs/Ted? Check out the updated schedule for these two:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4346961&postcount=698

Also:
Saturday, January 30, 2010
8:00-10:00pm Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (R, 12/13/09 Mary J. Blige)

Scrubs and Better off Ted are repeats in the 8pm hour now on Tuesday, Jan. 19. They will still be all-new though on that date in the 9pm hour. the forgotten is a repeat on Jan. 19 at 10. Confused about Scrubs/Ted? Check out the updated schedule for these two:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4346961&postcount=698

Also:
Saturday, January 30, 2010
8:00-10:00pm Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (R, 12/13/09 Mary J. Blige)

The fact that repeats will be leading into new episodes already sets the terrible ratings in stone. Why ABC is sticking with this lineup is crazy. Send Scrubs to Fridays, put on Primetime, Better Off Ted Wednesdays! Am I the only one it sounds simple to? lol

Better off Ted would kill the Wednesday momentum now. That is not a good idea and I don't think they will do it. It's Tuesdays or nothing.

From Variety:

Don't despair, "Lost" fans. The island won't be disappearing come May.

Anything and everything is on the table, as Disney execs map out a long-term strategy for "Lost," the ground-breaking mystery/sci-fi series that returns in February to begin its sixth and final season.

In the short run, that could mean "Lost" novelizations and comicbooks, as well as gaming extensions, digital distribution, recut "Lost" DVDs and an oft-rumored "Lost" amusement park attraction. But further down the road, that might also mean a new TV or feature take on "Lost," complete with new auspices and cast -- in other words, "Lost: The Next Generation."

"We've been talking about this for a couple of years now," says ABC marketing exec VP Mike Benson. "We want to keep it alive but make sure we maintain the integrity of the franchise. We're not about milking this thing for all that it is right now; it's important to see this live for years to come."

But "Lost" exec producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse won't likely be a part of those plans. The duo have made it pretty clear that they have no intention to keep the show going after the finale, and would like their work to stand on its own once "Lost" slams the hatch door shut.

"People deserve an ending, and to promise a continuation of the story in any form in some way negates the finality in some way," Lindelof says.

If and when new "Lost" content emerges, Disney/ABC will have to find someone new to entrust with the franchise.

"What 'Lost' becomes after it ends its run is up in the air," Benson says. "It really depends on who comes in to interpret it next."

There's plenty of precedence for franchises being reinvented by new voices. Most of TV's recent remakes have been produced without input from their original auspices -- be it ABC's "V" or the CW's "90210."

And then there's that constantly reinvented sci-fi franchise that boasts even more passionate fans than "Lost" -- "Star Trek."

Benson and fellow marketing exec VP Marla Provencio say they would like to handle the "Lost" franchise much in the same way Paramount navigated "Star Trek" through the years.

"We do believe 'Lost' can be a 'Star Trek' for us," Benson says.

Originally created by Gene Roddenberry, "Star Trek" carried on even after its initial TV run, eventually returning via a string of movies. That led to four smallscreen spinoffs: "Next Generation," "Deep Space Nine," "Voyager" and "Enterprise." Coincidentally, "Lost" creator J.J. Abrams was behind the recent "Star Trek" redux, while Lindelof is co-writing the next one.

"I loved J.J.'s interpretation of 'Star Trek,' " Benson says. "It was smart of Paramount to bring his interpretation of that franchise."That's not to say Disney/ABC wouldn't prefer that Lindelof and Cuse stick around on "Lost."Damon and Carlton laid such groundwork, it's going to be a challenge for us, and we have to rise to the occasion," Provencio says. "We have to find different, creative and innovative ways to keep the fans happy and to keep the franchise healthy."Benson and Provencio admit to quite a bit of nostalgia as they head toward the final season of "Lost," having worked closely with Cuse and Lindelof on the show's marketing campaigns and ancillary content from the beginning.It's been such an amazing collaboration," Benson says. "Most of the time we were not just creating promos, we were creating content that surrounded the program. It helped define who we are today as TV marketers."For the final season, ABC has kept its marketing campaign close to the vest. Promos and clips have utilized footage from past seasons only -- but that will change a week before "Lost's" Feb. 2 season premiere, as 815 fans give the correct answer to "Lost" trivia online and receive a message in a bottle.That bottle will include a USB drive that features a clip from the season's first episode. The network is fully expecting that clip to then quickly go viral online.Meanwhile, the net will hold a final season-premiere screening on a beach in Hawaii, as well as a wrap party in Southern California. ABC is also sending half-hour "Lost" specials to affiliates and will include "Lost" "starter kits" in People and Entertainment Weekly.We're building anticipation and making this a pop culture event," Benson says. "We want to build to the end of the series, like when 'MASH' or 'Seinfeld' ended and people wanted to be there for the end of it."

Why the effort to keep "Lost" going? Quite simply, it's too valuable a commodity for Disney and its various divisions to just let it go.

Lost" has already experienced a robust existence off the air: Disney's Hyperion Books has released several novelizations of the show, while several websites have been produced over the years featuring Easter eggs and clues for "Lost" fans.

Lindelof and Cuse have also hosted a podcast for the show; mobisodes ("Lost: Missing Pieces") were produced for Verizon's V-Cast; a videogame ("Lost: Via Domus") was created by Ubisoft; McFarlane Toys produced various "Lost" toys and action figures; and much more.

TV properties that can morph into massive, multiplatform franchises remain rare. News Corp. has enjoyed the fruits of animated series like "The Simpsons" (which has been worth billions to the company) and reality shows like "American Idol," but most hit programs can't sustain themselves beyond the smallscreen.

It also remains to be seen whether a show like "Lost" can keep the fires burning once it's no longer in originals. "Star Trek" actually reps one of the few shows that has maintained a following for decades; in a more recent example, "The X-Files" (which didn't have much luck stoking interest in a recent feature revival) has failed to hold on to its once white-hot relevancy, eight years after signing off.

Lost" may not be as huge as it was in the beginning, but it still signs off in a solid place -- and could very well experience a ratings revival this season.

The show ranked a strong eighth among all series last season in adults 18-49, and held its own against the powerful "American Idol" juggernaut, dominating its scripted competition in the young adults demo. The show was also tied for second place on the list of most popularly recorded shows on DVRs.

FLASHFORWARD will now return Thursday, March 18 (instead of March 4 to avoid Idol) with a two-hour return from 8-10pm.

The series will air in its regular one-hour format on Thursdays at 8pm through May 20 (that includes the hyped April 29 date). The season finale will now be on Thursday, May 27 (first night of the summer) from 8-10pm.

The Deep End will likely air on March 4 at 8 now.re

Even with a 2-hour premiere and a 2-hour finale, there is room for only 13 episodes of Flash Forward between March 18 and May 27.

And according to The TheFutonCritic, there are 14 new episodes.

So there is maybe somewhere a new 2-hour episode when Grey's will be on repeat, in April for examble.

Schedule updates:

Tuesday, January 26, 2010
9:00-11:00pm LOST (R, season 5 finale)
[preempeting Scrubs/Ted and the forgotten]

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 and Wednesday, February 3, 2010
8:00pm Scrubs (all-new, special nights)
[Final two episodes of the season will air here to complete its 13 episode order. The State of the Union could air 9-11pm on Feb. 3, but Comedy Wednesday is scheduled for repeats on this night anyway except for Scrubs.]

As for Better off Ted, after its Jan. 26 airing at 8:30pm, 11 episodes will have aired (unless they turn that Jan. 19 8:30pm repeat to a new one again then 12 would have aired). Two will remain but are not scheduled yet.
See the schedule for both Scrubs/Ted: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4346961&postcount=698

I have to say, it makes me mad that ABC has chosen to air Scrubs on Wednesday instead of Better Off Ted. They should be airing Ted on Wednesdays at 8pm beginning next week to finish out the episodes, which would lead into the final 2 Scrubs airing in the slot on the 27th and the 3rd. With that, though, it seems like Ted is officially dead.

I have to say, it makes me mad that ABC has chosen to air Scrubs on Wednesday instead of Better Off Ted. They should be airing Ted on Wednesdays at 8pm beginning next week to finish out the episodes, which would lead into the final 2 Scrubs airing in the slot on the 27th and the 3rd. With that, though, it seems like Ted is officially dead.

I'm in total agreement. The Scrubs sequel is a very poor comedy cousin to both the original Scrubs show and Better Off Ted.

Having Better Off Ted air after the Scrubs last season may have been a good idea, but I believe this year's version of Scrubs is hurting Better Off Ted.

But of course, ABC is just playing favorites here, killing a good show that is produced by 20th Century Fox while trying to extend a very poor show produced by ABC Studios. Hopefully, Scrubs comes to an end after Feb 3 never to be seen on network television again.

ABC orders 'Scoundrels'
Drama based on New Zealand's 'Outrageous Fortune'

By Nellie Andreeva

Jan 8, 2010, 09:11 PM ET
ABC has given the green light to "Scoundrels," a drama based on New Zealand series "Outrageous Fortune." The network has handed a series order of about eight episodes to "Scoundrels," which is set to run in the summer.

The project, from ABC Studios, centers on a family of small-time criminals that is shaken when their father is sentenced to a surprisingly long prison term, leaving mom to take care of the criminally enterprising brood. In an effort to keep her kids out of trouble, mom decides it's time for the family to go straight despite the best efforts of her kids to maintain their small-time criminal ways.

Richard Levine and Lyn Greene ("Nip/Tuck") wrote the project and will serve as executive producers/showrunners on the series.

John Barnett, whose company South Pacific Pictures produces the original series, is also executive producing with ABC-based producer Francie Calfo.

This is ABC's second stab at developing an U.S. version of "Fortune," which aired its fifth season this past summer.

In 2008, Rob Thomas' take on the format, titled "Good Behavior," reached a pilot stage and was toplined by Catherine O'Hara. Thomas is not involved with "Scoundrels."
ABC orders 'Scoundrels'
Drama based on New Zealand's 'Outrageous Fortune'

By Nellie Andreeva

Jan 8, 2010, 09:11 PM ET
ABC has given the green light to "Scoundrels," a drama based on New Zealand series "Outrageous Fortune." The network has handed a series order of about eight episodes to "Scoundrels," which is set to run in the summer.

The project, from ABC Studios, centers on a family of small-time criminals that is shaken when their father is sentenced to a surprisingly long prison term, leaving mom to take care of the criminally enterprising brood. In an effort to keep her kids out of trouble, mom decides it's time for the family to go straight despite the best efforts of her kids to maintain their small-time criminal ways.

Richard Levine and Lyn Greene ("Nip/Tuck") wrote the project and will serve as executive producers/showrunners on the series.

John Barnett, whose company South Pacific Pictures produces the original series, is also executive producing with ABC-based producer Francie Calfo.

This is ABC's second stab at developing an U.S. version of "Fortune," which aired its fifth season this past summer.

In 2008, Rob Thomas' take on the format, titled "Good Behavior," reached a pilot stage and was toplined by Catherine O'Hara. Thomas is not involved with "Scoundrels."

If I am not mistaken this is the 3rd drama project for ABC SUmmer including COPPER and THE GATES. Glad to see they are trying new stuff. If even one hits that will be HUGE for them.

Last night Shark Tank got a 1.4 which is .2 higher than what THE FORGOTTEN got on Tuesday. SHARK TANK airs on FRIDAY, a very low rated Tv night. I maintain again that this makes no sense not to give ST a decent slot to give ST teh chance to blossom into a hit.

I see ABC has a rerun of FORGOTTEN scheduled on 1/19, which is beyond baffling to me. If originals are getting a 1.2, what are they going for a .8. Look if you need to rerun this show to make money, there's always Sat at 10p or even the Summer. PUSHING DAISIES was critical acclaim and got close to a 2 most of the time and had no lead in and couldnt get its run finished, let alone reruns. There is no buzz about Forgotten, no ratings and no acclaim. They are both WB shows. With BOT it is such a fantastic show and every critic is raving about it. There is reason to give it a shot.

I hope based on ABC's minimal promotion for it, that one more low rated airing and it will be pulled or at least moved to Fri or Sat where it will hurt them less. To give this show a post LOST slot when it wont do anythig is a waste to me. I would much rather the 4 remaining ST gets the post LOST slot in Feb.

I know you think I worry too much, Pavan but did u see Community rerun got a 1.7 this week only .4 behind a new MIDDLE in same time slot, which annoys me. This was the first time it didnt face SURVIVOR, I wonder if this week with no SURVIVOR and its only new competition is BONES if it will do a lot better. Another reason I think ABC should have premiered TDE this week. PLus jack Black guests this week

I think it got a 1.7 because people thought the Thursday comedies would probably be new. Notice Parks and Recreation went immediately down to a 1.3 (which The Middle doubled in its normal 8:30pm slot). Community will do its normal 1.8-2.3 this week I'm sure. I think it is for the best to give The Deep End another week of promo because if it would have launched this coming Thursday, there would have been NO promos at all during any new Grey's episodes.

What do you think CHUCK will do? Theres been lots of buzz and its had never this kind of marketing push before especially since its not debuting like usual against all other Fall shows. Plus it's a commercial show

All the answers about FlashForward's changes
All the answers about \<i\>FlashForward\<\/i\>\'s changes

ABC announced yesterday that FlashForward's March return will be delayed two weeks, and we caught up with series co-creator David Goyer later that day to find out what it all means.

The quick answers are: They won't cut the number of episodes, but the episode that was slated to air on April 29—the date foretold in the characters' flash-forwards—might not fall on that date anymore.

He also confirmed that ABC simply wanted to move the sci-fi drama out of the way of Fox's American Idol. "We just said, 'Screw that,'" Goyer told reporters visiting the show's Burbank, Calif., set on Friday. "I think almost everybody gets out of the way of American Idol."

The new schedule means there will be a two-hour episode on March 18 and two-hour season finale later in the spring. But the drama will air 13 episodes in a row with no interruptions. "The network came to us, but we agreed with it that it was better," Goyer said. "I'd rather wait a couple months and come back and just air all 13 in a row than deal with all the pre-emptions. I feel like over the last few years, that's something that network television audiences have kind of gotten used to anyway. Certainly Lost or 24 or Prison Break have been doing it, so I feel like it's not like we're doing something that's never been done before."

FlashForward_Goyer_TCA.jpg
David Goyer

The only potential downside is that the episode dealing with April 29 might not fall on April 29 anymore. "We don't know," Goyer said. "When we were originally coming back on March 4, that was still possible. That may be one of the casualties of American Idol. We had obviously always intended on that. In most of the foreign countries, April 29th wasn't going to coincide. We're trying to see if we can still engineer that, given our slightly shifting schedule."

The producers of FlashForward will take advantage of the extra time to catch potential viewers up on the first 10 episodes. A DVD of the first volume of season one comes out Feb. 23. Producers are also planning a recap show, summarizing the first 10 episodes, before the March 18 premiere.

FlashForward premiered to strong numbers in September but steadily dropped each week of its fall run. ABC gave the show a full-season order, ensuring that it will reach its first-season finale.

Goyer also revealed that he has already discussed a second season with the network.

"We just pitched season two to the network right before this," Goyer said. "[It went] well. We're excited about season two. I will say there's no way we could do season two without having set up season one, but season two is pretty cool. I hope we get to do it."

There may be a ratings number that the second half of the season would have to hit in order for ABC to renew it, but the network has not given the show any specifics. "I don't know what that number is," Goyer said. "They haven't told us, because the other factors are the DVR numbers, and we are also doing incredibly well overseas. I mean, incredibly well, like smashing records overseas. So it's a complicated formula. It's not anymore just 'Well, how many millions of viewers are tuning in at the moment it's there?'"

One of the show's original producers, Marc Guggenheim, left the show in October. Though some fans worried that a staff shakeup meant the show was in trouble, Goyer confirmed that Guggenheim simply left to fulfill his own production deal at ABC.

"I had never been on a show the whole time all the way through," Goyer explained. "I'd sort of dabbled in television before, and when we started, also, I was working on a couple of feature projects. There was no question that I needed somebody, in the case of Marc Guggenheim, to help me kind of get the show up and running. Also, I was directing the second episode and doing second unit for episodes three, four and five, so I needed somebody to help kind of run the [writers'] room when I wasn't there. Once I finished those obligations and we got everything going, Marc had a deal with ABC anyway. We just didn't require that anymore."

If there's any difference about the second batch of shows, Goyer says it will be a positive one. "I think you'll see, for lack of a better word, a lot more kind of muscular storytelling, big questions being answered, and a lot of big developments after," he said.

What do you think CHUCK will do? Theres been lots of buzz and its had never this kind of marketing push before especially since its not debuting like usual against all other Fall shows. Plus it's a commercial show

I honestly don't see it doing too well. If it can break a 3 I'd be shocked. More like a 2.3-2.7 for the two-hours with a drop in the second hour.

What do you think CHUCK will do? Theres been lots of buzz and its had never this kind of marketing push before especially since its not debuting like usual against all other Fall shows. Plus it's a commercial show

Major bomb. Chuck never has and never will be a hit. It would have been canceled 2 years ago if NBC wasn't such a federal disaster area.

I honestly don't see it doing too well. If it can break a 3 I'd be shocked. More like a 2.3-2.7 for the two-hours with a drop in the second hour.
It did break a 3 last year after SUperBowl promotion. Last night had big football promotion. Ya think drop second hour even though competition is larger in 9p?
No Fox at 10p, plus B&S not as strong as DH

Just saw a great Wed promo that encomapsses all shows

It did break a 3 last year after SUperBowl promotion. Last night had big football promotion. Ya think drop second hour even though competition is larger in 9p?
No Fox at 10p, plus B&S not as strong as DH

Just saw a great Wed promo that encomapsses all shows

I'm thinking it'll grow in its second hour. If you look at past ratings, Chuck usually grows at the half hour. I think it'll be the same here. It usually premieres well, so I'm thinking we may see it hit 8 million and a 2.8-3.0 demo at some point of the night. I also wouldn't be surprised to see it be the highest rated show on Monday night for NBC.

Oh it will definitely be the #1 show for NBC monday. I could even see it doing close to a 3.5 tonight with definite growth in the 2nd half. Iwish ABC had their cliffhanger resolutions tonight, then could have aired next week and the 31st and would keep their 3 eps in Jan.

Also, in light of the fact that NBC is moving Jay out of 10p in a month, I am more convinced that after this week FORGOTTEN needs to move out. They need to at least try to be competetive at 10p, even if it means running PRIMETIME for a few weeks, just stop surrendering.

NBC has assemebled a strong star lineup for THE MARRAIGE REF. They're all coming after ABC Sunday.

Oh it will definitely be the #1 show for NBC monday. I could even see it doing close to a 3.5 tonight with definite growth in the 2nd half. Iwish ABC had their cliffhanger resolutions tonight, then could have aired next week and the 31st and would keep their 3 eps in Jan.

Also, in light of the fact that NBC is moving Jay out of 10p in a month, I am more convinced that after this week FORGOTTEN needs to move out. They need to at least try to be competetive at 10p, even if it means running PRIMETIME for a few weeks, just stop surrendering.
or ABC could dump Scrubs and Better off Ted NOW and give The Forgotten a better lead in for a bit.

With the huge promotional campaign NBC used for Chuck it better get some really good numbers. A demo at least somewhere in the 3's. After the promotions wear off it will slowly go down and die a slow death. The competition on Monday will be a lot stronger than Sunday with House, How I Met Your Mother and The Bachelor all on opposite it the slow descent should start on Monday.

or ABC could dump Scrubs and Better off Ted NOW and give The Forgotten a better lead in for a bit.
I appreciate your love for the show but the show had a 3.4 lead in with DWTS and still got a 1.9. When SCRUBS premiered it got a 2.0 and FORGOTTEN got a 1.2. Its not gonna work. There comes a time when you know a show is not gonna work. ABC knows already, thats why they have stopped promoting it. I just dont know why they are still literally giving away Tuesdays at 10p. If a show gets a 1.2 no lead in is gonna save it.Those are unacceptable numbers. There is no passion for it. No one even mentions it. EASTWICK had a save EASTWICK campaign. BETTER OFF TED gets the same rating but has much love from critics and fans.

It did break a 3 last year after SUperBowl promotion. Last night had big football promotion. Ya think drop second hour even though competition is larger in 9p?
No Fox at 10p, plus B&S not as strong as DH

Just saw a great Wed promo that encomapsses all shows

What the NFL giveth, the NFL taketh away. The NFL audience went to Fox today and that late afternoon game will be big in the ratings (much better than the borefest of a game last night), especially that last hour or so. Who will really remember Chuck besides its fans? Plus Dateline is certainly not the same type of audience and it will be leading into it.

I can almost guarantee a drop in the second hour. 10pm is not a higher viewing hour. Since when is Chuck a juggernaut, lol? Only two-hour episodes of big hits go up (or hold steady) in the second hour at 10pm, like Grey's.

Yeah maybe a 3.5 is way too high but i could see it getting close to a 3.0. who knows? hard to predict. NBC did promote the hell out of it

Steve McPherson Gets the Last Laugh
ABC chief talks about his breakout fall, restoring the network's comedy brand, and NBC's "huge mistake" with Jay Leno
By Melissa Grego -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/11/2010 2:00:00 AM
AT A GLANCE: ABC'S 2009-10 DEVELOPMENT

Launched in Fall:

Comedy

Modern Family Status: ABC ordered a full season in October.

Cougar Town Status: ABC ordered a full season in October.

The Middle Status: ABC ordered a full season in October.

Hank Status: Canceled

Drama

V Status: Scored the highest rating for a scripted series premiere across TV this season when it unspooled the first of its initial four episodes in November; the remaining nine episodes of the original 13-episode order are slated to kick off in March.

FlashForward Status: ABC ordered a full season in October.

The Forgotten Status: On the bubble; will get a Lostlead-in midseason.

Eastwick Status: Canceled.

Reality

Shark Tank Status: On the bubble after simmering with a loyal core of fans.

Midseason Launches:

Drama

The Deep End Premieres: Jan. 21 in the Thursday 8 p.m. slot.

Happy Town Premieres: midseason on a date/time slot TBD.

Comedy

Romantically Challenged Premieres: midseason on a date/time slot TBD.

—Melissa Grego
After ABC, like all of the broadcast networks, struggled for years to establish enduring comedy series, ABC Entertainment Group President Stephen McPherson launched a trio of comedies this season that have jump-started the network's Wednesday-night schedule. In an era when staying on the air is the new success, ABC managed to debut a total of five series this fall that have already shown promise as long-term properties: comedies The Middle, Modern Family and Cougar Town, and dramas V and FlashForward.

In McPherson's first in-depth interview about a season that has vindicated his aggressive development strategy and the Wednesday-night gamble, the executive reveals the hardest thing about his job, why he actually wants NBC to get well soon, and how he plans to battle the cable networks this summer. An edited transcript follows.

You took big swings this season, and it paid off. You have this comedy block working that you built from scratch, including Modern Family, which critics love and people are actually watching. How does it feel for you?

The fall creatively for us was wonderful. It's really rewarding to be able to put on shows that were universally appealing and that people really embraced.

The comedy thing for us has been really a struggle because we've had some wonderful success in dramas [and] some amazing success in reality. For my time here, comedy had been something that we'd taken some shots at, we had some mild success in, but we really had not been able to establish a night or a foothold or a brand or a point of view. So Wednesday was a big gamble.

We were really fortunate to have the goods in three of those shows, The Middle, Modern Family and Cougar Town-all very different shows, but on the other hand all kind of dysfunctional-family shows.

So that was a huge win for us to start off the season, and we really felt good about it because the material was there. And often you're trying to build full nights. It's hard to come up with one show that's working, let alone two or three. We love Kelsey [Grammer], but that show [Hank] just didn't really materialize the way anybody really would have wanted. But the other three have performed...I hear more about those shows than I think I've heard about shows since Desperate and Lost went on the air.

It's got to feel vindicating.

Oh, absolutely. And I'm so happy for the team. We looked at the comedy team just trying to get through a couple of really tough years, and then to have the success; really there's nothing in this business more energizing and rewarding than seeing something [go] from a kind of small idea into a show that's actually working, and enjoying it with the people out there who are fans. It really is what keeps you getting up each day because the scheduling, the marketing, Nielsen ratings, political climates, all that stuff-that'll drive you insane.

How much of a credit to your Wednesday comedies is the fact that Fox moved up Idol against them this month?

It's kind of odd. Because Modern Family is the same company. [20th Century Fox produces Modern Family and, like Fox, is part of News Corp.] So much for vertical integration. I've often said that I think the broadcast networks spend far too much time beating up on each other. I was actually happy to see Glee move to a different night from Modern Family, because I appreciate those shows. But the Idol thing is the Idol thing, so we have to stay consistent.

And that is the plan, right? Keep those comedies in their slots and even repeat through the summer.

Comedy grows over time. Viewing patterns grow over time. A consistent night [is key], where people know what they're getting whether they're originals or repeats; there's not a lot of churn and not moving things in and out competitively. Hats off to CBS for doing that with Monday night; you can see what that's built over time. But it took time. And patience. So that's what we want to do.

Do you see yourself launching another night of comedy next fall?

No. I think we really need to focus on this one, and if we're lucky enough to have that much strength in our development, we'll figure out a way for it to bolster Wednesday.

How are you feeling about FlashForward and V?

They didn't feel like big gambles because we are established in the drama world. But they were high-concept, we had a lot riding on them. I think the challenge with those shows is, where do we go over time with them? And I think we were really happy to see V kind of build in its run. FlashForward, we were a little concerned when we saw the numbers kind of tick off. We'll continue to be challenged to build those shows as well as Wednesday night.

What is the toughest thing about your job right now?

I think disappointment. And that comes at all different times during the year. You have to be passionate to do these jobs, so you're getting passionate in a business where an 80% failure rate is a home-run success. Basically, 85% of TV fails. So think about that. People talk about baseball hitters who hit .300, which would be so far beyond any network success rate that's ever happened. So that's tough.

We all are making our best collaborative efforts to bring pilots together. And some of them just don't. You know, you have this beautiful pilot script that you all fell in love with and then it gets cast wrong. Or it gets shot wrong. Or there's some other alchemy that doesn't take place.

Fox's Kevin Reilly told me the other day that the oft-filed story of the demise of broadcast TV is being proved premature. What's your take?

I think he's definitely right about that. The broadcast networks are doing some of the best work out there. There's no question.

It's funny because cable wants their cake and to eat it, too. They want to compete with us and say, "We're broadcast, aren't we?" Then they want to say, "Broadcast is dead." And it's like, which is it? Do you want to be us or is it dead?

If you look at the success of the quality shows this fall and all the discussions and now the movements on retrans, the broadcast networks are an unbelievably valuable asset. They're completely undervalued at this point, if anything. I think that as long as we keep doing great creative, we're going to be a huge, huge platform for advertisers and for ourselves in terms of creating content that can then be utilized and exploited over every platform domestically and internationally.

What needs to happen among the broadcast community for the networks to continue this momentum of proving its value?

It's hard, because I don't think anybody's ever going to be happy with a system where a network lays down on a certain night and says, "You've got that night, we've got this night." But I do think now we're competing against a plethora of platforms and media types, and the way people consume and the way they personalize.

So I think there just doesn't need to be as much focus on ABC trying to beat NBC, NBC trying to beat Fox, Fox trying to beat CBS, and vice versa. I just don't think that is as important as, are you succeeding with the material, first and foremost? Is it creative, is it compelling, is it getting eyeballs in?

Some said the Leno move was proof that it's just too hard to put 22 hours on the air. Now that we've seen it, we've seen what else has happened this season, care to call some bull**** on that?

Yeah, I think everybody calls bull**** on that. That's just the most ridiculous explanation or justification for just a huge mistake.

Now that Leno's been on the air for half a season, what has been the impact on your business and on the broadcast business overall?

We look at it as a competitive advantage that we're able to program original scripted programming in those hours. I hesitate to say we're happy to see the struggle there because we all want a vibrant broadcast network landscape. We don't really want to see that. It's like if we're the New York Yankees, is it good news that the Boston Red Sox decide to stop playing baseball? No. Competitively you want to beat them, but you want to beat 'em at their best. I really think that is the genuine feeling out there, in the advertising community, in the network community, that we want all the networks to be healthy.

What's your take on Leno's impact on the creative world?

What the impression is and what the final result will be depends on how much development NBC does. But the impression going [into the season] was there's five hours of television that are no longer going to be programmed from the scripted standpoint. So there's going to be a lot fewer pilots shot, there's going to be a lot fewer pickups made and there's going to be a lot less opportunity. To some extent, there was that feeling going into the development season.

That said, I don't think Fox changed their development plans or CBS changed their development plans because of that. We didn't, certainly, and we're developing the same as we always have. So our scrutiny is going to be the same as it's always been in terms of what we're looking for on this network. When we get into scheduling, will we look at whether this is going to be up against Leno as opposed to ER? Sure, we'll look at that. But that I don't think translates down to the writer who is coming in to pitch a show.

Certainly going into the season, people feeling that five hours were gone was a big thing, now there's just rumors about whether or not they're going to take some nights off, or all of it off. I don't know.

Can you follow up a year like this one with another in which you take big chances? Or do you need to let it play out for a while?

I don't know that we would say, "Next year we need to be conservative." I think we need to react to what's working on the schedule. We're going to go into next fall with a Wednesday comedy lineup that's going to need some reseeding, that's going to be very different from where we came in this past fall. But we're always going to take chances. That's just kind of who we are. And we think we'll succeed over time by doing that-that enough of those will break out and be the Losts of the world.

Does it ever get annoying that CBS gets all the credit for being No. 1 with its crime drama formula while you're taking these big swings?

I don't really begrudge CBS for it. I think Nina [Tassler] and Nancy [Tellem] and Les [Moonves] have done a really good job of building that brand. I don't think it's our brand, and it's not who I am as a leader and, hopefully, a creative force. It's not where I feel like we need to go as a network. I certainly get envious of the stability of it, but I'd much prefer to take some of the big swings at the plate we've taken and succeed sometimes-and we're going to fail sometimes.

Any plans to try to take back the summer from cable?

I think we need to do more scripted than we are. We'll have probably a couple of scripted originals for sure in the hour form. And we'll have a few more reality shows. I think we established a good Monday kind of romantic night and Wednesday kind of action night, so we'll stick with some of those.

And we need to use the May sweeps and really not have it be like the end of the season and then the summer. We need to take it right on through so there are some opportunities to do that. Maybe with V, maybe with FlashForward. We'll have to see how those come back.

There are still going to be doldrums in the summer. Programming's expensive and to have that many hours of programming is tough, especially when you get into that middle summer. I think early summer, because you have the sweeps, and then late summer when you're leading up to the season, it's a little bit easier. We've had a bit more of a struggle in that middle doldrums when there's just not a lot going on and not much to promote.

Let's talk about development a little bit. You picked up a couple of comedies and a cop drama pilot set in Detroit. What are your priorities, what are you looking for?

In the drama world, we're always looking for our version of procedurals, the Grey's Anatomys of the world, Private Practice, Boston Legal, those kind of character-driven procedurals. That cop show, for example, is a character-driven procedural.

We also think that in the comedy world, we've got to have as much ammunition as we can for Wednesday night. So we'll look at those three shows and look at compatible pairings-voices that we get excited about, talent we get excited about that can fit into that lineup. That's going to be a big driving force on that front.

We're always going to look for the out of-the-box, the Vs of the world, whether it's bringing back that or FlashForward, which was just out of the blue, a new take on something. We're always going to feel like we've succeeded by taking chances. We've never really succeeded when we had to retreat or we try to do something that's indicating something else; it just falls flat on its face. We're not able to do that sort of material and succeed.

Those are kind of the broad plans going in. But to be honest, it comes down to, Where's the great writing? What collectively does the team respond to? And how does it fit into our overall pickup list? Do we have five cop shows? Do we have 10 dramas set in X?

Do you feel a pressure or need to directly replace certain big franchises? In other words, does FlashForward have to carry the particular brand of torch that is Lost?

No, because I think a network is a very fluid beast. I don't think you're looking to refill pieces. Look, Monday Night Football goes away, [and] you're not looking to have some program that carries three hours of programming only in the fall. We had to look at that night in a completely different way. Lost is a show that is iconic and is so different from anything that's been on, and so different than anything that will be on that it would be a mistake to try to go and do another Lost quote-unquote.

So we're just looking for those next big opportunities. And comedy now becomes a bigger target for us, whereas before we were trying to get our foot in the door. Now it's about building it.

We have to see where V and FlashForward are at the end of this year. Did they become a combo? Are we doing a night that's become more of that male-oriented stuff? We'll have to react accordingly, but I don't think we'll be conservative just because we were a little more aggressive in the fall. I think we're always going to be pretty aggressive, though I think people always get on me, you're doing too much development, you're taking too many chances. But it's worked well so far.

How would you rate your 2009-10 season so far?

I saw recently where someone asked Obama what his grade was-and he gave a grade, I think he said a solid B+ or something like that. And I was like: "Incomplete." And I think that's kind of what I would grade us, "Incomplete." Not in the terms of missing something, but it takes time now, it's a full season, we know that the spring is very different from the fall and the summer now is a factor. And where do things build over time? There are some shows that you take the first year and think, "My God, these are going to be gigantic hits." And then they kind of petered out, and vice versa, some things have grown.

We feel really good about what we've been able to do. We know we're facing Idol coming on. The Olympics will be a little bit of a blip. So we're just gonna have to keep the creative up and really keep as consistent as we can.

I understand the season is only half over, but when you look at how it opened and what promise has been shown, is it fair to say it's better than expected?

Yeah, probably. That's fair enough. I've always been somebody who has believed: Put it out there in a way that your gut tells you to, because if you fail doing that, you're going to feel a lot better than if you are scared or you go in with some sort of trepidation.

We were really excited by, I guess, how much buzz the fall got, not just because of the creative but because people started saying, Boy, you know, it's a night of comedy. How are you possibly going to do that? I think whenever somebody says you can't do something, you get more motivated to do it. And we really knew what we had in those shows because we had seen a lot of storylines and knew the talent and knew the producers. So for us it was definitely a fall that we were tremendously proud of, and certainly above and beyond expectations.

Chuck 4.9 rtg in the meters.Little higher than last year's premiere.Last in every 1/2 hour.

Holy 'Chuck'! Highest ratings since 3D telecast
The two-hour return of "Chuck" gave the Buy More hero NBC's highest rating for the show since the show's special 3D telecast that aired the day after the Super Bowl.

The first episode of "Chuck" drew 7.7 million viewers and a healthy 3.0 preliminary rating among adults 18-49, with the second drawing 7.2 million and a 2.9 rating.

The action-drama, which was barely renewed and at one point was considered for Friday nights, posted some of NBC's best scripted drama numbers this season.

If you excluded the special 3D episode, you have to go all the way back to 2007 to find a "Chuck" episode rated this high. "Chuck" also improved 58% (!!) on its "Dateline" lead-in and was up 21% compared to last season's average.

The action-drama, which was barely renewed and at one point NBC considered airing the show on Friday nights, posted some of NBC's best scripted drama numbers this season.

Also performing well -- fantastic, actually -- last night was the "Simpsons" 450th episode and "20th Anniversary Special." There was some NFL overrun which is skewing these numbers, but first blush has both performing at least a 5.0 rating in the adult demo and the special drawing roughly 12 million viewers.


Good call on the drop in 2nd hour Pavan

Why are we obsessed with Chuck's ratings in the ABC thread? Just asking.

Not sure. Surprised it did a prelim 3.0. It really didn't hurt ABC much and I bet it goes back down to its normal 2.1-2.4 18-49 ratings on Mondays at 8. NFL driven Fox stole a bit of the audience.

PASADENA — ABC has ordered a spinoff of its “Bachelor” franchise in which former contestants live together in a “Big Brother”style house.

“Bachelor Pad,” produced by Mike Fleiss’ Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon, will bring back 20 contestants from the previous 13 cycles of “The Bachelor” and five editions of “The Bachelorette.” The series will represent the first “all-stars” reunion for the franchise.

The recent season finale of “The Bachelor” was seen by 15.5 million viewers and provided the network’s highest ratings in the adults 18-49 demographic in
1 2 ⁄ 2 years.

Executive producer Martin Hilton said the concept was inspired by real-life relationships that have continued among former “Bachelor” casts.

“All these people have been friends, been enemies, they date each other and bring all this great backstory to the show,” Hilton said. “It seemed like there was an opportunity to combine that world with a new competitive reality show.”

Contestants will live together in a house and compete in challenges, with some competitions inspired by incidents from past seasons. Each episode will conclude with evictions from the residence.

ABC has ordered seven episodes, with “Bachelor” host Chris Harrison on board to emcee. Although scheduling plans are not set, expect ABC to premiere the show in the late summer coming out of the “Bachelorette” finale. It’s not clear whether the show will air opposite CBS’ venerable “Big Brother” franchise, which has continued to perform solidly for that network across multiple nights each summer.

With “Bachelor” debuting last week and “Bachelorette” typically launching at the start of summer, the addition of “Bachelor Pad” gives ABC a version of the franchise on the air year-round except for the fall. Names of the cast have not been released, but Hilton said top players, including former winners, are on board.

“Bachelor” returned this month with its debut climbing slightly in the ratings for its 14th edition.

For breaking TV news from around the world, go to THR.com/TV.

That's a good move. Hopefully it will air right into the TV season from early Aug-mid Sept. on Monday nights.

As for scheduling news, ABC will use Movies on Fridays and Saturdays against the Winter Olympics. Friday movies will air 8-10pm (except Feb. 12 will be 8-11pm; 20/20 will air at 10 the other two weeks) and Saturday movies will run 8pm-11pm. More on the titles in a bit. Movies air Friday, Feb. 12, 19 and 26 and Saturday, Feb. 13, 20, and 27.

Hopefully ABC will renew Dating In The Dark and Converyor to fill the 10p slot for Summer. I think WIPEOUT should air Wed 8-9p. then MF, The MIddle, MF and Cougar Town from 9-11p OR comedy Wednesday reruns 8-10p and Tues WIPEOUT encore at 8p and new one at 9p. Guess we'll find out some of their moves in a few hours.

ABC Picking Up First-Year Comedies
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nowBuzz up!
By Josef Adalian
Published: January 12, 2010
ABC is giving early greenlights to freshmen comedy success stories "Modern Family," "Cougar Town" and "The Middle," a senior executive familiar with the decision confirmed.

Network chief Steve McPherson could announce the renewals as early as this morning at ABC's session at the TV Critics Assn. press tour. However, since it wasn't immediately clear if all of the network's business affairs ducks were in a row, there could yet be a delay.

Like Fox's early pickup of "Glee," the decision is pretty much a no-brainer for ABC, which has found major comedy momentum via its Wednesday lineup of half-hours.

"Modern Family" is produced by 20th Century Fox TV, "Cougar" is from ABC Studios and Warner Bros. TV produces "The Middle."

An ABC spokeswoman declined to confirm the orders.

McPherson may also announce scheduling for its Jamie Oliver cooking competition. Our source: ABC publicity was handing out copies of Oliver's book to reporters this morning.

More details on the comedy news to come...

sounds like they no faith:

Foodie alert: Jamie Oliver's new show will air Fridays at 9 starting March 26

more great news (thats sarcasm)
And DWTS is back 3/22

ABC executive session live blog; comedy block renewed
-- ABC entertainment president Steve McPherson says he's giving renewals to "The Middle," "Modern Family" and "Cougar Town"...

-- His initial reaction to "Lost" concept: "Don't we have GPS? Can't we find these people?" and then: "I'm fortunate to have been along for the ride. It proved you can put that kind of production value on screen, that you can be that serialized and complex."

-- Declined to say if "Scrubs" and "Better Off Ted" will be canceled, says decision will be made later: "We've obviously been disappointed. Whenever we put comedy other than Wednesday is a bit of an island. As we've seen with 'Middle' and 'Modern Family' repeats, that night is pretty strong. Our intent was not to burn them off but that was the best slot we have at this time."

-- On NBC woes: "There's too many jokes to make. The only things I'll say I guess it was mentioned [NBC's Jeff] Gaspin said we were down at 10 p.m., we're actually up 8% to 10%, so it's a little odd for that to come out. What's great about the situation is that it's put the emphasis back on great creative. For the creative community it will open up some more time periods -- which was the most tragic thing about it. To see a great network tumble is not something we rejoice over. It's disconcerting when things happen in our landscape. It's like playing for Yankees and the Red Sox decide to stop playing."

-- On doing a long midseason hiatus for "V" and "Flashforward": "We always intended to do 'V' in chapters, we didn't not intent first chapter to be so short. There were production issues that took over. 'FlashForward' was different, we had it on the air, and repeats really weren't working and thought if we come back in January it would be one-on--two-off."

-- On whether "Conveyor Belt of Love" will return: "How can we be done with such a genius show?"

-- ABC will be cutting back the number of contestants on "Dancing With the Stars" to ensure stronger casting. The show will be reduced to 11-12 contestants.

-- On whether Simon Cowell leaving Fox's "American Idol" is an opportunity for ABC to make ratings gains. "He's an incredibly important part of that show, but it's not like he's going back to England, he's still going to be on Fox. I'm not sure it's some giant win [for us]."

TCA Releases:

JAMIE OLIVER KICKSTARTS A REVOLUTION IN AMERICA –
IN OUR HOME KITCHENS, SCHOOLS AND WORKPLACES

“Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” Premieres Friday March 26, 9:00-10:00 p.m., ET on ABC

Jamie Oliver is here to start a revolution. The impassioned chef, TV personality and best-selling author is determined to take on the high statistics of obesity, heart disease and diabetes in this country, where our nation’s children are the first generation not expected to live as long as their parents. Oliver is inviting viewers to take a stand and change the way America eats, in our home kitchens, schools and workplaces, with the thought-provoking new series, “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” debuting FRIDAY, MARCH 26 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. The series is produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions and Fresh One Productions.

In the series, Oliver heads to Huntington, West Virginia – which has been called the unhealthiest city in America -- to start his new cooking initiative. He hopes to help get Huntington off that list and start a chain reaction of positive change across the country. Oliver says, “The time is right for people to rediscover the sense of pride, satisfaction and fun you can get from cooking for the people you love. There’s an incredible community in Huntington, and I want this experience to be a celebration of what we can achieve when people come together. I want to prove that turning around the epidemic of obesity and bad health doesn’t have to be boring or dull in the slightest. Wonderful stories will unfold in Huntington, and hopefully this will inspire the rest of the States.”

Needled by local naysayers, challenged by ingrained unhealthy habits and government bureaucracy, and welcomed by some of the most surprising youngsters, families and local leaders, Oliver shows how, in just a few short months, he tried to transform Huntington as a template for the entire country. The stakes? Simply the health of our country’s citizens and the legacy for its children.

The series is loosely based on Jamie Oliver’s U.K. series, “Jamie’s Ministry of Food” and “Jamie’s School Dinners,” which saw his successful grass-roots efforts improve the school lunches in communities there. For the latter show, it resulted in a total overhaul of the school dinner program in the U.K. In America, he’s turning his attention to helping people of all ages eat more balanced meals and cook with fresh ingredients, not only at schools, but also homes, workplaces and even restaurants.

Oliver’s recent television credits include “Oprah’s Big Give” for ABC. He is the author of nine popular cookbooks, including The Naked Chef, Cook with Jamie and Jamie at Home. Hyperion published his latest cookbook, Jamie’s Food Revolution: Rediscover How to Cook Simple, Delicious, Affordable Meals, in October 2009.

Executive producers of “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” are Jamie Oliver, Ryan Seacrest and Craig Armstrong (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”).


--------------------------------------------------------------



January 12, 2010


ABC CELEBRATES THE TENTH SEASON PREMIERE OF
“DANCING WITH THE STARS,” MONDAY, MARCH 22


ABC kicks off the tenth season of the hit reality series “Dancing with the Stars” with a huge two-hour premiere, MONDAY, MARCH 22 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network, as an all star cast of celebrities and their professional dance partners will hit the floor with two hours of dancing.

In week two, all of the couples will return and try to outshine each other once again in a two-hour show, MONDAY, MARCH 29 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET). The team with the lowest combined judges’ scores and public votes for both performances will be eliminated from the competition on the first results show, TUESDAY, MARCH 30 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET). Viewers may cast their votes via phone and online at www.abc.com.

The all-star cast will be announced a late date.

“Dancing with the Stars” is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, “Strictly Come Dancing.” This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade is co-executive producer. Alex Rudzinski directs. “Dancing with the Stars” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.


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ABC ANNOUNCES EARLY PICK-UPS OF HIT WEDNESDAY NIGHT COMEDIES
“COUGAR TOWN,” “THE MIDDLE” AND “MODERN FAMILY” FOR THE 2010-11 SEASON

Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment Group, announced early pick-ups of hit Wednesday night comedies “Cougar Town,” “The Middle” and “Modern Family” for the 2010-2011 Season today at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour.

“Cougar Town” (Wednesdays from 9:30-10:00 p.m., ET)

Courteney Cox, who was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for her role on the show, stars as Jules, a newly divorced single mother exploring the honest truths about dating and aging in our beauty and youth obsessed culture. While most women in their twenties go through life experiencing the challenges and often humorous pitfalls of meeting men, Jules took on the responsibilities of marriage and raising a son. Now in her forties, she embarks on a journey to self-discovery.

The second-most-watched new comedy on television this season, behind only “Modern Family,” ABC’s “Cougar Town” ranks No. 2 on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. in Adults, Men and Women 18-34. The freshman comedy is also improving the time period year to year for ABC by wide margins across the key Men demos: M18-34 +50%, M18-49 +63% and M25-54 +43%. On its most-recent telecast (1/6/10), “Cougar Town” marked its highest viewer and young adult numbers in nearly 2 months – since 10/14/09.

“Cougar Town” stars Courteney Cox as Jules, Christa Miller as Ellie, Busy Philipps as Laurie, Dan Byrd as Travis, Josh Hopkins as Grayson, Ian Gomez as Andy and Brian Van Holt as Bobby.

Bill Lawrence (“Scrubs,” “Spin City”) serves as executive producer/writer/director, Kevin Biegel (“Scrubs”) as executive producer/writer, and Courteney Cox and David Arquette are executive producers. The series is produced by ABC Studios.

“The Middle” (Wednesdays from 8:30-9:00 p.m., ET)

Emmy-winner Patricia Heaton stars in this warm and witty single-camera comedy about raising a family and lowering your expectations.

Frankie Heck is a superhero. Well, no, not an actual superhero — not unless you count getting her kids out the door for school every morning as a superfeat. Middle-aged, middle class and living in the middle of the country, this harried wife and working mother of three uses her wry wit and sense of humor to try to get her family through each day intact. Frankie has a job selling cars at the town’s only surviving car dealer, while her husband, Mike, is a manager at the local quarry. In between juggling shifts and picking up fast food dinners eaten in front of the TV, Frankie and Mike raise their kids with love and solid Midwestern practicality.

Building on its lead-in Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. among viewers and young adults, “The Middle” is delivering solid year-to-year improvement to the time period for ABC. On average, “The Middle” is boosting ABC’s numbers in the half-hour over the same point last season by +1.2 million viewers and by +5% in Adults 18-49. On its most-recent telecast (1/6/10), “The Middle” hit series highs in key Adults (AD18-49/AD25-54), Men 18-49 and across all key Women demos (W18-34/W18-49/W25-54).

“The Middle” stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Neil Flynn as Mike, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Eden Sher as Sue, Atticus Shaffer as Brick and Chris Kattan as Bob.

Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline are the creators and executive producers of “The Middle,” which is a production of Warner Bros. Television.

“Modern Family” (Wednesdays from 9:00-9:30 p.m., ET)

Today’s American families come in all shapes and sizes. The cookie cutter mold of man + wife + 2.5 kids is a thing of the past, as it becomes quickly apparent in the bird’s eye view of ABC’s half-hour comedy, “Modern Family,” which takes an honest and often hilarious look at the composition and complexity of family life today.

TV’s most-watched new comedy overall this season, ABC’s “Modern Family” is a strong competitor on Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. The ABC freshman comedy is a solid second in its half-hour to CBS’ veteran “Criminal Minds” in viewers and young adults, while ranking No. 1 with key Men (M18-34/M18-49). On its most-recent airing (1/6/10), “Modern Family” posted best-since-debut numbers in viewers and young adults, while hitting series-high ratings with key Men (M18-49/M25-54).

In its first season, “Modern Family” has already been honored with some of the industry’s most prestigious award nominations. Thus far the show has been nominated for a Golden Globe, Writers Guild, Directors Guild and Art Directors Guild awards, and the cast has received a SAG nomination for their performance. The series was also recognized by the AFI as one of the top 10 TV programs of 2010.

“Modern Family” stars Ed O’Neill as Jay, Julie Bowen as Claire, Ty Burrell as Phil, Sofía Vergara as Gloria, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell, Eric Stonestreet as Cameron, Sarah Hyland as Haley, Nolan Gould as Luke, Ariel Winter as Alex and Rico Rodriguez as Manny.

The series is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television in association with Levitan Lloyd Productions. Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd are executive producers/creators. Jason Winer is co-executive producer.



--------------------------------------------------------------------

SECOND BOOK FROM RICHARD CASTLE – STAR OF ABC’S “CASTLE” –
PLANNED FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 2010


HEAT WAVE by Richard Castle, star of the hit ABC series “Castle” (Mondays, 10:00-11:00 p.m., ET), has been a successful cross-platform collaboration between ABC and Hyperion. Published at the end of September 2009, HEAT WAVE has spent 14 weeks on the New York Times Hardcover bestsellers list, currently holding the #32 position for Sunday, January 17, 2010. Hyperion has gone back to press eight times and now has over 170,000 copies in print. With this great success, a second book from Richard Castle will be published at the end of September 2010.

HEAT WAVE is Hyperion’s #2 bestselling ebook for 2009, surpassed only by “The Last Lecture.” It is also Hyperion’s #5 Kindle bestseller for the year. The free chapters of HEAT WAVE offered on ABC.com have been downloaded almost 100,000 times since the first chapter posted in August 2009. HEAT WAVE will be released as a mass market paperback edition in August 2010.

UNTITLED CASTLE BOOK 2 by Richard Castle --
In the sequel to HEAT WAVE, Castle’s new thrilling mystery continues the story of NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat. Tough, sexy, professional, Nikki Heat carries a passion for justice as she leads one of New York City’s top homicide squads. In what’s sure to be another smash sensation by this blockbuster author, readers will once again follow Nikki Heat and hotshot reporter Jameson Rook as they trade barbs and innuendos, all while on the trail of a murderer!

For more information on “Castle,” visit ABC.com

unfortunately ABc seems intent to stick with these scheduling moves.

I would not be surprised to See Alyssa MIlanos show on Monday now - I hope NOT

Mr. McPherson was very honest at TCA. It's rare to see Programming chiefs that honest and fair. Very cool!

Recap of ABC at TCA:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2010/01/tca-winter-2010-press-tour-abc-rita.html

From the scrum, ABC wants 24 episodes each of its Wednesday comedies, all contingent on if producers can deliver that amount

I LIKE this move A LOT:

Exclusive: 'Desperate Housewives' loans Dana Delany to 'Castle'
by Michael Ausiello
Categories: Castle, Desperate Housewives, News
Kinky ABC has OK’d a kind of “wife swap,” lending out Desperate Housewives‘ Dana Delany to Castle for two episodes, sources confirm to me exclusively.

But Delany won’t be playing Katherine Mayfair, she’ll be playing Federal Agent Jordan Shaw.

Why this almost unprecedented move? Try ulterior motives. The network likely is hoping that Delany’s presence will draw more eyeballs to Castle, particularly since her first episode will air on Sunday, March 21 at 10 pm/ET following — duh — Housewives. (Brothers & Sisters has the week off.) The Emmy winner’s second Castle, which reunites her with her Desperate ex, Nathan Fillion, will air in the series’ regular Monday-at-10 timeslot on March 22.

Special two-part Castle episode airing Sunday, March 21 and Monday, March 22 at 10 with guest star Dana Delaney (Desperate Housewives)!

As for last night's Castle with Alyssa Milano, wasn't that a great episode? Ratings were good:
“Castle” (10:00-11:00 p.m.)
Taking second in the 10 o’clock hour to CBS’ veteran drama “CSI: Miami”, ABC’s “Castle” was up by 1.7 million viewers (9.5 million vs. 7.8 million) and by 24% in Adults 18-49 (2.6/7 vs. 2.1/5) over its most-recent original telecast (12/7/09).

• “Castle” hit season highs among Adults 18-34 and key Women demos: W18-34 and W18-49 (tie).

see that AFV and EM are reruns first Sun of sweeps, first sun of Olympics. Hopefully they wont run new eps of dramas either. I am guessing there will be less dramas that month since they are running 4 in Jan

Well that is Super Bowl Sunday, not sure what ABC will do 9-11pm that night.

Olympics don't start til the following week.

They definitely won't waste new episodes against the Super Bowl.

Well that is Super Bowl Sunday, not sure what ABC will do 9-11pm that night.
oh Duh, you're right. Bummer that probably mean sun dramas the next 3 weeks which means 16 or 17 aired by the end of Feb, they'll have very little left for March/Apr.

I think they'll end up with 24 episodes for Desperate and Brothers and Sisters when it is all said and done.

I hope they air Wipeout repeats on Super Bowl Sunday from 9-11 because they are not producing a new one. I guess they want to keep the new course a secret until summer.

From the scrum, ABC wants 24 episodes each of its Wednesday comedies, all contingent on if producers can deliver that amount

From www.TVTango.com

THE MIDDLE does have 24 episodes this year. I asked about next year (22 or 24), and they didn't know (not surprisingly) since they just found out today that they were even picked up.

Steven Levitan (“Modern Family”) confirmed 24 episodes for this season and he's assuming 22 for next season. ABC wanted even more episodes, but they settled on 24 because he didn't want the quality of the show to suffer. They've built-in extra hiatuses to keep the writers fresh (according to Steven, the writing is the first thing to go downhill). He can't imagine ever doing more than 24 a year.

So, this confirms that all three Comedy Wednesday sitcoms are 24 episodes this season!

During showrunners scrum, MIDDLE, MODERN FAMILY, COUGAR TOWN creators all confirm they're doing 24 episodes this season

ABC has formally greenlighted to pilot the Matthew Perry comedy "Mr. Sunshine."

The single-camera project, from Sony TV and Jamie Tarses' Fanfare, stars Perry as the manager of an aging local sports stadium in San Diego who realizes on his 40th birthday that he cannot just get by on his charming, funny, noncommittal ways anymore.

Perry penned the script with Alex Barnow and Marc Firek. The two are executive producing with Tarses as well as Tommy Schlamme, who is on board to direct.

The project sparked a bidding frenzy when it hit the marketplace in October and landed at ABC with one of the richest commitments this development season.

ABC has been aggressive in greenlighting its pilot early this season.

On the comedy side, "Mr. Sunshine" joins the recently ordered "Women Are Crazy, Men Are Stupid" and "Awkward Situations for Men."


http://www.hollywoodreporter.c...cd8856ce093985a11040

Tonights 8:30 Bettr Off ted was a work of comic genius!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh7Nz4bIwss

That is why Better off Ted is completely better than The Office. Plus there are no headache style camera movements.

Better Off Ted is my favorite comedy with Modern Family and Big Bang Theory. So sad that nobody watches...That version that someone put online of tonight's 8:30 showing (probably the producers) was the best ever.

I just don't understand why people are not watching more. I hope we at least get to all the episodesinstead of repeats...

As I feared: Seriously are they nuts, yeah itll do great againt TBBT - the #1 show in 18-49 currently.

LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- It looks like ABC is giving comedy another shot on Monday nights.

Network sources have confirmed to the site exclusively its Alyssa Milano vehicle "Romantically Challenged" is expected to premiere Monday, April 5 at 9:30/8:30c after "Dancing With the Stars."

An Alphabet spokesperson wouldn't confirm the date however updated listings released by the network yesterday indicate "Stars" will shrink to 90 minutes from April 5 through May 17. That's seven weeks, the exact number of episodes set to be filmed by the midseason comedy.

"Stars" will also offer up a one-hour performance show on May 24, more than likely leading into its annual summer launch of "The Bachelorette."

As announced yesterday, "Stars" returns for its 10th season on Monday, March 22 at 8:00/7:00c with a two-hour launch. The series will likewise offer up another two-hour installment on March 29 with one-hour results shows set for Tuesdays at 8:00/7:00c starting March 30.

I think they like the Milano-Fillion combo of airing Romantically and Castle back-to-back. I'm sure they will air repeats of Romantically on Wednesdays at 8pm as well a few times to get even more of an audience. Not sure how they would have used it on Wednesdays in all-new episodes anyway unless they aired it at 8pm or 8:30pm. Where would you have slotted it?

Also, Castle is a repeat on Feb. 1, but all-new on Feb. 8. I think ABC is not airing new episodes on Feb. 15 and 22 opposite the Winter Olympics, or March 1 (The Bachelor: After the Final Rose is scheduled). Either repeats or specials maybe (like more Conveyor Belt of Love?). March 8 is tentatively new and we all know March 21-22 is the special two-part episode. I think Castle will have 24 episodes since they will have about 18 aired after March 22.

well i for one thing would not cut DWTS down. even at lower numbers it will be stronger than RM

Also between SW - a critically acclaimed single cam show and SS - a multi cam show that was no good, they both didnt work and they both faced the weakest comedies on CBS. The show its going up against is the highest rated show on all of TV now and its also a multi cam sitcom.

Plus last year CASTLE suffered after the SS lead in. There is no flow to the night. There is a lot of competition on this night. They are really hurting themselves, plus there is no way RM can succeed this way, they will sooner turn to 24 or even Parenthood as counterprogramming.

I would sooner have slotted it on Wed before this, because this not only hurts RM, it hurts the whole night ratingswise. whats even more frustrating is that they have evidence to this, only compounded more now, because the 9:30 CBS shows isnt some throwaway show.

Honestly if they didnt want Wed at 8 or 8:30, I would have sooner tried 10p. first week could be 2 eps, after that they could have aired a new one and repeat or repeat CT at 10:30. Honestly There are other things to try before this. Again, this doesnt give RM a chance to succeed and hurts their whole night. Just because TBBT is off April 5th because of March MAdness doesnt gvie them enough time to make this work.

I am thrilled that CASTLE did well Mon night but they were together for one episode and while the numbers are growing for the show it got a 2.6. Its not liek they can say oh wow well put their shows together and itll blow up.

ABC is a great net but wow their scheduling decisions once again are beyond baffling.

I wouldn't cut DWTS down either. I just don't know where else they could have aired Romantically Challenged. The only option I could have seen was 9:30pm or 10pm on Wednesdays I think with Cougar Town. Option one was 9:30 with Cougar Town hour at 10 (new/repeat). Or option two at 10pm with Cougar Town repeats at 10:30pm (and later on when it had enough episodes Romantically Challenged repeats at 10:30).

Any Happy Town scheduling insights? The more I look at the schedule I think ABC will use the Oscars to launch it. Meaning launching it on Monday, March 8 with a two-hour premiere. The show only has 8 episodes, and McPherson says it is heavily serialized and has beginning, middle and end.
They can air it for two-hours on Monday, March 8, then an hour on Tuesday, March 9 at 8, two more hours on Monday, March 15, and then an hour on Tuesday, March 16 at 8, and the final two on Tuesday, March 23 at 8 and 10 (sandwiched between LOST).

I don't see them airing it anywhere else unless they use Wednesdays at 10 after Betty finishes its run. I bet after Betty finishes its run, ABC will air Wife Swap at 10.

As for scheduling news, ABC will use Movies on Fridays and Saturdays against the Winter Olympics. Friday movies will air 8-10pm (except Feb. 12 will be 8-11pm; 20/20 will air at 10 the other two weeks) and Saturday movies will run 8pm-11pm. More on the titles in a bit. Movies air Friday, Feb. 12, 19 and 26 and Saturday, Feb. 13, 20, and 27.

Friday Movies:
Friday, Feb. 12, 8-11pm ABC Friday Movie of the Week - “Spiderman 2.1” (network premiere with 8 minutes of additional footage)
Friday, Feb. 19, 8-10pm ABC Friday Movie of the Week - "Meet The Fockers"
Friday, Feb, 26, 8-10pm ABC Friday Movie of the Week - "Blades of Glory"

Saturday Movies:
Saturday, Feb. 6, 8-11pm ABC Saturday Movie of the Week - "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone"
Saturday, Feb. 13, 8-11pm ABC Saturday Movie of the Week - "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
Saturday, Feb. 20, 8-11pm ABC Saturday Movie of the Week - "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Saturday, Feb. 27, 8-11pm ABC Saturday Movie of the Week - "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"

To answer your question, Monday is less of a good option than anywhere because in addition to giving RM no chance they are gonna hurt their entire night.

As to HT, at this point I wont even try to speculate because most of their midseason scheduling moves are baffling to me, especially when there is ABC evidence that they wont work. V after lOST, RM after DWTS. DWTS against IDOL and BL. Happy Town is okay but its the kind of show that almost never works on ABC and at this point id rather see them put it where it will hurt them the least. If it does well, ill be happy, it's a decent show, but i'll honestly be surprised and there is much competition every night of the week. I dont see it making a dent on a busy Mon night.

But honestly premering Monday march 8th, Im not a fan of it because i could see it getting clobbered. If The bachelor is really ending march 1st and DWTS is March 22nd - i gotta say why would they do this. If they just did what they did last Summer Bachelor would have ended march 15th. or then start DWTS march 8th after oscars. you were down last season, that is the best oscar push you can get. To leave 2 weeks in the middle where youll get clobbered again like december? Seriously is FOX doing their scheduling. Its almost like they want to to lose. I just dont get it.

Id be more comfortable maybe if HAPPY TOWN is a Summer event at this point, although it seems like it will be midseason.

I also want to see them make a real play for Tues and Wed at 10p. I just think DWTS at 10 Tues and V Wed at 10p would do really well. With NBC back in the mix at 10p this is not the time to surrender.

Wednesdays at 8:00 would have made the most sense for RC since it's open, or 8:30 with The Middle moving to 8. Putting it against BBT is dumb though.

RC really doesn't fit with The Middle, as it is not a family comedy. I think it needs to air in a later hour and be paired with Cougar Town.

RC really doesn't fit with The Middle, as it is not a family comedy. I think it needs to air in a later hour and be paired with Cougar Town.

Plus, RC is multi-cam, while the others aren't. Still, ABC should have been smart. I think Modern Family will hold up well to Idol, but it may have been smart to air it at 8:30 with The Middle at 8:30, just because those shows go together so well. Cougar Town could have slid down to 9pm, while Romantically Challenged could have aired at 9:30.

As to Happy Town, my guess is Wednesday at 10pm. Or, perhaps they'll premiere it on Tuesday at 10pm the first week in March, then move it to Wednesdays at 10pm once V returns and UB is done? Although, I wouldn't mind seeing it air in the summer. ABC said they wanted more scripted in the summer, and Happy Town could be good event programming.

And ABC cannot continue with this Tuesday lineup one more week. It's completely embarrassing. Love BOT, but it's just not working, which is a shame.

ABC News will provide an optional expanded one-hour airing of “ABC World News With Diane Sawyer” for tonight Wednesday, January 13, 2010 from 6:30-7:30pm.

This expanded one hour airing will be anchored by George Stephanopoulos and will provide the most update coverage on the recent earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti.

If Happy Town is as exactly as McPherson describes it, heavily serialized with a beginning, middle, and an end, I would launch the show after the regular season in the final week of May at the same time The Bachelorette premieres. In fact, I would air it on Monday following The Bachelorette.

viewers of THE BACHERLORETTE would not stick around for it. I have seen the pilot. they are better off with DATING IN THE DARK or CBOL.

If they were gonna schedule it in Summer I could see it on Sunday night.

ABC Wednesday was fantastic from beginning to end tonight. This is the best TV night of the week. ABC should be commended for creating a great night of tv. UGLY BETTY had in my opinion one of its best episodes EVER.

Not that it needed it but ABC just gave The Big Bang Theory another ratings boost. Just think of all the people that will now turn off DWTS at 9:30 and go watch The Big Bang Theory on CBS. I don't see too many people turning off CBS at 9:30 and going to watch an ABC sitcom, but lots of viewers will go to see The Big Bang Theory after watching DWTS. Remember, the only week that The Big Bang Theory actually topped Two and a Half Men in total viewers was the week that DWTS was 90 minutes and Two and a Half Men aired opposite DWTS, while The Big Bang Theory did not face DWTS. The Big Bang Theory cast and crew should send McPherson a thank you note.

The Big Bang Theory is already a hit. It doesn't need help from ABC or anyone. The Romantically Challenged update isn't official yet anyway, but I don't doubt that they are doing it.

Yes, Wednesday was fantastic last night. On par with last week's amazing episodes. I have a feeling they will hold up well vs. Idol, epsecially Modern Family. Hopefully a 3.5.

The Big Bang Theory is already a hit. It doesn't need help from ABC or anyone. The Romantically Challenged update isn't official yet anyway, but I don't doubt that they are doing it.

Yes, Wednesday was fantastic last night. On par with last week's amazing episodes. I have a feeling they will hold up well vs. Idol, epsecially Modern Family. Hopefully a 3.5.

Cougar Town should not be affected this week, because it did not go up against AI. In fact, it may get help as people switch over from AI at 9:30 and need a half hour to fill. I think Modern Family will lose about .5 in the demo from last week to AI.

It is really too bad about Romantically Challenged. I was really looking for to watching it, but there is absolutely no chance of me watching it up against The Big Bang Theory.

Superbowl, you can always DVR it. Plus, Big Bang is not on at 9:30pm the night it "supposedly" launches on April 5 because of the NCAA Basketball final.

Cougar Town should not be affected this week, because it did not go up against AI. In fact, it may get help as people switch over from AI at 9:30 and need a half hour to fill. I think Modern Family will lose about .5 in the demo from last week to AI.

It is really too bad about Romantically Challenged. I was really looking for to watching it, but there is absolutely no chance of me watching it up against The Big Bang Theory.
well you are right CT held almost 100 percent of MF and dropped .2 from last week since it didnt face IDOL. However MF lost .9 from last week. It's still good, but this show was poised for even more growth now, as evidenced by last weeks scores and now thats not gonna happen til the Fall at the earliest. Yet CBS has one of their highest rated CM's of the season and CSI does too. I find that so incredibly frustrating.

ABC News will provide an expanded one-hour airing of “ABC World News With Diane Sawyer” for tonight (Thursday, January 14, 2010.
This expanded one-hour airing will be anchored by Diane Sawyer live from Haiti and will provide the most update information on the recent earthquake in Haiti. Like with yesterday's expanded coverage, this additional half-hour of coverage is optional.

Also in primetime, “A Special Edition of 20/20” on the earthquake in Haiti will be scheduled tonight in the 8:00 PM ET/PT hour tonight preempting a Grey's Anatomy repeat.

I think Forgotten will be preempted by 20/20 this week.

Now that NBC is putting PARENTHOOD, their best shot at a drama hit, behind their hottest show, THE BIGGEST LOSER, ABC can you PLEASE start programming Tuesdays at 10p now?

Now that Wed at 10p will be CSI and SVU, im more convinced that RM should air Wed at 10p starting April. First week they can do 2 eps. AFter that assorted reruns at 10:30 - CT and MF

Tonight's title for the Haiti earthquake special: "Earthquake Haiti: The Race to Save a Country."

As for the NBC schedule, Parenthood will eventually have to face V starting March 30. Any suggestion what ABC can do in the meantime in that slot (March 2-23)?

i wouldnt wait for March 2nd i would get something there feb 9th.

well i wouldnt schedule Happy Town there, thats for sure. they dont currently have anything on their shelf (to the best of my knowledge) that is really stong enough to go there. I'd do some kind of extension of LOST, even having celebs and lost writers and people that write about LOST for EW do a recap of the ep that just ended. The way you saw people in the LOST special last weekend talk about it. LOST has its own audience, probably why nothing works after it. Doing an extension of it, gives it best shot at retaining many of that audience.

If not some kind of extension of LOST, it should be something not heavy, not sci fi. Maybe they have some great reality show in development. I dont know. All I know is get the FORGOTTEN off yesterday.

PARENTHOOD honestly is NBC's best bet at a hit this year. It's got great people in front and behind the camera and they are giving it the best shot at success with their best and most compatible lead in. The people I know that love TBL will absolutely stick around for this show. In fact the people I know that love TBL love Lauren Graham too.

This is why I have been saying for months that ABC needed to be more aggressive on Tuesday. (Honestly I just keep thinking about the potential of INSIDE THE BOX at 10p Tues, could have flopped yeah, but odds are it would have done tons better than FORGOTTEN). Now they have a very short window to try to make that happen. ironically THE GOOD WIFE is a very female skewing ABC show and PARENTHOOD is a very ABC type show. I guess V is sort of counterprogramming. I just hope it doesnt follow the trajectory of every other genre show after LOST. with 2 strong entries in the hour it makes me more concerned.

Moving Parenthood to Tuesdays at 10pm is a fantastic move by NBC, probably their entire move after this entire Leno debacle. Not only is it compatible with The Biggest Loser, but it initially has The Forgotten and ancient-skewing The Good Wife as its competition. Parenthood will prove to be younger-skewing and will probably be NBC's highest rated new drama in years. If I were ABC, I'd be scared for V when it "re-launches."

NBC strategists are probably also hoping to pick up longtime fans of Miss Lauren Graham from 'Gilmore Girls', who took over the lead role from Miss Maura Tierney who withdrew from the series due to illness. 'Gilmore Girls' was a Tuesday night institution for many W18-34s on The WB and then The CW, and I have a sense that NBC will pick up a large part of this audience when 'Parenthood' debuts.

The promos so far suggest that Miss Lauren Graham's character will be very Lorelai in spirit with a sassy young daughter to duel with.

ABC ran a great Thursday promo for a 3 dramas

Series LOW for GREYS - 2 month hiatus doesnt help and THE DEEP END should have started last night. First time under a 5, even with a point or 2 rise in finals will still be under a 5. Another reason not to run 2 new eps and then another rerun in 2 weeks.

Guess that Super Manny special will have to be reescheduled again since it will be preempted next week for the telethon

Friday, January 22, 2010
8:00pm-10:00pm Hope for Haiti (live in ET/CT; telethon on all networks)
10:00pm TBD (likely 20/20)

ABC Super Comedy Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010
8:00 PM MODERN FAMILY (R)
8:30 PM THE MIDDLE (R)
9:00 PM MODERN FAMILY (R)
9:30 PM COUGAR TOWN (R)
10:00 PM MODERN FAMILY (R)
10:30 PM MODERN FAMILY (R)

ABC Super Comedy Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010
8:00 PM MODERN FAMILY (R)
8:30 PM THE MIDDLE (R)
9:00 PM MODERN FAMILY (R)
9:30 PM COUGAR TOWN (R)
10:00 PM MODERN FAMILY (R)
10:30 PM MODERN FAMILY (R)

Against the Superbowl, it's an okay programming decision, but they're likely to pull very low numbers. They would have been better off just airing a movie or something. Plus, all that Modern Family isn't going to help the repeat overkill it's been experiencing lately.

Fox is likely airing a movie and NBC is airing The Biggest Loser from 7-11pm. So ABC would be the only place for comedy. More exposure the better.

Eastwick skipped episodes will be airing in England on Hallmark UK.

The skipped ones are Episode 11 "Red Bath and Beyond" as well as the finale, episode 13, "Pampered and Tampered." Episode 11 airs this Tuesday night (Jan. 19). Hopefully someone from England puts these online after they air.

Shark Tank was #1 show of the night with Men 18-34.

Why wouldnt they run the last 3 after LOST in Feb?

Shark Tank was #1 show of the night with Men 18-34.

Why wouldnt they run the last 3 after LOST in Feb?

I'm actually in agreement with you on that. The Forgotten is as dead as a doornail at this point. The smart thing to do would be to swap it and Shark Tank, which still seems to be alive.

Shark Tank is being preempted next Friday by the Haiti telethon, so maybe they should run it on Tuesday at 10 instead of a repeat of the forgotten.

Shark Tank is being preempted next Friday by the Haiti telethon, so maybe they should run it on Tuesday at 10 instead of a repeat of the forgotten.
Its not a bad idea, but id rather see the final 3 behind LOST. Imagine with a lead in what this show could do. Plus they are both male skewing.

Any news if we will get the last 2 episodes of Better off Ted, or we will have to wait the UK (like for Eastwick) ?

Shark Tank was #1 show of the night with Men 18-34.

Why wouldnt they run the last 3 after LOST in Feb?

This is even more impressive when you consider that it's leadin show, Suppernanny, is probably delivering female demos into it.

This is even more impressive when you consider that it's leadin show, Suppernanny, is probably delivering female demos into it.
I was thinking the same thing. Can you imagine what it could do be behind LOST?

Shark Tank is a GREAT show. Unlike most reality series, there is something to learn in this one - for the viewers, and also the entrepreneurs who maybe have a failing idea. It allows the viewers to see the common mistakes of entrepreneurs and see how successful people like the Sharks look upon various ideas.

It's main purpose is to help entrepreneurs either by making a deal with them or telling them why it's not a good idea and what they've done wrong or if they should just shut it down. It's a different kind of reality show in that way.

Any news if we will get the last 2 episodes of Better off Ted, or we will have to wait the UK (like for Eastwick) ?
I cant imagine this is an EASTWICK situation because they are running reruns of TED, even this week, they are, so they could have run the last two originals in place of reruns. My guess is that they will give the last 2 a shot either on comedy Wednesday or someplace else, otherwise why wouldnt they just air in place of reruns.

Either the new eps get moved to Feb 3rd or saved for Mar/Apr
Maybe rerun of MF at 8:30

http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/obama-gets-idol-boost-13140#comment-25944

Wish it was Feb. 3 instead.

So psyched to see CASTLE with a 2.8 pretty close to CSI with a 3.6 and CSI had a 5.2 lead in. Congrats on ABC showing patience. Great job. LOve to see an extra 2 eps this year.

Shark Tank is a GREAT show. Unlike most reality series, there is something to learn in this one - for the viewers, and also the entrepreneurs who maybe have a failing idea. It allows the viewers to see the common mistakes of entrepreneurs and see how successful people like the Sharks look upon various ideas.

It's main purpose is to help entrepreneurs either by making a deal with them or telling them why it's not a good idea and what they've done wrong or if they should just shut it down. It's a different kind of reality show in that way.
so its basically a "remake" of Dragon's Den then...

so its basically a "remake" of Dragon's Den then...
yes it is and two of the entrepeneurs are on both shows

Can't wait to see how Castle does next week against a repeat of Miami. Last night's Castle was gold!!

Feb/March weekend updates:

Saturday, February 6, 2010
5:00PM ET Shark Tank (R)

Saturday, February 13, 2010
4:00-6:00PM ET ABC Movie: Anchorman (R)

Sunday, February 14, 2010
4:00-6:00PM ET ABC Movie: Princess Diaries (R)

Saturday, March 6, 2010
4:00PM ET Shark Tank (R)

Sunday, March 7, 2010
5:00PM ET All Star Tribute to the Movies

Sunday, March 21, 2010
5:00PM ET Shark Tank (R)

More could be added, stay tuned.

Some additions:

Saturday, February 13, 2010
3:00PM ET Shark Tank (R)

Sunday, February 14, 2010
3:00PM ET Shark Tank (R)

Saturday, February 20, 2010
4:00PM ET Shark Tank (R)

Saturday, February 27, 2010
4:00-6:00PM ET ABC Movie: Around the World in 80 Days (R)

Saturday, March 6, 2010
4:00PM ET Shark Tank (R)

Saturday, March 27, 2010
4:00PM ET Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution (R)

Some additions:

Saturday, February 13, 2010
3:00PM ET Shark Tank (R)

Sunday, February 14, 2010
3:00PM ET Shark Tank (R)

Saturday, February 20, 2010
4:00PM ET Shark Tank (R)

Saturday, February 27, 2010
4:00-6:00PM ET ABC Movie: Around the World in 80 Days (R)

Saturday, March 6, 2010
4:00PM ET Shark Tank (R)

Saturday, March 27, 2010
4:00PM ET Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution (R)
Nice to see ABC giving extra promotion to Shark Tank in the afternoon.

So i just saw the FORGOTTEN returns feb 9th promo and a couple of questions sprang to mind

1) why is this show getting treated better than Pushing Daisies or even V (12 eps vs 18). They are all WB shows, yet PUSHING DAISIES had higher numbers and was a self starter and had acclaim and EMMYS. V has buzz and ratings. Forgotten has absolutely nothing and everyone knows its not coming back next year
2) why is ABC intent on offsetting whatever ratings LOST will finally bring to Tuesday with this?
3) Why is ABC so willing to help other nets get hits. THE GOOD WIFE is a hit because it is good, but also because no one is challenging it and airing this here will certainly help Parenthood become a hit. It had a good shot already, with ABC rolling over, they are just sending the audience over to NBC after LOST
4) WHy doesnt ABC want to nurture a show with potential after LOST?

Forgotten has enough originals left to taker it to March 22nd right until V premieres. Here is my prediction for THE FORGOTTEN after LOST - not higher than a 1.5/1.6

Here is my prediction for tonights numbers of the whole night - .9

Why? Because Elisha Cuthbert is joining the show starting Feb. 9. ABC is giving it a chance, so I commend them for that. It's not a good show, in my opinion either, but something must be good coming up for them to keep it. They have to be high on Elisha Cuthbert and I'm sure they will have a big promo push for it. Doesn't hurt to try because V won't be back until March 30. Pushing Daisies got 2 seasons to have a chance, the forgotten is still in the middle of its first season, so I do like the patience they are having with it. Maybe it will pay off like Castle.

the forgotten will air repeat free from Feb. 9 to March 23. That is why there was a repeat tonight. They didn't want to waste Elisha Cuthbert's first episode after low-rated Better off Ted.

the forgotten was actually pretty steady when it aired after DWTS Results at around a 2.0-2.2. And Lost has a higher 18-49 audience than DWTS Results, so let's hope the forgotten does 2's at least. I don't think it will be 1.5 or 1.6. I think you are just looking at its ratings with the sitcoms as its lead-in or its repeat numbers.

I dont want to get in an argument about it. but it was a 1.9 after DWTS. After the first week of SCRUBS on dec 1 which got a 2.0, it got a 1.2. It has never gotten above a 1.3 since. You yourself said its not a good show and if you are saying that, it must really not be good, because you're usually more positive which is a very nice trait.

No offense to Elisha but she is hardly a draw. I think my comments above illustrate why I think its not gonna work and will only help the other nets. I am so confident LOST will barely boost its score I would bet money. But I honestly have no interest in that, I just want ABC to at least try to be competetive.

PUSHING DAISIES was done in their mind after the first ep of season 2, even though at 8p it was getting close to a 2 and the week of Barack Obamas infomerical got over a 2 with no lead in. Forgotten was not performing that well with one and with only one show as competition. leno doesnt count. PD also had a very strong fan base and emmys and critical acclaim. It never even had a shot behind an established show. The only reason I can think of them giving this a shot is for Bruckheimer but to me its had its chance and it blew it, the audience decided. You honestly dont think PARENTHOOD will do better? All these dramas that have failed behind LOST including a new procedural THE EVIDENCE didnt work, This is already a fiop its not gonna miraculously transform. LIFE ON MARS had a better shot and did worse after LOST. I am going on record saying I think its a mistake and a waste of a slot. If I am wrong I will say so, as I have before. Plus CASTLE had way more momentum over its first 11 eps and it was better. You never saw me calling for that show to be pulled even when its numbers trended down its first season

finally, they did try, it didnt work, move on and stop surrendering. NO other net keeps a show with a 1.2 on like this on a weeknight unless it is critically acclaimed.

LOST had a 5.0 and LOM got under a 2, thats what i was basing my prediction on

BOT has the same numbers and Id rather see them support that then this if they are supporting low rated show. There is potential for that show. There is clealry something there to support. Every critic wants them to and it has passionate fans.

Eastwick skipped episodes will be airing in England on Hallmark UK.

The skipped ones are Episode 11 "Red Bath and Beyond" as well as the finale, episode 13, "Pampered and Tampered." Episode 11 airs this Tuesday night (Jan. 19). Hopefully someone from England puts these online after they air.

Here is Eastwick episode 11 (the skipped episode): http://www.zshare.net/video/71430747f7e4301b It was so great!

The finale (episode 13) should air there in two weeks and I'm sure someone from England will put it up shortly after. I wish this show worked in the ratings. I would have loved if they kept this over the forgotten.

Here is Eastwick episode 11 (the skipped episode): http://www.zshare.net/video/71430747f7e4301b It was so great!

The finale (episode 13) should air there in two weeks and I'm sure someone from England will put it up shortly after. I wish this show worked in the ratings. I would have loved if they kept this over the forgotten.
totally agree and the numbers are identical. You would not have heard me complaining about EASTWICK. I thought it was creatively great!

BOT was genius tonight. This is an emmy caliber episode if it had better numbers or was on HBO

Better Off Ted is such a good and funny show. It's such a puzzler, why isn't it doing better? It's better than 30 Rock or The Office.

last night:
Scrubs" (3.3 million, 1.4) and "Better Off Ted" (3.2 million, 1.3)

FORGOTTEN has not gotten above a 1.3 since DWTS. Im sorry but Better Off ted is the horse to bet on here.

last night:
Scrubs" (3.3 million, 1.4) and "Better Off Ted" (3.2 million, 1.3)

FORGOTTEN has not gotten above a 1.3 since DWTS. Im sorry but Better Off ted is the horse to bet on here.
It is a positive that, as of yesterday, ABC was still promoting 'Scrubs' and 'Better Off Ted' with those 'Scrubs-Ted-Scrubs-Ted' jingle adverts.

If there is still life in the horse we call Ted, much depends upon where ABC skeds the remaining two originals. I still have faint hopes for a miraculous third season, but I think that may depend upon FOX offering ABC a sweetheart deal in an effort to boost the series above 26 episodes.

last night:
Scrubs" (3.3 million, 1.4) and "Better Off Ted" (3.2 million, 1.3)

FORGOTTEN has not gotten above a 1.3 since DWTS. Im sorry but Better Off ted is the horse to bet on here.

I have to believe the Forgotten is done at this point (at least on Tuesdays). ABC may have stated it would return Feb 9 but I just don't believe that will happen. Scheduling wise this is the perfect time to take it off the air. LOST will be airing next week and premiering the following week. At this point, if ABC doesn't have anything to place on Tuesday's at 10pm (though I think Shark Tank would be a good idea), I would simply take a page out of Cable's handbook and repeat the same evening's episode of LOST with the pop-up info.

As for Better Off Ted, as I said before such a good and funny comedy. Why aren't people tuning in? Since ABC Studios doesn't produce the show, I don't forsee a season three. Which is a shame. But god help us, I can see another season of Scrubs (Med School) which isn't very good show at all.

I have to believe the Forgotten is done at this point (at least on Tuesdays). ABC may have stated it would return Feb 9 but I just don't believe that will happen. Scheduling wise this is the perfect time to take it off the air. LOST will be airing next week and premiering the following week. At this point, if ABC doesn't have anything to place on Tuesday's at 10pm (though I think Shark Tank would be a good idea), I would simply take a page out of Cable's handbook and repeat the same evening's episode of LOST with the pop-up info.

As for Better Off Ted, as I said before such a good and funny comedy. Why aren't people tuning in? Since ABC Studios doesn't produce the show, I don't forsee a season three. Which is a shame. But god help us, I can see another season of Scrubs (Med School) which isn't very good show at all.
I would have agreed with you and was hopeful they were gonna pull it but when I saw the promo it made me convinced they are gonna run it after LOST after all.

I think SCRUBS is done. They have made enough money from it and the numbers arent good enough that they want to take Bill Lawrence's focus off of CT.

and yes hate an utter shame about TED and last nights ep to me so commercial. OFFICE SPACE became huge hit on DVD. I would think the same audience would appreciate this show. That and teh critical acclaim make me think its worth another shot, with a better lead in.

noahhawley: Just got the call ABC is picking up my pilot Generation Y. We're back, baby.

Super-manny special that was slated for Jan. 22 will now be on Jan. 29 at 8pm due to the Haiti earthquake telethon. No word on when the Shark Tank episode that was slated for Jan. 22 will air now.

Also, new episodes of The Middle, Modern Family, Cougar Town and Ugly Betty that were scheduled for Jan. 27 from 8:30-11pm will now move to Feb. 3 from 8:30-11pm due to the State of the Union on Jan. 27 from 9-11pm.
All-new Scrubs will not air in the 8pm half-hour on Jan. 27 now, but will remain on Feb. 3. No idea yet when the last Scrubs will go now. The Middle repeat slated for Feb. 3 now airs at 8:30 on Jan. 27, while a new one moves to Feb. 3 at 8:30pm.

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010

Eastern|Central
8:00pm|7:00pm Modern Family (R)
8:30pm|7:00pm The Middle (R)
9:00pm|8:00pm ABC News Special: President Obama's State of the Union Address and the Republican Response (Live)
10:30pm|9:30pm Cougar Town (R, special time)

Mountain
7:00pm ABC News Special: President Obama's State of the Union Address and the Republican Response (Live)
8:30pm Cougar Town (R)
9:00pm Modern Family (R, special time)
9:30pm The Middle (R, special time)

Pacific
6:00pm ABC News Special: President Obama's State of the Union Address and the Republican Response (Live)
7:30pm Local Programming
8:00pm Local Programming
8:30pm The Middle (R)
9:00pm Modern Family (R)
9:30pm Cougar Town (R)
9:30pm-11pm Local Programming

Better Off Ted was hysterical last night. Surprisingly enough, ratings were up after a string of lows (REALLY lows, lol). I still hold out hope for this show. Unfortunately, it just isn't an ABC type show. Considering 20th Century FOX owns the show, and may like more episodes for a small syndication/cable package (at least another full seasons worth), perhaps FOX would consider picking it up? They did say they wanted a night of comedy (Tuesdays) next season, and they could make Better Off Ted work.

Better Off Ted was hysterical last night. Surprisingly enough, ratings were up after a string of lows (REALLY lows, lol). I still hold out hope for this show. Unfortunately, it just isn't an ABC type show. Considering 20th Century FOX owns the show, and may like more episodes for a small syndication/cable package (at least another full seasons worth), perhaps FOX would consider picking it up? They did say they wanted a night of comedy (Tuesdays) next season, and they could make Better Off Ted work.
I still hold out hope that ABC will pick it up. Eeveryone acknowledges that if ABC held on to Samantha Whot it would have fit in nicely in comedy wed. Maybe next season they will have a great workplace comedy (matt perry??) that becomes a big hit and TED might have a big hit show as a lead in.
THE OFFICE took off after airing behind MNIE. BOT is a far bigger critical hit than SW. The last 4 eps of BOT have been comic masterpieces, with last nights being the best yet.

I still hold out hope that ABC will pick it up. Eeveryone acknowledges that if ABC held on to Samantha Whot it would have fit in nicely in comedy wed. Maybe next season they will have a great workplace comedy (matt perry??) that becomes a big hit and TED might have a big hit show as a lead in.
THE OFFICE took off after airing behind MNIE. BOT is a far bigger critical hit than SW. The last 4 eps of BOT have been comic masterpieces, with last nights being the best yet.

Keep in mind, however, that Steve McPherson mentioned that he does not want a second night of comedy for next season, and would prefer to focus on Wednesdays. If that's the case, with all 3 comedies already renewed, that would only leave room for one more, which would ideally be Matthew Perry's new comedy. Unless they're considering expanding the comedy block into 10pm, in which a Better Off Ted/Matthew Perry pairing might actually do well.

Keep in mind, however, that Steve McPherson mentioned that he does not want a second night of comedy for next season, and would prefer to focus on Wednesdays. If that's the case, with all 3 comedies already renewed, that would only leave room for one more, which would ideally be Matthew Perry's new comedy. Unless they're considering expanding the comedy block into 10pm, in which a Better Off Ted/Matthew Perry pairing might actually do well.
No way Better off Ted is coming back. If ABC does expand into 10pm with the comedy block, it would most likely be:
8pm - New Comedy
8:30pm - The Middle
9pm - Modern Family
9:30pm - Cougar Town
10pm - Romantically Challenged
10:30pm - New Comedy

*If Romantically Challenged bombs on Mondays (assuming thats where its going in April), it will stay 8pm-10pm with four comedies, and a new comedy in the block next season. Either situation, no Better off Ted.

Im not that naive to think BOT is coming back, Steve McPherson all but said that last week. One can still dream. No way is Forgotten either which is why i dont get why its getting the benefit of the doubt.I do hope that since ABC has not officially announced the RC date that Monday is not locked. WIth NBC's moves the only logical plavce is Wed at 10p. But i am still expecting it to go on Mondays.

Speaking of comedies, Ugly Betty had its funniest episode of the season. And it was coming off its best episode of the season last week. The show is clicking well this season and I think the comedic aspect shined big time tonight. I was dying when Ignacio was all scared watching that scary movie and bang...blackout, lol. ABC had a great all-new comedy block tonight from 9-11, as Modern Family and Cougar Town as usual delivered laughs. Modern Family is a very funny show. It is single camera but it has an old school feeling to it and I love how it deals with everything a real family would do. The steps in how to get HDMI on your TV was brilliant!

Modern Family was hysterical tonight. Completely agree Pavan when you say it has a traditional feel to it. Without Idol, hopefully ratings crept back up. I initially loved Cougar Town, but its slowly fading IMO. One of its weaknesses at the moment is the constant focus they have on sex. Seems like every show lately has been nothing about sex. Sadly, it seems to have already lost the quirky charm it had in the early episodes.

I think CT like MF has such a great ensemble and its really clicking now. ABC wednesdays rock

Question: Can we please get some Brothers & Sisters scoop? —Jess
Ausiello: In what has become something of an annual tradition, B&S will stage a special two-hour episode in April. As I first teased last week, the eppy will flash back to 1973 and 1986 and require casting younger versions of the entire Walker clan. “The episode is in search of two secrets from the past,” reveals exec producer David Marshall Grant reveals, “one is devastating, and one is trying to uncover the hidden value to Ojai Foods.”

Gotta give major props to ABC for their marketing of TDE and specifically ABC Thursday. They do the best job out there.

Have you seen the reviews of the show, wow they are terrible.

I totally get why ABC put the show here for a 6 weeks. It fits tonally well with the night. I just have a feeling the young audience is going straight to Vampire Diaries. How do you think its gonna do, Pavan?

If this doesnt work, and FF doesnt work, I wonder if ABC should develop some really great romantic show or a great drama witrh a romantic couple at the center, soemthing that's different than VD but would fit tonally with the rest of their night and attract the smart female audience.

Maybe that new show OFF THE MAP from DH and GA writer Jenna Bans, that Shonda is producing, is being groomed for this night, potentially.

Well maybe TDE will do well, yoiu never know.

ABC always premieres their shows well, so who knows the premiere can do a 3.5-4.0 in 18-49, which is decent for 8pm. And reviews usually don't matter -- look what happened to Pushing Daisies and now Better off Ted. Vampire Diaries biggest audience is 12-17 and 12-34. Not sure if that is the same audience ABC is looking for with The Deep End.

ABC always premieres their shows well, so who knows the premiere can do a 3.5-4.0 in 18-49, which is decent for 8pm. And reviews usually don't matter -- look what happened to Pushing Daisies and now Better off Ted. Vampire Diaries biggest audience is 12-17 and 12-34. Not sure if that is the same audience ABC is looking for with The Deep End.
a 3.5 would be amazing

Tuesday, Feb. 9 and Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010
8:00pm LOST (R, previous week encore)

Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010
8:00pm A Charlie Brown Valentine (1/2 hour)

Sunday, March 7, 2010
Oscar Sunday
7|6c (5pm MT|approx. 8:30pm PT) The Barbara Walters Special
8|7c (6pm MT|5pm PT) Countdown to the Oscars 2010 (LIVE)
8:30|7:30c (6:30 MT|5:30 PT) The 82nd Annual Academy Awards (LIVE until approx. 11:30pm ET|8:30pm PT)
approx. 12:05|11:05c (approx. 10:35 MT|11:35 PT) Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards


Hopefully ABC encores the four episodes of V before it comes back on March 30. I'd encore it Tuesdays at 8pm before LOST starting March 2.

Tuesday, Feb. 9 and Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010
8:00pm LOST (R, previous week encore)

Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010
8:00pm A Charlie Brown Valentine (1/2 hour)

Sunday, March 7, 2010
Oscar Sunday
7|6c (5pm MT|approx. 8:30pm PT) The Barbara Walters Special
8|7c (6pm MT|5pm PT) Countdown to the Oscars 2010 (LIVE)
8:30|7:30c (6:30 MT|5:30 PT) The 82nd Annual Academy Awards (LIVE until approx. 11:30pm ET|8:30pm PT)
approx. 12:05|11:05c (approx. 10:35 MT|11:35 PT) Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards


Hopefully ABC encores the four episodes of V before it comes back on March 30. I'd encore it Tuesdays at 8pm before LOST starting March 2.
As I've suggested before I'd encore it after LOST at 10p in its timeslot so people can watch the the 12eps in consecutive order. By march 1st youll know whether FORGOTTEN is gonna work or not and my guess is it will be the latter. Why run V at 8p when 1) it will get clobbered, 2) 10p will be its actual timeslot and 3) LOST encores are the best lead in to LOST, they do okay mid 1's and they make them money

I agree, if the forgotten doesn't do well Feb. 9, 16 and 23, then ABC will air V repeats I'm sure at 10pm starting March 2.

Pavan,

Do you think the premiere of Burn Notice and the finale of Jersey Shore will affect 10p at all? I honestly dont know, just asking.

I don't think so. I can't believe anyone would want to watch trash like Jersey Shore anyway. That's not real NJ type people!! Change the name to Animal Shore, please.

I don't think so. I can't believe anyone would want to watch trash like Jersey Shore anyway. That's not real NJ type people!! Change the name to Animal Shore, please.
Trust me it sickens me that all thse trashy MTV shows like THE HILLS become big hits. Its awful.

I don't think so. I can't believe anyone would want to watch trash like Jersey Shore anyway. That's not real NJ type people!! Change the name to Animal Shore, please.
Jersey Shore is AMAZING! I thought it would be awful, but I love it. I still can't believe the things people will do to get on television.

I don't think so. I can't believe anyone would want to watch trash like Jersey Shore anyway. That's not real NJ type people!! Change the name to Animal Shore, please.

I'm not gonna lie, Jersey Shore is a guilty (VERY guilty) pleasure for me and while I realize it doesn't represent New Jersey as a whole, I do think it is indicative of the young "guido" people or at least I've heard it is from those who live near there

Shows like The Hills and Jersey Shore are nothing but scripted reality trash. They're terrible shows and the fact that people actually watch them in truckloads nowadays is sickening. But, I bet Burn Notice will be very high tonight, and Jersey Shore will probably hit a season high. But, I don't think they'll have much effect on Private Practice.

Meanwhile, The Deep End was better than I thought it would be. It really reminded me of all those DEK legal shows (The Practice, Ally McBeal, Boston Legal) combined into one show, as it dealt with aspects of all 3. The writing wasn't the best, and the storyline (at least for a pilot) felt weak, but I think this is a show that will improve throughout the season. Overall, a good start, and hopefully ratings will allow us to see this show evolve in more than just 7 episodes.

Minor change for the Pacific time zone on Jan. 27 after the State of the Union: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4361626&postcount=883

Also, more schedule updates:

Sunday, February 14, 2010
7:00pm America’s Funniest Home Videos (all-new)
8:00pm America’s Funniest Home Videos (all-new, special time)
9:00-11:00pm Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: Tripp Family Parts 1 & 2 (all-new, special time)

love that no new drama against olympics

really curious with Thursday, i know they are new thru the 18th, curuious about 25th, am assuming its new

with the Bachelor doing do well, id lvoe for ABC to go past March 1st. dont see it happening but heres my suggestion anyway. one of the monday olympics do a special jake tells all that they can tape now (like the one they did with deanna) he can sit with Chris and go over everything that happened in each ep and how he felt. they can also air unused footage with stuff you have never seen.

that would push the finale to March 8th. i would love to see a new CASTLE get the benefit of that huge lead in.

Then i would hold AFTER THE FINAL ROSE until March 15th make it 2 hours. this way they are covered til DWTS.

I am pretty sure this wont happen, since they seem to want it to end in sweeps, but one can dream

Is ABC going with repeats/specials against the Olympics vs. the big shows(DH, Grey's etc.)

Minor change for the Pacific time zone on Jan. 27 after the State of the Union: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4361626&postcount=883

Also, more schedule updates:

Sunday, February 14, 2010
7:00pm America’s Funniest Home Videos (all-new)
8:00pm America’s Funniest Home Videos (all-new, special time)
9:00-11:00pm Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: Tripp Family Parts 1 & 2 (all-new, special time)

I don't know what they are doing, but as of now Grey's is all new on 2/4, 2/11, 2/18 and 2/25 for sweeps. Desperate/B&S is new on 2/21 and 2/28. But this is subject to change. When is that huge female driven Winter Olympic figure skating event - 2/14?

I don't know what they are doing, but as of now Grey's is all new on 2/4, 2/11, 2/18 and 2/25 for sweeps. Desperate/B&S is new on 2/21 and 2/28. But this is subject to change. When is that huge female driven Winter Olympic figure skating event - 2/14?
isnt it 2.25

when you say DH and B&S are new 2.21 and 2,28 is that cause the grid has it there like they did for 2.14 til today?

if they are new those weeks theyll have 16 eps when they usually have 15 at end of Feb and there is an extra week this year and at this point one less DH and 2 less B&S

I am pretty sure Thurs is def new thru the 18th. Dont know about 25th but i am assuming it is new.

well based on their twitter page, apparantely the dramas are new sun feb
21st and i asumme feb 28th. so 16 eps by the end of feb.

Mar/Apr are gonna be rough for them - since only 3 DH will be able to air over 8 weeks

Schedule updates:

Wednesday, February 3, 2010
8:00pm Modern Family (R)
[scrubs] is no longer scheduled and its last two episodes of the season are now unscheduled.

Castle is indeed repeats on Monday, Feb. 15 and 22.

Tuesday, Feb. 23, March 2, and 9, 2010:
8:00pm LOST (R, previous week's encore)
[This is in addition to the already scheduled encores announced yesterday on Feb. 9 and 16 at 8pm.]

I'm a little bit concerned about the amount of MF repeats. I know it repeats decently ratings wise but I worry there might be some overexposure. I mean, the show has only had like 12 episodes and they repeat all the time. I think it's a fine line between exposure to potential new viewers and overkill

I'm a little bit concerned about the amount of MF repeats. I know it repeats decently ratings wise but I worry there might be some overexposure. I mean, the show has only had like 12 episodes and they repeat all the time. I think it's a fine line between exposure to potential new viewers and overkill
Completley agree. Perhaps its time to run some Cougar Town repeats instead.

Cougar Town would never air at 8pm for repeats (where ABC is airing repeats on Wednesdays). I think The Middle should be used instead, but Modern Family repeats are helping its original episodes as 2 of the last 3 episodes have been series best numbers since the pilot. I think for this season it is fine for all the exposure Modern Family can get, because it keeps growing. Heck a third or fourth run of this past Wednesday at 8pm of the pilot got 5 million even and then the new episode at 9pm was its best since the pilot in the ratings. The comedies and Castle are repeating well.

After the Super Bowl is over, turn to ABC for two classic Modern Family repeats in the 10pm hour. ABC is also airing repeats of The Middle and Cougar Town on Super Bowl Sunday.

Speaking of comedies, as of now on Wednesday, Feb. 17 the comedies from 8:30-10pm are slated for repeats against the Olympics. I would image they would be Feb. 24 then as well. Need to confirm this though.

Good idea to keep the comedies repeats against the Olympics. IMO, as seen with American Idol, they go down quite a bit with tough competition, probably more than any other shows do on ABC.

Beware ABC and Romantically Challenged !

Just in case McPherson did not notice what happend this past Thursday night let me spell it out to him. The Big Bang Theory was on Thursday night on a special night with REPEATS and it torched two NBC sitcoms that were airing with new episodes. It beat the first one by 2 million viewers and the second one by 3 million viewers, and this was with repeats on a special night in an earlier time slot.

I hope McPherson is not dumb enough to air Romantically Challenged at 9:30 against this monster hit. This is not like a couple of years ago when ABC slipped a sitcom on after DWTS with some limited success. That always aired against CBS's weaker sitcoms like Old Christine, Rules of Engagement or Worst Week. If he tries to air Romantically Challenged against one of CBS's two powerhouse sitcoms he is out of his mind. Once The Big Bang Theory is back in its regular time slot, with new episodes, and with its Two and a Half Men lead in it will have Romantically Challenged for lunch. Millions of people will watch DWTS and then switch over to The Big Bang Theory.

I have high hopes for Romantically Challenged. I hope McPherson doesn't kill it before it even starts.

They should air it at 8:00 and have DWTS at 8:30. it would get pre-tune of DWTS and would be against HIMYM which is very affected by competion in general, or at least a lot more than TBBT.

Scrubs now scheduled for Wednesday's.

Someone at ABC needs to get it together. This promo for Scrubs aired last night and this morning (apperantly).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1OV2UMcWHI

This would mean Scrubs airs on Tuesday the 26th, Wednesday the 27th, and Wednesday February 3rd as planned to round out the season.

No, [scrubs] is not airing Wednesday, Jan. 27 and Wednesday, Feb. 3 anymore, as we stated yesterday. The change is because of the State of the Union happening on Wednesday. The promo didn't air today, not sure what you mean. It was last aired Wednesday or so before the change.

It will likely air Feb. 17 and Feb. 24, but I haven't been able to confirm yet.

They should air it at 8:00 and have DWTS at 8:30. it would get pre-tune of DWTS and would be against HIMYM which is very affected by competion in general, or at least a lot more than TBBT.

That is not a bad idea. HIMYM is much weaker than The Big Bang Theory. I still can't figure out why they just can't air it on Wednesdays at 8:00. I would watch it over Old Christine any day.

It's not an 8pm type show really. It would be weird for it to lead-off the night into The Middle. I honestly would air it at 10pm or even 9:30pm, with Cougar Town moving to 10.

ABC should air last week's Desperate Housewives again tomorrow at 10pm instead of a repeat from earlier in the season. NFL will be over by 10pm and NBC and CBS have weaker programs airing and for those who missed Desperate last week live, since they were watching the Golden Globes, will have another chance to watch it. Plus an all-new two-hour Home Edition will be leading in.

I know there was a huge Football game but WTF is going on with some of these shows numbers: Against the Grammys and after a week off after posting serious lows to the GG, I am concerned about ABC next Sunday.

The strongest of the bunch by far was ABC's two-hour "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (7.9 million, 2.4).

Fox is smartly (IMHO) running encores of HOUSE against the Olympics, so is CBS. I really hope ABC runs comedy wednesday encores then since they repeat pretty well and conserve the new eps for March April. The other nets are gonna be in lots of originals from March-May. ABC is the only net that wont be since they seem to want to air originals in Feb (dont get it sorry).

Some people don't watch the Olympics so I'll be glad if one network actually airs originals. In March many people watch March Madness so originals are out for that month for a lot of people. It's February Sweeps....there should not be reruns in February.

Why shouldnt there be, Sweeps are basically irrelevant. When your originals of shows like DH are getting badly hurt by the GG, they will get hurt by the Olympics somewhat. It makes more sense to conserve those (just 2) eps and have more originals from March-May when all 3 other nets will be in (mostly) orginals. have you seen GREYS numbers since they came back after a 2 month hiatus. They are down. first time in shows history they are under a 5. Taking large breaks in this climate is not conducive when there are other options. So those 2 olympics weeks you can stunt or air a rerun or even expand your hit reality franchise instead of wasting new eps which will be probably be hurt somewhat and they can be used to run more consecutive eps in the Spring. Its not as if ABC wont have other hits during the Olympics. They will be new Monday and Tuesday. comedy wed reruns pretty well. They could always run 2 Conveyer Belts specials instead of new CASTLE's for 2 weeks.

Why shouldnt there be, Sweeps are basically irrelevant. When your originals of shows like DH are getting badly hurt by the GG, they will get hurt by the Olympics somewhat. It makes more sense to conserve those (just 2) eps and have more originals from March-May when all 3 other nets will be in (mostly) orginals. have you seen GREYS numbers since they came back after a 2 month hiatus. They are down. first time in shows history they are under a 5. Taking large breaks in this climate is not conducive when there are other options. So those 2 olympics weeks you can stunt or air a rerun or even expand your hit reality franchise instead of wasting new eps which will be probably be hurt somewhat and they can be used to run more consecutive eps in the Spring. Its not as if ABC wont have other hits during the Olympics. They will be new Monday and Tuesday. comedy wed reruns pretty well. They could always run 2 Conveyer Belts specials instead of new CASTLE's for 2 weeks.
Sweeps are not irrelevent when you mostly have reruns in December and January. This two weeks of originals and then 2 weeks of reruns doesn't do any good either. I will say that this won't hurt me much. I have 6 episodes of the Middle saved on my DVR and I have 10 episodes of Modern Family and Cougar Town saved. I haven't even watched those two shows yet but I'm about to. So I'll be able to watch them every week until the end of the season. The DVR is the best thing ever invented because you can make your own schedule and don't have to go by what the networks want to air.

Sweeps are not irrelevent when you mostly have reruns in December and January. This two weeks of originals and then 2 weeks of reruns doesn't do any good either. I will say that this won't hurt me much. I have 6 episodes of the Middle saved on my DVR and I have 10 episodes of Modern Family and Cougar Town saved. I haven't even watched those two shows yet but I'm about to. So I'll be able to watch them every week until the end of the season. The DVR is the best thing ever invented because you can make your own schedule and don't have to go by what the networks want to air.
so its important to have new eps in feb and have just 3 new ones over March/Apr esp when other nets will have originals? dont get the logic.

Yes sweeps is mostly irrelevant these days, the only reason its still around is because of the local affiliates. In a few years given this climate they will probably be obsolete. This Feb is an anamoly with the Olympics . for most years nets would offer reruns against them and clearly 3 out of 4 nets (wll i guess 2 since NBC has the games) are doing the same this year too.

I can't believe no new Modern Family or The Middle this week. I really like those shows. Wiil they air next week?

Next week (Feb. 3) the comedies are all-new. And on Feb. 10 as well. Repeats are on Feb. 17 because of the Olympics, as I posted already. And I'm sure Feb. 24 are repeats, too, because of the Olympics.

good call

so its important to have new eps in feb and have just 3 new ones over March/Apr esp when other nets will have originals? dont get the logic.

Yes sweeps is mostly irrelevant these days, the only reason its still around is because of the local affiliates. In a few years given this climate they will probably be obsolete. This Feb is an anamoly with the Olympics . for most years nets would offer reruns against them and clearly 3 out of 4 nets (wll i guess 2 since NBC has the games) are doing the same this year too.
Maybe if ABC wouldn't waste original episodes on Thanksgiving Eve or Easter they wouldn't have this problem. There have been many times that I've missed episodes because ABC has done this. When they don't air episodes regularly in December or January , they need to have a month when they do. Why do you think that Lost and 24 have been so successful. It's because people know that they can watch new episodes practically every week. That's also the reason that cable shows have become so popular. I'd much rather see reruns in March and April anyway because in March I watch the College Basketball tournament and in April the nice weather returns and I'm not as glued to the TV. And it's not like this is the SB. I remember when the networks didn't schedule reruns against the Olympics.

well as as a network you cant just turn off your network in MARCH and APRIL. thats when shows really suffer. ABC took GREYS off for 2 months. Those kinds of hiatuses dont work well in the long run. They hurt your shows too much. My point is if they are gonna have reruns it makes more sense to take off those 2 feb weeks in exchange for more consecutive shows in the Spring. When there were only 3 nets the other 2 ran reruns againts the Olympics. Now when in addition to that there are cable nets, internet etc it makes less sense to waste originals. Like I said Fox and Cbs feel that way.

Most of us on this board dont understand the wasting of new eps on Thanks eve especially when those shows could be used inn dec.

http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/01/castle-hits-series-high-ratings.html

'Castle' hits all-time ratings high, 'House' tops Monday

Fox's "House" returned to top the ratings charts Monday, but the good doctor couldn't save Jack Bauer's slipping numbers. While over on ABC, the network's early faith in "Castle" continues to pay off -- the mystery-drama hit a series high.

Despite a strong shove from "House" (14.2 million viewers, 5.2 preliminary adults 18-49 rating), which was up 13% from its last original, "24" (10.7 million, 3.3) continued to sink this week, falling 37% from its lead-in and slipping 6% from last week's two-hour episode.

On second-place ABC, "The Bachelor" (11.5 million, 3.9) gained another tenth. "Castle" (10.5 million, 3.1) was up 11% to hit a series high and win its hour (CBS was in repeats).

On NBC, "Chuck" (6.9 million, 2.5) stabilized and "Heroes" (4.3 million, 1.9) was up a tenth from last week's all-time low. "Jay Leno Show" (4.3 million, 1.2) dropped a notch.

The CW had "One Tree Hill" (2.2 million, 1.1) and the second week of "Life Unexpected" (2.1 million, 1.0), the latter slipping 11% from last week's debut.

So psyched to see the great CASTLE ratings last night and even at 10:30 it still had a 3.0. ABC has done everything right with this show from the get go and should be commended.

Pavan, just a question. In light of the numbers for HOUSE which got a 5.2 at 8p I am more confused for GREYS. I dont get why it been getting 4.8 and 4.7 these last few weeks. I know HOUSE was up against CBS reruns last night
but its still in the 8p hour. GREYS competition was lightwer last week since OFFICE was a clip show.

Also surprised BACHELOR didnt grow more with CBS in reruns and 24 not much of a factor. Well I guess I should just clebrate the great CASTLE numbers and THE BACHELOR did really well.

I do wish that they had not shceduled that extra 11th CASTLE in Dec and used it now because the show has momentum and they could have run 5 in a row. Oh well.

Castle was great last night again, too. If there are new fans from last night, they won't know next week is a repeat anyway. New fans that discovered the series after The Bachelor won't know either. ABC even promoted next week's repeat episode during the end credits last night, which they never do for repeats. Anyway, great ratings! It beat CSI: Miami for the first time I believe. I can imagine this show being a blockbuster by the time the special two night-two part episode airs March 21-22.

As for House, don't forget it was doing low-mid 4's the last few outings, so I'm sure CBS's repeats had a lot to do with it growing back over a 5. Looks like the colder weather returns later this week for most of the country again, so look for TV ratings to get a spike again.

Castle was great last night again, too. If there are new fans from last night, they won't know next week is a repeat anyway. New fans that discovered the series after The Bachelor won't know either. ABC even promoted next week's repeat episode during the end credits last night, which they never do for repeats. Anyway, great ratings! It beat CSI: Miami for the first time I believe. I can imagine this show being a blockbuster by the time the special two night-two part episode airs March 21-22.

As for House, don't forget it was doing low-mid 4's the last few outings, so I'm sure CBS's repeats had a lot to do with it growing back over a 5. Looks like the colder weather returns later this week for most of the country again, so look for TV ratings to get a spike again.
I saw the promo at the end, it was very smart. Look I know CASTLE repeats well and Im sure next week will do better than an avg ABC repeat. I just meant (and we discussed this in dec) that no other of their shows ran more thna 11 in the FALL and considering that Monday they were preempted by some affiliates and they didnt have a good lead in, it would have made more sense to save it for now when it has a younger demo lead in. I Just mean there is a huge momentum for the show now, you can feel it, and it would have been coller to have 5 consecutive new eps with the BACHELOR lead in, esp as its grown 2.6-2.8-3.1. I just dont want to derail that. I assume you agree with me. It's not the biggest deal, its just an example of how I sometimes feel their scheduling could be better. But they have done everything else right with this show so kudos to ABC.

Oh and I hope ABC orders 2 more eps to bring the total to 24

my point regarding the numbers before were this: GREYS always had at least a 5 and was usually the highest rated scripted show in demo. Since Jan TAAHM and TBBT have had over 5's and then last night HOUSE did and it's on at 8p where that is harder to get. GREYS has had two weeks in 4's. ABC hasnt had a show in the 5's since Nov (except for DH's first week back). Im just a little surprised regarding GREYS and really believe that 2 months hiatus has hurt it because creatively its really good..

CASTLE still did amazing but it annoys me that it dropped to a 3.0 (in the finals) still great but THE BACHELOR doesnt even go up a tenth and there was no overrun CASTLE started at 10p

Completely agree with all the Castle talk. The main struggle this show has had since launching last spring is the demo. It was generally seen as a strong viewership, yet low-demo drama. But, if it can manage to continue getting a 3.0 in demo for new episodes, it will have no problem coming back next fall. It's becoming a VERY solid hit for ABC, and with the growing buzz for the show, it could have a very healthy life on the horizon.

Looks like ABC has ordered almost all of their drama pilots. I have counted 13
thus far. They usually have about 15 right, Pavan?

Seems a lot are very procedural oriented and I know its hard to judge pilots from loglines, but there arent many that immediately pop out yet to me. Maybe the Noah Hawley Project. What do you think Pavan?

Well its very premmature, theres no casting or anything yet. I just feel they always have the best development. Just off the loglines this year seems the comedies stand out a bit more. Like I said its ridiculous to speculate this early. Just curious to hear your thoughts.

I think we'll have a better taste of the pilots after casting has begun. But I agree, as of now, the comedies look better since the dramas seem to be more geared towards procedural. I'm hoping they add one sitcom to Wednesday and two on Tuesdays next fall. Or just one on Tuesday, if Romantically Challenged hits.

do you remember offhand how many dramas they usually order? I seem to recall about 15. is that right?

12 drama pilots were ordered last year:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=244454

14 sitcom pilots were ordered last year:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=244452&highlight=abc+sitcom+pilots

really i thought it was usually closer to 15 each. I wonder if they are done with drama now.

Out of teh procedural one, I think THE WHOLE TRUTH sounds interesting and EDGAR FLOATS could be something - Rand Ravich did LIFE and that was very acclaimed. he is a good writer. Casting is key. part of me wants an a great unknown because i think TV makes people stars more than the otehr way around. Would love to see more African American leads.

They need to use some of those stars from Defying Gravity (Livingston, Yoba, Cox, Harris, Garces). They were good, despite the show being a bit weird. Christina Cox especially was good.

I really liked Defying Gravity and we got to see it all here in Canada and the ending was satisfying, but I agree the cast should be used in other project. I am surprise none of the 'high profile' named pilot like Star Chamber orSt Elmost Fire have not been picked up.

Also would have like to see the kevin Falls pilot Merrimac Circle or Dorchester Heights be picked up. As for Shonda Rhimes projects. of the 3 I think they picked the worst one, I haven't read scripts, but another medical drama from the same people...2 medical drama on air is already enough no? her other 2 projects, Especially Year to Year seemed better, then again, they should have just redo Inside the Box.

yeah was curious about Kevin falls too.

seems like some of the more interesting pitches are not going to pilot in favor of stuff that sounds more familiar. the Richard Hatem project they just greenlit sounds like so many shows that have been done. hope the script is good.

I hope the casting has names like Rob Lowe, Christina Applegate, Lee Pace, Natasha Henstridge, Krista Allen, Barry Watson, Lindsay Price and some of the stars of Defying Gravity, all returning to ABC in pilots that are for sure to be picked-up. Too bad Natalie Zea has moved to FX for a pilot. And hopefully Julie Gonzalo will be available as it looks like NBC won't go further with Day One. I'd also like to see Sarah Michelle Gellar get on ABC, maybe in a comedy.

And if Charlie's Angels gets picked-up, I'd go with Kristen Bell, Lindsay Price and Jill Wagner as the Angels.

ABC is making this the final season of "Ugly Betty." Here is the statement from ABC and producers:

"We’ve mutually come to the difficult decision to make this Ugly Betty’s final season, and are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion. We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series, and felt it was important to give the fans a proper farewell."

Like I said, I'd like to see more unknowns and more diversity in leads.

please Marc and Amanda spinoff, even in a hour hour version.

Ana Ortiz in a leading role.

They should try to retain ever member of this cast

This is about as ugly as it gets, folks.

ABC has just informed Ugly Betty producers that the show’s current fourth season will be its last. What’s more, the network has trimmed the show’s episode order from 22 to 20.

Although not a complete shock given the show’s heinous ratings, the news is nonetheless a total bummer — particularly in light of Betty’s creative resurgence this season.

The good news is that ABC has given Betty’s bosses enough time to craft a satisfying series finale. Exec producer Silvio Horta and ABC president Steve McPherson confirmed as much in this joint statement: “We’ve mutually come to the difficult decision to make this Ugly Betty’s final season, and are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion. We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series, and felt it was important to give the fans a proper farewell.”

But back to the bad news: Betty is about to hang up her poncho for good. The comments sections is currently accepting heartfelt eulogies…

Hearing the series finale will air Wednesday, April 7. That would mean there will be a two week break during the Olympics on Feb. 17 and 24 (since the comedies will be repeats then, too). I hope ABC goes with Primetime specials those two weeks.

i was hoping when it was gonna be 22 eps that there would be a 2 hr finale apr 7th and RC premiering on the 14th. With 7 eps it still can work. Im not expecting them to do that, but its just a hope.

So Happy Town will premiere April 14th?

Happy Town In my opinion is the worst fit for wed at 10p, and with SVu there it will get trounced.

So Happy Town will premiere April 14th?

Maybe, not sure. I would go with comedies or even reality instead and have Happy Town either air in early March in a bulk (Mondays before DWTS starts?) or hold it for summer.

http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/01/castle-hits-series-high-ratings.html

'Castle' hits all-time ratings high, 'House' tops Monday

Fox's "House" returned to top the ratings charts Monday, but the good doctor couldn't save Jack Bauer's slipping numbers. While over on ABC, the network's early faith in "Castle" continues to pay off -- the mystery-drama hit a series high.

Despite a strong shove from "House" (14.2 million viewers, 5.2 preliminary adults 18-49 rating), which was up 13% from its last original, "24" (10.7 million, 3.3) continued to sink this week, falling 37% from its lead-in and slipping 6% from last week's two-hour episode.

On second-place ABC, "The Bachelor" (11.5 million, 3.9) gained another tenth. "Castle" (10.5 million, 3.1) was up 11% to hit a series high and win its hour (CBS was in repeats).

On NBC, "Chuck" (6.9 million, 2.5) stabilized and "Heroes" (4.3 million, 1.9) was up a tenth from last week's all-time low. "Jay Leno Show" (4.3 million, 1.2) dropped a notch.

The CW had "One Tree Hill" (2.2 million, 1.1) and the second week of "Life Unexpected" (2.1 million, 1.0), the latter slipping 11% from last week's debut.
That's great news about Castle. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows.

Some programming scoops!

Monday, March 1, 2010
10:00PM "The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love: After the Final Rose"
[“The Bachelor: On The Wings of Love” season finale is scheduled to air from 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT as previously announced.]

Monday, March 8, 2010
8:00-10:00PM "The Bachelor: Jason and Molly's Wedding"
[Gets Post-Oscar night promo time.]

Friday, Effective Friday, March 26, 2010
8:00PM "Wife Swap" (replaces Supernanny, leads into Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution at 9pm)

ABC is planning another trip down the aisle, as "The Bachelor" couple Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney will tie the knot next month on the network.

The two-hour "The Bachelor: Jason and Molly's Wedding" is set to air March 8. The event will include the bride's dress fitting, planning for the big day, bachelor and bachelorette parties and the ceremony. Past "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" couples and participants will be on the guest list.


Mesnick was one of the final two bachelors on DeAnna Pappas' edition of "The Bachelorette." Rejected by Pappas, he became the first single dad on "The Bachelor" and proposed to Melissa Rycroft in the finale, only to change his mind and break up with Rycroft on the air and instead propose to runner-up Malaney.

So that takes care of March 8th, now lest just hope they something good planned for the 15th. Wouldnt mind DWTS special of some sort. I would have liked CASTLE to have the BACHELOR finale to lead into CASTLE but I guess the wedding will lead into it hopefully.

i dont think THE wedding needs the Oscar Push. Last year Bachelor finale had record ratings ans ABC didnt use any promo time for it smartly. They'll have more pressing stuff to promote: DWTS, scripted hits etc.

After the Feb. 8 airing, Castle is on a new episode break until it returns on March 8, so it will get that Bachelor Wedding lead-in and also some promo time during the Oscars the night before.

Not sure what ABC is planning March 15 from 8-10pm. I'm thinking it is another special.

Oh and I hope ABC orders 2 more eps to bring the total to 24

No surprise: http://castletv.net/exclusive-abc-orders-more-castle/3120

Thanks I was at the gym an hour ago and saw it, was gonna post, but you had just posted it. I bet in addition to being able to end UB apr 7th so they can launch another show, ABC also reallocated the budget for those to eps to CASTLE. Still seems DH is 23 and B&S is 22, huh? in those cases I am sure ABC would gladly take 24. I assume ABC was hoping Marc Chery was gonna have a pilot to shoot so they were giving him one less ep. Just a thought

I assume they will have lots of Supernanny, WS left. i hope they use them in Summer on weeknights or Sunday as well as more ST.

Assuming Castle is a rerun March 15th, that will give them 7 new eps during DWTS 10 week run and they will only need 2 reruns since last week is usually BACHELORETTE premiere.

Would also love to see ABC alternate Converyer and DIID for Mon at 10p Summer.

Surprised to see a V promo tonight. didnt think they would start until LOST Next week. Assume FF will start then too.

V promos were last minute addition today, but they will be airing a lot. It aired during Cougar Town and Nightline tonight. And will be on again during Kimmel, ABC News Now after 2am and GMA in the morning as well.

I still think we'll see Desperate get 24 and B&S possibly as well.

maybe that means ABC is really happy with what they are seeing from new eps

Did u see NBC is coming after LOST Tuesday? BL now from 9-11p

That is stupid. LOST will win easily anyway.

Would also love to see ABC alternate Converyer and DIID for Mon at 10p Summer.Castle needs to keep airing Mondays at 10 in the summer. It would be a shame to have trashy reality replace a quality scripted show, even in repeats, where it's doing well. The CBS dramas got so strong partly by repeating in their slots during the summmer, picking up new viewers. Screw the reality shows, there's too much of them as it is. (And that goes for all the networks.)

Co-host Samantha Harris is leaving Dancing with the Stars. Is this why ABC is courting Paula Abdul? Maybe as co-host?

Co-host Samantha Harris is leaving Dancing with the Stars. Is this why ABC is courting Paula Abdul? Maybe as co-host?
bummer theyd get more ratings spikes if she was competing on the show.

Plus (and I completely love Paula) all the people that criticize Samantha for her stumbles I dont see Paula not stumbling as well. Live TV is very hard and teriffic pros like Tom Bergeron make it look easy but its not. Paula is a sweet person and I really like her but even on IDOL it was hard for her to get her thoughts accross well and I agreed with her a lot of the time.

I wish she were a contestant. Ratings would definitely be up. As co host there might be extra tune in for the premiere but I dont see that bumping up ratings as much as if she were a contestant.

Castle needs to keep airing Mondays at 10 in the summer. It would be a shame to have trashy reality replace a quality scripted show, even in repeats, where it's doing well. The CBS dramas got so strong partly by repeating in their slots during the summmer, picking up new viewers. Screw the reality shows, there's too much of them as it is. (And that goes for all the networks.)
That's how TV shows used to gain traction but nowadays all the networks want to air is cheap reality shows in the summer.

Melissa Rycroft would be a great replacement for Samantha. I cpould also see them going for Nancy O Dell. PLus she said she had some new tv things coming up when she quit access.

Melissa Rycroft would be a great replacement for Samantha. I cpould also see them going for Nancy O Dell. PLus she said she had some new tv things coming up when she quit access.

Possibly... http://twitter.com/MelRyStrickland/status/8347999972

Possibly... http://twitter.com/MelRyStrickland/status/8347999972
she'd be perfect.

Doesn't sound like this had anything to do with Paula and they want her for a contestant not a co host.

If they somehow landed Paula as a contestant and Melissa as cohost, think it could be a great season.

Melissa draws viewers, too. That was proven in season 8. But I don't think it would be fair to have Paula as a contestant since she was a dancer.

Melissa draws viewers, too. That was proven in season 8. But I don't think it would be fair to have Paula as a contestant since she was a dancer.
As Tom has said in interviews before, they dont care about past dance experience (he has also said what makes you think we care about being fair) as long as they have no ballroom experience and shes doesnt. Plus it's very well documented they have gone after her the last few years to be a contestant. There is finally no conflict since shes not on IDOL or FOX. I am sure ABC and even Paula like the idea of her being on DWTS while IDOL is on the air. Even the NY POST has a story today about that (not that they are always 100 percent accurate but in this instance they are)

PLus other have also had dance experience namely Mel B, Melissa, Mya etc

Just a suggestion, but ABC could try and get an interview with Tiger Woods for March 15. That would be huge. I thought of this after listening to Mike Francessa on the FAN this afternoon of all places. He mentioned he should do an interview with Oprah instead of something like the Golf Channel.

ABC vs. the Winter Olympics (Feb. 12-28)

Fridays (Feb. 12, 19 and 26)
Movies (two of the three are ABC premieres) and all-new 20/20 (Feb. 19 and 26)

Saturdays (Feb. 13, 20, 27)
Harry Potter movies (repeats)

Sundays
Feb. 14 - all-new two-hour editions of AFV and Home Edition
Feb. 21 - regular line-up all-new (AFV, Home Edition, Desperate and B&S)
Feb. 28 - all-new AFV, Home Edition repeat, and all-new Desperate and B&S to go up against Marriage Ref sneak peek

Mondays (Feb. 15 and 22)
all-new two-hour The Bachelor and Castle repeats

Tuesdays (Feb. 16 and 23)
LOST enhanced encore, all-new LOST and all-new the forgotten

Wednesdays (Feb. 17 and 24)
Comedy Wednesday repeats (Modern Family, The Middle, Modern Family, Cougar Town, and Ugly Betty)

[B]Thursdays
Feb. 18 - all-new The Deep End, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice (Grey's much-hyped flashback episode and Private "wedding?")
Feb. 25 - all-new The Deep End, repeats of Grey's and Private

i figured they were (smartly) going with reruns on the 25th since its the figure skating and all interviews about the show in feb didnt mention anything beyoind the 18th. I think thats smart

I am just perplexed about ABC sunday - out of all scripted its the only one with 2 weeks against olympics and it takes their total to 16 eps when at this point they have less eps than GREYS etc. Also they have the most new competition starting in March.

I think GREYS shoudl take off the first 2 weeks in March and come back the 18th with FF (I know at this point its a 2 hour FF) againts MM. they can then run 4 straight in a row. The following week they can run a new 2 hour FF with a new PP. then its just one week of reruns until May sweeps starts.

HOLY CRAP! LOST first hour of season 6 is AMAZING!!! Must watch! It was shown in Hawaii tonight on the beach. Cannot wait until Tuesday to see the full two-hour premiere!

http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=020110_01

Monday, February 01, 2010
ABC Television Network

PRESS RELEASE - PRESS RELEASE - PRESS RELEASE - ENTERTAINMENT - -

ABC TO ANNOUNCE NEW DANCING CAST DURING BACHELOR FINALE (3/1)

ABC TO ANNOUNCE THE NEW CAST OF "DANCING WITH THE STARS"
THROUGHOUT THE FINALE OF "THE BACHELOR: ON THE WINGS OF LOVE" FINALE
ON MONDAY MARCH 1


Tom Bergeron to Announce Cast Members Throughout the Two-Hour Finale
ABC.com Will Post the Names As They're Revealed On-Air

In a special Monday night event, the new cast of "Dancing with the Stars" will be announced by "Dancing with the Stars" host Tom Bergeron in interstitials airing throughout the highly anticipated dramatic two-hour finale of the popular romance reality series, "The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love," on MONDAY, MARCH 1 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Immediately following each cast member's unveiling during primetime, ABC.com will post the updated list online.

The Spring 2010 season of "Dancing with the Stars" premieres MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET). In week two, all of the couples will return to dance once again, MONDAY, MARCH 29 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET). The team with the lowest combined judges' scores and public votes for both performances will be eliminated from the competition on the first results show, TUESDAY, MARCH 30 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET). "Macy's Stars of Dance," which features some of the most renowned dancers and choreographers of our time, will also be back on "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show."

I see MIke Tyson is on the Italian version of DWTS. Why can another Country get big names and here we get Ashley Hamilton. Hopefully the 12 celebs this time will be a higher caliber. There shouldnt be anyone where you have to ask who is that

Tyson was just on one episode as a special guest. He did it because his wife is a fan of the show.

still they can do better than Ashley Hamilton

Promos during LOST premiere event tomorrow (as of now):

LOST: The Final Chapter (RECAP SHOW)
:15 the forgotten (Next Tuesday)
:05 The Deep End (Thursday)
1:00 ABC Thursday: Deep End/Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice (Thursday)
:30 Modern Family (Wednesday)
:45 ABC Comedy Wednesday: The Middle/Modern Family/Cougar Town/Ugly Betty (Wednesday)
:30 the forgotten (Next Tuesday)

LOST: The Final Season - Season Premiere
:05 Grey's Anatomy (Thursday)
:15 Academy Awards (Sunday, March 7)
:15 Shark Tank (Friday)
:30 Modern Family (Wednesday)
:30 the forgotten (Next Tuesday)
:15 Cougar Town (Wednesday)
:30 Grey's Anatomy (Thursday)
:30 The Deep End (Thursday)
:15 Academy Awards (Sunday, March 7)
:30 FLASHFORWARD (Thursday, March 18)
:30 V (Tues, March 30)
:15 Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Guests Damon Lindelof & Cartlon Cuse of LOST (Late Night Tonight)
:45 ABC Comedy Wednesday: The Middle/Modern Family/Cougar Town/Ugly Betty (Wednesday)
:30 Grey's Anatomy (Thursday)
:30 the forgotten (Next Tuesday)
:33 LOST End Credits Promo (Next Tuesday)

Thanks Pavan

A great article on LOST and the lessons learned from it that every net should read now

http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/5-ways-lost-changed-television-13764

Awesome reruns numbers for CASTLE a littler higher than originals earlier this year

Next week's all-new Castle (baseball themed, with an appearance by Joe "Freaking" Torre, as Beckett says in the promo) will hit series highs I think. It will just keep going up and up.

ABC to air 'Castle' on Sunday night
ABC is scheduling an episode of its impressively performing Monday drama series "Castle" on a Sunday night.

Instead of being paired with reality show "The Bachelor," the detective drama will get a lead-in from a successful fellow scripted drama -- "Desperate Housewives" -- on March 21st. According to ABC, this is the first time the Nathan Fillion series has ever been paired with a scripted drama.

The move tests "Castle" in the "Brothers & Sisters" slot and should help the show pick up some additional sampling. The night after, "Castle" will air in its regular time period. "Castle" struggled with modest numbers last year but has recently surged in the ratings.


http://www.thrfeed.com/

ABC to air 'Castle' on Sunday night
ABC is scheduling an episode of its impressively performing Monday drama series "Castle" on a Sunday night.

Instead of being paired with reality show "The Bachelor," the detective drama will get a lead-in from a successful fellow scripted drama -- "Desperate Housewives" -- on March 21st. According to ABC, this is the first time the Nathan Fillion series has ever been paired with a scripted drama.

The move tests "Castle" in the "Brothers & Sisters" slot and should help the show pick up some additional sampling. The night after, "Castle" will air in its regular time period. "Castle" struggled with modest numbers last year but has recently surged in the ratings.


http://www.thrfeed.com/

I think this is the episode Dana Delaney from DH is starring in. Kind of like a crossover(although she's not playing Katherine as on the show).

Yes, that Castle news was posted earlier and does have Dana Delaney guesting as a Federal Agent on the two-night/two-part-episode.

Supernanny news: The season finale of “Supernanny” is scheduled to air on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 9:00 PM ET/PT.
“Supernanny” is also scheduled to air in its regular 8:00 PM ET/PT hour as well on this date.

Keep in mind, new special "Thin Ice" is scheduled on Friday, March 19, before the duo of "Wife Swap" and "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" takes over on the night on Friday, March 26.

Promos during LOST premiere event tomorrow (as of now):

LOST: The Final Chapter (RECAP SHOW)
:15 the forgotten (Next Tuesday)
:05 The Deep End (Thursday)
1:00 ABC Thursday: Deep End/Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice (Thursday)
:30 Modern Family (Wednesday)
:45 ABC Comedy Wednesday: The Middle/Modern Family/Cougar Town/Ugly Betty (Wednesday)
:30 the forgotten (Next Tuesday)

LOST: The Final Season - Season Premiere
:05 Grey's Anatomy (Thursday)
:15 Academy Awards (Sunday, March 7)
:15 Shark Tank (Friday)
:30 Modern Family (Wednesday)
:30 the forgotten (Next Tuesday)
:15 Cougar Town (Wednesday)
:30 Grey's Anatomy (Thursday)
:30 The Deep End (Thursday)
:15 Academy Awards (Sunday, March 7)
:30 FLASHFORWARD (Thursday, March 18)
:30 V (Tues, March 30)
:15 Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Guests Damon Lindelof & Cartlon Cuse of LOST (Late Night Tonight)
:45 ABC Comedy Wednesday: The Middle/Modern Family/Cougar Town/Ugly Betty (Wednesday)
:30 Grey's Anatomy (Thursday)
:30 the forgotten (Next Tuesday)
:33 LOST End Credits Promo (Next Tuesday)
really annoyed they cut the :30 GREYS promo, would have cut Forgotten or Deep end before that

Good call on the "Castle" move for the one night - that show is picking up steam fast and this will give it more exposure/test it on a different night. If it can succeed on Sundays, that would free up Mondays to potentially launch a new drama next fall

Good call on the "Castle" move for the one night - that show is picking up steam fast and this will give it more exposure/test it on a different night. If it can succeed on Sundays, that would free up Mondays to potentially launch a new drama next fall

Honestly, I think a Desperate Housewives/Castle pairup on Sundays next season would be excellent, especially if the airing of Castle in March does well. While Castle is a modest performer now and a shoo-in for a renewal, it could really surge if aired out of DH, sort of how BBT surged when paired with Men this season.

Meanwhile, Brothers & Sisters could slide into Mondays at 10pm where I'm sure the audience would follow it over. Wednesdays at 10pm might even be a good move for this show.

i dont see them moving CASTLE off Monday. they worked very hard to finally get a show to work there, theyre not gonna move it off Monday. The sunday airing is just to give it more exposure. part 2 of that story airs on its regualr night