NBC Pulls The Plug On "Southland" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 10-08-2009, 09:24 PM

Southland canceled

Dateline NBC will air in drama's Friday time slot
By Nellie Andreeva
Oct 8, 2009

It's the end of the road for drama "Southland," which has been canceled before the launch of its sophomore season.

Production on the John Wells-produced cop series is being shut down after six episodes.

"Southland," from Warner Bros. TV, was originally slated to debut in its new Friday 9 p.m. time slot during premiere week, but in August, NBC opted to push the start to Oct. 23 and air "Dateline NBC" in the meantime.

"Dateline NBC" will now continue to run in the Friday 9 p.m. hour.

It is not clear when the six produced new episodes of "Southland" will air.

Meanwhile, the cop drama starring Ben McKenzie will be shopped to broadcast and cable networks.

"I'm disappointed that NBC no longer has the time periods available to support the kind of critically-acclaimed series that was for so many years, a hallmark of their success," Wells said.
"We remain extremely proud of 'Southland' and are actively looking for another home for the series."

"Southland," created by Ann Biderman, got off to a good start when it premiered in midseason in the Thursday 10 p.m. time period, succeeding NBC's long-running medical drama, "ER," also exec produced by Wells.

Additionally, "Southland" garnered solid reviews, but through its initial run last spring, the series showed ratings erosion.

Then came the Jay Leno factor, with NBC forced to shift its 10 p.m. dramas to 9 p.m. to make room for "The Jay Leno Show."

While "Southland" enjoyed support among NBC brass last season, after screening the finished episodes from the upcoming second season, the show's content was deemed too dark and gritty for broadcast TV, especially for 9 p.m. Additionally, a high-end drama like "Southland" is certainly far more expensive than newsmagazine "Dateline" for low-trafficked Friday night.

The cancellation of "Southland" ends (for now) a long relationship between NBC and Wells, who has been behind some of NBC's biggest series, including "ER" and "The West Wing," for the past 15 years.

It hasn't been a good start for NBC's scripted dramas this fall, with rookies "Trauma" and "Mercy" struggling along with most of the returning veterans, including "Heroes" and "Law & Order: SVU," which is still settling into its new Wednesday 9 p.m. slot.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/...6995676fddc5cc

Jude The Obscure · 10-08-2009, 10:09 PM

How idiotic is NBC????????????

The one show I wanted to check out on NBC and they pull the rug underneath it!!!!!!!

Mr. Television · 10-08-2009, 11:04 PM

I think FX is probably the best network for this show. I saw a few episodes and thought it had potential but I knew it wouldn't last on NBC. NBC is a joke anymore.

70s show watcher · 10-09-2009, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint Eastwood Fan

I think FX is probably the best network for this show. I saw a few episodes and thought it had potential but I knew it wouldn't last on NBC. NBC is a joke anymore.

you can say that again

10-08-2009, 09:24 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,265	NBC Pulls The Plug On "Southland" Southland canceled Dateline NBC will air in drama's Friday time slot By Nellie Andreeva Oct 8, 2009 It's the end of the road for drama "Southland," which has been canceled before the launch of its sophomore season. Production on the John Wells-produced cop series is being shut down after six episodes. "Southland," from Warner Bros. TV, was originally slated to debut in its new Friday 9 p.m. time slot during premiere week, but in August, NBC opted to push the start to Oct. 23 and air "Dateline NBC" in the meantime. "Dateline NBC" will now continue to run in the Friday 9 p.m. hour. It is not clear when the six produced new episodes of "Southland" will air. Meanwhile, the cop drama starring Ben McKenzie will be shopped to broadcast and cable networks. "I'm disappointed that NBC no longer has the time periods available to support the kind of critically-acclaimed series that was for so many years, a hallmark of their success," Wells said. "We remain extremely proud of 'Southland' and are actively looking for another home for the series." "Southland," created by Ann Biderman, got off to a good start when it premiered in midseason in the Thursday 10 p.m. time period, succeeding NBC's long-running medical drama, "ER," also exec produced by Wells. Additionally, "Southland" garnered solid reviews, but through its initial run last spring, the series showed ratings erosion. Then came the Jay Leno factor, with NBC forced to shift its 10 p.m. dramas to 9 p.m. to make room for "The Jay Leno Show." While "Southland" enjoyed support among NBC brass last season, after screening the finished episodes from the upcoming second season, the show's content was deemed too dark and gritty for broadcast TV, especially for 9 p.m. Additionally, a high-end drama like "Southland" is certainly far more expensive than newsmagazine "Dateline" for low-trafficked Friday night. The cancellation of "Southland" ends (for now) a long relationship between NBC and Wells, who has been behind some of NBC's biggest series, including "ER" and "The West Wing," for the past 15 years. It hasn't been a good start for NBC's scripted dramas this fall, with rookies "Trauma" and "Mercy" struggling along with most of the returning veterans, including "Heroes" and "Law & Order: SVU," which is still settling into its new Wednesday 9 p.m. slot. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/...6995676fddc5cc Attached Images

10-08-2009, 11:04 PM	#3
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	I think FX is probably the best network for this show. I saw a few episodes and thought it had potential but I knew it wouldn't last on NBC. NBC is a joke anymore.
	__________________ Sonny

10-08-2009, 10:09 PM	#2
Jude The Obscure Retired Eternal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 7,520	How idiotic is NBC???????????? The one show I wanted to check out on NBC and they pull the rug underneath it!!!!!!!