ABC Upfront: Fall 2009

[JulieSomoski]

Originally Posted by Pavan

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

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...&postcount=698

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

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

[Pavan]

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

[Pavan]

From Variety:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Pavan]

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

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

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

[Yobb]

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

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

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

[Pavan]

Schedule updates:

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

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

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

[JulieSomoski]

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

[Zedman2]

Originally Posted by JulieSomoski

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

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

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

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

[tvcrazed]

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

By Nellie Andreeva

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Nellie Andreeva

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[tvcrazed]

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

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

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

[tvcrazed]

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

[Pavan]

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

[tvcrazed]

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

[tvcrazed]

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

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

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

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

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

FlashForward_Goyer_TCA.jpg
David Goyer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Pavan]

Originally Posted by tvcrazed

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

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