WHN and Fox Network

[GSU2004]

Do you think if this show waited until the launch of the Fox network, it could have lasted longer?

I think it would as startup networks are not going to require large ratings to get shows renewed. They probably would have spent more money on the show also.

[mlingerfelt]

why did ABC not pick it up.

[GSU2004]

Originally Posted by mlingerfelt

why did ABC not pick it up.

Good question, I always thought with the popularity of first-run syndicated shows at the time, they opted to go with that option. Or ABC could still have been pissed about the antics of the cast during the third season back in 78-79

[TMC]

Originally Posted by GSU2004

Good question, I always thought with the popularity of first-run syndicated shows at the time, they opted to go with that option. Or ABC could still have been pissed about the antics of the cast during the third season back in 78-79

That and there's the fact that the original What's Happening!! turned to be higher rated in syndicated reruns (which served as the inspiration for WHN!! in the first place) than in prime-time on ABC. Now that I think about it, I wonder what would've happened had Fox tried to get a hold of "established" shows or brands (i.e. shows that already had a "built-in audience") that would've otherwise gone off into first-run syndication.

[GSU2004]

Originally Posted by TMC

That and there's the fact that the original What's Happening!! turned to be higher rated in syndicated reruns (which served as the inspiration for WHN!! in the first place) than in in prime-time on ABC. Now that I think about it, I wonder what would've happened had Fox tried to get a hold of "established" shows or brands (i.e. shows that already had a "built-in audience") that would've otherwise gone off into first-run syndication.

Small Wonder aired on many indie channels that became Fox affiliates and producers were shopping the show to Fox as many affiliates were leaning off first run syndication shows and focusing on reruns. Fox officials said at the time 'Small Wonder' was too kiddy for its brand as they wanted to be edgy despite the show doing extremely well. It was the only reason why the show was cancelled as Fox passed on it for the 5th season.

WHN would been a good fit for the network given its desire for younger viewers. Maybe Fox people felt the show was a dead horse

[TMC]

I think that had Fred Berry not been fired after the first season, WHN!! likely would've lasted longer. With Rerun gone, it's pretty safe to say that it threw the dynamic off. Plus, the novelty of seeing "the gang back together" again wore off much faster (and felt more hallow) if it's just Raj, Dwayne, and Shirley (and occasional appearances by Dee).

[GSU2004]

Originally Posted by TMC

I think that had Fred Berry not been fired after the first season, WHN!! likely would've lasted longer. With Rerun gone, it's pretty safe to say that it threw the dynamic off. Plus, the novelty of seeing "the gang back together" again wore off much faster (and felt more hallow) if it's just Raj, Dwayne, and Shirley (and occasional appearances by Dee).

Fred Berry made the show and his widow always stood on that. She always used to say when yall treated Fred like crap, the show suffered. According to her if WHN had paid him more money, she believed the show could have lasted until 1991 or 1992. The ratings did drop when he left and they tried to breathe the WH life into it in the final season with a young Martin Lawrence and Ken Sagos who had the Raj and Rerun antics but it was dead and done at that point.