There was a BIDDING WAR for Back To You! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 09-23-2007, 12:51 AM

I was very surprised to find out that there was a bidding war for Back To You. The players were ABC, CBS, and of course Fox. I compiled the links, and just posted the relevant parts about the bidding.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...2+Network+nabs
To win the project, Fox agreed to pay sister studio 20th Century Fox a license fee of $1.3 million-$1.4 million per episode. ABC and CBS both expressed interest in the project, with the Eye dropping out of the bidding first. NBC passed early on.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...s_premier.html
In fact, the concept was so hot it generated a bidding war between ABC, CBS, and FOX when the project was announced.In fact, the concept was so hot it generated a bidding war between ABC, CBS, and FOX when the project was announced.

http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/02/12/fo...heaton-comedy/
It's being shot as a multi-camera show, which most likely means an audience and/or a laugh track (arrrgh!). Fox, ABC, and CBS all bid on it. It's planned for next fall.

http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-fo...tory?track=rss
The project, from writers Christopher Lloyd ("Frasier") and Steve Levitan ("Just Shoot Me!"), was a network free agent, but FOX won the comedy after agreeing to a hefty license fee and episode order, according to the industry trade papers. It probably didn't hurt that the comedy comes from corporate sibling 20th Century Fox TV.

ABC and CBS also reportedly made bids.

http://thetvaddict.com/category/action-news/
Of course, the show was almost guaranteed to be picked up by someone: Written on spec, Variety reports that ABC, CBS and FOX were engaged in a bidding war for the property.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Entertainment/897608.html
Reportedly, when Back to You was being shopped around Hollywood, a bidding war ensued between CBS, ABC and Fox.
With the talent attached to the project, it’s easy to understand why.

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20055066,00.html

The supporting cast members weren't the only ones awed by the show's pedigree. When the project was announced, a bidding war broke out between ABC, CBS, and Fox. NBC, which had publicly tightened its purse strings, was conspicuously absent.

Mr. Television · 09-23-2007, 06:47 AM

Thanks for posting this Brian.

That proves that BTY is a great show if all those networks wanted it. I think the show actually feels more like an ABC or CBS show rather than a Fox sitcom. It's a show the whole family can enjoy.

TJL · 09-23-2007, 07:54 AM

I think I read somewhere a few weeks back that Kelsey was a little miffed that NBC didn't show much interest in the show and dropped out of bidding early.
AFter all, he gave that Network a lot of years and a lot of Emmys.

Mr. Television · 09-23-2007, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJL

I think I read somewhere a few weeks back that Kelsey was a little miffed that NBC didn't show much interest in the show and dropped out of bidding early.
AFter all, he gave that Network a lot of years and a lot of Emmys.

I don't blame him. NBC doesn't seem interested in developing sitcoms anymore. They didn't pick one new one up for the fall. They rather have their schedule loaded with reality shows.

hno:

Brian Damage · 09-23-2007, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJL

I think I read somewhere a few weeks back that Kelsey was a little miffed that NBC didn't show much interest in the show and dropped out of bidding early.
AFter all, he gave that Network a lot of years and a lot of Emmys.

Wow, I never heard that before, but it makes sense. Frasier and Cheers were two huge hits for NBC. I suppose NBC had no room for a new sitcom seeing as Thursday is really their only day of sitcoms and that is all filled currently.

Janice · 09-23-2007, 12:19 PM

This doesn't surprise me one bit, the bidding war. I actually wish the show was on a bigger network. It seems suited for CBS to me. Maybe it will lift Fox up though. You never know.

BensonFan · 09-23-2007, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walking Tall

I don't blame him. NBC doesn't seem interested in developing sitcoms anymore. They didn't pick one new one up for the fall. They rather have their schedule loaded with reality shows.

hno:

I don't blame him either. Kelsey's two previous shows on NBC (Cheers and Frasier, of course) made a mint for that network. Usually you stick to what works. I'm really amazed they didn't subscribe to that same philosophy.

JulieSomoski · 09-23-2007, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

This doesn't surprise me one bit, the bidding war. I actually wish the show was on a bigger network. It seems suited for CBS to me. Maybe it will lift Fox up though. You never know.

I think it would have been better for either CBS or ABC. Both are bigger networks, with more publicity.

Mr. Television · 09-23-2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roseanne88-97

I think it would have been better for either CBS or ABC. Both are bigger networks, with more publicity.

I think it would have fit perfectly on the CBS Monday night lineup paired with Two and a Half Men maybe..

Brian Damage · 09-23-2007, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walking Tall

I think it would have fit perfectly on the CBS Monday night lineup paired with Two and a Half Men maybe..

I agree with that or have it debut in January, when Fox is KING.

Brian Damage · 09-23-2007, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BensonFan

I don't blame him either. Kelsey's two previous shows on NBC (Cheers and Frasier, of course) made a mint for that network. Usually you stick to what works. I'm really amazed they didn't subscribe to that same philosophy.

It really does befuddle me about NBC. I can understand if they really were tightening their purse strings, but have you looked at the promos for Journeyman and The Bionic Woman? Those two shows don't exactly look cheap to make. lol

Mr. Television · 09-23-2007, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

It really does befuddle me about NBC. I can understand if they really were tightening their purse strings, but have you looked at the promos for Journeyman and The Bionic Woman? Those two shows don't exactly look cheap to make. lol

Scrubs is in it's last year. NBC really does need another sitcom to take it's place.

Brian Damage · 09-23-2007, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walking Tall

Scrubs is in it's last year. NBC really does need another sitcom to take it's place.

Are there no new sitcoms from NBC this year?

Mr. Television · 09-23-2007, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Are there no new sitcoms from NBC this year?

I think they have one coming on in mid-season but none for the fall.

Brian Damage · 09-24-2007, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walking Tall

I think they have one coming on in mid-season but none for the fall.

Oh wait...they have "Chuck" a dramadie. LOL

09-23-2007, 12:51 AM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	There was a BIDDING WAR for Back To You! I was very surprised to find out that there was a bidding war for Back To You. The players were ABC, CBS, and of course Fox. I compiled the links, and just posted the relevant parts about the bidding. http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...2+Network+nabs To win the project, Fox agreed to pay sister studio 20th Century Fox a license fee of $1.3 million-$1.4 million per episode. ABC and CBS both expressed interest in the project, with the Eye dropping out of the bidding first. NBC passed early on. http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...s_premier.html In fact, the concept was so hot it generated a bidding war between ABC, CBS, and FOX when the project was announced.In fact, the concept was so hot it generated a bidding war between ABC, CBS, and FOX when the project was announced. http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/02/12/fo...heaton-comedy/ It's being shot as a multi-camera show, which most likely means an audience and/or a laugh track (arrrgh!). Fox, ABC, and CBS all bid on it. It's planned for next fall. http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-fo...tory?track=rss The project, from writers Christopher Lloyd ("Frasier") and Steve Levitan ("Just Shoot Me!"), was a network free agent, but FOX won the comedy after agreeing to a hefty license fee and episode order, according to the industry trade papers. It probably didn't hurt that the comedy comes from corporate sibling 20th Century Fox TV. ABC and CBS also reportedly made bids. http://thetvaddict.com/category/action-news/ Of course, the show was almost guaranteed to be picked up by someone: Written on spec, Variety reports that ABC, CBS and FOX were engaged in a bidding war for the property. http://thechronicleherald.ca/Entertainment/897608.html Reportedly, when Back to You was being shopped around Hollywood, a bidding war ensued between CBS, ABC and Fox. With the talent attached to the project, it’s easy to understand why. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20055066,00.html The supporting cast members weren't the only ones awed by the show's pedigree. When the project was announced, a bidding war broke out between ABC, CBS, and Fox. NBC, which had publicly tightened its purse strings, was conspicuously absent.
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09-23-2007, 06:47 AM	#2
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	Thanks for posting this Brian. That proves that BTY is a great show if all those networks wanted it. I think the show actually feels more like an ABC or CBS show rather than a Fox sitcom. It's a show the whole family can enjoy.
	__________________ Sonny

09-23-2007, 07:54 AM	#3
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,588	I think I read somewhere a few weeks back that Kelsey was a little miffed that NBC didn't show much interest in the show and dropped out of bidding early. AFter all, he gave that Network a lot of years and a lot of Emmys.
	__________________ "I think I'll stroll up to the front to see how the shooting's going..." - Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce Read my blogs! http://centralparkamisguide.com/ http://dvdcriticscorner.com Visit me on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=641138880 Hey, I do the tweet thing too! http://twitter.com/TomLevier My shop of handmade items! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColdGarageCreations

09-23-2007, 12:19 PM	#6
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	This doesn't surprise me one bit, the bidding war. I actually wish the show was on a bigger network. It seems suited for CBS to me. Maybe it will lift Fox up though. You never know.