8SR Doing Well In Ratings On The WB - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Superbowl · 01-17-2006, 11:39 AM

From Marc Berman Programming Insider :

The WB:
Opening Executive Comments

Yes, no one ever said trying to broaden your audience would be easy, and it certainly has not been for the WB. Year-to-year, and according to Nielsen Media Research, the network is down by 270,000 viewers (3.53 to 3.26 million) and 13 percent among key adults 18-34 (1.6/ 5 to 1.4/ 4). But there is hope on the horizon courtesy of the return of Beauty and the Geek and one upcoming show in particular, romantic comedy Pepper Dennis, which could be beneficial if scheduled properly.

“We are staying very committed to our 12-34 demographic, said David Janollari, president, entertainment of the WB. “Since I’ve gotten here that’s been the mantra -- to rebuild and replenish new, ongoing long-term hits. We’re in a place of rebuilding.”

7th Heaven, the decade old hit family drama, which is ending this spring because of the high cost (estimated at a loss of $16 million this year), maybe not be officially over.

“We are continuing our conversations with Brenda (Hampton) about trying to craft a spin-off of sorts,” said Janollari. “I don’t know what that’s going to be yet. I’m waiting for her to figure out what she wants to be.”

The jury, meanwhile, is still out on the network’s second oldest series, Charmed.

Although the WB has had mixed early results programming the Monday to Friday 3-5 p.m. daypart in place of Kids’ WB! programming, the network is committed to the affiliate stations.

“We worked with the stations to figure out an economic formula of how to do this,” said Garth Ancier, chairman, the WB. “And all the feedback has been very positive. The biggest question is should it be a drama, or should it be comedies in there. So far 8 Simple Rules is doing better than ER, but ER is one of those serialized shows that tend to do better over time. So I think the jury is still out as to whether we should go in the comedy or drama direction long-term in the future.”

While the WB, of course, is focusing on the positive, the next time it brings back an aging star like Don Johnson in a drama like Just Legal, the only way to broaden the audience is to give a program the chance to find an audience. Axing a show after three episodes is no way to rebuild the future. Finding the right time period for a solid looking project like Pepper Dennis and demonstrating patience -- and plenty of it -- is.

As for the weekday afternoon block, my advice is to stick with comedies. Viewers won’t have the patience to commit to repeats of an hour long drama. And the next time you throw a party, turn the lights on!

It appears 8SR is doing well in the ratings for the WB. This is good news. Hopefully, they will find a permanent syndication home for the show after its 8 month run on the WB.

Number 9 Dream · 01-17-2006, 03:08 PM

KristenJ · 01-17-2006, 08:23 PM

Whoo hoo!!

Mrs. John Ritter · 01-18-2006, 09:38 AM

YES!!!!!!!!!!!

Chain Gang Member · 01-18-2006, 09:54 AM

I knew it would work out because it was a good show when it was on ABC.Now we get to see the episode that were before John died.That's cool because I didn't get to see the first couple of episodes that aired in the first season

Scoobiedoo30 · 02-18-2006, 04:05 PM

I am glad that 8 Simple Rules is doing well in the Ratings on The WB
maybe if 8 Simple Rules keep doing good in the Ratings
The WB may move it to 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm when
Reba Take's over The 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm time slot
in September of 2006.

SN DJ Ent · 02-21-2006, 06:33 AM

I know this is crazy and probably wouldn't happen, but wouldn't it be nice if say the WB (CW) would see how well 8SR is doing in reruns and decide to bring it back for a fourth season? It happened with Mama's Family when it was dropped by NBC.

I know that probably wouldn't happen, but wouldn't it be nice to finally see what happened (if anything) between Cate and Principal Gibb? I think it would have been great to see Bridget and Kerry finish high school, and see if CJ ever made it on his own. I think the series just left some loose ends that need to be tied up.

Oh well, one can dream I guess....

comedyfreak · 02-21-2006, 11:33 AM

They could also bring back Ed O'neil for a love interest again, this time they can say he is now divorced.

JackTripper258 · 02-22-2006, 07:39 AM

Well, John is back on. The Pilot epi was on yesterday. I was excited b/c I've only seen the first part of it.

01-17-2006, 11:39 AM	#1
Superbowl Member Senior Member Join Date: Feb 13, 2005 Posts: 1,107	8SR Doing Well In Ratings On The WB From Marc Berman Programming Insider : The WB: Opening Executive Comments Yes, no one ever said trying to broaden your audience would be easy, and it certainly has not been for the WB. Year-to-year, and according to Nielsen Media Research, the network is down by 270,000 viewers (3.53 to 3.26 million) and 13 percent among key adults 18-34 (1.6/ 5 to 1.4/ 4). But there is hope on the horizon courtesy of the return of Beauty and the Geek and one upcoming show in particular, romantic comedy Pepper Dennis, which could be beneficial if scheduled properly. “We are staying very committed to our 12-34 demographic, said David Janollari, president, entertainment of the WB. “Since I’ve gotten here that’s been the mantra -- to rebuild and replenish new, ongoing long-term hits. We’re in a place of rebuilding.” 7th Heaven, the decade old hit family drama, which is ending this spring because of the high cost (estimated at a loss of $16 million this year), maybe not be officially over. “We are continuing our conversations with Brenda (Hampton) about trying to craft a spin-off of sorts,” said Janollari. “I don’t know what that’s going to be yet. I’m waiting for her to figure out what she wants to be.” The jury, meanwhile, is still out on the network’s second oldest series, Charmed. Although the WB has had mixed early results programming the Monday to Friday 3-5 p.m. daypart in place of Kids’ WB! programming, the network is committed to the affiliate stations. “We worked with the stations to figure out an economic formula of how to do this,” said Garth Ancier, chairman, the WB. “And all the feedback has been very positive. The biggest question is should it be a drama, or should it be comedies in there. So far 8 Simple Rules is doing better than ER, but ER is one of those serialized shows that tend to do better over time. So I think the jury is still out as to whether we should go in the comedy or drama direction long-term in the future.” While the WB, of course, is focusing on the positive, the next time it brings back an aging star like Don Johnson in a drama like Just Legal, the only way to broaden the audience is to give a program the chance to find an audience. Axing a show after three episodes is no way to rebuild the future. Finding the right time period for a solid looking project like Pepper Dennis and demonstrating patience -- and plenty of it -- is. As for the weekday afternoon block, my advice is to stick with comedies. Viewers won’t have the patience to commit to repeats of an hour long drama. And the next time you throw a party, turn the lights on! It appears 8SR is doing well in the ratings for the WB. This is good news. Hopefully, they will find a permanent syndication home for the show after its 8 month run on the WB.

01-17-2006, 03:08 PM	#2
Number 9 Dream That '70s Girl Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 18, 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 5,875
	__________________ Live a little be a gypsy get around http://www.librarything.com/profile/skelterhelter http://retrogirl82.dvdaf.com/owned formerly Retrogirl82

01-18-2006, 09:38 AM	#4
Mrs. John Ritter John is my true love Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 30, 2005 Location: Being Held by the wonderful John Ritter Posts: 439	YES!!!!!!!!!!!
	__________________ Johnathan the love that I have for you is so strong, and it continues to grow everyday. You are my angel. I miss you so much my darling. You will always be in my heart. John S. Ritter September 17, 1948-September 11, 2003 I love you. :loveu

01-18-2006, 09:54 AM	#5
Chain Gang Member 1st Female Triple Crown Champ Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Watching Three's Company & Wrestling Posts: 8,927	I knew it would work out because it was a good show when it was on ABC.Now we get to see the episode that were before John died.That's cool because I didn't get to see the first couple of episodes that aired in the first season
	__________________ Mickie is the best woman to step inside the ring http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOTh3hVT0HU

02-18-2006, 04:05 PM	#6
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	8 Simple Rules doing Well in The Ratings on The WB I am glad that 8 Simple Rules is doing well in the Ratings on The WB maybe if 8 Simple Rules keep doing good in the Ratings The WB may move it to 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm when Reba Take's over The 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm time slot in September of 2006.
	__________________ Who Dat

01-17-2006, 08:23 PM	#3
KristenJ Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Sep 04, 2005 Posts: 203	Whoo hoo!!

02-21-2006, 06:33 AM	#7
SN DJ Ent Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 14, 2004 Posts: 19	I know this is a long shot and crazy..... I know this is crazy and probably wouldn't happen, but wouldn't it be nice if say the WB (CW) would see how well 8SR is doing in reruns and decide to bring it back for a fourth season? It happened with Mama's Family when it was dropped by NBC. I know that probably wouldn't happen, but wouldn't it be nice to finally see what happened (if anything) between Cate and Principal Gibb? I think it would have been great to see Bridget and Kerry finish high school, and see if CJ ever made it on his own. I think the series just left some loose ends that need to be tied up. Oh well, one can dream I guess....

02-21-2006, 11:33 AM	#8
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,061	They could also bring back Ed O'neil for a love interest again, this time they can say he is now divorced.
	__________________ www.facebook.com/comedyfreak

02-22-2006, 07:39 AM	#9
JackTripper258 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 08, 2005 Posts: 415	Well, John is back on. The Pilot epi was on yesterday. I was excited b/c I've only seen the first part of it.