If you want a more recent example, I would have to go with The Muppets. Like Robin Williams and Michael J Fox, their show also came with a fairly recognizable brand that is loved all over the world. ABC was so positive that this series was a sure hit that they promoted it to death, even making a 10 minute promo film that ran on YouTube last summer. In hindsight, that promo turned out to be funnier and more successful than the series itself. It started off well in the ratings, but then quickly sank and it never recovered. I guess the public wasn't ready for the Muppets in adult situations and plots. The whole thing ended up feeling sad and depressing and not very funny at all.
|