Save Our Shows

[Superbowl]

Well, guys according to Marc Berman 8 Simples rules will not be kept alive because of syndication. So if you believe him it looks like the show is completely finished. Even people that think it will be renewed usually give the reason of syndication. See below :


Save Our Shows

(Marc Berman’s Mr. TV Column at Mediaweek.com)

As we inch closer to upfront season and the fall 2005 prime-time schedule announcements, busy network executives may want to change their e-mail addresses as worried fans campaign to save their favorite "on the fence" series. Just last week, Mr. TV was flooded with e-mails from concerned viewers, which included comments such as: "Will NBC renew my favorite show, American Dreams, for a fourth season?" "Is there hope for Joan of Arcadia?" "Do you think HBO will pick up Arrested Development if Fox cancels it?" "Can we start a campaign to save 8 Simple Rules?" "Why did Fox bury Bernie Mac on Friday, and now remove it from the schedule?" "Please tell me Veronica Mars is coming back. It's the best show on television- even better than Buffy!"

"Is there anything you can do to help, Mr. TV?" pleaded one concerned reader. "You should really start putting your influence to better use," suggested another.

While I certainly don't have the power to renew, or cancel, any series (one angry network executive did actually accuse me once of trying to kill one of his shows), the one thing I can do is offer some advice should one of your favorite small-screen pastimes face the chopping block. Considering that shows like Baywatch, Fame, The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd, It's a Living, Too Close for Comfort, Punky Brewster and The Paper Chase proved there is first-run life after network cancellation, it can't hurt to think about alternatives.

Here is one suggestion, from freelance New York Post and Advocate columnist Michael Giltz, on how to save NBC's American Dreams:

"Wouldn't it be great if American Dreams was picked up by cable network BET and the emphasis of the show shifted? One of the great strengths of American Dreams is the Walker family, arguably one of the most complex, rich and well-acted depictions of an African American family ever seen on television. I don't have to point out how rare black roles are in prime time outside of neutered authority figures. For the first time in history, we could see a drama from the other side, with the secondary characters suddenly taking center stage and the main characters, the Pryors, continuing on with their lives in supporting roles."

Although my first thought for the female-skewing American Dreams was either Lifetime, The Hallmark Channel or, perhaps, Oxygen or WE, BET could certainly make noise with this little show that never could on NBC.

BET would also be a good home for Bernie Mac, which in four seasons on Fox has aired on four nights (and a staggering 16 different time periods)—if it had the programming funds needed to keep it alive. The same could be said for UPN's Kevin Hill with Taye Diggs. That's a big if, unfortunately.

Another feel-good drama that is getting bad numbers is CBS' Joan of Arcadia, which even God alone may not be able to save at this point. Since the audience is mainly female, Lifetime seems like the ideal fit. If not Lifetime, then the older-skewing Hallmark Channel should consider stepping up to the plate.

Although the concept of first-run weeklies is becoming extinct, a core favorite like the WB's Summerland could be just the show syndication needs to rejuvenate the once-prosperous genre. Remember how well the similar Baywatch did after NBC canceled it after one season in 1989-90? Not only did it survive, it lasted for another decade.

Sadly for some, more than two dozen off-network comedies grasping for an audience in syndication means that keeping modest-performing comedies like 8 Simple Rules and Less Than Perfect alive in first-run syndication is unlikely. There is simply no room. But to the readers worried about Veronica Mars, you can relax. UPN has renewed the critically acclaimed but low-rated freshman drama for the 2005-06 season.

As for Fox's universally acclaimed but minimally sampled Arrested Development, assuming HBO will stick with its own original concepts, Comedy Central is the next best thing. In the world of network series, it isn't necessarily over after the first ax swings.


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[Auntie]

Where exactly did you get this information from? According to thefutoncritic.com, the networks aren't going to be announcing what shows will be renewed and what won't be coming back until next month.

[katefandream04]

Hey.... 8SR is not a MODEST comedy. Seriously,these critics need to go pick on shows that are suffering far worse than 8SR. These critics are acting like they aren't taking any pity in criticism,and choosing 8SR is not right.

[Raisingdad2004]

I know its performing "modestly" on ABC, but come on I am sure some syndication station could make room for it - John Ritters final work, does that mean nothing? I don't think that would have a problem pulling an audience.

I also wonder, although the money may not goto ABC - but Buena Vista, how much this show is pulling in from around the world? Its airing in over 15 countries.