http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/05/abc-and-nbc-upfront-2009-10-fall-2009.html





ABC UNVEILS 2009-10 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE


New Series Include “Cougar Town,” “The Deep End,” “Eastwick,”

“Flash Forward,” “The Forgotten,” “Hank,” “Happy Town,” “The Middle,”

“Modern Family,” “Shark Tank” and “V”


“Better Off Ted,” “Castle,” “Scrubs” and “True Beauty”

Join Previously Announced Returning Series “America’s Funniest Home Videos,”

“The Bachelor,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Desperate Housewives,”

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Private Practice,”

“Supernanny,” “Ugly Betty,” “Wife Swap” and “20/20”



Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment Group, today outlined ABC’s plans for next season and unveiled the network’s 2009-10 fall schedule before the advertising and media communities at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall.

New fall and midseason series include “Cougar Town,” “The Deep End,” “Eastwick,” “Flash Forward,” “The Forgotten,” “Hank,” “Happy Town,” “The Middle,” “Modern Family,” “Shark Tank” and “V.”

“Better Off Ted,” “Castle,” “Scrubs” and “True Beauty” join previously announced returning series “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “The Bachelor,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Private Practice,” “Supernanny,” “Ugly Betty,” “Wife Swap” and “20/20.” “Saturday Night College Football” will also return.

“Our focus is always on delivering the best stories with the most memorable characters on TV, whether that’s established audience favorites or innovative new shows,” said McPherson. “This year we’ve got the best of both. We’re headed into the season with a strong slate of returning series as well as great new shows from one of our best development seasons ever.”

For the 2008-09 TV season, ABC claims four of the top 10 highest-rated TV series in Adults 18-49, including the top two scripted shows with “Desperate Housewives” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” For the fourth straight season, the Network remains a top destination for upscale viewers, delivering five of the top 15 highest-rated TV series and three of the top four scripted shows among Adults 18-49 in homes w/$100K+ annual income. During the fall, the Net finished No. 1 in the November Sweep among Adults 18-49 for the fourth year in a row. ABC’s audience is growing in 2009, delivering across-the-board gains over the same point last year: Total Viewers +2%, Adults 18-34 +14%, Adults 18-49 +4% and Adults 25-54 +3%.

Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. However “Shark Tank” will premiere over the summer following the special 10th anniversary primetime return of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” and will then move to Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m. Please note shows picked up but not listed on the schedule will debut later in the 2009-10 season.



ABC’s fall primetime schedule is as follows (all times listed are Eastern):



DAY TIME SERIES


MONDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars” (two-hours)
10:00 p.m. “Castle”

TUESDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Shark Tank”
9:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show”
10:00 p.m. “The Forgotten”

WEDNESDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Hank”
8:30 p.m. “The Middle”
9:00 p.m. “Modern Family”
9:30 p.m. “Cougar Town”
10:00 p.m. “Eastwick”


THURSDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Flash Forward”
9:00 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy”
10:00 p.m. “Private Practice”

FRIDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Supernanny”
9:00 p.m. “Ugly Betty”
10:00 p.m. “20/20”


SATURDAY: 8:00 p.m. “Saturday Night College Football”


SUNDAY: 7:00 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
8:00 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
9:00 p.m. “Desperate Housewives”
10:00 p.m. “Brothers & Sisters”



“The Bachelor” will air Monday nights from 8:00-10:00 p.m. following the run of “Dancing with the Stars,” and “Scrubs” and “Better Off Ted” will air at 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively, following the run of “Dancing with the Stars The Results Show.”



NEW FALL AND MIDSEASON SERIES



DRAMA


“THE DEEP END”
Each year one of LA’s most prestigious law firms recruits four young lawyers from the finest law schools worldwide. The only way for these first-years to survive is to support each other…even as they compete against one another in the cutthroat arena of high-end law. Sex, greed, romance, betrayal – it’s all part of being a first year associate at Sterling Law.

“The Deep End” stars Matt Long as Dylan Hewitt, Ben Lawson as Liam Priory, Tina Majorino as Addy Fisher, Norbert Leo Butz as Rowdy Kaiser, Leah Pipes as Beth Bancroft, Billy Zane as Cliff Huddle, Sherri Saum as Susan Oppenheim and Clancy Brown as Hart Sterling.

The series is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television. David Hemingson is executive producer/writer. The pilot was directed by Michael Fresco.



“EASTWICK”
Three very different women find themselves drawn together by a mysterious man who unleashes unique powers in each of them, and this small New England town will never be the same. The series is based on the popular movie “The Witches of Eastwick” and on the novel of the same title by John Updike.

“Eastwick” stars Rebecca Romijn as Roxie Torcoletti, Lindsay Price as Joanna Frankel, Jamie Ray Newman as Kat Gardener, Paul Gross as Darryl Van Horne, Sara Rue as Penny, Veronica Cartwright as Bun, Johann Urb as Will, Jon Bernthal as Raymond and Ashley Benson as Mia.

The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television. Maggie Friedman is executive producer/writer. The pilot was directed by David Nutter.



“FLASH FORWARD”
When a mysterious event causes the entire world to black out, humanity is given a glimpse into its near future, and every man, woman and child is forced to come to grips with whether their destinies can be avoided or fulfilled.

Adapting award-winning author Robert J. Sawyer’s revolutionary novel, executive producers David S. Goyer (visionary co-writer of “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight”) and Brannon Braga (“24,” “Star Trek: Enterprise”) invite you to embark on a journey to answer the question, “if you knew what your future held, what would you do?”

“Flash Forward” stars Joseph Fiennes as Mark Benford, John Cho as Demetri Noh, Jack Davenport as Lloyd Simcoe, Sonya Walger as Olivia Benford, Courtney B. Vance as Stan Wedeck, Brian O’Byrne as Aaron Stark, Christine Woods as Janis Hawk, Zachary Knighton as Bryce Varley and Peyton List as Nicole.

The series is from ABC Studios. David S. Goyer is executive producer/writer/director. Brannon Braga is executive producer and co-wrote the pilot. Other executive producers are Marc Guggenheim, Jessika Goyer, Vince Gerardis and Ralph Vicinanza. Guggenheim will be the showrunner, along with Goyer.



“THE FORGOTTEN”
From executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes a crime show in which a team of dedicated amateurs work on cases involving unidentified victims. After the police have given up, this group must first solve the puzzle of the victim's identity in order to then help catch the killer. They work to give the deceased back their names, lest they become -- The Forgotten.

“The Forgotten” stars Rupert Penry-Jones as Alex, Reiko Aylesworth as Linda, Michelle Borth as Candace, Bob Stephenson as Walter, Anthony Carrigan as Tyler and Rochelle Aytes as Detective Grace Russell.

The series is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Warner Bros. Television. Mark Friedman is executive producer/writer, Jerry Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman are executive producers, KristieAnne Reed is co-executive producer and Danny Cannon is executive producer/director.



“HAPPY TOWN”
Haplin, Minnesota, “Happy Town,” is approaching almost a decade of peace after being riddled for years by unsolved kidnappings. But in the wake of this small town’s first crime in seven years, some dark truths are being revealed about some familiar faces. They say every town has its secrets… that doesn’t even begin to describe Happy Town.

“Happy Town” stars Geoff Stults as Tommy Conroy, Lauren German as Henley, Amy Acker as Rachel Conroy, Dean Winters as John Haplin, John Patrick Amedori as Andrew Haplin, Sarah Gadon as Georgia Bravin, Jay Paulson as Larry ‘Root Beer’ Rogers, Robert Wisdom as Roger Hobbes and Sam Neill as Merritt Grieves.

The series is from ABC Studios. Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg are executive producers and co-writers. The pilot was directed by Gary Fleder, who is also an executive producer.



“V”
“V” is a re-imagining of the 1980’s miniseries about the world’s first encounter with an alien race in which the aliens call themselves The Visitors, and have a seemingly friendly agenda that may or may not be a cover for something more malevolent.

“V” stars Elizabeth Mitchell as Erica Evans, Morris Chestnut as Ryan Nichols, Joel Gretsch as Father Jack Landry, Lourdes Benedicto as Valerie Stevens, Logan Huffman as Tyler Evans, Laura Vandervoort as Lisa, with Morena Baccarin as Anna and Scott Wolf as Chad Decker.

The series is produced by HDFilms in association with Warner Bros. Television. Scott Peters is executive producer/writer and Steve Pearlman and Jace Hall are executive producers. The pilot was directed and executive produced by Yves Simoneau.




COMEDY


“COUGAR TOWN”
Courteney Cox stars as a recently divorced single mother exploring the honest truths about dating and aging in our beauty and youth obsessed culture.

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

The series is from ABC Studios. Bill Lawrence is executive producer/writer/director, Kevin Biegel is writer/co-executive producer, and Courteney Cox and David Arquette are executive producers.



“HANK”
Kelsey Grammer stars in this timely comedy as Hank Pryor, a titan of industry who suddenly finds himself out of work, almost out of money and around a wife and kids for whom he's never made much time. Despite his recent setbacks, however, Hank is confident he's on the road back to the top. He knows he is destined to return to greatness. And he is — just not the greatness he imagines.

“Hank” stars Kelsey Grammer as Hank, Melinda McGraw as Tilly, David Koechner as Grady, Macey Cruthird as Maddie and Ryan Wynott as Henry.

The series is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with McMonkey Inc., Grammnet Productions, Werner Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television. It is written by Tucker Cawley. Tom Werner, Tucker Cawley, Kelsey Grammer and Mike Clements serve as executive producers. The pilot was directed by James Burrows.



“THE MIDDLE”
The Hecks are a middle class family living in the middle of Indiana, just trying to keep their heads above water. Emmy-winner Patricia Heaton stars as a wife and mother of three in a comedy about raising a family and lowering your expectations.

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

The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television. Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline are executive producers/writers and Werner Walian is producer. The pilot was directed by Julie Anne Robinson.



“MODERN FAMILY”
Today’s American families come in all shapes and sizes. Shot from the perspective of an unseen documentary filmmaker, this comedy takes a modern look at the complications that come with being a family in 2009.

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

The series is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television. Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd are executive producers. The pilot was directed by Jason Winer.



ALTERNATIVE SERIES



“SHARK TANK”
From Mark Burnett, executive producer of “Survivor” and “The Apprentice,” and Sony Pictures Television comes “Shark Tank,” an exciting new reality show that gives budding entrepreneurs the chance to make their dreams come true and become successful – and possibly wealthy – business people. But the entrepreneurs must first try to convince five tough, multi-millionaire tycoons to part with their own hard-earned cash and give them the funding they need to jumpstart their ideas.

In these trying economic times, it’s difficult for an individual possessing a dream or even a working small business poised for growth to get a loan for a risky venture. Whether it be an imaginative enhancement for an existing product, a family recipe that has all the ingredients to become a profitable culinary treat, or the latest technological gadget that could take the world by storm, most of these dreams die an early death because no one dared take a financial chance on someone with an unproven and oftentimes outrageous proposal. Many of these people now see “Shark Tank” as their last chance at success. Some have been laboring on their ideas for years or even decades, have invested large amounts of money, and are being pressured to throw in the towel by friends and family. Others have simply never had access to the means to live out their dreams, until now.

Enter the Sharks of “Shark Tank” – Barbara Corcoran (Manhattan real estate titan), Kevin Harrington (king of infomercials), Robert Herjavec (technology tycoon), Daymond John (fashion mogul) and Kevin O'Leary (venture capitalist) – five multi-millionaires who lifted themselves up by their bootstraps to make their own entrepreneurial dreams come true and turned their ideas into empires.

Each week ambitious entrepreneurs from across the country will present their breakthrough business concepts, products, properties and services to the panel of ruthless investors. Their goal is to convince these merciless moguls to invest their own dollars in the concept. Convincing real-life millionaires to part with their own money is no easy task, because when the idea is poor, the Sharks will tear into the ill-prepared presenters and pass on the idea with a simple, “I’m out!” -- sending them running for the exit.

But these Sharks aren’t just out for blood, they too have a goal: to own a piece of the next big idea. Entrepreneurs will be asked to give up a percentage of their companies’ equity to the Sharks in order to get the investment they need. But when the Sharks hear a really top-notch idea, and more than one of them wants to sink their teeth into it, a war between them will erupt. Then the once-desperate entrepreneur can rejoice when the Sharks reveal their true interest in the product and bid up the price of the investment.





RETURNING SERIES



DRAMA



“BROTHERS & SISTERS”
“Brothers & Sisters” continues to follow the California-based Walker family through the complicated maze of American life today. The compelling one-hour drama series is about a collection of five enmeshed and somewhat damaged adult siblings, their spouses and their strong and passionately devoted mother, Nora Holden (Oscar and Emmy Award winner Sally Field).

The Walkers’ lives have not been without challenge; romance, parenting, divorce, infidelity, addiction, war, birth and even death have pushed each of them to the limit, but they continue to work toward living their lives as individuals, while loving each other unconditionally and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy after the loss of their larger-than-life family patriarch, William Walker.

“Brothers & Sisters” stars Dave Annable as Justin Walker, Maxwell Perry Cotton as Cooper Whedon, Kerris Lilla Dorsey as Paige, Sally Field as Nora Holden, Calista Flockhart as Kitty Walker, Balthazar Getty as Thomas Walker, Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Whedon, Rob Lowe as Senator Robert McCallister, Sarah Jane Morris as Julia Walker, Matthew Rhys as Kevin Walker, Ron Rifkin as Saul Holden, Emily VanCamp as Rebecca Harper and Patricia Wettig as Holly Harper.

The series produced by ABC Studios. Ken Olin (“Alias,” “thirtysomething”), Greg Berlanti ("Dirty Sexy Money," "Everwood"), Monica Owusu-Breen ("Alias"), Alison Schapker ("Alias"), Sarah Caplan and Molly Newman are executive producers.



“CASTLE”
When viewers first met Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) -- a famous mystery novelist and divorced father raising his teenage daughter (Molly Quinn as Alexis), while being kept grounded by his Broadway diva mother (Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers) -- he was bored with his own success. He then found out that a real-world killer was staging murder scenes depicted in his novels. Castle was questioned by NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic), a bright and aggressive detective who kept her investigations under tight reins, especially the years-old unsolved murder of her own mother. Though they instantly clashed, sparks of another sort began to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance as Castle stepped in to help find the copycat killer. Once that initial case was solved, together Castle and Beckett built on their new relationship investigating more strange homicides in New York – as much fun as one could have with death and murder. In the season finale, Castle, against Beckett’s direct order to stay out of her mom’s case, unearthed information in that homicide which may end his relationship with her forever.

Also starring in the series are Ruben Santiago-Hudson as NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan.

“Castle” is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe serves as executive producer/writer, along with executive producers Rob Bowman, Armyan Bernstein and Laurie Zaks.



“DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES”
After jumping five years ahead into the lives of the women of Wisteria Lane, critically acclaimed series “Desperate Housewives” returns for its sixth season on ABC. Susan (Teri Hatcher) and Mike (James Denton) are brought together by their worst fears; Lynette’s (Felicity Huffman) unexpected pregnancy tests her family; as Bree’s (Marcia Cross) marriage dissolves, she finds herself in the arms of another man; Gabrielle (Eva Longoria Parker) is in for a surprise when she and Carlos (Ricardo Antonio Chavira) welcome their niece into their home; and Katherine (Dana Delany) struggles over the thought of losing Mike.

“Desperate Housewives” stars Teri Hatcher as Susan Mayer, Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo, Marcia Cross as Bree Hodge, Eva Longoria Parker as Gabrielle Solis, Ricardo Antonio Chavira as Carlos Solis, Doug Savant as Tom Scavo, Kyle MacLachlan as Orson Hodge, Dana Delany as Katherine Mayfair, Shawn Pyfrom as Andrew Van De Kamp, Brenda Strong as Mary Alice Young, James Denton as Mike Delfino, Charlie Carver as Porter Scavo, Max Carver as Preston Scavo, Joshua Moore as Parker Scavo, and Kendall Applegate as Penny Scavo.

Marc Cherry serves as executive producer and creator. Sabrina Wind, George Perkins, Larry Shaw and David Grossman are executive producers. “Desperate Housewives” is produced by ABC Studios and is the winner of both the 2005 and 2006 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.



“GREY’S ANATOMY”
“Grey's Anatomy” is the recipient of the 2007 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama, and multiple Emmy nominations including two for Outstanding Drama Series.

The doctors of Seattle Grace Hospital deal with life-or-death consequences on a daily basis - it's in one another that they find comfort, friendship and, at times, more than friendship. Together they're discovering that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white. Real life only comes in shades of grey.

“Grey's Anatomy” stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang, Katherine Heigl as Isobel "Izzie" Stevens, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, T.R. Knight as George O'Malley, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber, Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres, Eric Dane as Mark Sloan, Chyler Leigh as Lexie Grey and Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt.

“Grey's Anatomy” was created and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes ("Introducing Dorothy Dandridge"). Betsy Beers ("Casanova"), Mark Gordon ("Saving Private Ryan"), Krista Vernoff ("Law & Order"), Rob Corn ("Chicago Hope"), Mark Wilding ("Jake: 2.0") and Allan Heinberg ("The O.C.) are executive producers. "Grey's Anatomy" is an ABC Studios production.



“LOST”
After Oceanic Air flight 815 tore apart in mid-air and crashed on a Pacific island, its survivors were forced to find inner strength they never knew they had in order to survive. But they discovered that the island holds many secrets, including a mysterious smoke monster, polar bears, housing and hatches with electricity and hot & cold running water, a group of island residents known as “The Others,” and a mysterious man named Jacob. The survivors have also found signs of those who came to the island before them, including a 19th century sailing ship called The Black Rock, a downed Beechcraft plane from a failed drug run, the remains of an ancient statue, as well as bunkers belonging to the Dharma Initiative -- a group of scientific researchers who inhabited the island in the recent past. They also encountered a freighter stationed off the island that some thought would lead to their rescue, but ultimately almost caused their extinction. The band of friends, family, enemies and strangers must continue to work together against all odds if they want to stay alive. But as they have discovered during their journey, nothing is what it seems, and danger and mystery loom behind every corner, with even those they thought could be trusted turning against them. Even heroes have secrets.

“Lost” stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Henry Ian Cusick as Desmond, Michael Emerson as Ben, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Ken Leung as Miles, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Elizabeth Mitchell as Juliet and Terry O’Quinn as Locke.

A 2008 recipient of the prestigious Peabody Award, “Lost” was created by Jeffrey Lieber and J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof. Abrams, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, Jack Bender, Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz and Carlton Cuse serve as executive producers. “Lost,” which is filmed entirely on location in Hawaii and premiered on September 22, 2004, is from ABC Studios.



“PRIVATE PRACTICE”
From Shonda Rhimes, the Golden Globe-winning creator of "Grey's Anatomy," comes a story about finding a way to begin the rest of your life. Addison Forbes Montgomery is a renowned neonatal surgeon at the pinnacle of her profession. Having left behind Seattle Grace Hospital and a broken marriage, Addison has moved to Los Angeles for sunnier weather and happier possibilities. Now reunited with her friends from medical school, Naomi and Sam Bennett, Addison has joined their co-op practice at Oceanside Wellness Group in Santa Monica. The practice's resident pediatrician is Dr. Cooper Freedman, Dr. Pete Wilder is the alternative medicine specialist, psychiatrist Dr. Violet Turner and office manager/nurse, William Dell Parker, round out the tightly knit group of professionals. The doctors of Oceanside work together to find solutions to their patients' needs, but along the way they encounter medical cases that challenge their ethical and moral ideals and their abilities as doctors. For Addison, an old friend's invitation has brought her to a new city and a new life full of promise - now it's up to her to take chances in dating and find her place in this new medical environment. At Oceanside Wellness Group, the doctors are dedicated pros; it's their private lives that need a little practice.

“Private Practice” stars Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Forbes Montgomery, Tim Daly as Dr. Pete Wilder, Audra McDonald as Dr. Naomi Bennett, Paul Adelstein as Dr. Cooper Freedman, KaDee Strickland as Dr. Charlotte King, Chris Lowell as William Dell Parker, with Taye Diggs as Dr. Sam Bennett and Amy Brenneman as Dr. Violet Turner.

“Private Practice” was created and is executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes. Betsy Beers, Mark Gordon, Mark Tinker, Jon Cowan and Robert Rovner are executive producers. The series is produced by ABC Studios.



“UGLY BETTY”
In the superficial world of high fashion, image is everything. Styles come and go, and the only constants are the super thin beauties who wear them. How can an ordinary girl from Queens possibly fit in? Sweet, intelligent, hard-working and – undoubtedly – fashion-challenged, Betty Suarez dreams of a successful career in magazine publishing. After taking a job at Mode Magazine, the bible of the fashion industry, Betty's indomitable spirit and bright ideas win over the respect of her Mode cohorts despite continuous predictions of failure. She thrives in the ultra-competitive environment in spite of her lack of fashion sense. Betty forms an unlikely team with her boss, Daniel Meade, the co-editor in chief of Mode Magazine, as they help one another navigate the choppy waters of NYC’s shark infested fashion scene. Now she must prove that she is not just a super assistant with no fashion sense, but an aspiring career woman and editor-to-be while balancing her tumultuous love life and her family responsibilities.

“Ugly Betty” stars America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, Eric Mabius as Daniel Meade, Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater, Ana Ortiz as Hilda, Tony Plana as Ignacio, Becki Newton as Amanda, Mark Indelicato as Justin, Michael Urie as Marc and Judith Light as Claire Meade.

Based on “Yo Soy Betty La Fea,” the groundbreaking Colombian telenovela that became an international phenomenon, “Ugly Betty” is from ABC Studios. The series has been awarded the Golden Globe, Peabody, NAACP, ALMA, GLAAD and Imagen awards and earned 3 Emmy awards and 17 nominations. Executive producers are Silvio Horta (“Urban Legend”), Academy Award-nominee and Emmy Award winner Salma Hayek, Jose Tamez, Richard Heus, Ben Silverman, Teri Weinberg, Tracy Poust and Jon Kinnally.



COMEDY


“BETTER OFF TED”
“Better Off Ted” is a satirical office comedy about successful good guy, Ted, who runs research and development at the morally questionable Veridian Dynamics. No achievement is too far-fetched and no invention too unorthodox for Veridian. Need cow-less meat grown in a test tube? Done. Need pumpkins that also double as weapons of mass destruction? No problem. Ted’s a single dad to a seven-year-old girl, and he loves his job, but he’s starting to take a closer look at the company’s extremely dubious practices. Do you manufacture the best teeth whitener ever if it could also kill off all of the planet’s fish? Probably not, but...

Ted’s also fighting an attraction to co-worker Linda, who enjoys small acts of rebellion against Veridian (she’s secretly stealing and hoarding all the company’s creamer packets). But he holds back about his true feelings. He’s already had his self imposed “one office affair” with überboss Veronica. Incredibly beautiful (if seemingly devoid of conscience and also emotion-free), Veronica lets nothing get in her way when it comes to serving Veridian’s needs… even if it means doing something like cryogenically freezing an employee for testing purposes. And after all, the employee, research scientist Phil, survived (after he thawed out). So what if he screams like an eagle at the slightest provocation? He and his best friend, fellow research scientist Lem, are both geniuses and when they’re not bickering, they’re responsible for many of Veridian’s miracles of weird science.

“Better Off Ted” stars Jay Harrington as Ted, Portia de Rossi as Veronica, Andrea Anders as Linda, Jonathan Slavin as Phil, Malcolm Barrett as Lem and Isabella Acres as Rose.

“Better Off Ted” is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television. Victor Fresco (“My Name Is Earl,” “Andy Richter Controls the Universe”) is executive producer and creator of the series.



“SCRUBS”
This irreverent and offbeat comedy received two consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2005 and 2006, and was named TV.com’s “Best of 2007” in Comedy.

“Scrubs” focuses on the unique point of view of Dr. John Dorian, or “J.D.” (Zach Braff). After surviving his internship and residency, and year as an attending physician with his own class of unmanageable interns at Sacred Heart Hospital, J.D. is moving on to greener pastures. He continues to face many challenges in his personal and professional life trying to balance his roles as doctor, father to Sam, devoted live-in boyfriend and friend to his very quirky companions at Sacred Heart.

In its debut year, “Scrubs” was nominated for two Emmy Awards and a People’s Choice Award. It has received a total of 16 Emmy nominations, and it won an Emmy for Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing in 2005 and another for Outstanding Sound Mixing in 2007. In 2004 the series was honored with a prestigious Humanitas Prize. Beginning that same year, it received three consecutive Producers Guild Award nominations, from 2004-2006.

“Scrubs” is produced by ABC Studios. Bill Lawrence (“Spin City”) is the executive producer and creator.




ALTERNATIVE

“AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS”
“America’s Funniest Home Videos” will celebrate its 20th season when it returns in the fall. Hosted by Tom Bergeron, “America’s Funniest Home Videos” is the longest-running primetime show in ABC history and has been entertaining viewers for decades by showing what happens when adults, children and even inanimate objects are at their spontaneous best, “America’s Funniest Home Videos” has given away over $10 million in prize money and evaluated more than half a million videotapes from home viewers. Viewers wishing to submit home videos to “America’s Funniest Home Videos” should visit www.ABC.com for details.

Vin Di Bona is executive producer, with Todd Thicke and Michele Nasraway serving as co-executive producers.



“THE BACHELOR”
ABC’s “The Bachelor” is the original primetime romance reality series that offers one lucky man and 25 lucky women the unique opportunity to find true love. The new Bachelor will get to know 25 women via a series of social gatherings and exotic, romantic dates – some in groups, some individually. He will introduce some of the women to his family, and will visit their hometowns for a slice of their life in an effort to determine the woman with whom he is most compatible.

“The Bachelor” is hosted by Chris Harrison and produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are executive producers.


“DANCING WITH THE STARS”
Hosted by Tom Bergeron (“America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and Samantha Harris (“The Insider”), “Dancing with the Stars” challenges celebrities from the worlds of Hollywood, sports, and beyond, to perform choreographed ballroom routines ranging from the foxtrot to the cha cha cha. Celebrities are paired with some of the top professional ballroom dancers in the world and their live televised performances are judged by renowned ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

“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 Americas. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade and Matilda Zoltowski are co-executive producers. Alex Rudzinski directs.



“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION”
Put together one very run-down house, a deserving family, several opinionated designers, seven days and what do you get? The answer is “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” The show has won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality Program, plus the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Reality Show/Makeover and the Family Television Award for Best Alternative/Reality Program. Each episode is self-contained and features a race against time on a project that would ordinarily take at least four months to achieve, involving a team of designers, contractors and several hundred workers who have just seven days to totally rebuild an entire house – every single room, plus the exterior and landscaping. The lives of the lucky families are forever changed when they learn that they’ve been selected to have their home walls moved, their floors replaced and even their facades radically changed. The result should be a decorator’s delight… if it can be done in time.

The design team includes team leader Ty Pennington, with designers Paul DiMeo, Paige Hemmis, Michael Moloney, Ed Sanders, Tracy Hutson, Eduardo Xol, John Littlefield, Rib Hillis and Didiayer Snyder.

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The executive producer is Anthony Dominici (“America’s Next Top Model,” “The Amazing Race”).



“SUPERNANNY”
“Supernanny” is in its fifth season with Jo Frost criss-crossing America, taking on some of its toughest parenting challenges. She can tame the wildest toddler, soothe the savage six-year-old and get the most difficult child to overcome problems with behavior, sleep, mealtime, potty training and other challenges that have vexed parents around the world for centuries. The series debuted in America in early 2005 and captivated the country with Jo’s practical, no-nonsense style, honed over 20 years of nannying. “Supernanny” is now an international phenomenon; it airs in 172 territories, almost all of them with Frost as Supernanny. The series has been nominated for a People’s Choice Award.

Nick Powell is the creator and executive producer of both the American and British versions of the show. Nick Emmerson and Stephanie Schwam are executive producers of the American version. “Supernanny” is produced by Shed Media US.


“TRUE BEAUTY”
What makes a person truly beautiful? From executive producers Tyra Banks (“The Tyra Banks Show,” “America’s Next Top Model”) and Ashton Kutcher (executive producer of “Punk’d” and “Beauty and the Geek”), beauty is redefined in the popular ABC series “True Beauty.”

Gorgeous female and handsome male contestants assume they’re being judged solely on their outer appearance, but they are only half right; outer beauty is only one component the judges are looking for. Contestants, unbeknownst to them are also being evaluated for their INNER beauty as they are tested in challenging situations that require them to make moral decisions.

Each episode will showcase an outer beauty and an inner beauty challenge, during which contestants will be judged on everything from how well they perform in photo shoots to how well they respect their elders. The three judges will observe and critique the contestants’ behavior and eliminate one person each week. Only after someone is eliminated will the truth about the show be revealed to him/her, as they watch a video montage of their behavior captured by a hidden camera during the shoot. At the end of eight episodes, one winner will be declared, a person who is truly beautiful inside and out. That person will receive a cash prize and a spot in PEOPLE magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People issue.

Executive producers of “True Beauty” are Denise Cramsey (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”), Tyra Banks and Laura Armstrong for Bankable Productions, and Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke and Rod Aissa for Katalyst Productions. The series is a production of Warner Horizon Television.



“WIFE SWAP”
Each week two very contradictory families from across the country participate in a two-week-long challenge: The wives exchange husbands, children and lives (but not bedrooms) to discover daily life in another woman’s shoes. This astonishing experiment repeatedly changes lives and redefines families.

In the first week of the swap, the wives move in and adopt their new family’s lifestyle no matter how different it may be. They agree to follow a manual written by the departing wife that sets out the rules of their new household – how they parent, shop, do the house work, manage their budgets and their social life. In the second week, everything changes. The new wives take charge. They introduce their own set of rules and get to run the new household their way. It’s a radical shock to both families. The results are explosive, enlightening, emotional and often comical.

At the end of the show, the two couples meet for the first time. In a highly-charged exchange of views, both couples make a frank assessment of each other and talk about what they’ve learned from the experience.

"Wife Swap" is an RDF USA production. The show was created by Stephen Lambert and is executive-produced by Mike Gamson, and Michael Davies of Embassy Row ("Who Wants to be a Millionaire"). Neil Regan, Julie Cooper and Will Nothacker are co-executive producers.



“20/20”
ABC News’ acclaimed series “20/20” has distinguished itself as one of the most esteemed news programs in broadcast journalism. Amid the heated, competitive environment of primetime entertainment, “20/20” has demonstrated its ability to consistently attract a significant segment of the viewing audience by offering viewers more choices and more chances to learn about the world around them. For over three decades, “20/20” has continued to combine hard-hitting investigative reports, newsmaker interviews and compelling human interest and feature stories that have changes lives.

The program is co-anchored by the broadcast team of Elizabeth Vargas and John Stossel, both award-winning journalists.

Schedule is up! Read the blog!

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/05/abc-and-nbc-upfront-2009-10-fall-2009.html

Press conference tidbits:

Schedule Overview
- They believe in Castle
- The Forgotten: big opportunity at 10pm with no SVU
- Wednesday: biggest risk and up side... next generation family comedies. Eastwick is perfect ABC.
- Flash Forward: great opportunity
- Supernanny opening Fridays now leading into Ugly Betty to anchor
- Saturday and Sundays remain the same
- Best development ever, good shows also in midseason

Q&A
- Inside the Box was done very well and will take another look soon. Didn't want to rush it
- No NBC dramas at 10pm means an opportunity.
- Before the strike, Wednesday was also all brand new and started well before losing the momentum cause of the strike
- Scrubs/Ted compatible with each other, but the Wednesday comedies are more family oriented that's why they are not on the Wednesday fall lineup
- SYTYCD vs. DWTS
- Looks like Scrubs is 13 episodes. Braff could be in 6 episodes, not the necessarily the first 6.
- Happy with how DH has done creatively and will go as long as Marc Cherry wants it
- Samantha Who? was a great show but ratings frustrating. Tough bad luck Thursday scheduling due to Obama, Idol. In the Motherhood didn't come out well creatively.
- Flash Forward will be a 4 chapter type thing this season whether it be 13 or 22 episodes. It will be about faith and the characters, like Lost. Season finale ending being pitched this week.
- Big names on the Wednesday shows. Will be marketing this big.
- Lost: this season writing as strong as it has ever been...no day and time set yet for season 6
- ABC shows are huge in DVR ratings, but rerun wise they don't do well, Castle and The Forgotten could help
- No info on Grey's whether Heigl and Knight return. He joked both are signed on, but doesn't mean they will be on. Finale turned out very well.
- Buying shows out of ABC Studios. ABC will always pick up the best available shows.
- Way too much to watch on midseason this year. The Unusuals and Cupid won't be back.
- Surviving Suburbia: will see how it does in summer, option is thru Sept. According to Jim is gone.
- Old Christine is up to CBS, if they cancel it, ABC will pick it up and happy to have it.
- Elizabeth Mitchell will still be on Lost, despite doing V as well.

Clip screening is being done next after a 5 min break.

Upfront presentation at 3pm ET!

I absolutely LOVE what ABC has done.

Best summary I have seen of the conference call, Pavan. Well done!

This is a great schedule! My only two complaints are Shark Tank against Loser/Dance and B&S still not moving, but this is considerably better than last year.

Mondays: DWTS/Castle will be solid

Tuesdays: The weirdest night for me... I don't expect Shark Tank to do well, DWTS will be strong no matter what, while The Forgotten may steal some viewers from CBS if they go for a legal drama instead.

Wednesdays: This night is a huge risk but I love it, four high-profile comedies leading into Eastwick. The only thing I would have done different is put B&S here and Eastwick on Sunday so the night isn't totally from scratch.

Thursday: Nothing short of AMAZING. Flash Forward is the perfect thing for ABC to completely dominate this night, while Grey's and PP will be a very strong duo.

Friday: I like the idea of Betty with a lead-in for once, which it's never had. Supernanny is a decent one and I think Betty could do pretty good on Fridays where expectations are lower.

Sunday: My only complaint is that B&S did not move but otherwise solid, though the night is weakening so maybe at mid-season they could try something new at 10(they really need to).

Very good schedule, and thanks for the extra info Pav.

Very good work, like you always do. I think all the networks are going to be doing a little better at 10pm, especially with L&O and the other NBC dramas gone.

Thanks, tried to give as many details as I could. Hopefully more is learned at the presentation at 3.

I like the schedule. I was all for Supernanny/Betty last night on Fridays. The Shark Tank is a wild card. If it works out of Millionaire it will have a chance. ABC ordered 7 episodes, so it could be done pretty quick having an August premiere. Not sure what could replace it in October. Perhaps The Goode Family? I have seen the pilot for that, and I think it is hilarious. It is a great family comedy that reminds me of a traditional comedy. Good stuff...will get more into it after upfronts are over.

I REALLY hope Wednesday night does well, I love the idea of those comedies and I hope that they are good AND that they do well!!

Leaving Better off Ted until midseason will kill the show, even if it is paired with Scrubs. And now that Neil Flynn is said to be sticking with Scrubs for its ninth season, will he be juggling both Scrubs and The Middle, or will they recast his role on The Middle? I've heard that Donald Faison and John C. McGinley are expected to be back for the ninth season as well, and I can't imagine Sam Lloyd and Robert Maschio not returning.

Neil Flynn will recur on Scrubs, not a regular. Everyone is back on Scrubs for a few episodes at least.

Good to see Bob Saget's show still has a chance.
Friday would have been a better day for Comedies so TGIF can be bought back.
What about after College Football is over?
I hope somebody would pick up According to Jim like Fox.

it is very good to see Bob Saget show still has a chaance on the schedule

There is going to be two image promos tonight during the Dancing grand finale. Not sure if they are for summer or fall, but maybe one is summer and one is fall. Here are the promos airing during the finale tonight:

:10 GMA (TOMORROW)
:15 WIPEOUT (May 27)
:05 NBA FINALS (Starts June 4)
:30 UGLY BETTY (THURS)
:30 THE GOODE FAMILY (May 27)
:30 ABC PREMIERE EVENT: DIAMONDS (SUN)
:15 HERE COME NEWLYWEDS (MON)
1:00 ABC IMAGE PROMO
:15 THE GOODE FAMILY (May 27)
:15 HERE COME NEWLYWEDS (MON)
:15 WIPEOUT (May 27)
:30 WIPEOUT (May 27)
:30 FLASH FORWARD (FALL)
:30 UGLY BETTY (THURS)
:40 ABC IMAGE PROMO

ABC is definitely showing their strength here. A great schedule, and I'm hoping it'll be very successful! The only surprising thing is that B&S remains on Sundays. It's escaped moving nights for the 2nd year in a row.

Overall, I congratulate ABC for having the best midseason schedule so far! Wednesdays are a huge risk, but if they promote them right, all 5 new shows will pay off big. I was hoping for a 2 hour comedy block on ABC, and they went forward with it, which is great. Also glad to hear about Surviving Suburbia and Old Christine, how ABC will just pick it up that easily if CBS cancels it. From what I'm hearing, though, CBS will be renewing it.

ABC 2009 Upfront Presentation Recap:

* Music from the ABC Music Lounge is playing while we wait! Good songs from shows like Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty and Brothers & Sisters!
* 3:14PM Started with an Intro video of ABC shows with Jimmy Kimmel introducing during the clip
* 3:16PM Anne Sweeney, Co-Chair Disney, President Disney-ABC TV Group ... television is the strongest medium still, VOD, Hulu, ABC.com, etc...Ad Lab research...live ads on Jimmy Kimmel Live...Jimmy/Anne pre-taped message
* 3:23PM some reels of ads shown
* 3:24PM Mike Shaw, President of Sales & Marketing on ABC ... lots of facts and stuff...he knows his stuff.
* 3:30PM First act of Flash Forward shown!! WOW!!! GREAT stuff!
* 3:42PM Steve McPherson, President of ABC Entertainment ... starts by discussing Flash Forward...reaching viewers on every platform...He discusses the schedule
* 3:49PM clips: Lost final chapter promo, ABC House promo (Hatcher, Fox), Drama clips: The Forgotten, Eastwick, Happy Town, The Deep End, V; ABC House promo (Field, Kimmel)
* 4:08PM Jimmy Kimmel...hilarious! great jokes and knocks at NBC. Kimmel says don't trust anyone but Mike Shaw, lol! Everyone is full of ****! LOL!!
* 4:14PM ABC House Promo...Comedy clips: Hank, The Middle, Cougar Town
* 4:24PM Modern Family pilot!!! - this is HILARIOUS!!! Got lots of laughs from the audience especially at the dad (Julie Bowen's husband on the show)
* 4:48PM The End! Back to the Music Lounge!

Cougar Town and The Middle look the best of the 4 sitcoms(I hope these two hit)... Hank's clip was pretty good but I didn't like Modern Family's much at all.

Flash Forward looks intriguing as I expected.

Cougar Town and The Middle look the best of the 4 sitcoms(I hope these two hit)... Hank's clip was pretty good but I didn't like Modern Family's much at all.

Flash Forward looks intriguing as I expected.

I'm really liking The Middle and Hank. Cougar Town also looked pretty good. But I agree with you on Modern Family. I just didn't like the look of it.

You got to see the full pilot of Modern Family! That thing was hilarious!! So glad they showed it at upfront. And The Middle clip they showed at the upfront was great, too...the little kid tapping on his teacher's boob got BIG laughs from the audience at upfront. And the first act of Flash Forward is amazing! Great 12 minutes! Elsewhere, Hank to me looked blah...but got to see a full pilot before judgments. And the ABC House promos are awesome...vintage ABC with these promos!

You got to see the full pilot of Modern Family! That thing was hilarious!! So glad they showed it at upfront. And The Middle clip they showed at the upfront was great, too...the little kid tapping on his teacher's boob got BIG laughs from the audience at upfront. And the first act of Flash Forward is amazing! Great 12 minutes! Elsewhere, Hank to me looked blah...but got to see a full pilot before judgments. And the ABC House promos are awesome...vintage ABC with these promos!

I'll definitely be catching all 4 sitcoms this fall!

I happen to agree with you Pavan. The only show that I thought looked old school and not really funny was HANK. Haven't seen the full pilot but it seems like the odd man out from the other comedies, which all seem great.

tvcrazed, did you watch the pilot for Modern Family also? That was amazing.

Yeah that was great and the trailers for THE MIDDLE and COUGAR TOWN are great. PLus Bill Lawrence just knows how to make a good show. Like I said HANK is really the only odd man out, but I guess they felt they needed another family comedy. It just feels old (and not just cause it's a multi cam while the others are single) and not very funny. It's not bad, just feels like you have seen this show before and that didn't really work out so well for Surviving Suburbia, although HANK looks much better than that. But as a lead off to an important night, I just wonder. Well maybe the full pilot is much better.

So far ABC looks like it has the best schedule. I like that they went to 4 comedies on Wednesday. The only problem is that the whole night will have new shows on and that's always tricky. I think Eastwick should have went on Sunday at 10. I'll give Flash Forward a try too. I just hope ABC stays with some of these shows if they don't start out strong.

I'm sure glad there's still a chance for Surviving Suburbia. That's the best new show I've seen in years!

I'm sure glad there's still a chance for Surviving Suburbia. That's the best new show I've seen in years!

I'm a fan, too. I'd like to get more into it in the summer, though.

I thought Hank looked hilarious but I'm a huge fan of Kelsey Grammar. I didn't like The Middle - it just looks like another stupid sitcom showcasing Patricia Heaton with kids in the background. I wish they would make a show that featured the kids more, like the Cosby Show. That little fellow in The Middle is cute but difficult to understand.

To me it seems The Middle is focused on the entire family. Will need to see the entire pilot before making any judgments.

The 1:00 and 0:40 ABC image promos last night were the on-air launch of the "ABC House" promos. If you saw them, what did you think? They showed about 4 of them at upfront, including the Teri Hatcher/Matthew Fox one that was on-air last night. Another one is slated for the end of the Betty finale tomorrow night.

To me it seems The Middle is focused on the entire family. Will need to see the entire pilot before making any judgments.

For me, I'd like to see The Middle similar to Roseanne, with the mother the strong, central character. While it should be a comedy, we need another sitcom like Roseanne on the air.

For me, I'd like to see The Middle similar to Roseanne, with the mother the strong, central character. While it should be a comedy, we need another sitcom like Roseanne on the air.

I saw the original pilot. It's no Roseanne but has potential for a good family comedy.

We got info on ABC's pickups for comedy, drama and alternative series, but here are the details of other specials and movies:

Specials


2009 American Music Awards
November, 2009
8-11pm ET
American Music Awards pays tribute to popular musicians from various genres of music and puts audiences in touch with the latest phenomena in American music. Since its founding by Dick Clark in 1973, the AMAs have honored and showcased the talents of some of the biggest names in the music industry.
Live performances of the hottest pop, rock and country artists continue to make American Music Awards one of the country's top specials with young adults. Last year's telecast ranked third among Awards show (behind the Academy Awards® and the Grammys®) for the 2008-09 season. Per Nielsen research, more than 35 million viewers tuned in to watch some, or all, of the broadcast – and that's music to advertisers.


Barbara Walters Oscar Special
March, 2009
1-Hour
Superstars of the film world share their thoughts and perspectives on their success with Barbara Walters in the newsmaker's annual Oscar® Special. For the past 29 years, Barbara Walters has celebrated the Academy Awards® night with her interviews of the most popular Hollywood celebrities. Tune in as Barbara talks to the biggest motion picture and television stars of the year – getting them to reveal themselves better than anyone else can.


Barbara Walters' 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009
December, 2009
1-Hour
Last year, Barbara Walters' 10 Most Fascinating People of 2008 included President Barak Obama and was the season's fourth top-ranked Entertainment special on ABC in young adult C3 Nielsen ratings. Expect more fascinating results in 2009 when Ms. Walters hosts the hour-long ABC News special highlighting some of the year's most prominent names in entertainment, sports, politics and pop culture. It's the 17th season of the popular special, executive produced by Ms. Walters and Bill Getty (The View), who also directs.


Charlie Brown Specials
This season, ABC will again air seven distinctly special animated Peanuts programs. Each has a personality as unique as the notable characters created by award-winning cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. These engaging family favorites, based on Shultz' classic syndicated comic strip that began in the 1950s, impart worthwhile lessons while engaging large young audiences.

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
October, 2009
Half Hour

There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin. – Linus
In this Emmy-nominated Peanuts classic, Charlie Brown's security blanket-toting best friend Linus believes the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch on Halloween night and gives toys to all the good little children, just like Santa does at Christmastime. As Linus awaits the Great Pumpkin, the rest of the Peanuts gang go trick-or-treating, while Snoopy, dressed up as the famous World War I flying ace, focuses on shooting down the infamous Red Baron – from the top of his doghouse.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
November, 2009
Half Hour

There's no problem so big you can't run away from it. – Linus
It's Thanksgiving at Charlie Brown's House! The true meaning of Thanksgiving is at the heart of this special, as Snoopy, Woodstock, Peppermint Patty and the rest of the Peanuts gang celebrate the traditions of Thanksgiving Day in a non-traditional way: having dinner at the ping-pong table with toast, popcorn and desserts! Despite much turmoil, Thanksgiving ends happily for the group with Charlie Brown's grandmother.

He's a Bully, Charlie Brown
Half Hour

Long before kids became addicted to computer and video games, one way to learn skill and strategy was to play with marbles – a game that originated with the Romans.
In the newest Peanuts special, Rerun loses his marbles – literally – in the game of marbles to a hustler and Charlie Brown goes up against the bully to try to win them back. The special is based on a story that appeared in the Peanuts comic strip in April 1995.

A Charlie Brown Christmas
December, 2009
1 Hour

Lights… That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. – Linus
In the first-ever primetime animated TV special based upon the popular comic strip, the ever– unlucky Charlie Brown tries to do good by directing the Christmas school play. He tries to find a tree for the play and he chooses a pitiful little twig. At first the gang makes fun of Charlie for choosing such an ugly tree for the holiday but an assist from Linus makes the true message of the season come shining through. In the end, everyone realizes that a little affection can make all the difference in the world...even to a tree.
The popular TV special is considered a timeless holiday classic by millions of viewers. Its soundtrack by jazz composer Vince Guaraldi has become as well-known as the story itself, especially the piece entitled "Linus and Lucy," which has become seen as the signature musical theme to Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang.

I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown
December, 2009
1 Hour

Yesterday I was a dog. Today I'm a dog. Tomorrow I'll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There's so little hope for advancement. – Snoopy
Linus' younger brother Rerun wants a dog for Christmas and involves the Peanuts gang in his quest. Will his mom allow him to get one? Can he handle the responsibility of caring for a dog? Find out in this post-Charles Schulz Christmas special based on his timeless Peanuts characters.

A Charlie Brown Valentine
February, 2010
Half Hour

Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love. – Charlie Brown
Love is in the air and Valentine's Day is a week away. Charlie Brown hopes to get a Valentine from the little red-haired girl, as does Sally from Linus...Lucy from Schroeder...and Peppermint Patty from Charlie Brown. The usual heartbreak with all these relationships comes to a head on Valentine's Day, ending with the ill-fated Valentine's Dance.

It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown
April, 2010
Half Hour

Some Easter Beagle! He gave me my own egg! – Lucy
Easter is fast approaching, and that means there is a lot to do for the "Peanuts" pals. Charlie, Sally, Lucy and Marcie try to get ready for the big day by making several unsuccessful – yet creative – attempts to prepare eggs for coloring: frying, waffle-ironing, toasting, roasting, and finally soup, while Linus insists there is no preparation necessary. Not to worry…. The Easter Beagle steps in to save the day!
This classic Emmy nominated springtime special returned to ABC in the Spring of 2009.


Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2010 with Ryan Seacrest
December 31, 2009
3.5 Hours
Television's most popular New Year's bash is an annual tradition for millions who tune in to ABC's non-stop, bi-coastal entertainment show filled with special guests, musical performances, and celebrations from around the globe. Again, Ryan Seacrest will team up with Dick Clark at New York City's famous Times Square, where large crowds gather to count down to the New Year as the lighted ball drops. But the fun doesn't end there for viewers at home... ABC's event festivities continue until 2am ET.
Another tradition is the special's strong ratings performance. Last year's telecast delivered its largest Adult 18-49 audience in three years and topped every other Primetime entertainment program during the week by wide margins.
The celebratory broadcast consists of three specials: Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve 2010 with Ryan Seacrest (10-11pm, ET); Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2010 with Ryan Seacrest Part 1 (11:35pm - 1:05am, ET) and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2010 with Ryan Seacrest Part 2 (1:05-2:05am, ET).
This December, viewers and advertisers can expect another exciting, high-performance New Year's showcase.


Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Half-Hour/1-Hour
He's big, mean and green. The Whos in Whoville fear him. Young viewers adore him. Now Dr. Seuss' popular book and cartoon character from the '60s returns for another holiday season to entertain a whole new generation of families.
In the classic special, The Grinch is pretending to be Santa. With absolutely no holiday cheer, the St. Nick imposter blasts off to Whoville to steal all he can get his furry green hands on to stop Christmas from coming. When Mayor May Who blames all the mischief on little Cindy Lou Who for getting the Grinch involved with Whoville, she reminds everyone what Christmas is really about and even the Grinch comes to realize the true meaning of Christmas.


2010 Oscars Red Carpet
Half-Hour
The biggest night of the year for Hollywood and for entertainment advertisers returns to ABC-TV in 2010 with more song and dance numbers, more film stars, and an impressive track record of ratings gains.
In 2009, the event generated double-digit ratings increases over the previous year in every key young adult, female and male demo. Over 33 million tuned in to some, or all, of the broadcast, making it the most-watched non-sports telecast on any network. And, indices for the special's Oscar®-quality audience of upscale, educated adult viewers were higher than all other specials, including Super Bowl!
That's the power – and magic – of the Academy Awards ®. For a night that delivers glitz, glamour, buzz, and consumers, join ABC and Hollywood's royalty for America's most engaging awards show on broadcast television.


Prep and Landing
December, 2009
Half-Hour
Half-hour animated event revolves around an elite elves unit -- known as Prep and Landing -- that makes sure homes are ready for Santa's visit. Story centers on an elf (Dave Foley) who thinks he's about to get a promotion -- but instead is paired with a new recruit (Derek Richardson). The duo then go on their Christmas Eve mission, where they encounter unexpected challenges. Sarah Chalke also provides a voice.



Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
December, 2009
1-Hour
You better watch out, you better not cry,
Better not pout, I'm telling you why ...
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
This classic animated holiday special, based on the traditional Christmas standard, continues to delight generations of viewers.
The perennial favorite features Fred Astaire narrating the timeless tale of Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), a young boy with an immense desire to do good things for others. In his home village of Sombertown, Kris has started a gift factory where he builds toys and gives them to all the local children. But when the evil ruler, Burgermeister Meisterburger (Paul Frees) bans toys from the land, Kris is forced to go directly to Mother Nature and ask her for assistance. With the help of magical elves and several special reindeer, Kris overcomes the Burgermeister and delivers toys to children all over the world – earning him the name Santa Claus.



Shrek the Halls
December, 2009
'Twas the night before Christmas
And I spent all the day
Finishing up on my Christmas display.
Now missing all this
Would be nothing but tragic,
So just follow me and I'll show you the magic.
It is Shrek's first Christmas, and wife Fiona (Cameron Diaz) wants it to be one to remember. But Shrek wants to do things his way, and just spend some quiet time with the kids. As Christmas Eve draws nearer, his plan for a sedate gathering explodes into a raucous party attended by all of the world's fairy-tale personalities. And Shrek learns to love this divine and chaotic time of the year.
DreamWorks' half-hour animated special features the Shrek characters putting their own spin on holiday traditions. And "like the movie sequels, Shrek the Halls keeps the gags flying..." "...for a made-for-TV version of a theatrical blockbuster, it looks utterly polished..." – Variety (Nov. 27, 2007)



44th Annual CMA Awards
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
8-11pm ET
'Country Music's Biggest Night' returns live from the Sommett Center in Nashville on November 11 with more music, more stars – and an estimated 35 million viewers, expected to tune in to some or all of the broadcast based on last year's time-period winning performance. For the 2008-2009 season, the CMA Awards show was the fourth-top ranked Awards show (behind the Oscars®, Grammy's and AMA's) with Adults 18-49 (4.7 C3 rating). Expect another dynamic performance when the nation tunes in to honor country music's top performers, songwriters, record producers and music video directors, as determined by the 6,000 industry professional members of Country Music Association.



82nd Annual Academy Awards
Sunday, March 7, 2010
8:30-11pm ET
The biggest night of the year for Hollywood and for entertainment advertisers returns to ABC-TV in 2010. There's no better way for sponsors to "put Madison Avenue's best foot forward" and generate buzz and press coverage while reaching a large, engaged audience in an environment that "outclasses the Super Bowl."
Oscar® remains the most powerful awards show in its elegance, star power and audience performance. The 2008 telecast posted an 18.0 rating among affluent Adults 18-49 (HHI $100K+); and has reached 35 million Adults 18-49 on average over the past three years.
Join ABC and Hollywood's royalty when America's most engaging awards show on broadcast television returns to celebrate the film industry's best performances.
NTI/NAD (2/24/08, 2/25/07, 3/5/06); The New York Times (2/27/07)




Theatricals



Blades of Glory (Premiere)
Casino Royale (Premiere)
Collateral
Dreamer
Dreamgirls (Premiere)
Flags of our Fathers (Premiere)
Flightplan
Flushed Away (Premiere)
Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The Haunted Mansion
The Island (Premiere)
Just Like Heaven
King Kong (Premiere)
The Last Kiss (Premiere)
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Meet the Fockers
Memoirs of a Geisha
Miracle
Munich (Premiere)
Norbit (Premiere)
Over the Hedge (Premiere)
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
The Polar Express
Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (Premiere)
Red Eye (Premiere)
The Santa Clause 2
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (Premiere)
She's the Man (Premiere)
Shrek 2
Shrek the Third (Premiere)
The Sound of Music
The Ten Commandments 1956
Transformers (Premiere)
Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of Were-Rabbit (Premiere)
War of the Worlds
Wild Hogs (Premiere)



Looking at the movie list, they have some good ones they can use during the holidays like Casino Royale, Dream Girls, Transformers, Shrek the Third, Santa Clause 3, and Wild Hogs.

First three on-air ABC House promos (I saw more at upfront though, so more are coming):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu_NQcv-JVA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRHCVg3sE0o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUUMMArRU2k

First three on-air ABC House promos (I saw more at upfront though, so more are coming):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu_NQcv-JVA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRHCVg3sE0o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUUMMArRU2k

Awesome promos, say what you will about ABC's programming but they have by far the best marketing department of any network. I love the first one, and how they also incorporate Wipeout(a summer show) in with the fall shows.

The newest one aired last night during Betty's finale. It is similar to the first one but the end has Amanda from Betty and Hurley from Lost. Dude, indeed! There were two other ones I saw at upfront. Sally Field and Jimmy Kimmel bedtime story and another variation of the first one, with McDreamy, Ed O'Neill, and Charlie from Lost even. That was a great one. They also incorporated the summer hit The Bachelorette in these promos.

I'll be watching "Eastwick" and "Modern Family" this fall, and the final season of "Lost" midseason.

I'll probably check out "Hank" for Kelsey Grammar and "The Middle" for Patty Heaton (these two should have done another show together!). And though "Cougar Town" doesn't sound very interesting, I'll tune in because I love me some Courteney Cox Arquette. And the remake of "V" could be good.

I'll skip the others. "Flash Forward" sounds a little too much like a "Lost" ripoff. And "Happy Town" sounds a little bit like Desperate Housewives - minus the comedy. Also, I cant believe they're bringing Private Practice back....

Also, I cant believe they're bringing Private Practice back....

Why are you surprised? It was hurting ER in the final weeks and totally ruled the 10pm slot once ER left. It's the first real hit ABC's had after Grey's Anatomy.

Why are you surprised? It was hurting ER in the final weeks and totally ruled the 10pm slot once ER left. It's the first real hit ABC's had after Grey's Anatomy.
I'm surprised because it's really bad, IMHO. It's the only real hit after Grey's Anatomy...because of Grey's Anatomy. ABC tried, but the show couldn't stand on it's own. It's had better luck following Grey's Anatomy on Thursdays.

I'll definitely be catching all 4 sitcoms this fall!
It's a gamble premiering them all at once, but I think it's great that ABC is having a two hour block of sitcoms, just like the old days.

It's a gamble premiering them all at once, but I think it's great that ABC is having a two hour block of sitcoms, just like the old days.

Definitely a risk, especially airing them against CBS' comedy block. But, they hould achieve moderate success.

I'm surprised because it's really bad, IMHO. It's the only real hit after Grey's Anatomy...because of Grey's Anatomy. ABC tried, but the show couldn't stand on it's own. It's had better luck following Grey's Anatomy on Thursdays.

That is exactly it, this is your opinion, but a lot of people I know, including myself think the show is great. It`s not the best drama on TV, but I am really happy it is coming back. Love all the actors on it and they have great chemestry.

It may be helped by GA for ratings, but it still gets great rating for any ABC 10pm shows. As long as they don't have numbers like CBS is getting all over their schedule, they cannot afford to cancel middle rating success.

That is exactly it, this is your opinion, but a lot of people I know, including myself think the show is great. It`s not the best drama on TV, but I am really happy it is coming back. Love all the actors on it and they have great chemestry.
I made sure to put "IMHO" in there, just so I don't get negative feedback from certain people. I did try watching it in the beginning, and a cousin of mine actually put me through an episode not too long ago. I thought it was one of the worst shows I've ever seen. Again, just my opinion.

It may be helped by GA for ratings, but it still gets great rating for any ABC 10pm shows. As long as they don't have numbers like CBS is getting all over their schedule, they cannot afford to cancel middle rating success.
Agreed.

Cast photos for Modern Family, Cougar Town, Hank and The Middle are available here:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=244452 (on post #11 and post #15)

Also, I think Romantically Challenged will get picked-up for midseason. Why? Because on an ABC password-protected site it is listed with all of the ABC new shows. And no, they don't list any other pilots that didn't get picked-up, just Romantically Challenged. I hope it happens. Alyssa Milano would be perfect for a comedy.

JMO, but I think Cougar Town looks to be one of the worse sitcoms of the 2009-2010 season. Just isn't my cup of tea

JMO, but I think Cougar Town looks to be one of the worse sitcoms of the 2009-2010 season. :yeahthat I hope Cougar Town bombs. We have enough trashy shows on the air. Scrubs was bad enough, now they're giving Bill Lawrence another show. puke:

Trashy show? Cougar Town is not a trashy show. First you are judging a show with a 3 minutes sample and second to each his own, why hope that a show fails? If you don't like it, and it's your right, just watch something else. I am looking forward to it. I am not excited at all for Hank but I don't hope it fails. People always trash whatever they don't like...if we all like the same thing, life and TV would be so boring...

I hope all the new sitcoms can somehow hit this upcoming season, they are still a struggling breed(no new ones broke out this past season), and the whole genre needs a shot in the arm, not just on ABC but the other networks as well(well The CW doesn't have any :rolleyes: )

I hope all the new sitcoms can somehow hit this upcoming season, they are still a struggling breed(no new ones broke out this past season), and the whole genre needs a shot in the arm, not just on ABC but the other networks as well(well The CW doesn't have any :rolleyes: )
Gary Unmarried at least made it to season 2...I guess that's something. You're right though, the sitcom genre needs a major hit bad. Maybe then some of these awful reality shows will vanish.

Umm, what do you call Two and a Half Men?

I know it's close to its end, although it still has three seasons left at least, but it shows that the sitcom isn't dead.

And now, with it's move to 9:30 after "Men," The Big Bang Theory will easily be the next big hit! It already was getting 10-11 million viewers at 8pm up againist House and Dancing with the Stars, and that says a lot!

I really hope the new ABC comedies do well...especially Cougar Town and The Middle which look the best! As much as I love Kelsey Grammar, his new show looks "been there, done that!" I'll give it a shot though, and I'll be checking out Accidentally on Purpose, Modern Family and Community as well. The only new sitcom coming this fall that looks bad is 100 Questions, which is sad as its NBC's first multi-camera sitcom since Friends ended!

I hope all the new sitcoms can somehow hit this upcoming season, they are still a struggling breed(no new ones broke out this past season), and the whole genre needs a shot in the arm, not just on ABC but the other networks as well(well The CW doesn't have any :rolleyes: )

I have to agree with this. I think any sitcom is going to have a lot of trouble if it isn't on CBS, and this is kind of the image that's been burned into viewer's minds. With 4 new comedies on ABC this season, hopefully they'll be able to turn that around.

Trashy show? Cougar Town is not a trashy show.Just a few weeks ago ABC thought Cougar Town was too risque for network TV.

The Futon Critic gave very positive reviews to all four of the Wednesday comedies, with the top 2 being Modern Family and Cougar Town. I can't wait for these two especially(and The Middle)

Hank http://thefutoncritic.com/rant.aspx?id=20090601_hank

Middle http://thefutoncritic.com/rant.aspx?id=20090601_middle

Modern http://thefutoncritic.com/rant.aspx?id=20090602_modernfamily

Cougar http://thefutoncritic.com/rant.aspx?id=20090602_cougartown

IMO, if at least one of these sitcoms does not hit, ABC might as well give up on sitcoms because nothing will ever work. I hope they have some patience with them also.

The Shark Tank will premiere on Sunday, August 9 at 9PM following the return of Millionaire at 8pm!

Sorry, WWTBAM is Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

What was the premise of Shark Tank again? I remember seeing it in an old post but don't remember where.

I'm really looking forward to Millionaire - that was a fast 10 years!

“Shark Tank” is scheduled to air on Sundays, August 9, 16 and 23, 2009 in the special 9:00 PM ET/PT slot. Then “Shark Tank” will premiere in its new day and time on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 8:00 PM ET/PT until further notice.

ABC has 13 episodes of Shark Tank, so that will get it through October.

What will be airing in the slot once Shark Tank ends?

My guess would be Ugly Betty, with Wife Swap returning to Fridays, or could it be Scrubs/Better Off Ted a bit early?

That is way too far away to think about right now. They could order more Shark Tank if it is a big hit. If not, they will likely go with DWTS recaps for 3 weeks since there will 3 weeks left anyway for that.

June 9, 2009


ABC ANNOUNCES FALL PREMIERE DATES

ABC announced the following premiere dates for the 2009-2010 season today. Additional premieres will be announced at a later date. All times listed are ET.

Saturday, September 5
8:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m. “Saturday Night Football”

Friday, September 11
10:00-11:00 p.m. 20/20

Monday, September 21
8:00-10:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars”
10:00-11:00 p.m. “Castle”

Tuesday, September 22
8:00-10:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars” (special two-hour episode)
10:00-11:00 p.m. “The Forgotten”

Wednesday, September 23
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars The Results Show” (special day and time)
9:00-9:30 p.m. “Modern Family”
9:30-10:00 p.m. “Cougar Town”

Thursday, September 24
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Flash Forward”
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy”

Sunday, September 27
7:00-9:00 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (two-hour season premiere)
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Desperate Housewives”

Tuesday, September 29
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Shark Tank” (returns to its regular timeslot after being preempted the week prior)
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars The Results Show” (regular day and time period premiere)

Wednesday, September 30
8:00-8:30 p.m. “Hank”
8:30-9:00 p.m. “The Middle”

Sunday, October 4
7:00-8:00 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”

Friday, October 9
8:00-10:00 p.m. “Ugly Betty” (two-hour season premiere)

Friday, October 16
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Supernanny”

Nice move by ABC giving The Cougar/American Family the Dancing lead-in for their premieres. They should definitely premiere high now. I think it's still up in the air how Hank and The Middle will do, though.

Dumb move! Put the shows that will lead off the night beginning September 30th at 9pm on the 23rd, and if they build on DWTS, people will tune in at 8 the following week and stick around for the 9pm hour of 'Family' and 'Cougar.'

I cant wait for Saturday Night Football

Blog story on the premiere dates:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/06/abc-fall-2009-premiere-dates-futurama.html
See my thoughts on where the not announced dates for series might go.

Dumb move! Put the shows that will lead off the night beginning September 30th at 9pm on the 23rd, and if they build on DWTS, people will tune in at 8 the following week and stick around for the 9pm hour of 'Family' and 'Cougar.'

That would also have been a smart move, but it might get too confusing that way. It's probably better to launch the shows in the slots they'll be airing. Plus, it seems like ABC is favoring the 9pm comedies much more.

It ashame cause I think of the four, "The Middle" looks the funniest. I will admit though, Cougar Town looks hilarious too!

Not allowed to do full reviews yet, but I've seen the following Fall 2009 ABC pilots:

Modern Family - As mentioned saw this pilot at upfront and it is perfectly done! Hilarious!!
Flash Forward - Saw the first act (12 min. or so) at upfront...and from what I've seen SO far, this is action-packed and cannot wait to see the full pilot! Lost-like!
The Middle - This is very funny! Not as good as Modern Family, but the family dynamic is so there. The little kid is amazing!
Cougar Town - Wow, very fun. Lots of risque type moments here, not nearly as much though as the early reports indicated. It's all good! Meow!
Eastwick - This REALLY surprised me. I went into this pilot not expecting much, but I liked it. It is well done and has a good mystery, it doesn't take itself seriously. Good cheesy fun. I liked the movie and this pilot is similar to it. This would do so well after DH. I hope ABC previews it after DH the first week.

Still need to see Hank and The Forgotten (and the full pilot for Flash Forward!).

Not allowed to do full reviews yet, but I've seen the following Fall 2009 ABC pilots:

Modern Family - As mentioned saw this pilot at upfront and it is perfectly done! Hilarious!!
Flash Forward - Saw the first act (12 min. or so) at upfront...and from what I've seen SO far, this is action-packed and cannot wait to see the full pilot! Lost-like!
The Middle - This is very funny! Not as good as Modern Family, but the family dynamic is so there. The little kid is amazing!
Cougar Town - Wow, very fun. Lots of risque type moments here, not nearly as much though as the early reports indicated. It's all good! Meow!
Eastwick - This REALLY surprised me. I went into this pilot not expecting much, but I liked it. It is well done and has a good mystery, it doesn't take itself seriously. Good cheesy fun. I liked the movie and this pilot is similar to it. This would do so well after DH. I hope ABC previews it after DH the first week.

Still need to see Hank and The Forgotten (and the full pilot for Flash Forward!).

I think Eastwick should have given the post-DH timeslot and Brothers & Sisters moved to Wednesdays. Any chance that ABC exec may realize, in much the same way they moved Ugly Betty to Thursdays prior to its premiere, that this would be a better programming move than what they currently have planned?

I think Eastwick should have given the post-DH timeslot and Brothers & Sisters moved to Wednesdays. Any chance that ABC exec may realize, in much the same way they moved Ugly Betty to Thursdays prior to its premiere, that this would be a better programming move than what they currently have planned?
I actually think they are still mulling a scenario like this over, since they have yet to announce premiere dates only for B & S and Eastwick. Maybe they are concerned about an all new Wednesday and will give EATSWICK a few Sundays after DH, or maybe just one week, or maybe they will flip the two altogther. I can see why they are hesitating because if they do flip them and EASTWICK flops then they hurt a very successful night and could risk hurting B & S as well. It's not an easy decision. I don't envy them. I think the fact that they are taking their time with it, means they are considering many options.

I actually think they are still mulling a scenario like this over, since they have yet to announce premiere dates only for B & S and Eastwick. Maybe they are concerned about an all new Wednesday and will give EATSWICK a few Sundays after DH, or maybe just one week, or maybe they will flip the two altogther. I can see why they are hesitating because if they do flip them and EASTWICK flops then they hurt a very successful night and could risk hurting B & S as well. It's not an easy decision. I don't envy them. I think the fact that they are taking their time with it, means they are considering many options.

I think they should leave the schedule the same as it is now, with Eastwick on Wednesdays and B&S staying on Sundays. But, come midseason, if Eastwick is holding stable numbers, they should then switch it and B&S. B&S has already shown that it can hold its own without the Desperate Housewives lead-in, and if they switch it halfway through the season instead of at the beginning of the season, it could prove beneficial.

I think Eastwick should have given the post-DH timeslot and Brothers & Sisters moved to Wednesdays. Any chance that ABC exec may realize, in much the same way they moved Ugly Betty to Thursdays prior to its premiere, that this would be a better programming move than what they currently have planned?

I hope so. I've been a big advocate for moving B&S for 2 years now. DH is not going to be around forever(not to mention it and the Sunday lineup before it is weakening) and it's been the biggest success in terms of launching new hits, plus B&S had a 2-hour event in March without DH and did very well, so I think it's long past time for it to move and desperately help another night. There's still time and they interestingly haven't announced B&S and Eastwick's premiere dates yet.

That would also have been a smart move, but it might get too confusing that way. It's probably better to launch the shows in the slots they'll be airing. Plus, it seems like ABC is favoring the 9pm comedies much more.
I'm also favoring the 9pm comedies more. Modern Family looks hilarious, and so does Cougar Town. Hank looks okay, but The Middle looks stupid. Thus I will watch the CBS comedies LIVE at 8pm and the ABC comedies LIVE at 9pm.

I'm all for B&S to move to Wednesdays now since Eastwick is very good and would fit with DH. Let's hope the ratings tell the same story.

I'm all for B&S to move to Wednesdays now since Eastwick is very good and would fit with DH. Let's hope the ratings tell the same story.

But how would Eastwick do against Cold Case? The smart thing to do would be to wait and see how Eastwick is doing on Wednesdays - if its holding strong and doing well, then they should move it to Sundays. At least ABC knows what they're getting with B&S Sundays at 10pm - a switch may be too risky for them, considering all the risks they're already taking.

I'm also favoring the 9pm comedies more. Modern Family looks hilarious, and so does Cougar Town. Hank looks okay, but The Middle looks stupid. Thus I will watch the CBS comedies LIVE at 8pm and the ABC comedies LIVE at 9pm.

I think all 4 comedies look good. The only one I won't be watching live is Hank, since I'll be watching Old Christine at 8pm (it needs its viewers-lol). I might have to switch back and forth between it and Parenthood, though. Wednesdays are really crowded this year.

I think all 4 comedies look good. The only one I won't be watching live is Hank, since I'll be watching Old Christine at 8pm (it needs its viewers-lol). I might have to switch back and forth between it and Parenthood, though. Wednesdays are really crowded this year.

Too crowded. I can't wait for Middle/Modern/Cougar but I'm also indifferent on Hank. I'm also watching Parenthood and Glee. These shows better impress or I'll be dropping them.

Meanwhile Tuesday has nothing on now. Blah.

Too crowded. I can't wait for Middle/Modern/Cougar but I'm also indifferent on Hank. I'm also watching Parenthood and Glee. These shows better impress or I'll be dropping them.

Meanwhile Tuesday has nothing on now. Blah.

I'll also be watching Glee. We'll definitely be doing some adjustments once the season starts. And Tuesdays have nothing - Wednesdays are definitely the place to watch TV this season.

But how would Eastwick do against Cold Case? The smart thing to do would be to wait and see how Eastwick is doing on Wednesdays - if its holding strong and doing well, then they should move it to Sundays. At least ABC knows what they're getting with B&S Sundays at 10pm - a switch may be too risky for them, considering all the risks they're already taking.

ABC is not competing for the same audience there. Cold Case skews very old. Whether it be B&S or Eastwick, ABC will easily win the hour in the demo.

ABC is not competing for the same audience there. Cold Case skews very old. Whether it be B&S or Eastwick, ABC will easily win the hour in the demo.

That's true. But since DH isn't exactly the greatest lead-in anymore, I tink its better to hold off moving B&S and Eastwick before the season starts.

I'll also be watching Glee. We'll definitely be doing some adjustments once the season starts. And Tuesdays have nothing - Wednesdays are definitely the place to watch TV this season.
I'm glad Tuesdays lost some shows. Now I can watch The Biggest Loser for the entire 2 hours. :)

I'm glad Tuesdays lost some shows. Now I can watch The Biggest Loser for the entire 2 hours. :)

If you're a Biggest Loser fan, I guess thats a good thing.

But how would Eastwick do against Cold Case? The smart thing to do would be to wait and see how Eastwick is doing on Wednesdays - if its holding strong and doing well, then they should move it to Sundays. At least ABC knows what they're getting with B&S Sundays at 10pm - a switch may be too risky for them, considering all the risks they're already taking.

If Eastwick does succeed on Wednesdays, why would you move the show in mid-season to Sundays? Unless Brothers & Sisters completely collapses, there would be no point. Unfortunately, with an all new lineup on Wednesdays and comedies as a lead-in, an area where ABC has not done well in for the past four seasons, I don't believe Eastwick will get much traction on Wednesdays. At least Brothers & Sisters and can bring their fan base to the night and DH can help launch a new show while it is still can.

Keep in mind, by mid-season, the pattern for the past three years has been that ABC Sundays take a ratings, so I don't see moving Eastwick at that time would help the show.

If you're a Biggest Loser fan, I guess thats a good thing.
I wish the Mentalist stayed on Tuesdays. With SVU off Tuesdays too, the only returning show I have on that night is NCIS. :(

If Eastwick does succeed on Wednesdays, why would you move the show in mid-season to Sundays? Unless Brothers & Sisters completely collapses, there would be no point. Unfortunately, with an all new lineup on Wednesdays and comedies as a lead-in, an area where ABC has not done well in for the past four seasons, I don't believe Eastwick will get much traction on Wednesdays. At least Brothers & Sisters and can bring their fan base to the night and DH can help launch a new show while it is still can.

Keep in mind, by mid-season, the pattern for the past three years has been that ABC Sundays take a ratings, so I don't see moving Eastwick at that time would help the show.
ABC's Wednesday lineup is very risky with all new shows. I hope they all succeed because they do sound pretty good but if they flop I can see Lost coming back to Wednesdays in midseason.

I wish the Mentalist stayed on Tuesdays. With SVU off Tuesdays too, the only returning show I have on that night is NCIS. :(

I agree - I will be watching Hell's Kitchen on Tuesdays, but that'll only be for September. Besides that, there's nothing. At least I'll have Jay Leno to watch every night at 10. The Mentalist was doing great Tuesdays at 9pm - I didn't see the need to move. And 2 hours of NCIS is a bad idea.

ABC Local Affiliate Fall 2009 Preview Special
Can be aired between September 5-20, 2009 (affiliate exclusive clearance window is September 5-6, then could air on ABC cable nets)

The fall preview special is about ABC’s new Wednesday night comedies and the most talked about new drama this season, “Flash Forward.” The special will also include material about the two new 10pm dramas: “Eastwick” and “The Forgotten” as well as the returning hit drama, “Castle.”

This ABC Affiliate Special will introduce viewers to character descriptions, storylines and recaps of last season and provide a sneak peek at the new season ahead! ABC: Start here!

Man I cant wait to see The ABC Local Affiliate Special on September 5, 2009 my guess is WGNO will air The Special at 11:05 pm CT Time.

Eastwick and Brothers & Sisters premiere dates:

ABC ANNOUNCES PREMIERE DATES FOR REMAINING FALL SERIES

ABC announced premiere dates for “Eastwick” and “Brothers & Sisters” for the 2009-10 season today. Times listed are ET.


Wednesday, September 23
10:00-11:00 p.m. “Eastwick”

Sunday, September 27
10:00-11:00 p.m. “Brothers & Sisters”


These join the previously announced premiere dates below, and complete ABC’s fall season premieres:

Saturday, September 5
8:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m. “Saturday Night Football”

Friday, September 11
10:00-11:00 p.m. 20/20

Monday, September 21
8:00-10:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars”
10:00-11:00 p.m. “Castle”

Tuesday, September 22
8:00-10:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars” (special two-hour episode)
10:00-11:00 p.m. “The Forgotten”

Wednesday, September 23
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show” (special day and time)
9:00-9:30 p.m. “Modern Family”
9:30-10:00 p.m. “Cougar Town”

Thursday, September 24
8:00-9:00 p.m. “FlashForward”
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy”

Sunday, September 27
7:00-9:00 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (two-hour season premiere)
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Desperate Housewives”

Tuesday, September 29
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Shark Tank” (in-season premiere)
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show” (regular day and time period premiere)

Wednesday, September 30
8:00-8:30 p.m. “Hank”
8:30-9:00 p.m. “The Middle”

Thursday, October 1
10:00-11:00 p.m. “Private Practice”

Sunday, October 4
7:00-8:00 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”

Friday, October 9
8:00-10:00 p.m. “Ugly Betty” (two-hour season premiere)

Friday, October 16
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Supernanny”

According to Hollywood Reporter, ABC has scheduled permiere dates for Eastwick -Wed 9/23 and Bothers & Sisters - 9/27

you just beat me, now they just have Thurs 9/24 at 10p

Eastwick promo premieres tonight during The Bachelorette finale. We also get promos for Modern Family, Cougar Town, and FlashForward.

2009-10 NBA Schedule on ABC

15 exclusive regular season broadcasts as well as nine NBA Playoff games and the entire NBA Finals. Should the NBA Conference Semi-Finals conclude in six games or less, ABC will air Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday, May 16, 2010.


Regular Season
Schedule Subject to Change; All Times Eastern

Date
Time (ET) Teams

Fri., Dec. 25
2:30 p.m. Boston at Orlando
5 p.m. Cleveland at L.A. Lakers

Sun., Jan. 31
1 p.m. Denver at San Antonio
3:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Boston

Sun., Feb. 7 (Super Bowl Sunday)
2:30 p.m. Orlando at Boston

Sun., Feb. 21
1 p.m. Cleveland at Orlando
3:30 p.m. Boston at Denver

Sun., Feb. 28
1 p.m. Phoenix at San Antonio
3:30 p.m. Denver at L.A. Lakers

Sun., March 7
2:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Orlando

Sun., March 14
3:30 p.m. Boston at Cleveland

Sun., April 4
1 p.m. Cleveland at Boston
3:30 p.m. San Antonio at L.A. Lakers

Sun., April 11
1 p.m. Orlando at Cleveland
3:30 p.m. Portland at L.A. Lakers



ABC highlights:

· 15 exclusive broadcasts;
· flexible schedule allowing for the best possible matchups throughout the season;
· blockbuster Christmas Day doubleheader – Boston at Orlando and Cleveland at the L.A. Lakers with coverage beginning with GMC NBA Countdown at 2 p.m.;
· five NBA Sunday doubleheaders;
· six appearances by the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, five appearances by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic and multiple appearances by the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs;
· Finals rematch between the L.A. Lakers and Orlando Sunday, March 7, at 2:30 p.m.;
· Eastern and Western Conference Finals rematches – Cleveland vs. Orlando (twice – Sunday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m.; Sunday, April 11, at 1 p.m.) and Denver vs. L.A. Lakers (Sunday, Feb. 28, at 3:30 p.m.);
· elite showdowns between Boston and Cleveland (twice – Sunday, March 14, at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 4, at 1 p.m.), the L.A. Lakers vs. San Antonio (Sunday, April 4, at 3:30 p.m.) and a 2008 Finals rematch between Boston and L.A. Lakers Sunday, Jan. 31, at 3:30 p.m.;
· GMC NBA Countdown will preview all games 30 minutes prior to broadcast start times.

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/07/the-make-believe-abc-house-is-getting-crowded/

Make-Believe ABC House Is Getting Crowded
By Stuart Elliott

New spots promoting ABC’s new comedies pretend that the network’s stars all live together.
An imaginative campaign from ABC to promote its series for the 2009-10 season is being expanded.

The campaign, which began in May, is centered on the fanciful notion that the stars of all the shows broadcast by ABC live together in a house as one big happy family. Think of it as sort of a marketing spin on “Big Brother.” (Video below.)

The commercials that have appeared so far have been general in nature, featuring ABC stars like Sally Field (“Brothers and Sisters”), Teri Hatcher (“Desperate Housewives”), Matthew Fox (“Lost”) and the late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. New spots that are to begin running on Saturday, which will be available in longer versions next week on abc.com, will promote four new sitcoms that are to make their debuts on Wednesdays in the fall.

The new Wednesday series touted in the commercials are “Hank,” starring Kelsey Grammer; “The Middle,” starring Patricia Heaton; “Modern Family,” with an ensemble cast that includes Ed O’Neill; and “Cougartown,” with Courteney Cox. They are to appear from 8 to 10 on Wednesday nights.



Josh Holloway and Courteney Cox in one of ABC’s new ads.The vignettes in the commercials include Calista Flockhart of “Brothers and Sisters” welcoming Mr. Grammer to the ABC house and showing him to his room. He offers her a tip; she tells him she is not a maid. Also, Josh Holloway of “Lost” and Ms. Cox exchange ripostes at a barbecue. And some of the newcomers are pressed into doing laundry for the casts of established ABC series like “Dancing With the Stars” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

“We started with the people who are very familiar faces,” said Marla Provencio, co-executive vice president for marketing at ABC with Mike Benson. Now the idea is to use the premise of the ABC house to “introduce our new Wednesday comedy line-up,” she added.

“The great thing about the ABC house campaign is that it has such great legs,” Ms. Provencio said.

For instance, if ABC is to broadcast a special show like the American Music Awards, she added, the celebrities who are nominees could appear in commercials as if they had been invited to the ABC house “for a special dinner” or “television night.”

The campaign is being created internally at the marketing department at ABC, part of the Walt Disney Company, with Becky Daugherty, vice president for specials and late night, and her staff members. Vince Manze, a former NBC marketing executive who is a consultant to ABC, is also helping develop the campaign.

The new spots are below.

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/07/the-make-believe-abc-house-is-getting-crowded/

The first spot will air today during the ABC Afternoon Movie at 4pm. The Middle and Hank promos begin tonight during the ABC Saturday Night Movie at 8pm!

ABC ANNOUNCES THE PREMIERE OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED

NEW SERIES “V” ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3


ABC announces the premiere of the highly anticipated new series “V,” on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT). “V” is a re-imagining of the 1980s miniseries about the world’s first encounter with an alien race. Simultaneously appearing over every major city in the world, the Visitors (or V's) promote a message of peace. Through their generous offer to share advanced technology, the V's build a following that may actually hide a more malevolent agenda, one that twists a very deep component of human nature -- devotion.

While the world quickly becomes fascinated with the V’s and their link to wonders just beyond the reach of human understanding, FBI Counter Terrorist Agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell) discovers a secret hidden beneath the skin of every V – a secret that may threaten the lives of everyone close to her. Yet for her teenage son, Tyler (Logan Huffman), the V’s are his ticket to something big and hopeful—a new chance for mankind to unite in common goals. To Chad Decker (Scott Wolf), a career-hungry news anchor, his exclusive interview with Anna (Morena Baccarin), the leader of the V’s, is crucial to his dominating the airwaves. Also unsure about the Visitors is Father Jack (Joel Gretsch), a priest questioning his faith in the wake of the Visitors’ arrival. Seeking answers outside the church, Father Jack discovers there are other dissidents who believe the Visitors are not who they say they are, including Ryan Nichols (Morris Chestnut), who is faced with his own life-altering decision when the V’s show up. Never has there been more at stake -- it truly is the dawning of a new day.

“V” also stars Lourdes Benedicto as Ryan's fiancée, Valerie, and Laura Vandervoort as Lisa, an alluring Visitor who sets her sights on Tyler.

“V” is produced by The Scott Peters Company and HDFilms in association with Warner Bros. Television. Scott Peters (“The 4400,” “The Outer Limits”), Jeffrey Bell (“Day Break,” “Alias”), Steve Pearlman (“Reunion,” “Related”) and Jace Hall (“F.E.A.R,” “Condemned: Criminal Origins” video games) are executive producers. The pilot was directed by Yves Simoneau (“Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,” “The 4400”).

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=8248

ABC AT TCA: MCPHERSON ON ABDUL, HEIGL AND MORE
By Brian Ford Sullivan (TFC)

LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- "Absolutely," ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson said when asked if he'd welcome former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul to his network's reality franchise "Dancing With the Stars." "I would love to have it. I was a little stunned by the decision, and we would love to have her on "Dancing" and whether it's as a contestant or participant of some sort, judge, et cetera. I think she's a huge talent. I think that there's a lot made about her in terms of who she is, and I think there's a sensitivity and there's kind of an emotion to her that balancing out "Idol." And we'd love to get a piece of that. It would be great."

McPherson was the last of the network chiefs to take the stage at the TCA summer press tour on Saturday. The relatively low-key half-hour saw the executive address the obvious hot button issues of the day - Abdul, Jay Leno and Ben Silverman - as well as Katherine Heigl's less than positive comments about her "Grey's Anatomy" experience.

"I mean, I think it's unfortunate," said about the actress. "It's not something I think you want to let consume you or your people because it is what it is. People are going to behave in the way they choose to behave. You know, I think there are so many people who work unbelievably hard on "Grey's" and all of our shows and go without any notoriety or credit for it. And I just think it's really hard for them to hear it the most. Those are the people I would be the most concerned about, not the public really, but the people who are really busting their tail every day and feeling like they're either being looked down upon or criticized, etc." When asked to speculate about the context of her comments, he added: "I don't know. I'm not going to begin to try to explain someone else's behavior. As I say, it's just unfortunate."

As for Abdul, McPherson noted that he's already reached out to her: "We're friends from way back, so I gave her a call, first and foremost, just to say I was sorry about the situation and also that we'd love to see her on ABC."

Turning to the competition, McPherson says he doesn't "really have a big reaction" to Silverman's exit from NBC. "I think NBC's in transition right now. I think we're all anxious to see what happens with "Leno" and that big primetime move. And then, I haven't had a chance to see a lot of their new development, so I don't have a real competitive sense in terms of that. We all want a vibrant network system. And so, as competitive as we are, Nina [Tassler] and Kevin [Reilly] and I, we want to be great competitors and we want the broadcast business to be really vibrant, so I hope they can get it back there."

As for Leno taking over the 10:00/9:00c hour specifically, he only offered up that "I think they're just two very different strategies. NBC seems to be kind of doing their own thing, and the other networks seem to be kind of following the tradition of trying to put on great material."

Other highlights are as follows:

On the return of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire": "Michael Davies called me, actually, from the set end of last week. And the way the show works, you don't always know what moments you're going to get over the run of it, and we're incredibly excited that he feels we literally have the best million-dollar-moment question that we've had for the entire run of the season -- of the series, including the old show on broadcast."

On pulling the plug on various critical darlings this past season: "I think it's one of the biggest challenges that people in my position face, is, like, how patient can you be? And really, that becomes a question of how much information do you have about the show? Is it being rejected? Is it slowly building? Is it stable at that level? And then, you do, at some point, have to look at how is it affecting the rest of your schedule? How does it affect the overall network? We want to try to be as patient as we can. We feel like, with some pretty ambitious shows, "Pushing Daisies" and stuff, the strike really derailed us, and then we came back and had them on for a little while there. And it's hard. When you have a show that you love and you feel like creatively it's wonderful, there's nothing harder than seeing it not get traction on the air. Canceling shows is the worst part of my job."

On what's happening with "Scrubs" next season: "It's going to be "Scrubs." Somebody mentioned something about a change in title, but we're not changing the title. I think it's going to be different in the sense of the kind of construct of what is going on in terms of hospital versus teaching, et cetera, but you're going to see the same character dynamics that you've seen before. And I think it really is allowing Bill to introduce some new characters and spend some more time with them, some people that were in the show already and that he was excited about, and some new people as well. But you're going to have some of the core. Obviously, Zach's going to be there for a limited period of time. We'll try to convince him as much as we can to get him to do more. But it's going to be the same tonal show, same kind of comedy, same kind of storytelling that you're used to."

On his expectations for "FlashForward": "Well, I mean, we would love to have even a part of the success that "Lost" has had, but they weren't developed in that way. As I think David mentioned, that was a spec script that they had done originally, I think, for HBO, and it became available. And Suzanne Patmore, who was running our drama department at that point at the network, knew about it and had been tracking it and was friends with Jessica, and we were just thrilled to read it. So it wasn't like there was any kind of development of, hey, let's try to make a "Lost" kind of -- the next "Lost" or something. It was really just about great material. And then I think there are similarities in terms of the epic kind of nature of it, the inciting incident, etc. But they're very different shows. I think when you see them unfold, they'll be very different."

On the changes to "Grey's Anatomy" this year: "Well, Katherine is back. I don't think there's any big secret about that. And obviously, T.R. [Knight] has left. But I think, you know, it's a show that's evolving. I think these large ensemble casts, they evolve over time for a variety of reasons: some of them creative, some of them business, some of them just personality issues. But this one really -- we feel like Shonda really hit her stride again at the end of last year. And the early stuff we've seen this year, we're really excited about. We made some additions to the cast last year, and I think you're going to see some more additions this year. I don't foresee any giant other changes that are going on. Ellen [Pompeo] is going to have a baby, which we're all really excited about. So that will probably take her out for a couple episodes, but that really is the big goings-on right now."

On if they'll pick up "Romantically Challenged": "We're really excited about that. Ricky's [Blitt] been someone we've been dying to be in business with. And Alyssa [Milano] as well, is, I just think, fabulous. We, at the eleventh hour, were able to cast Kyle [Bornheimer], who is just phenomenal. So we'll look at that for midseason. Not sure where that would be. Obviously, going with all of our other comedies either on Wednesday or with "Scrubs" and "Better Off Ted." So we'll see where that transpires."

On the decision to pull "Ugly Betty" from Thursday nights last season: "[It] was never canceled at all. We just took it off of Thursday so that we could spell in with "Samantha" and "Motherhood." So that was -- and we have great plans for "Ugly." We think it's terrific. It's staying in New York another year. We'll see where the tax situation goes after that. But I think America and that whole cast and crew is doing some of their best work. If you watched the season last year, creatively it was incredibly strong. So that's the first part."

On how "Private Practice" ended last season: "You know, it's interesting. I think the end of last year of "Private Practice" is really a good lesson for an executive because when I first heard the story with Amy [Brenneman], I was like, "Wow." I was frightened by it. And the response to it, while it has been, you know, polarizing, it really has gained kind of an excitement about the show and her character and the potential for where we could go. I think the fact that it's at 10:00, it can go a little bit edgier. I think we can tell those kind of stories. And I think we want it to be a different show than "Grey's," and we want to grow it. So for me, it was really a lesson to trust great showrunners. Shonda had an idea for it and felt like it would work, and she really executed it. So my hat's off to her."

On the decision to air "Better Off Ted" this summer: "You know, summer was tough in general. We felt like where we wanted to go creatively with the show, we really wanted to get that start. And we've tabled a couple episodes and feel like we're in really good shape there. So I don't know. Hindsight is 20/20. We would have definitely liked a better performance, but I do think we're going to put on really good shows in the fall or, you know, after the "Dancing" run. And I think that's going to speak -- that's going to be what is going to determine whether the show works or not."

Not allowed to do full reviews yet, but I've seen the following Fall 2009 ABC pilots:

Modern Family - As mentioned saw this pilot at upfront and it is perfectly done! Hilarious!!
Flash Forward - Saw the first act (12 min. or so) at upfront...and from what I've seen SO far, this is action-packed and cannot wait to see the full pilot! Lost-like!
The Middle - This is very funny! Not as good as Modern Family, but the family dynamic is so there. The little kid is amazing!
Cougar Town - Wow, very fun. Lots of risque type moments here, not nearly as much though as the early reports indicated. It's all good! Meow!
Eastwick - This REALLY surprised me. I went into this pilot not expecting much, but I liked it. It is well done and has a good mystery, it doesn't take itself seriously. Good cheesy fun. I liked the movie and this pilot is similar to it. This would do so well after DH. I hope ABC previews it after DH the first week.

Still need to see Hank and The Forgotten (and the full pilot for Flash Forward!).

Finally saw the full pilot of FlashForward and the original pilot for Hank. Here are my thoughts:

FlashForward - WOW!!! It gets better and better as it goes on! If you don't know what the "What did you see?" or "Mosaic" or even the 2 minutes & 17 seconds blackout means, you will after watching the pilot! Cannot wait to see this show!
Hank - This was the original pilot with the original kids. Not sure if the reshot pilot will have anything different besides the recasting of the kids...but this pilot was OK. It had some funny moments but it also had some rather dull and generic moments. Hope this gets better.

Still need to see The Forgotten and V pilots...stay tuned for thoughts!

Really looking forward to Flash Forward (wow, that was a non-intended pun lol).

Also, really liking Millionaire on again although I don't like the new time limit thing that they took from the syndication episodes. I thought they would use the original rules.

Shark Tank last night was very interesting and good. Can't wait for next week! One thought, they seem to be making those big decisions awfully fast, is that the editing of the show or is that what really happened? Anyone know?

Really looking forward to Flash Forward (wow, that was a non-intended pun lol).

Also, really liking Millionaire on again although I don't like the new time limit thing that they took from the syndication episodes. I thought they would use the original rules.

Shark Tank last night was very interesting and good. Can't wait for next week! One thought, they seem to be making those big decisions awfully fast, is that the editing of the show or is that what really happened? Anyone know?
I like the new time limit. I can't remember where I read it, but they added it because some people would take 15-20 minutes to answer one question. Of course they would edit it out, but who wants to sit there for 20 minutes waiting for someone to answer?

So with 16 cast members, EP Conrad Green said midway through they will have 3 weeks of double elmiinations on DWTS. If those are the only weeks of 2 eliminations, and ABC sticks to their usual pattern of having 3 people in the finals, that leaves the finale for Dec 1st (I assume the last night of sweeps). SURVIVOR and BIGGEST LOSER go in to the 3rd week of December. Project Runway and other hit realtiy shows are at least 13 week cycles. I don't understand why ABC is so reticent to extend this show beyond 11 weeks. One of their biggest hits and they confine it to 22 weeks max a year with 4 month hiatuses in between. It's not like we don't have ample proof that they fall apart without it in December, so all they would have to do is only have one week of double elminations and end the show on December 15th. Does anyone know why they are so insistent on ending early even with such a large cast. I would think it helps them much more to have 2 more weeks of decent ratings than having the finale in Sweeps. CBS doesn't mind Survivor not ending in Sweeps and they have it as an asset through December. IT's off bascially just January. NBC bascially takes TBL off for 2 weeks at the end of December and it now runs the entire season. They extend the January version to go til May. Anyone have any insight why ABC can't extend each version at least 2 weeks?

Well if they end December 1 this year, that is one more week than normal. Sweeps ends November 25 this year.

I am assuming they are ending December 1st, maybe they will eliminate 2 first week and end Nov 25th, if that is that last day of Sweeps.

But if they are extending it beyond sweeps, all the more reason to go until December 15th. Why don't they?

A lot of people are beating up on ABC for getting record low ratings some weeks this Summer. I give them credit, at least they are trying a lot of different shows that would seem to have potential. The fact that they didn't work is kind of out of their control. They were at least in the ABC brand. I think this has been their best Summer in recent years.

The only things I really don't get is why they didn't rerun WS and Supernanny which each get a 1.0 in reruns (more than a lot of their other shows got).
I really don't undertand how they didn't have a 2 hour WIPEOUT rerun block, when a rerun got a 2.2 on Wednesday a few weeks back. Clearly a rerun followed by an original would have helped their weekly avg.

And I guess I really don't understand why they unlike any other net don't extend their hit reality comp beyond 11 weeks, when this year especially, with 16 contestants, it would lend itself to that. Maybe they will change their mind.

pavan, you were at the episode of Millionaire that aired on Thursday, correct? I was just wondering, when the contestant asked the audience, did you get the questions right?

Yes, I was at Night 5. I got 2 of the 3 Ask the Audience questions right.

Just got caught up on Millionaire, and so far, it's missing it's spark. The time limit works great on the syndicated version, but it's completely dragging down the new primetime version. Part of the magic that the original had was Regis interacting with the contestants, and with the time limit, it all just seems a bit awkward to me. Regis doesn't get to talk to the contestants during the questions, and there's hardly room for comedy.

The ratings aren't bad, the demo's low, but does anyone else think Millionaire could work as a replacement for Shark Tank this fall? At least until November, where maybe Scrubs and Better Off Ted could then return. If they axe the time limit it could work for the timebeing if Shark Tank gets even worse. What they really need is a million dollar winner, though, for any excitement to start up again.

Why is everybody talking down on Shark Tank so much? I liked the pilot and thought of most reality shows it at least is interesting to see people's ideas and how real economists think of them.

DWTS won't be extended past Nov. 24 this season even with 16 celebs, as of now (could change):

August 17, 2009


THE STAGE IS SET FOR 16 NEW STARS TO SHOWCASE THEIR FANCY FOOTWORK
AS “DANCING WITH THE STARS” RETURNS FOR ITS NINTH SEASON,
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 ON ABC

Three-Night Premiere Event Begins Monday, September 21

Two Celebrities Eliminated on Wednesday, September 23

“Dancing with the Stars the Results Show” Premieres in Regular Timeslot on Tuesday, September 29

Macy’s Stars of Dance Returns

Pro Dancer Competition Returns


An all new cast of celebrities hits the dance floor on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” with the highly anticipated two-hour season premiere, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on ABC. With its biggest season yet, “Dancing with the Stars” Season Nine introduces us to 16 new stars, including an Osmond and an Osbourne, two Grammy Award ® winning artists, a Cowboy, a model CEO and a former House Majority Leader.

Eight teams will strut their stuff on Monday night, while the other eight teams will show off their moves on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET). On a special night and time, two couples will learn their fate and be sent home on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET).

Following is the schedule for Season Nine (dates and times subject to change):
• “Dancing with the Stars,” two-hour performance show, MONDAYS beginning, SEPTEMBER 21 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) through NOVEMBER 16
• “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show,” one-hour, TUESDAYS beginning, SEPTEMBER 29 (9:00 –10:00 p.m., ET) through NOVEMBER 17
• “Dancing with the Stars,” 90-minute performance show, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23 (8:30-10:00 p.m., ET)
• Season Finale, two-hours, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET)

“Dancing with the Stars” returns with new surprises and all the elements viewers have come to know and love, including the Pro Dancer Competition, where world class professional dancers have the opportunity to compete live on the “Results Show” for a guaranteed spot on next season’s show. "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." One of the Macy's Stars of Dance performances will be the hugely popular "Design-a-Dance," where fans have the chance to select their favorite professional dancers, dance styles and wardrobe at www.abc.com. In addition, couples will once again take part in a team formation dance, and a variety of new elements will be incorporated into routines involving all couples. Four new dance styles -- the Bolero, the Charleston, the Two Step and the Lambada -- are also going to be introduced. The middle stages of the competition feature the return of the “Dance Off,” where contestants will perform a dance style of their choosing to fight for their spot in the competition, and three consecutive double eliminations promise the most dramatic period of “Dancing with the Stars.”

As announced this morning on “Good Morning America,” the 16 stars making their ballroom dancing debut are:

AARON CARTER -- Triple platinum selling music artist/songwriter, producer, actor and younger brother of Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter, Aaron Carter has established himself worldwide as a pop and teen sensation. Beginning his career at the age of eight, he is currently the youngest solo artist to have four Top 40 singles. He has released four studio albums since 1997, two of which have been certified platinum, and has appeared on several television series, including “Lizzie McGuire” and “7th Heaven,” as well as making his Broadway debut playing JoJo the Who in “Seussical the Musical” in 2001. He sang vocals on soundtracks for Disneymania (“The Lion King”), “Ella Enchanted,” “Pokemon” and “Rugrats the Movie.” In 2006 Carter starred in the E! reality show, “House of Carters,” which featured all five of the Carter siblings living in the same house.

NATALIE COUGHLIN -- Olympic swimming gold medalist Natalie Coughlin is the most decorated female athlete of both the 2008 Beijing and 2004 Athens Games. Coughlin has won a medal in every single Olympic event that she has ever entered, for a total of 11 Olympic medals. In 2008 she became the first American female athlete to win six medals in one Olympiad, in addition to becoming the first woman to win consecutive individual Olympic gold medals in the 100m backstroke. She is also the most decorated female swimmer in World Championship history, with 16 medals. Born and raised in northern California, Coughlin attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a BA in psychology in 2005.

MARK DACASCOS -- Famously known as “The Chairman” and host of Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” Mark Dacascos is also a trained martial artist and an actor. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, his passion for martial arts began at an early age under the tutelage of his parents, who are both former national champions and teachers. After being discovered in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Dacascos began to establish a film and television career playing not only martial artists but a wide arrangement of other characters before joining “Iron Chef America” in 2005. He has appeared in several feature films, including the internationally acclaimed French epic, “Brotherhood of the Wolf,” the cult classic “Only the Strong,” "Cradle to the Grave", opposite Jet Li, “Only the Brave,” “Nomad” and “The Lost Medallion,” to be released later this year.

TOM DELAY -- The former House Majority Leader is a prominent Republican and conservative firebrand. He was first elected to Congress in 1984, and when Republicans took control of the House, his colleagues elected him Majority Whip, and later Majority Leader. His leadership was characterized by his aggressive “Grow the Vote” method of party discipline, where he never lost a vote, leading the Washington Post to nickname him “The Hammer.” He and his wife, Christine, also served as foster parents and founded a community in Texas that serves as a safe, permanent home for abused and neglected children. DeLay is currently president of First Principles LLC, a strategic political consulting firm based in Washington DC and Houston, Texas.

MACY GRAY -- Macy Gray first burst onto the music scene with her debut album, “On How Life Is,” and the hit single “I Try,” both of which went to number one. She has gone on to sell more than 20,000,000 albums worldwide and has won and been nominated for five Grammy Awards and six MTV Video Music Awards. She has collaborated on stage and in the recording studio with some of music’s greatest artists, including Justin Timberlake, Carlos Santana, Erykah Badu, Fergie, will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas), John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) Nas and Natalie Cole. Gray has also appeared in numerous films, including “Spider Man,” “Training Day,” “Idlewild” (with Outkast) and the award-winning HBO Film, “Lackawanna Blues.”

ASHLEY HAMILTON -- Actor, songwriter, comedian and son of former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant George Hamilton, Ashley is a multi-talented, multi-hyphenate with experience in film, comedy and television. An accomplished singer, Ashley had a 2003 top 20 single released by Sony, and as a songwriter co-wrote the top 10 Robbie Williams hit entitled “Come Undone.” He has writing credits for Hillary Duff among other top acts. Hamilton has made various television and film appearances in his career, including a starring role in “Sunset Beach.” Since 2007 he has been performing stand-up comedy at the Laugh Factory, the Hollywood Improv, the Comedy Store and Room 5 in Los Angeles.

MELISSA JOAN HART -- Known for her starring roles in the television series “Clarissa Explains It All” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” Melissa Joan Hart began her career at the early age of four with television commercials and various television appearances. She starred in the film “Drive Me Crazy” alongside “Entourage’s” Adrian Grenier, as well as the ABC Family Original Movie “Holiday in Handcuffs,” opposite “Dancing with the Stars” alumnus Mario Lopez, which was the highest rated program in the history of the network. In 2009 Hart starred in another ABC Family Original Movie, “My Fake Fiancé” that also garnered huge ratings. In 1993 she started her own production company, Hartbreak Films, and is set to release her first thriller film, “Nine Dead,” to DVD in January 2010. Hart and husband Mark Wilkerson are the proud parents of two sons, Mason, age three, and Braydon, 17 months.
KATHY IRELAND -- Kathy Ireland the super model is now wife, mother of three, author, Sunday school teacher and fashion CEO of kathy ireland Worldwide® (KIWW)®. Forbes, Newsweek and the Wall Street Journal celebrate KIWW® as a $1.4 billion design empire. Ireland powerfully supports many non-profits, including the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation, Feed the Children and the Alliance for Christian Education. UCLA has named her as one of the Top Ten Women’s Health Advocates in America.

MICHAEL IRVIN -- Regarded as one of the most successful wide receivers in the history of the NFL, former Dallas Cowboy Michael Irvin is a three-time Super Bowl champion and former broadcaster for ESPN’s “NFL Countdown.” Known as “The Playmaker” and one of “The Triplets” alongside fellow Cowboys Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, Irvin was a recipient of the Dallas Cowboys’ Ring of Honor in 2005. In 2007 he was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame and has appeared in various television shows, as well as co-starring in “The Longest Yard” with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. Last fall Irvin executive-produced/hosted the reality TV series “4th and Long” for Spike TV, in which one football hopeful was given a shot at making the Dallas Cowboys roster. Most recently he appeared on the Hall of Fame inductions on the NFL Network, and he hosts his own radio show in Dallas for ESPN Radio.

JOANNA KRUPA -- Polish-born Joanna Krupa was born in Warsaw and raised in Chicago. After high school she moved to LA to pursue a career in modeling and acting. Her hard work and positive spirit led her to become one of the most requested models/covergirls in the world. PETA’s “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign featuring Krupa became a phenomenon. She’s been featured in E!’s The Sexiest as one of the sexiest women in the world. In 2009 she was selected as the cover model for Ocean Drive magazine, and Maxim voted her among their TOP 100 women in the world. Film and TV credits include “Six Days in Paradise,” due in the fall, “Ripple Effect,” “Las Vegas” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” Most recently she competed in ABC’s “The Superstars,” teaming with Buffalo Bills NFL star Terrell Owens.

CHUCK LIDDELL -- Chuck Liddell is the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and the icon of Mixed Martial Arts -- the fastest growing sport in America. In 1998 he won his first UFC Mixed Martial Arts fight. Soon after, Liddell rose through the ranks to become the light-heavyweight champion of the world. In July of 2009, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. He is tied for the most wins by a UFC fighter, with 16, and also holds the most knockout wins with 10. In 2008 Liddell penned his autobiography, Iceman: My Fighting Life, which quickly became a New York Times bestseller. He has a BA in Business/Accounting from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he also wrestled.

DEBI MAZAR –- Debi Mazar’s feature film debut in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” set the stage for an extensive career in both television and film. She has consistently worked with notable directors -- including Oliver Stone, Spike Lee, Woody Allen, Michael Mann and Joel Schumacher -- often portraying a sharp-tongued New Yorker in both dramas and comedy. Her television credits include “Friends,” “Ugly Betty” and her own sitcom, CBS’ “Temporarily Yours.” Mazar presently stars as publicist Shauna on HBO’s hit series “Entourage.” She also co-hosts “Under the Tuscan Gun,” a successful internet show focused on Tuscan cuisine, with her husband. The couple have two young daughters and presently reside in both Los Angeles and Tuscany, Italy.

MYA -- Grammy Award ® winning multi-platinum artist Mya, became a star at the age of 18 with her eponymous debut album which yielded three Top 10 singles. In addition to releasing five full length albums, one of which went platinum and another gold, she starred in the acclaimed film “Chicago.” Since then Mya has appeared in several other movies and signed a modeling contract. Her fourth and fifth studio albums, “Liberation” and “Sugar & Spice,” respectively, have been released in Japan, and her sixth studio album is due to be released on her independent label. A longtime advocate for young women, Mya founded The Mya Arts & Tech Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing disadvantaged youth growth and opportunity through arts & technology education, where she serves as both executive director and teacher.

KELLY OSBOURNE –- A singer, actress and media personality, Kelly Osbourne’s father is rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, and her mother is well-known TV personality Sharon Osbourne. Kelly got her start at the age of 16 in the first-ever “celebrity reality” TV show, “The Osbournes,” with her famous family, which garnered an Emmy Award ® for Outstanding Reality Program in 2002. That same year, Kelly released her debut music album, “Shut Up!,” which included a cover of Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach.” Her second album, “Sleeping in Nothing,” was released in 2005 with its first single, “One Word,” hitting No. 1 on all three Billboard Dance charts simultaneously. She made her dramatic acting debut in a starring role on the ABC series “Life As We Know It”. In recent years Osbourne has worked primarily in the UK, where she’s done theatre (including a successful run in “Chicago” in London’s West End in 2007), hosted her own weekly radio show on BBC Radio and presented numerous UK TV projects, including “Project Catwalk,” the UK’s version of “Project Runway.”
DONNY OSMOND –- Donny Osmond won the hearts of millions as both a member of the Osmonds and, with his sister (and "Dancing with the Stars" alumna) Marie, as the youngest co-hosts in primetime history on the iconic ABC variety series, "The Donny & Marie Show." He and Marie are currently performing at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel through 2012. For nearly five decades, Donny has been a singer, musician, Broadway and film actor, talk show and game show host, bestselling author, and even a champion race car driver.
LOUIE VITO -- Professional snowboarder Louie Vito is among the U.S.’ elite snowboarders favored to make the 2010 Olympic team. Competing in both the Pipe and Slopestyle disciplines, Vito continues to train for the Grand Prix qualifying. The 21 year-old native of Bellefontaine, OH turned pro in 2006 and has competed in multiple Winter X-Games competitions. He is also a two-time winner of the USSA Grand Prix Halfpipe Series.

Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday and Tuesday night during and up to 30 minutes after the “Dancing with the Stars” performance shows. AT&T subscribers may also text message their votes by texting the word “VOTE” and entering the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (standard text message rates apply). Viewers may also vote online at www.abc.com starting from the opening of each episode on the East Coast and until 12:00 Noon, ET the following day.

Hosted by Tom Bergeron (“America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and Samantha Harris (“The Insider”) the celebrities will perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

“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 and Spanish audio via SAP.

About BBC Worldwide Productions:
BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). In the U.S., BBC Worldwide Productions, one of BBC Worldwide’s seven core businesses, is based in Los Angeles and New York. It is responsible for the smash hit “Dancing with the Stars” and develops scripted and non-scripted projects for U.S. cable and broadcast networks.

So glad Shark Tank's numbers went up last night. It was really compelling.

• “Dancing with the Stars,” 90-minute performance show, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23 (8:30-10:00 p.m., ET)

That`s an unusual start time...would they be planning the launch of Romantically Challenge`at 8pm or some other new sitcom...interesting. That would be better than after I think since most people are use too tune in at 8pm and will most likely stay on even if they have to wait 30 minutes...more anyway that after where they could easily leave right away.

That`s an unusual start time...would they be planning the launch of Romantically Challenge`at 8pm or some other new sitcom...interesting. That would be better than after I think since most people are use too tune in at 8pm and will most likely stay on even if they have to wait 30 minutes...more anyway that after where they could easily leave right away.

I noticed that too - launching Romantically Challenged on this night would actually be a great idea, but would they launch it then and continue airing it in the slot, or launch it as a preview and continue airing it in midseason?

Launching Romantically Challenged at 8pm is certainly possible for Nov. 23. I kept suggesting to ABC to air the sitcom at 8 instead of 9:30. Hope they do it. If not, not sure what will air at 8 that night. Maybe a brief recap of DWTS. They also have that new Dance show (Let's Dance) coming in late November/early December.

Anyone think it might be cool to preempt PRIMETIME on Wed and run an encore of this week's Shark Tank after WIPEOUT? No other reality competition in that slot and No real dominant show.

Pavan,

Did Abc run CRASH COURSE and SHark Tank promos during WIPEOUT tonight ?

Pavan,

Did Abc run CRASH COURSE and SHark Tank promos during WIPEOUT tonight ?

I saw I think 2 for Crash Course, but dont recall any for Shark Tank unless I missed them. They did a sneak preview for it during Millionaire, though.

Thanks Julie

There were promos for Shark Tank during WWTBAM and Primetime. Crash Course got one during the Wipeout repeat.

Heads up: New season promo of Grey's Anatomy will premiere during Night 10 (Thursday) of Millionaire towards the end of the show. And on Sunday during the finale (Night 11) you'll see a new season promo premiere for Desperate Housewives also towards the end of the show. The DH promo will also air during Shark Tank.

Tonight ABC is finally showing the episode of Millionaire that I attended the taping of. If I get shown, I'm sitting behind Regis, in the last row. They were only three rows, so there's a slight chance I'd be seen.

I was the one wearing a brown buttoned down shirt and blue jeans. If I get on, I'll take a screenshot!

I still have to catch up on the last two nights of Millionaire!

Not allowed to do full reviews yet, but I've seen the following Fall 2009 ABC pilots:

Modern Family - As mentioned saw this pilot at upfront and it is perfectly done! Hilarious!!
Flash Forward - Saw the first act (12 min. or so) at upfront...and from what I've seen SO far, this is action-packed and cannot wait to see the full pilot! Lost-like!
The Middle - This is very funny! Not as good as Modern Family, but the family dynamic is so there. The little kid is amazing!
Cougar Town - Wow, very fun. Lots of risque type moments here, not nearly as much though as the early reports indicated. It's all good! Meow!
Eastwick - This REALLY surprised me. I went into this pilot not expecting much, but I liked it. It is well done and has a good mystery, it doesn't take itself seriously. Good cheesy fun. I liked the movie and this pilot is similar to it. This would do so well after DH. I hope ABC previews it after DH the first week.

Still need to see Hank and The Forgotten (and the full pilot for Flash Forward!).


Finally saw the full pilot of FlashForward and the original pilot for Hank. Here are my thoughts:

FlashForward - WOW!!! It gets better and better as it goes on! If you don't know what the "What did you see?" or "Mosaic" or even the 2 minutes & 17 seconds blackout means, you will after watching the pilot! Cannot wait to see this show!
Hank - This was the original pilot with the original kids. Not sure if the reshot pilot will have anything different besides the recasting of the kids...but this pilot was OK. It had some funny moments but it also had some rather dull and generic moments. Hope this gets better.

Still need to see The Forgotten and V pilots...stay tuned for thoughts!

I finally got around to see the V pilot. That was GREAT! Between FlashForward and Modern Family, and now V...ABC has a very solid season of new shows coming up. This is right up there in the best of the new shows. Elizabeth Mitchell is great in this. This is spooky and mysterious. I loved Invasion, but V starts off MUCH faster in pace. Too bad we have to wait until Nov. 3!

Still need to see The Forgotten pilot (but that isn't my type of show).

If I had to give letter grades: FlashForward, Modern Family and V gets A's...The Middle and Cougar Town get A-...Eastwick gets a B (but very intrigued by the show)...and Hank gets a C.

The season premiere of "Grey's Anatomy" will now be a two-hour premiere from 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT on Thursday, September 24, 2009.

I finally got around to see the V pilot. That was GREAT! Between FlashForward and Modern Family, and now V...ABC has a very solid season of new shows coming up. This is right up there in the best of the new shows. Elizabeth Mitchell is great in this. This is spooky and mysterious. I loved Invasion, but V starts off MUCH faster in pace. Too bad we have to wait until Nov. 3!

Still need to see The Forgotten pilot (but that isn't my type of show).

If I had to give letter grades: FlashForward, Modern Family and V gets A's...The Middle and Cougar Town get A-...Eastwick gets a B (but very intrigued by the show)...and Hank gets a C.

Is there any possibility that ABC can move the premier for V up by a few weeks say Oct 13. The haven't had much success the past two seasons with late starting premieres and this one will come at the start of sweeps which will make it that much harder for V to due well. If Shark Tank continues to build in the coming weeks, I still see it taking a big hit on Tuesday's and it probably would do better elsewhere on the schedule.

I guess it all depends on Shark Tank. If it does a 1.8 or above in 18-49 ABC will keep it I bet through Oct. 27 and have V premiere on Nov. 3. But if it doesn't, maybe V would premiere earlier...though I thought I heard that only 4 episodes are airing until it returns in 2010 (with Lost maybe?).

I think ABC pulled the Grey's promo during WWTBAM tonight. So don't expect to see it now. Instead ABC will air a 1 minute FlashForward promo (it was scheduled for :30 and :30 Grey's).

ABC Local Affiliate Fall 2009 Preview Special
Can be aired between September 5-20, 2009 (affiliate exclusive clearance window is September 5-6, then could air on ABC cable nets)

The fall preview special is about ABC’s new Wednesday night comedies and the most talked about new drama this season, “Flash Forward.” The special will also include material about the two new 10pm dramas: “Eastwick” and “The Forgotten” as well as the returning hit drama, “Castle.”

This ABC Affiliate Special will introduce viewers to character descriptions, storylines and recaps of last season and provide a sneak peek at the new season ahead! ABC: Start here!

It starts airing this weekend! ABC has titled it ABC Fall Preview Open House. More info:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/09/network-tv-fall-preview-specials-for.html

I know I will be watching This coming Saturday at 6:30 pm CT Time

Wow! Nice lineup and its pretty packed. I wonder if there is a site that shoes the lineup for all the TV stations. More like an online cable guide probably. :)

“Shark Tank” is now scheduled to air on Tuesday, September 8 & 15, 2009 at 8:00 PM ET/PT instead of encores of Shaq Vs. Shaq Vs. will continue to air new episodes at 9:00 PM ET/PT.

These episodes of "Shark Tank" will be encore presentations of the Sunday telecasts. The series will move to Tuesdays at 8:00 PM ET/PT beginning Tuesday, September 29, 2009, as previously announced.

Tues at 8p is way too competetive now. I would run the extra ST Sun at 10pm. Tues at 8p the next 2 weeks, I would schedule WIPEOUT reruns.

I'm still surprised ABC is going ahead with airing Shark Tank on Tuesdays. if they didn't stick with Opportunity Knocks, why are they sticking with this?

Because Shark Tank is showing promise. It is doing fine for summer where viewership is lower and the series getting high praise, unlike Opportunity Knocks. What is the big deal in it getting a shot on Tuesdays in the fall? It'll only be for 5 weeks before V launches.

Anyway, some news:

Friday, September 25
8:00pm Flash Forward (R, 9/24)
9:00pm Modern Family (R, 9/23)
9:30pm Cougar Town (R, 9/23)

Friday, October 2 will also have various encores from that week (to be announced soon), before Ugly Betty launches its new season on Oct. 9.

Also, next week the scheduled repeat of Wipeout will be replaced with a special all-new episode...from 'down under':

IS THAT THE SOUND OF THUNDER DOWN UNDER?
NOPE, IT'S PEOPLE SMACKING OFF AUSSIE BIG BALLS!

Wipeout Hosts John Henson and John Anderson Show Americans How Aussies
Bounce in a U.S. Spectacular!!

"Episode 217" (Australia) - G'day America... The Johns go down under after receiving an opportunity to host this unique Australian version of "Wipeout," which we wanted to share with our audiences as part of the WIPE Program, the Wipeout International Presenter Exchange. This Aussie-filled hour will feature native mates and ladies bouncing off Big Balls, among other over-the-top obstacles in the outback. "Wipeout," which is seen in 25 countries, will surely delight viewers with one of the most spectacular sweeper wipeouts ever seen in Wipeout history! This special version of, "Wipeout" will air WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 (8:00-9:02 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

The season finale is still scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 8:00 p.m., ET.

Because Shark Tank is showing promise. It is doing fine for summer where viewership is lower and the series getting high praise, unlike Opportunity Knocks. What is the big deal in it getting a shot on Tuesdays in the fall? It'll only be for 5 weeks before V launches.

Anyway, some news:

Friday, September 25
8:00pm Flash Forward (R, 9/24)
9:00pm Modern Family (R, 9/23)
9:30pm Cougar Town (R, 9/23)

Friday, October 2 will also have various encores from that week (to be announced soon), before Ugly Betty launches its new season on Oct. 9.

I expected those encores on Fri, I dont get why they are not switched. FF was on at 8p the night before, so why not switch it to 9p, Fri night. Also GW will be the highest rated show of the night and is similar in tone to FF. I would put comedies on at 8p and FF at 9p. I assume it's because they feel 8:30 is too early for CT. BY airing FF at 9p, it's conceiveable that some people will switch to it after GW. I feel like airing at 8p is a missed opportunity for other viewers.

Because Shark Tank is showing promise. It is doing fine for summer where viewership is lower and the series getting high praise, unlike Opportunity Knocks. What is the big deal in it getting a shot on Tuesdays in the fall? It'll only be for 5 weeks before V launches.

Anyway, some news:

Friday, September 25
8:00pm Flash Forward (R, 9/24)
9:00pm Modern Family (R, 9/23)
9:30pm Cougar Town (R, 9/23)

Friday, October 2 will also have various encores from that week (to be announced soon), before Ugly Betty launches its new season on Oct. 9.

Shark Tank is showing very little promise. It lost over a million viewers from the 2nd half hour of an EM:HE repeat last Sunday, with very little competition. It's demo is okay . . . for summer, not for the fall on a Tuesday night, especially when ABC could just schedule DWTS recaps for 5 weeks and see better ratings.

Shark Tank is showing very little promise. It lost over a million viewers from the 2nd half hour of an EM:HE repeat last Sunday, with very little competition. It's demo is okay . . . for summer, not for the fall on a Tuesday night, especially when ABC could just schedule DWTS recaps for 5 weeks and see better ratings.
It's going to sink opposite BL and NCIS in the fall and they need that time slot to at least be competitive when V premieres.

It's going to sink opposite BL and NCIS in the fall and they need that time slot to at least be competitive when V premieres.

That's another good point - even against Dance it wont do all that great. Coming in to the season late could end up being a problem for V, which sounds very good.

Shark Tank airing in the same timeslot as V doesn't mean anything for V. V will have ample amount of promotion in October during ABC's big guns of Grey's, DH, Dancing, and even FlashForward. V will be labeled "event television" since it will be 6 episodes in November/early December.

If ABC can get a 1.8 demo (what it is doing NOW in lower levels of summer) from Shark Tank still in the slot for those 5 weeks they will take it. It's not expected to beat NCIS or Biggest Loser. A Dancing recap would do a bit less than a 1.8 demo.

As for not showing promised, that's not true. Its series low was the premiere and it has gone up since and then remained steady. It may not have held the entire Home Edition viewers, but it held 100% of the demo and continued to grow throughout the hour. EH: HE and ST don't share the same audience.

Back to news... ABC has scheduled a special edition of Primetime: Family Secrets - Jon Gosselin for Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 10PM instead of Primetime: The Outsiders. This is a Chris Cuomo exclusive. Also, President Obama is expected to address the nation on Health Care next Wednesday (Sept. 9) at either 8 or 9PM ET (I bet at 8). Expect ABC to preempt Primetime: Crime if that occurs.

Shark Tank airing in the same timeslot as V doesn't mean anything for V. V will have ample amount of promotion in October during ABC's big guns of Grey's, DH, Dancing, and even FlashForward. V will be labeled "event television" since it will be 6 episodes in November/early December.

If ABC can get a 1.8 demo (what it is doing NOW in lower levels of summer) from Shark Tank still in the slot for those 5 weeks they will take it. It's not expected to beat NCIS or Biggest Loser. A Dancing recap would do a bit less than a 1.8 demo.

As for not showing promised, that's not true. Its series low was the premiere and it has gone up since and then remained steady. It may not have held the entire Home Edition viewers, but it held 100% of the demo and continued to grow throughout the hour. EH: HE and ST don't share the same audience.

Back to news... ABC has scheduled a special edition of Primetime: Family Secrets - Jon Gosselin for Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 10PM instead of Primetime: The Outsiders. This is a Chris Cuomo exclusive. Also, President Obama is expected to address the nation on Health Care next Wednesday (Sept. 9) at either 8 or 9PM ET (I bet at 8). Expect ABC to preempt Primetime: Crime if that occurs.

Good points made. It'll be interesting to see if the viewers follow over to Tuesdays once the season begins.

And another Obama press conference? This has got to be like the 6th one we've had since Obama took office. I don't think Bush had that many his entire 8 years in the White House ;) Seriously, though, it's annoying to viewers and I'm sure to the networks how he schedules these things for last minute.

As I mentioned, ABC will air a Presidential News special on Wednesday, September 9 at 8pm ET (5pm PT) for President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress as well as the Republican response which will follow. Coverage will run from 8-9pm ET.
Charles Gibson will anchor the special from New York. George Stephanopoulous from Washington will provide analysis. Further details will be provided next week.

For East/Central, an all-new Wipeout will air at 9/8 central and Primetime Crime will remain at 10/9 central. Crash Course will be preempted.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Eastern/Central:
8:00PM ET/7:00PM CT ABC NEWS SPECIAL: A Presidential Address to Congress and Republican Response (Live)
9:00PM ET/8:00PM CT Wipeout (All-New, Special Time)
10:02PM ET/9:02PM CT Primetime: Crime (All-New)

Mountain:
6:00PM MT ABC NEWS SPECIAL: A Presidential Address to Congress and Republican Response (Live)
7:00PM MT Wipeout (All-New)
8:02PM MT Wipeout (MT/PT Only, Repeat)
9:02PM MT Primetime: Crime (All-New)

Pacific:
5:00PM PT ABC NEWS SPECIAL: A Presidential Address to Congress and Republican Response (Live)
6:00PM PT Local News or ABC World News with Charles Gibson
6:30PM PT Local News or ABC World News with Charles Gibson
7:00PM PT Local Programming
8:00PM PT Wipeout (All-New)
9:02PM PT Wipeout (MT/PT Only, Repeat)
10:02PM PT Primetime: Crime (All-New!)

Some ABC inside info for 2009-2010:

- ABC is heaviily banking on Modern Family and FlashForward--the two biggest launch priorities.
- 2009 could be like 2004, when ABC launched Lost, Desperate, Grey's, and Dancing in one calendar year.
- Combo 1:00 minute promo for ABC Sunday (Home Edition/Desperate/B&S) starts airing this Sunday.
- Combo 1:00 minute promo for ABC Thursday (Sept. 24) (FlashForward/Grey's) starts airing this coming Thursday.
- Returning series promos for Dancing, Desperate, Grey's, Private, Betty, Brothers & Sisters, Castle, and Home Edition have already started airing.
- First V promo will air during the FlashForward premiere on Sept. 24. V will air as a "6 episode event" in November/early December before returning in early 2010.
- FlashForward already has an ending for the season mapped out, as well as plans for upcoming seasons. So this show could be headed the same path as Lost, if it succeeds, with a concrete plan and end date.
- Two-hour Grey's Anatomy premiere is designed to dent The Mentalist's premiere at 10pm on CBS, which is the show ABC is most worried about on any of the competing netwoks.
- Grey's will also have three different cross-overs with Private Practice this season, including one very early on.
- ABC is not worried about The Jay Leno Show. When the competition starts the week of Sept. 21, Leno will be out of the picture ratings wise. Even NBC looks like is expecting under a 2 A18-49 demo rating because they will give Leno a bonus if he gets more than a 2 demo. Talk about low expectations!
- Castle is getting buzz finally and ABC expects it to grow with two-hour Dancing as lead-ins each week now. Expect some cross-over episodes with Dancing judges and/or celebs to guest star on Castle.
- The Forgotten pilot was reshot, recast and rewritten and now ABC is very happy with the end result.
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is not expected to air in primetime next season (or beyond). (Big bummer :( )
- ABC plans to air lots of comedy as counterprogramming vs. the Winter Olympics in February 2010. Scrubs, Better Off Ted, Romantically Challenged are among the comedies to air, along with the fall Comedy Wednesday comedies (should they work).
- No Lost roll-out info yet, but 18 hours will air. They haven't decided yet if it will be a two-hour premiere or not.
- Next summer ABC will keep the Monday romance (Bachelorette/Dating in the Dark or Newlyweds) and action-comedy in Wipeout (most likely Wednesdays) in tact, but they will be developing scripted dramas for summer for as many as 2-3 nights with a launch during May sweep. Expect the dramas to be in the same vein as Desperate Housewives. Less repeats next summer as they are not working (like Grey's).

Wow, lots of info here. Seems like ABC is very confident about next season, and they should. If everything works, they should be able to have a VERY successful season. Interesting about the comedies against the Winter Olympics. ABC has limited timeslots for midseason, especially if all their new shows work. Their only open slot would be Tuesdays at 9pm for the comedies, with maybe Romantically Challanged going to 9:30 if The Bachelor is only 90 minutes. And they need to make room for Lost.

Sad to hear about Millionaire, but glad to hear they're doing scripted programming next summer. The reality didn't seem to work so well this summer, so I'm hoping we can get another show like Swingtown on ABC next summer.

As long as ABC doesn't run ANY new episodes of their scripted hits during the Olympics, then whatever they run will be fine. Honestly, at this point, nothing on network TV comes close to what the Olympics get (maybe IDOL), whereas in 2005 their hits like DH and GA were getting 10's in 18-49. So it means they can run more consecutive eps without reruns from March-May.

If I were ABC I would do to THE BACHELOR what they did for BACHELORETTE - have 30 bachelorettes, thereby extending the run from 9-11eps (or even 12). This way, the weeks during the Olympics they can have 2 hour eps on Monday and Thursday (for those 2 weeks) and they can premiere DWTS first week in March right after the Olympics.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009
10:01PM Special Edition of "Primetime: Family Secrets" (replacing Primetime: The Outsiders)

Wednesday, September 16, 2009
10:01PM "Primetime: The Outsiders" (replacing Primetime: Crime)

Friday, October 2, 2009
8:00PM FlashForward (R, 10/1)
9:00PM The Forgotten (R, 9/29)

Hank and The Middle would be better choices for encores than The Forgotten, which will live up to its title.

Hank and The Middle would be better choices for encores than The Forgotten, which will live up to its title.

I agree. Or, since FF will be repeated the prior Friday, Hank/The Middle should air instead. I'm disappointed that ABC isn't repeating them, as they could both use it.

Secret Millionnaire coming to ABC

ABC orders 'Secret Millionaire' episodes
Fox passed on reality series renewal
By Nellie Andreeva

Sept 10, 2009, 06:01 PM ET

ABC is ordering six episodes of "Secret Millionaire," the network confirmed Thursday.

The show, based on an U.K. format, features wealthy benefactors living incognito in impoverished communities until they reveal their real identities and donate large sums to the needy.

"Secret Millionaire," produced by RDF USA, had a limited run on Fox in December but wasn't renewed for a second cycle.

It's considered a better fit for ABC, whose reality slate is built on feel-good fare.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i050aed23d9fdf6b3f28935326016bba5

Secret Millionnaire coming to ABC



http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i050aed23d9fdf6b3f28935326016bba5

Maybe ABC should consider airing this instead of Shark Tank, if they could get the episodes taped in time. Actually, it would probably be a better fit with DWTS and might hold up better in the hour.

Or, they could just save it until December like they'll probably do.

Special Edition of "Primetime: Family Secrets" will no longer air tomorrow night, instead we will have:

Tuesday, September 15, 2009
10:01PM The Barbara Walters Special: Patrick Swayze - The Last Dance

Special Edition of "Primetime: Family Secrets" will now air Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 10:01PM instead of "Primetime: The Outsiders."

As I mentioned a few weeks back, look for V promos tonight during FLASHFORWARD. You'll see three of them, two 15 seconds and one 45 seconds. And ABC will give you a 3 minute promo for FLASHFORWARD for next week (and perhaps future episodes) at the end of the show! Make sure you watch FF tonight and not Friday, because none of these V and FF long promos will be on the Friday encore.

New 'V' promo

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/09/24/exclusive-first-look-abcs-new-v-promo/

I watched FlashForward tonight, and really enjoyed it. My husband loves sci-fi, and he loved the show. This was in my local paper today.


Hot ‘Flash’: Future looks bright for ABC’s sci-fi thriller

By Mark A. Perigard / Review | Thursday, September 24, 2009 | http://www.bostonherald.com (http://news.bostonherald.com/) | Television Reviews (http://news.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/reviews/)

http://multimedia.heraldinteractive.com/images/ae9b38238e_24flas1.jpg

FlashForward: A

The best new show of fall, “FlashForward” is a twisty thriller with a simple, irresistible premise.

Every single person on the planet blacks out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds. During that altered state, each experiences a vision of life six months in the future.

What would you do if you knew your destiny? Would you embrace it? Or would you wreck your life trying to change it? And what possibly could be behind this bizarre phenomenon?

In the opening moments of this new drama from David S. Goyer (co-writer of “The Dark Knight”), FBI agents Mark Benford (Joseph Fiennes, “Shakespeare in Love”) and Demetri Noh (John Cho, “Star Trek”) careen across a Los Angeles highway, chasing possible terrorists.

Across the city, Mark’s wife, Olivia (Sonya Walger), is about to operate on a patient. On a beach boardwalk, her colleague Bryce (Zachary Knighton) is about to blow his brains out. The Benford babysitter, Nicole (Peyton List), is having sex with her boyfriend on the family couch while their daughter Charlie (Lennon Wynn) sleeps upstairs.

And then . . . Mark awakens in his overturned van. The highway - and indeed the entire city - have been transformed into something out of a postapocalyptic nightmare. (Be warned: The 9/11-style imagery may be too intense for some.)

Mark and his colleagues deduce that just about everyone had a glimpse of what they will be doing on April 29, 2010 at 10 p.m. Pacific time.

There are disturbing revelations for almost everyone, and no, I won’t spoil them. Let’s just say that while one person is almost deliriously happy, others are left shaken - or terrified.

Says Charlie, “I had a bad dream. I dreamt there are no more good days.”
By episode’s end, there is even the first hint as to what might be responsible for the global blackout.

With “Lost” winding down, ABC is smart to launch a new sci-fi mystery. This, however, immediately seems much more accessible and would seem to have a built-in end date to resolve at least one phase of its core mystery.

Fiennes, better known for English costume dramas, makes a compelling protagonist, believable as a tightly wound agent who struggles to maintain his sobriety and his family. Both look to be tested in extraordinary ways.
In another savvy move, the show adds “Lost” veteran Dominic Monaghan to the cast next week.

The oddest casting decision - and it was a doubletake for this viewer - has to be the cameo of “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane as an FBI agent. His role apparently isn’t confined to tonight’s episode; his acting will have you wishing he stayed in cartoons.

Every season there seems to be one water-cooler show everyone ends up talking about. “FlashForward” is it: Get in on the first episode.

Series premiere tonight at 8 on WCVB (Ch. 5).

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/reviews/view.bg?articleid=1199535 (http://news.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/reviews/view.bg?articleid=1199535)

Flash Forward was AMAZING. That may have been the best pilot I've ever seen and I know that first 18 minutes was the best ever. I was riveted throughout and never even looked at the clock. I'm expecting huge ratings.

and speaking of ratings, Modern Family and Cougar Town both got off to awesome starts last night, highest-rated comedy premieres on any network in 2 years, Modern Family grew out of DWTS in the demo and Cougar Town grew out of Modern Family. :eek: I LOVED Cougar Town but was indifferent on Modern Family. I am cautiously optimistic ABC may finally have a comedy block that works. Next week will be a big test... but I think as long as they can maintain around 10 million it will be a success.

Unfortunately, I didn't feel the same on Flash Forward - I found the first 15 minutes extremely slow and boring, and ended up switching back to Survivor after the third commercial. Ratings were okay, but nothing special. Loved the comedies, though. Fantastic ratings and fantastic episodes for both of them.

Unfortunately, I didn't feel the same on Flash Forward - I found the first 15 minutes extremely slow and boring, and ended up switching back to Survivor after the third commercial.

Wow, we really didn't see the same show. The first 15 minutes were intense, amazing television. Very feature film like. LOVE IT.

Best new show in the last 2-3 years for me

Wow, we really didn't see the same show. The first 15 minutes were intense, amazing television. Very feature film like. LOVE IT.

Best new show in the last 2-3 years for me

Actually, I'm inclined to take back my initial opinion - I'm watching it again right now, and for some reason, I'm totally intrigued this time around. Maybe it was just because I was busy last night or totally into Survivor, but I'm loving Flash Forward now. It may be a show I need to DVR or watch online.

I was disappointed by Flash Forward's ratings. I expected at least 15 million.

So apparently ABC will air four episodes of V and then send it to hiatus til March? Did ABC learn nothing from the strike in 2007? You cannot put new shows on hiatus!!!!!! :rolleyes: Tuesday at 8 is a horrible timeslot as well.

I was disappointed by Flash Forward's ratings. I expected at least 15 million.

So apparently ABC will air four episodes of V and then send it to hiatus til March? Did ABC learn nothing from the strike in 2007? You cannot put new shows on hiatus!!!!!! :rolleyes: Tuesday at 8 is a horrible timeslot as well.

the ratings for FF were kind of disappointing. For the biggest premiere of the season, 12 million really isn't as good as I thought it would pull.

With V, I think it may sound good, and mit may have good buzz, but its doomed. For one, its up against the highest rated show on the air right now, NCIS. For two, the timeslot will be warmed up by the low-rated Shark Tank. And third, airing 4 episodes then going on a 3 month hiatus? What kind of scheduling plan is that? Like you said, hiatuses have a history of not working out.

the ratings for FF were kind of disappointing. For the biggest premiere of the season, 12 million really isn't as good as I thought it would pull.

With V, I think it may sound good, and mit may have good buzz, but its doomed. For one, its up against the highest rated show on the air right now, NCIS. For two, the timeslot will be warmed up by the low-rated Shark Tank. And third, airing 4 episodes then going on a 3 month hiatus? What kind of scheduling plan is that? Like you said, hiatuses have a history of not working out.


I don't understand this confusion regarding the scheduling of "V". During the upfronts back in May when ABC announced their fall schedule they stated "V" was considered a limited special event series. I think the show will air during sweeps or in different time periods to eliminate repeat programming and if successful, no more than five episodes at a time would air.

Points From the May Upfront news conference:

- V will air in four distinct arcs throughout the season, with a beginning, middle and end.

- "ABC and Warner Bros. TV have a four-part plan for “V,” which could wind up airing as a mix of 13-episode and 22-episode seasons.
“There will be a beginning, middle and end,” McPherson said."

Not 100% yet, but It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is tentatively slated for Tuesday, October 27, 2009 in the 8pm hour. Shark Tank's finale is set for Tuesday, October 20 in that hour.

Personally, I think ABC should re-air Modern Family episode two and The Middle's pilot episode this Tuesday (Oct. 6) in the 8pm hour instead of Shark Tank...who knows they could do a 2.0 rating at least in 18-49 (and more sampling for The Middle). Then for Oct. 13 and Oct. 20 maybe a recap of DWTS could air. Decent numbers last night for ABC comedies, especially Modern Family and Cougar Town week two. Hank and The Middle were decent in the ratings, but a bit lower than expected in 18-49. The Middle could have been hurt by the older-skewing Hank.

I agree re: The MIDDLE being hurt by HANK. HANK is really the odd man out. I agree about the comedies on Tues, But i'd be fine with MF and CT at 8p Tues too. There are no comedies in that slot.

Is there a V promo tonight during FF?

No V promos tonight.

-Expect some cross-over episodes with Dancing judges and/or celebs to guest star on Castle.

??? how the heck are they going to do a crossover between a scripted drama and a reality dance show?

i didn't really get into Flash Forward, i changed it somewhere in the middle

didn't watch Hank or the Middle, might check them out later.

didn't like the other two comedies - apparently I can't stand that - Ty Burrell guy on Modern Family, and I have a much lower threshold of tolerance for Courtney Cox than i thought

They could either appear as themselves or as other characters. It wouldn't be a true cross-over, but close enough.

Is it the season or series finale of Shark Tank? (has it been renewed)

Sorry, just got on...no word on a renewal for Shark Tank, but I would suspect it would get a run next summer if anything.

Anyway, Betty premiere is now Oct. 16 instead of Oct. 9:
The two-hour season premiere of “Ugly Betty” is now scheduled to air on Friday, October 16, 2009 from 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT and not on Friday, October 9, 2009 from 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT as previously announced. Programming for that night will be announced soon.

“Ugly Betty” will begin airing in its regular 9:00 PM ET/PT hour effective Friday, October 23, 2009.

The season premiere of “Supernanny” is now scheduled to air on Friday, October 23, 2009 in its regular 8:00 PM ET/PT hour. It was previously scheduled to have its season premiere on October 16.

Charlie Brown is official:

"It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" is scheduled to air on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 from 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT.
(ABC will air the full-length version of this classic Charlie Brown special including a bonus Charlie Brown cartoon entitled, “You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown,” which has the Great Pumpkin in the storyline.)

It looks like ABC is going to air Shark Tank this Tuesday at 8, but if it doesn't do better (needs to do more than a 1.5) they need to pull it for the next two weeks (Oct. 13 and 20). They could encore the first two episodes of The Middle on Oct. 13 and have a Dancing recap on Oct. 20. Charlie Brown Halloween is on Oct. 27 and that always does well. And then V will be ready for Nov. 3.

As for Ugly Betty, I really think they are mulling a Tuesdays at 10PM move since they delayed the Friday premiere by a week. I could see them trying a new episode of The Forgotten on a special night and time next Friday at 9pm to see how it does and then ABC could go from there. A repeat of The Forgotten did OK last night. Just my thoughts. What do you think?

It looks like ABC is going to air Shark Tank this Tuesday at 8, but if it doesn't do better (needs to do more than a 1.5) they need to pull it for the next two weeks (Oct. 13 and 20). They could encore the first two episodes of The Middle on Oct. 13 and have a Dancing recap on Oct. 20. Charlie Brown Halloween is on Oct. 27 and that always does well. And then V will be ready for Nov. 3.

As for Ugly Betty, I really think they are mulling a Tuesdays at 10PM move since they delayed the Friday premiere by a week. I could see them trying a new episode of The Forgotten on a special night and time next Friday at 9pm to see how it does and then ABC could go from there. A repeat of The Forgotten did OK last night. Just my thoughts. What do you think?
I am really starting to like The Forgotten. I hope ABC keeps it on Tuesdays at 10pm. Its time to let Ugly Betty die on Fridays.

It looks like ABC is going to air Shark Tank this Tuesday at 8, but if it doesn't do better (needs to do more than a 1.5) they need to pull it for the next two weeks (Oct. 13 and 20). They could encore the first two episodes of The Middle on Oct. 13 and have a Dancing recap on Oct. 20. Charlie Brown Halloween is on Oct. 27 and that always does well. And then V will be ready for Nov. 3.

As for Ugly Betty, I really think they are mulling a Tuesdays at 10PM move since they delayed the Friday premiere by a week. I could see them trying a new episode of The Forgotten on a special night and time next Friday at 9pm to see how it does and then ABC could go from there. A repeat of The Forgotten did OK last night. Just my thoughts. What do you think?

The scheduling email ABC sent out yesterday listed FlashForward, Modern Family and The Middle encores for next Friday Oct 9. Regardless of how Shark Tank does this Tuesday, probably a 1.4, they should renew the series for airing in the summer, but they should program it with another reality show and not scripted programming. It's a well produced show and should be given a chance, but it is completely buried on Tuesday's against NCIS and The Biggest Loser.

A Dancing recap will do worse this year and will weaken the series even more. Having sixteen stars on the shows was huge mistake, friends that I've talked to that used to watch the show have stopped because they really isn't anyone to root for and mostly because they are just too many dancers. It's simply diluted the enjoyment

The show they should be encoring to give more exposure to is Eastwick. The pilot may not have been has polished as one would have hoped but the show has turned into such a great guilty pleasure and a joy to watch, just like season one of Desperate Housewives. Eastwick is a sleeper that ABC is handling poorly (very little promotion if any compared to Comedy Wednesday and FlashForward). Heck I don't even think anyone knew Cybil Sheppard was even appearing in the show.

A shame ABC can't seem to program/schedule their 10pm hour better. Even Brothers & Sisters (which should have been moved to Wednesdays this fall) is weakening and if Desperate Housewives does not get stronger in the next few weeks, it will will be delivering low 4.0 demos come January/February when it does is annual demo swan dive.

You're right, I must have missed that. Here it is:

Friday, October 9
8:00PM FLASHFORWARD (R, 10/8)
9:00PM Modern Family (R, 10/7)
9:30PM The Middle (R, 10/7)

There goes my Forgotten/Betty theory! This move is clearly so The Middle can find new (and younger) viewers.

I agree on Eastwick - this show should be airing with DH on Sundays. ABC needs to start promoting it more and giving it more exposure, especially if it can hold onto its current audience. Hopefully, we'll see Brothers & Sisters and Eastwick eventually switch slots, if Eastwick lasts past midseason.

I love Shark Tamk, but I dont think it will do much better Tuesdays at 8pm with all that comepetion. I would encore Modern Family and either CT or The MIddle until V. They seem to be promoting the hell out of ST this week which is good but there are 2 other huge reality shows that I fear it won't matter. Save it for Summer.

I also think EASTWICK could benefit from more promotion as it's much better than I expected, however if it dips any more this week, it's not gonna matter unfortunately. Don't know if it should switch with B & S permanantely, but a one week try shouldn't hurt too much. However it was down to a 2.1 second half hour this week, so if itgoes lower his week, I don't think it will last beyond Nov Sweeps. Thye are not promoting it much now, so it doesn't feel klie they are thinking long term.

Sweeps special:

“In The Spotlight With Robin Roberts: Bright Lights, Big Stars, All Access Nashville” is airing on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 from 10:01-11:00 PM ET/PT. This special features interviews with country superstars Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw on the eve of the CMA's (airs November 11 on ABC). "the forgotten" will be preempted on this night.

Pavan,

is there a :30 promo for GA tonight? Any PP or V promos? Thanks

:30 promo for Grey's during DWTS, :15 in the other hours along with a FF/GA combo promo. Two promos for V (during DWTS Results and Forgotten). Don't see any for PP in primetime tonight.

Some news:

"A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" is scheduled to air on Thanksgiving Night Thursday, November 26, 2009 from 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT. It will be the full-length version of the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special and will include a bonus Charlie Brown cartoon "This Is America, Charlie Brown: Mayflower Voyagers."

thanks a lot

considering there is only one more commercial break, i am guessing either the V or GA promo doesnt make air. i am guessing GA.

V promo aired. I thought I saw GA during DWTS Results?

it was the combo promo. Any PP tonight?

ABC 2009 Holiday Specials:

Sunday, November 29, 2009
4:00PM-6:00PM ET ABC Movie: Surviving Christmas

Monday, November 30, 2009
8:00PM DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (half-hour)
8:30PM SHREK THE HALLS

Sunday, December 6, 2009
4:00PM Elmo's Christmas Countdown
5:00PM Chase Presents: CelebTV.com's Holiday of Stars
Bells will be ringing this holiday season as Chase Presents: CelebTV.com’s Holiday of Stars brings together the biggest names in sports and entertainment in a unique holiday special. Viewers will get an inside look at how their favorite athletes and entertainers celebrate the holiday season – from intimate family traditions to extravagant gift-giving to selfless charity projects.

Monday, December 7, 2009
8:00PM SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN

Tuesday, December 8, 2009
8:00PM A Charlie Brown Christmas (half-hour)
8:30PM Disney Prep & Landing (All-New)
This all-new holiday special reveals the never before told tale of an elite unit of Elves known as Prep & Landing (Lanny and Wayne The Christmas Elves). Every Christmas Eve this high-tech organization ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared for the yearly visit from The Big Guy, their code name for Santa Claus.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009
8:00-8:30PM SHREK THE HALLS
10:00pm BARBARA WALTERS PRESENTS THE 10 MOST FASCINATING PEOPLE OF 2009

Saturday, December 12, 2009
8:00PM ABC SATURDAY MOVIE OF THE WEEK: The Polar Express

Sunday, December 13, 2009
10:00pm CHRISTMAS AT THE WHITE HOUSE: AN OPRAH PRIMETIME SPECIAL

Monday, December 14, 2009
8:00pm Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Tuesday, December 15, 2009
8:00PM A Charlie Brown Christmas/Charlie Brown Christmas Tales (one-hour)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009
8:00PM DISNEY PREP & LANDING

Saturday, December 19, 2009
8:00PM ABC SATURDAY MOVIE OF THE WEEK: The Santa Clause 2

Sunday, December 20, 2009
8:00PM ABC SUNDAY MOVIE OF THE WEEK: THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: ESCAPE CLAUSE (Network Premiere)

Monday, December 21
8:00pm I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown

Tuesday, December 22, 2009
8:00pm Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Wednesday, December 23, 2009
8:00PM DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (half-hour version)

Thursday, December 24, 2009
8:00PM DISNEY PREP & LANDING

Tuesday, December 29, 2009
8:00PM Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1-Hour)

Wednesday, December 30, 2009
8:00PM Happy New Year, Charlie Brown (1/2 Hour)



NON-HOLIDAY:

Friday, December 4, 2009
8:00PM Dreams Come True: A Celebration of Disney Animation (1-Hour)
Dreams Come True: A Celebration of Disney Animation” is a look back at 75 years of Disney magic on the silver screen, and a look ahead to the all-new animated adventure, “The Princess and the Frog. This special is hosted by Vanessa Williams.

Friday, December 25, 2009
8:00-11:00PM ABC FRIDAY MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

Saturday, December 26, 2009
8:00PM ABC SATURDAY MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Shrek 2

Sunday, December 27, 2009
7:00-11:00PM ABC SUNDAY MOVIE OF THE WEEK: THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Monday, December 28
8:00pm-11:00pm ABC Monday Movie of the Week: "Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End" (Network Premiere)

Thursday, December 31, 2009
8:00-10:00PM ABC THURSDAY MOVIE OF THE WEEK: WILD HOGS (Network Premiere)

isnt charlie brown christmas an hour?

The original special is 30 minutes. ABC added Charlie Brown Christmas Tale vignettes at the end to make it an hour. Those are not airing on the Dec. 1 version.

Couple of notes: Dancing with the Stars Performance Finale on Monday, November 23 is now 8pm-9:30pm rather than the previously announced 8:30-10pm. Programming for 9:30-11pm is TBD. (Perhaps an expanded Castle or a series premiere at 9:30 like Let's Dance?)
Dancing with the Stars Grand Finale is on Tuesday, November 24 from 9-11pm, as previously announced.


ABC Weekend Afternoon Updates:

Sunday, November 29, 2009
4:00PM-6:00PM ET (2-4PM PT) ABC Movie: Surviving Christmas

Sunday, December 6, 2009
4:00PM-5:00PM ET (3-4PM PT) Elmo's Christmas Countdown

I'm guessing 9:30 will be the pilot (or kinda like FOX did with Glee, a "preview") of Romantically Challenged. Perfect slot to launch it in.

Don't think it will be ready then. ABC should use that on Wednesdays in January when Hank is probably gone.

hey i was just wondering if you have gotten any word on the abcfamily 25 days of christmas for this year and /or the countdown to the 25 days??

Don't think it will be ready then. ABC should use that on Wednesdays in January when Hank is probably gone.

I wonder if ABC would consider leading off the night with Modern Family in midseason. If not, it should definitely by The Middle/Modern Family/Romantically Challenged/Cougar Town on Wednesdays.

Couple of notes: Dancing with the Stars Performance Finale on Monday, November 23 is now 8pm-9:30pm rather than the previously announced 8:30-10pm. Programming for 9:30-11pm is TBD. (Perhaps an expanded Castle or a series premiere at 9:30 like Dance Machine?)

I think you meant Let's Dance instead of Dance Machine, no?

Yes, my mistake...wow Dance Machine was that summer junk last year. I'll fix that. Let's Dance has a five episode order and if it does launch on Nov. 23 that would have it run through and including Dec. 21. That would be a nice filler for December.

They also have Secret Millionaire that would work on Tuesdays at 9. ABC is likely going with holiday specials Tuesdays at 8 (confirmed already for Dec. 1) following the November run of V.

Part of me is wondering if it might be better to run results show at 8p and V at 9pm, since NCIS:LA the only other drama competition, is much weaker ratings wise than the original. The reality shows are the same at 8p and 9p plus it might provide better lead in to FORGOTTEN, if that is still there during sweeps.

Pavan, if it's no inconvenience would you mind listing the promos running during DWTS tonight? I understand if it's not. Thanks.

Good idea about Dancing Results moving to 8pm. What would happen though when the finale airs Nov. 24? V at 10pm that night?

Promos during Dancing with the Stars tonight:
:05 Castle (NEXT)
:15 Shark Tank (TUES)
:30 The Middle (WED) - LOCAL PROMO
:30 Modern Family (WED) - LOCAL PROMO
:30 Hank/The Middle (WED)
:30 Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice (THURS)
:30 FLASHFORWARD (THURS) - LOCAL PROMO
:30 Hank/The Middle (WED) - LOCAL PROMO
:30 Modern Family (WED)
:30 Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice (THURS)
:30 Cougar Town (WED)
:30 FLASHFORWARD (THURS) - LOCAL PROMO
:30 Grey's Anatomy (THURS) -LOCAL PROMO
:30 Eastwick (WED)
:15 Brothers and Sisters (SUN)
:30 V (NOV 3)
:30 FLASHFORWARD (THURS)
:30 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (SUN) - LOCAL PROMO
:30 Desperate Housewives (SUN) - LOCAL PROMO
:45 FLASHFORWARD/Grey's Anatomy (THURS)
:30 Ugly Betty (FRI)
:45 COMEDY WEDNESDAY: Hank/The Middle/Modern Family/Cougar Town (WED)
:45 Castle (NEXT)

Promos during Castle tonight:
:30 Modern Family (WED)
:30 FLASHFORWARD (THURS)
:15 EASTWICK (WED)
:30 V (Nov 3)
:15 SHARK TANK (TUES)
PSA :30 - LOCAL PROMO
PSA :30 - LOCAL PROMO
PSA :15 - LOCAL PROMO
VOICEOVER END CREDITS PROMO :34 Castle (NEXT WEEK)
BUMPER :05 Dancing Results (TOMORROW) - LOCAL PROMO
BUMPER :05 Modern Family (WED) - LOCAL PROMO

Thanks, I guess 10p for V that week, it will be the finale til Spring. Or I guess 8p, maybe they can decide what's better after the first 3 airings.

Thanks a lot for the promo list. I assume all those that say LOCAl won't actually air, am I right?

looks like ABC is sticking with V at 8p

Local promos don't usually air on cable. They might on satellite.

that's what i thought, thanks

No surpises:


ABC ANNOUNCES FULL SEASON PICK-UPS OF NEW SERIES

“COUGAR TOWN,” “FLASHFORWARD,” “THE MIDDLE” AND “MODERN FAMILY.”


The ABC Television Network announced full season pick-up orders for new drama “FlashForward” and comedies “Cougar Town,” “The Middle” and “Modern Family.”


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

Courteney Cox stars as Jules, a recently 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 whilst surrounded by fellow divorcees and singletons eager to live or re-live a time gone by.

“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 writer/co-executive producer, and Courteney Cox and David Arquette are executive producers. The pilot for “Cougar Town was directed by Bill Lawrence and the series is produced by ABC Studios.

Exhibiting impressive compatibility, ABC’s “Cougar Town” holds 100% retention of its “Modern Family” lead-in in Adults 18-49. “Cougar Town” ranks a strong No. 2 in its half-hour in Adults 18-49, just two-tenths of a ratings point behind and tied in audience share with first-place CBS’s veteran drama, “Criminal Minds.” The new show leads its time period among Men 18-34. The freshman comedy is also improving the time period for ABC year to year, boosting the Net’s results over the comparable year-ago nights in Total Viewers (+19%) and Adults 18-49 (+23%).



“FlashForward” (Thursdays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET)

What would you do if you were given a glimpse of the future? Would you accept what you saw and live life to its fullest, or would you do everything in your power to change your destiny? When the world’s population is given a glimpse of their future, it forces everyone to come to grips with whether their destinies can be fulfilled or avoided, in ABC’s drama, “FlashForward.”

Knowing their fate will alter each person’s life in one way or another, and poses the questions: Can destiny be changed? And by changing just one destiny, what effect would that have on those of others?

“FlashForward” stars Joseph Fiennes as Mark Benford, John Cho as Demetri Noh, Jack Davenport as Lloyd Simcoe, Zachary Knighton as Bryce Varley, Peyton List as Nicole Kirby, Dominic Monaghan as Simon, Brían F. O'Byrne as Aaron Stark, Courtney B. Vance as Stanford Wedeck, Sonya Walger as Olivia Benford and Christine Woods as Janis Hawk.

The series executive producers are David S. Goyer (co-writer of “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight”), Brannon Braga (“24,” “Star Trek”), Marc Guggenheim (“Brothers & Sisters,” “Eli Stone”) and Jessika Borsiczky (“Revelations”). The pilot for “FlashForward” was directed by David Goyer. The series, which premiered on September 24, 2009, is from ABC Studios.

From 8:00-9:00 p.m. on Thursday, ABC’s “FlashForward” ranks No. 1 in Adults 18-49, leading CBS’ time-period veteran “Survivor: Samoa.” On its series debut telecast, the new ABC drama became the first regular program since “Friends” in 2004 to beat “Survivor” in the key young adult sales demo. The ABC freshman is an exceptionally strong draw among Adults 18-34, dominating its time period and qualifying as TV’s No. 1 new drama series this season. The new series is greatly improving its time period year to year for ABC, boosting the hour by 1.8 million viewers and by 32% in Adults 18-49 over the same nights last year. Based on DVR playback during season-premiere week, “FlashForward” finished as TV’s biggest freshman gainer, as its numbers jumped by 2.0 million viewers (12.5 million to 14.5 million) and 8-tenths of an Adult 18-49 rating point (4.1 rating to 4.9 rating) from the initially reported next-day numbers to DVR finals.


“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; her husband, Mike, is a manager at the local quarry.

“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.

“The Middle” is created and executive-produced by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline, and is a production of Warner Bros. Television.

Building on its lead-in at 8:30 p.m. among viewers (+4%) and young adults (+26%), ABC’s “The Middle” qualifies as the most-watched TV show in its time period and a ranks a strong No. 2 in the half-hour to Fox’s time-period regular “So You Think You Can Dance” among Adults 18-49. The new ABC comedy also holds the No. 1 position in its half-hour with Adults 25-54 and Men 18-49. On average, “The Middle” is boosting ABC’s numbers in half-hour year-to-year by 2.1 million viewers and by 20% in Adults 18-49, over the same nights last season.


“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 new half-hour comedy, “Modern Family,” which takes an honest and often hilarious look at the composition and complexity of family life in 2009.

“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. The pilot was directed by Jason Winer, who also serves as co-executive producer on the series.

Standing as TV’s most-watched new comedy this season, ABC’s “Modern Family” ranks No. 1 in its half-hour among Adults 18-49. “Modern Family” is also No. 1 in its slot among Women 18-49 and Men 18-34. On average, the freshman comedy is improving the time period year to year for ABC, growing its half-hour over the same nights last year by 3.0 million viewers and by 36% in Adults 18-49.

See promo post for tonight, for some changes. Basically Grey's/Private promos were added and one of the Middle and Eastwick promos were each removed, while V was cut to 0:30.

thanks

so how is Eastwick actually doing?

so far that's the only new abc show that I'm really into, but I'm worried that abc is going to drop it if the ratings aren't good enough...

It's doing the worst of all the new shows. I expect it'll be first cut. Sorry, but I only give it another few weeks before it goes on "hiatus".

It and Hank are IMO the most in danger.

so how is Eastwick actually doing?

so far that's the only new abc show that I'm really into, but I'm worried that abc is going to drop it if the ratings aren't good enough...

It's doing the worst of all the new shows. I expect it'll be first cut. Sorry, but I only give it another few weeks before it goes on "hiatus".

It and Hank are IMO the most in danger.
Hank is doing worse.

MOST RECENT
Hank - 1.6 demo
Eastwick - 1.8 demo

Hank is doing a lot worse. It's below a 2.0 demo. Eastwick is around a 2.3 demo IIRC.

Eastwick got a 1.8. Hank got a 1.6. Not much difference, they are both doing awful. The one thing is... Eastwick has a lead-in of a 3.2 from Cougar Town! It's losing almost 50% of it. That's worse IMO.

yes I heard that it was not doing that well in The Ratings

Pavan,

Any insight into ABC scheduling for Dec. Cbs is running reruns Thurs night oct 22nd. so at the end of sweeps they will only have aired 8 new eps which means they can air 2 in dec. ABc is airing GA #10 Nov 19th. They usually have 10 thru the first half. Do you think that is it until Jan. Fox has new shows thru middle week of Dec with 2 night finale of SYTYCD and House I believe that week as well. TBL runs thruough at least that week as does THE OFFICE. Outside of Let's Dance, which is unproven at this point, do you think they have new eps of their older hits. I guess DH and B&S might have one in Dec.

Eastwick got a 1.8. Hank got a 1.6. Not much difference, they are both doing awful. The one thing is... Eastwick has a lead-in of a 3.2 from Cougar Town! It's losing almost 50% of it. That's worse IMO.

Also considering it premiered to a 3.0, it's much worse. Hank, very much like Old Christine, has the trouble of starting off a night. It isn't an easy task. I do think ABC will give the show its entire 13 episodes to grow, though. If it doesn't grow, it'll be 13 and done. I think the same can be said for Eastwick - since ABC doesn't have much else to use until midseason, it'll probably be 13 and done.

Pavan,

Any insight into ABC scheduling for Dec. Cbs is running reruns Thurs night oct 22nd. so at the end of sweeps they will only have aired 8 new eps which means they can air 2 in dec. ABc is airing GA #10 Nov 19th. They usually have 10 thru the first half. Do you think that is it until Jan. Fox has new shows thru middle week of Dec with 2 night finale of SYTYCD and House I believe that week as well. TBL runs thruough at least that week as does THE OFFICE. Outside of Let's Dance, which is unproven at this point, do you think they have new eps of their older hits. I guess DH and B&S might have one in Dec.

I don't have anything yet, but the holiday specials for Dec. 1. I would think FF/Grey's/PP will air one week in December. They'll come back a week later than usual in January probably since ABC has the BCS Championship game this year (on a Thursday this year).

That's on Jan 7th - I guess the ESPN deal starts this Jan, right? So that would mean GREYS would air 11 this Fall.

Still this is why I think ABC should have made DWTS go through Dec 15th, even though it's numbers have dropped it is is still one of their highest rated shows and NBC, FOX and CBS have their competition shows go to middle of Dec and ABC's dramas will only air once in Dec. They had a great week of shows this week and I applaud their schedule, yet it looks like they will still be 4th this week, with their hits (I know NBC was saved by Football and an extra half hour of THE OFFICE). Dec without their hits could be a rerun of Summer. I think they rock, I guess I just don't understand the scheduling. I get it with the dramas not with DWTS. Although part of me wonders if it would be smart to air reruns Oct 22nd to stretch out the fresh eps. I know CBS reruns better but I think they will be in reruns that whole week, so more fresh shows in Dec.

Eastwick got a 1.8. Hank got a 1.6. Not much difference, they are both doing awful. The one thing is... Eastwick has a lead-in of a 3.2 from Cougar Town! It's losing almost 50% of it. That's worse IMO.
Yeah, I went and checked, and found the numbers. I changed it about a minute or two after my original post

Tommy and Julia Return for a Brothers & Sisters Wedding
By William Keck October 13, 2009 03:47 PM EST

It's official! Ousted Brothers & Sisters actors Balthazar Getty and Sarah Jane Morris have RSVP'd 'Yes' to the upcoming wedding of brother Justin to non-sister Rebecca. No word yet if their characters, Tommy and Julia, will return as a couple...or separately.

Balty's Tommy was last seen at the close of last season in Mexico, trying to get a handle on his screwed up life.

Marion Ross, who plays Nora' mother, will also likely return for her grandson's big day, having missed Kevin and Scotty's wedding. But will this hitching actually go off without a hitch? Though the nuptials are scheduled to air on Dec. 6 (the likely last episode of 2009 before the series takes a holiday break), word is one of the players may have a change of heart.

My feeling is this family's had enough heartache of late. Let them get married already! Am I right?

DH/B&S will have 10 episodes aired this fall, since the preemption on Nov. 22 will happen for the AMAs.

When is Scrubs starting back up?

January

Hank is preempted on Wednesday, October 28 now:

Wednesday, October 28, 2009
8:00PM-8:30PM IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN

IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN will still air on Tuesday, October 27 from 8-9PM as well in the full-hour version with YOU'RE NOT ELECTED, CHARLIE BROWN.

As for December, it looks like Desperate/Brothers & Sisters will air twice in December...Dec. 6 and 13. Giving both 10 episodes for the fall. It looks to be repeats on Nov. 29. This is not confirmed.

I don't know "Charlie Brown" so I was wondering if "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" that ABC will air on October 27 is the same episode that will air on October 28.

Is there some rumors about the time slot for the season 6 of "Lost" ? Wednesday 10pm I guess ?

Yes, it is the same episode, but on Tuesday (Oct 27) they will have the Election special as well giving it a full hour from 8-9pm, while on Wednesday (Oct. 28) it is just the Halloween special from 8-8:30pm. I think Tuesday's Halloween episode is unedited since it will go into the 8:30pm half-hour a bit. Wednesday it will be an edited version.

Too early to say about Lost. But it will likely end up on Tuesdays (at any hour here) or Wednesdays (likely 10pm here).

I would bump DWTS to 8pm on Tuesdays in March and put Lost at 9(V at 10 maybe?). B&S would move to Wednesday at 10 and something else should be put after DH(maybe try Eastwick one week to see if it's worth saving, otherwise a new show in January).

Unfortunately, I don't expect ABC to move "Dancing With The Stars" from its Tueasday 9pm time slot. More over, Tuesdays 8pm against Idol and NCIS is not a good idea.

And a new 10pm show for the midseason : "Happy Town".

Unfortunately, I don't expect ABC to move "Dancing With The Stars" from its Tueasday 9pm time slot. More over, Tuesdays 8pm against Idol and NCIS is not a good idea.

And a new 10pm show for the midseason : "Happy Town".

Either that or put Lost at 8 and leave DWTS at 9. ABC Tuesday is a complete disaster and the only answer is to put an established show there. Lost at 8 would inevitably boost DWTS which is very weak on Tuesday especially in the demo.

V, Lost, Dancing with the Stars Results would be good as well.

V, Lost, Dancing with the Stars Results would be good as well.

That's an interesting idea. It would keep DWTS away from Idol and Biggest Loser.

Bottom line is, that needs to be the lineup, whatever order it is in.

That's an interesting idea. It would keep DWTS away from Idol and Biggest Loser.

Bottom line is, that needs to be the lineup, whatever order it is in.

DWTS has aired at 10pm before and has had no problem bringing in the ratings. I would actually love to see ABC do something like that. ABC can then keep V at 8pm and give Lost a pretty cushy timeslot of Tuesdays at 9pm for its final season.

I think ABC really needs to try moving Brothers & Sisters to either Mondays or Wednesdays at 10pm come midseason. I think it could do very well on Mondays, with maybe Happy Town going to Wednedays and Castle going to Sundays at 10pm.

Some holiday specials (in addition to Charlie Brown/Prep & Landing on Dec. 1 (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4310255&postcount=180)):

Monday, November 30, 2009
8:00PM DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
8:30PM SHREK THE HALLS

Monday, December 7, 2009
8:00PM SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN

more to come...

If I were ABC, I would have put this specials on Wednesday 8pm during the november sweeps. It's a better lead-in for "The Middle" / "Modern Family" / "Cougar Town".

I can't believe ABC to preempte "Hank" for october 28th but not for the sweeps. It has no sense to me.

Hank might be scheduled for now in November, but that doesn't mean they will air them. Last night might have been the last you have seen it. I wouldn't be surprised if they put repeats of The Middle or Modern Family at 8pm in November.

Anyway, more specials (I'll edit the full list in here: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4310255&postcount=180):

Monday, December 14, 2009
8:00pm Shrek the Halls
8:30pm Disney Prep & Landing

Monday, December 21
8:00pm I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown

Monday, December 28
8:00pm-11:00pm ABC Monday Movie of the Week: "Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End"

Let's Dance and/or Secret Millionaire have got to be for Mondays and Tuesdays at 9, with holiday specials leading in.

and I was enjoing Hank on Wednesday Night's at 7:00 pm on ABC

Hank might be scheduled for now in November, but that doesn't mean they will air them. Last night might have been the last you have seen it. I wouldn't be surprised if they put repeats of The Middle or Modern Family at 8pm in November.

Anyway, more specials (I'll edit the full list in here: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4310255&postcount=180):

Monday, December 14, 2009
8:00pm Shrek the Halls
8:30pm Disney Prep & Landing

Monday, December 21
8:00pm I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown

Monday, December 28
8:00pm-11:00pm ABC Monday Movie of the Week: "Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End"

Let's Dance and/or Secret Millionaire have got to be for Mondays and Tuesdays at 9, with holiday specials leading in.
You don't think they might premiere SCRUBS/BOT Tuesday Dec 1st at 9pm?
Is it definitely Jan? They coud start promoting during V which would give them 4 weeks of promotion

and I was enjoing Hank on Wednesday Night's at 7:00 pm on ABC

You're the only one. :lol:

You don't think they might premiere SCRUBS/BOT Tuesday Dec 1st at 9pm?
Is it definitely Jan? They coud start promoting during V which would give them 4 weeks of promotion

That is a good idea actually. That would give them three or four more episodes not against Idol.

Yes, also they could double up on SCRUBS the first few weeks and run anotehr episode Wed at 8p.

Sounds good to me. I hope they air The Polar Express on Sunday, Nov. 29 this year instead of that Friday after Thanksgiving. There are already movies airing on NBC and Fox on that Friday. DH/B&S will likely be new on Dec. 6 and 13, since the Survivor finale is Dec. 20. Polar Express could air 8-10pm on Nov. 29 followed by a DH repeat 10 or better yet comedy repeats of The Middle or Modern Family.

Your Sunday idea sounds great, esp with the comedies at 10. Always annoys me that they waste that movie on Fri. Wish they would have a 2d run close to Christmas on ABC. Also good to have new eps thru the 13th. Wish they could extend Thurs shows that far, esp since Sunday hiatus will probably be less. I assume Jan 3rd or so, whereas Thurs will be no earlier than Jan 14th.

Not to beat a dead horse but look how CBS is getting Surivor thru til the 20th. DWTS ends Nov 25th - a month earlier. GREYS is probably done after the 3rd (and that's gonna be 11 eps). I wish they would extend their hits better.

I know it's the last night of sweeps but please ABC please air reruns of comedies on Thanksgiving eve and not waste fresh eps on this night.

I could see ABC airing Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (half-hour version) on Thanksgiving Eve and maybe burn off some Hank episodes if they don't air any in November. Or maybe they will air Secret Millionaire that night. The comedies (Middle, Modern Family, Cougar Town) can easily go through Dec. 9 or even Dec. 16, if they don't air on Nov. 25. Giving MF/CT 10-11 episodes, and Middle 9-10 episodes.

ABC also has a Jennifer Hudson holiday special in December. They'll probably air that on a Tuesday at 8.

Pavan, if Eastwick is consistently matching or beating Jay Leno's ratings, what are its chances of survival?

Eastwick needs to be doing better. It's a shame because it is good.

I could see ABC airing Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (half-hour version) on Thanksgiving Eve and maybe burn off some Hank episodes if they don't air any in November. Or maybe they will air Secret Millionaire that night. The comedies (Middle, Modern Family, Cougar Town) can easily go through Dec. 9 or even Dec. 16, if they don't air on Nov. 25. Giving MF/CT 10-11 episodes, and Middle 9-10 episodes.

ABC also has a Jennifer Hudson holiday special in December. They'll probably air that on a Tuesday at 8.

I really hope HANK gets cancelled now. There is no need to keep it on. The comedies would do better without it. I know they have enough eps to run comedies until the 16th, I just know that CBS is the only net not to get hurt with fresh programming on Thanks eve and I would hate to see the avg for the comedies hit 2's and then people start saying they are dropping. It's not worth it. Honestly running a holiday movie would be a better option that night. But it seems like they are set to run fresh eps again.

In addition to new CBS episodes NBC has a 2 hour BIGGEST LOSER on Thanks Eve. ABC should not run new eps.

I really hope HANK gets cancelled now.You have wanted Hank to be cancelled since it was picked up in May, you were against it from the start. :rolleyes:

wrong guy. I wanted it to be cancelled since I saw it and saw that America agreed with the critics and gave it low ratings. I think it's hurting the other 3 better shows that follow it.

how are Hanks Numbers

Here is MY post-Dancing with the Stars/Christmas detailed ABC schedule. This is what I WOULD DO and not what ABC is doing. What is officially confirmed is in parenthesis, though.

Monday, November 23, 2009
8:00PM Dancing with the Stars performance finale (confirmed)
9:30PM Let's Dance premiere sneak peek
10:00PM Castle all-new

Tuesday, November 24, 2009
8:00PM V fall finale (confirmed)
9:00-11:00PM Dancing with the Stars: The Results Grand Finale (confirmed)

Wednesday, November 25, 2009
8:00PM A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving half-hour edition
8:30PM Hank Thanksgiving episode, all-new
9:00PM-11:00PM ABC Movie: The Polar Express

Thursday, November 26, 2009
8:00PM A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving one-hour version (confirmed)
9:00-11:00PM Grey's Anatomy season premiere encore

Friday, November 27, 2009
8:00PM-10:00PM Supernanny encores
10:00PM 20/20

Sunday, November 29, 2009
7:00PM AFV 20th anniversary all-new episode with special guest Bob Saget (confirmed)
8:00PM Extreme Makeover: Home Edition all-new
9:00PM-11:00PM Secret Millionaire all-new sneak-peek, special two-hour premiere

Monday, November 30, 2009
8:00PM DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (confirmed)
8:30PM SHREK THE HALLS (confirmed)
9:00PM Let's Dance regular time
10:00PM Castle all-new

Tuesday, December 1, 2009
8:00PM A Charlie Brown Christmas (confirmed)
8:30PM Disney Prep & Landing (All-New) (confirmed)
9:00PM Scrubs season premiere
9:30PM Better off Ted season premiere
10:00PM The Forgotten all-new

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
8:00PM The Middle repeat
8:30PM The Middle all-new
9:00PM Modern Family all-new
9:30PM Cougar Town all-new
10:00PM Eastwick all-new

Thursday, December 3, 2009
8:00PM FLASHFORWARD all-new
9:00PM Grey's Anatomy all-new
10:00PM Private Practice all-new

Friday, December 4, 2009
8:00PM Supernanny all-new
9:00PM Ugly Betty all-new
10:00PM 20/20

Saturday, December 5, 2009
8:00PM Saturday Night Football Big 12 Championship

Sunday, December 6, 2009
7:00PM AFV all-new
8:00PM Extreme Makeover: Home Edition all-new
9:00PM Desperate Housewives all-new
10:00PM Brothers and Sisters all-new

Monday, December 7, 2009
8:00PM SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN (confirmed)
9:00PM Let's Dance
10:00PM Castle all-new

Tuesday, December 8, 2009
8:00PM Secret Millionaire all-new
9:00PM Scrubs all-new
9:30PM Better off Ted all-new
10:00PM The Forgotten all-new

Wednesday, December 9, 2009
8:00PM The Middle repeat
8:30PM The Middle all-new
9:00PM Modern Family all-new
9:30PM Cougar Town all-new
10:00PM Eastwick all-new

Thursday, December 10, 2009
8:00PM Secret Millionaire all-new
9:00PM Jennifer Hudson Holiday Special
10:00PM Grey's Anatomy repeat

Friday, December 11, 2009
8:00PM Supernanny all-new
9:00PM Ugly Betty all-new
10:00PM 20/20

Saturday, December 12, 2009
8:00PM ABC Saturday Movie: Dreamgirls

Sunday, December 13, 2009
7:00PM AFV all-new
8:00PM Extreme Makeover: Home Edition all-new
9:00PM Desperate Housewives all-new
10:00PM Brothers and Sisters all-new

Monday, December 14, 2009
8:00pm Shrek the Halls (confirmed)
8:30pm Disney Prep & Landing (confirmed)
9:00PM Let's Dance
10:00PM Castle repeat

Tuesday, December 15, 2009
8:00PM Secret Millionaire all-new
9:00PM Scrubs all-new
9:30PM Better off Ted all-new
10:00PM The Forgotten all-new

Wednesday, December 16, 2009
8:00PM The Middle repeat
8:30PM The Middle all-new
9:00PM Modern Family all-new
9:30PM Cougar Town all-new
10:00PM Barbara Walters' 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009

Thursday, December 17, 2009
8:00PM-10:00PM Secret Millionaire all-new
10:00PM Grey's Anatomy repeat

Friday, December 18, 2009
8:00PM Supernanny all-new
9:00PM Ugly Betty all-new
10:00PM 20/20

Saturday, December 19, 2009
8:00PM ABC Saturday Movie: Norbit

Sunday, December 20, 2009
7:00PM AFV repeat
8:00PM-10:00PM ABC Movie: The Santa Clause 3 network premiere
10:00PM Desperate Housewives repeat

Monday, December 21
8:00pm I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (confirmed)
9:00PM Let's Dance finale
10:00PM Castle repeat

Tuesday, December 22, 2009
8:00PM Secret Millionaire all-new finale
9:00PM Scrubs all-new
9:30PM Better off Ted all-new
10:00PM The Forgotten repeat

Wednesday, December 23, 2009
8:00PM The Middle repeat
8:30PM The Middle repeat
9:00PM Modern Family repeat
9:30PM Modern Family repeat
10:00PM Cougar Town repeat
10:30PM Cougar Town repeat

Thursday, December 24, 2009
8:00PM A Charlie Brown Christmas one-hour version
9:00PM How the Grinch Stole Christmas one-hour version
10:00PM Grey's Anatomy repeat

Friday, December 25, 2009
8:00PM-10:00PM ABC Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
10:00PM 20/20

It's a pretty good schedule Pavan. The fact that they have not pulled HANK yet, makes me think they are planning on running in nov

Are you sure they are planning on running Sceret Millionaire during december. I know FOX did, but wasn't sure if ABC was. I like they way you tired to keep it original even on Thurs. Nice. But I'd bet ABC plans on rerunning FF to try to hook new people.

Are you sure Let's dance in only an hour? You have 12 CASTLE eps scheduled thru Dec. You thoink they'd run that many original?

I think they'll have Hank on maybe just Nov. 4. and possibly on Nov. 25, and preempt it on Nov. 18. Not officially sure they are running Secret Millionaire in December, but they should.

Well if they only use Castle with DWTS, 11 or 12 should be enough for fall. But I hope they keep Castle with The Bachelor to hook more younger viewers in. They could air a lot of repeats, too with The Bachelor. I think we'll see True Beauty again, though.

In terms of Secret Millionaire, will shows actually be ready to air in December? From this Variety article, http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118008451.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&query=secret+millionaire, it stated only six episodes were ordered and the "show will resume production later this year for a midseason launch."

I think they'll have Hank on maybe just Nov. 4. and possibly on Nov. 25, and preempt it on Nov. 18. Not officially sure they are running Secret Millionaire in December, but they should.

Well if they only use Castle with DWTS, 11 or 12 should be enough for fall. But I hope they keep Castle with The Bachelor to hook more younger viewers in. They could air a lot of repeats, too with The Bachelor. I think we'll see True Beauty again, though.

I think they'll hold True Beauty to air during summer. The same way they held back Here Comes the Newlyweds last year.

Interesting about Secret Millionaire. I think it would be more beneficial in December...but whatever. What goes behind The Bachelor in January you think? Castle or maybe Dating in the Dark?

Interesting about Secret Millionaire. I think it would be more beneficial in December...but whatever. What goes behind The Bachelor in January you think? Castle or maybe Dating in the Dark?

I would prefer Castle. With The Bachelor providing a younger demo as a leadin, Castle may finally, and deservingly, break out.

The Bachelor won't have as many viewers as Dancing with the Stars, but the audience will be far younger - still, that younger audience may be turned off from the show. ABC might just have to accept that the audience for Castle is old, while still compatible with DWTS. It could be a risk to air it with The Bachelor, but I think it's worth a shot.

Meanwhile, don't they have a few new midseason dramas they could Mondays at 10pm January-March? They could plug on in there, then put the remaining 10 or so episodes of Castle back on in March with DWTS. Or, my personal choice, they could premiere a new drama Sundays at 10pm, and move Brothers & Sisters to air with The Bachelor, which could be a very compatible night.

Also Pavan, with your schedule (which is good) Private Practice would only have 9 episodes this Fall. I am assuming they will air 10. I don't see them airing 12 CASTLEs. My gut says DATING IN THE DARK would work well with THE BACHELOR but I would like to see CASTLE have a younger skewing lead in, so hopefully that will help it break out more. I think as Zedman said they will hold TRUE BEAUTY for the Summer. If they run 10 CASTLES in the fall and 6-8 with THE BACHELOR, that will leave about 5 weeks of DWTS available to try a new show.

With HANK it does seem silly to preempt it before sweeps and then air it during sweeps.

I've confirmed Secret Millionaire is not ready for December. So I'll have to fix my schedule big time. I guess ABC will just go with repeats on Thurs. Dec 10 and 17 now.

And as of now, ABC is airing new episodes on Thanksgiving Eve. Why? Last day of sweeps and the affiliates demand that they air new episodes that night. I hope they reconsider and air a new special or something instead! Maybe that Jennifer Hudson Special?