CBS Shopping Swingtown to Cable Networks!!! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 08-22-2008, 06:57 PM

The on-screen grownups of Swingtown are not the only ones exploring their options, as CBS is courting a new partner for the couple-swapping rookie drama.

The show, produced by the CBS Paramount Network Television studio, has had disappointing ratings in its first season on the CBS network this summer. But it has many fans within the company who want to see it return, whether on the broadcast network or somewhere else.

So the drama is now being shopped around to potential cable buyers in the event the network does not renew it for a second season.

A CBS spokesman for the network and the studio declined to comment on the show, which is about a neighborhood of swingers set in suburban Chicago in the 1970s.

Swingtown was a pet project of CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler, who picked the show up for last season when the network was trying to put forth an edgier face. Tassler told television critics last month at the Television Critics Association press tour in Beverly Hills that while she was a fan of the show, she was disappointed in the ratings.

CBS demoted the show at the end of July from its Thursday 10 p.m. time period to Fridays at 10 p.m. Prior to the move, the show averaged 6.7 million viewers and a 2.3 rating in adult 18-49 demo. Following the time-period relegation, the show predictably fell to an average of just 3.9 million viewers and a 1.3 average rating in the demo.

Several potential cable networks have been contacted about picking up the show, as has DirecTV -- which is partnering with NBC on Friday Night Lights this fall -- but sources said no deal is yet imminent anywhere.

Sources also said the pitch to cable networks is that with the show’s concept, a freeing from the Federal Communications Commission regulations that restrict broadcast networks could allow it to really grow creatively and from a buzz standpoint.

The show’s concept is more typical of a premium cable outlet such as CBS’ own Showtime. One executive who does not work at CBS said the show in fact screamed pay TV from the outset. “I read the script and was like, ‘This should be on HBO,’” the executive said. “But they already had their polygamy show [Big Love].”

And if Swingtown appears to share a sensibility with Showtime programming there’s good reason: Showtime Networks Entertainment president Robert Greenblatt and Swingtown executive producer Alan Poul were both executive producers of HBO series Six Feet Under.

A Showtime spokesperson declined comment.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6589617.html

JulieSomoski · 08-22-2008, 09:20 PM

That's good news, I guess - it's great that the show has fans within the CBS/Paramount. Nina Tassler is an obvious fan of Swingtown, which is even better - she's said numerous times that she's a huge fan of Molly Parker's, and that she loves where the show is going. But, if she decides to cancel it, I honestly think that Showtime would pick it up. I"m getting more hope fora second season.

I just hope that if it does go to Showtime, it doesn't end up being all about sex and not enough about the good writing and acting like it is now. A good example is Weeds on Showtime - I used to love the show in its first season, but now, it focuses way too much on sex and got too far away from its central focus.

catlover79 · 08-22-2008, 09:27 PM

^ I knew you and Ann would be excited, Julie.

JulieSomoski · 08-23-2008, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

^ I knew you and Ann would be excited, Julie.

How did you ever guess??

Brian Damage · 08-23-2008, 04:33 PM

I think that a show like Swingtown, would be perfect on Showtime. I am very excited about the possibility.

JulieSomoski · 08-23-2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

I think that a show like Swingtown, would be perfect on Showtime. I am very excited about the possibility.

I also think it would fit in well with Showtime and its audience. It could definitely open the show up to a lot of possibilities, but I just hope they keep up with the storylines and quality the show has now, and not ditch it for cheaper stories and more sex (although I'm sure my husband wouldn't mind that-LOL).

*MIBabe03* · 08-25-2008, 08:44 AM

Great. Too bad I don't have any of those channels.

JulieSomoski · 08-25-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *MIBabe03*

Great. Too bad I don't have any of those channels.

I don't have a Showtime, either - I only have HBO and Stars. But, if it does head over to Showtime, I'll probably just buy the season on DVD when it comes out.

Mr. Television · 09-02-2008, 05:36 PM

If it goes to Showtime I might check it out. I imagine they'd rerun season 1 anyhow. I just didn't want to commit to a show that CBS had dumped in the summer. I didn't figure it had much of a chance.

AB · 09-02-2008, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *MIBabe03*

Great. Too bad I don't have any of those channels.

Me either! I wish CBS would keep it or maybe move it over to Fox or the CW.

AB · 09-02-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint Eastwood Fan

If it goes to Showtime I might check it out. I imagine they'd rerun season 1 anyhow. I just didn't want to commit to a show that CBS had dumped in the summer. I didn't figure it had much of a chance.

I know what you mean, everytime a new show comes on I think "Well how long will this one last". I've really gotten bummed out on so many good shows getting cancelled lately.

AB · 09-02-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

^ I knew you and Ann would be excited, Julie.

JulieSomoski · 09-08-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annball1957

Me either! I wish CBS would keep it or maybe move it over to Fox or the CW.

I get the exact same feelings. Every show I get involved in, it ends up getting cancelled. I don't even see the point of getting involved with new shows anymore. I think I'm gonna be sticking to my DVD's a lot more often.

Mr. Television · 09-08-2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulieSomoski

I get the exact same feelings. Every show I get involved in, it ends up getting cancelled. I don't even see the point of getting involved with new shows anymore. I think I'm gonna be sticking to my DVD's a lot more often.

That's why I watch the ratings of new shows very carefully..if they are real bad..I dump the show. The problem is when the ratings are in the middle. That's where I got burned with BTY.

hno:

JulieSomoski · 09-09-2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint Eastwood Fan

That's why I watch the ratings of new shows very carefully..if they are real bad..I dump the show. The problem is when the ratings are in the middle. That's where I got burned with BTY.

hno:

If I like a show that much, I don't think I could just dump it in the middle of the season. But for BTY, I thought that it would be back for a second season immediately. As for Swingtown, the ratings are not very good, but the show is phenomenal.

08-22-2008, 06:57 PM	#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	CBS Shopping Swingtown to Cable Networks!!! The on-screen grownups of Swingtown are not the only ones exploring their options, as CBS is courting a new partner for the couple-swapping rookie drama. The show, produced by the CBS Paramount Network Television studio, has had disappointing ratings in its first season on the CBS network this summer. But it has many fans within the company who want to see it return, whether on the broadcast network or somewhere else. So the drama is now being shopped around to potential cable buyers in the event the network does not renew it for a second season. A CBS spokesman for the network and the studio declined to comment on the show, which is about a neighborhood of swingers set in suburban Chicago in the 1970s. Swingtown was a pet project of CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler, who picked the show up for last season when the network was trying to put forth an edgier face. Tassler told television critics last month at the Television Critics Association press tour in Beverly Hills that while she was a fan of the show, she was disappointed in the ratings. CBS demoted the show at the end of July from its Thursday 10 p.m. time period to Fridays at 10 p.m. Prior to the move, the show averaged 6.7 million viewers and a 2.3 rating in adult 18-49 demo. Following the time-period relegation, the show predictably fell to an average of just 3.9 million viewers and a 1.3 average rating in the demo. Several potential cable networks have been contacted about picking up the show, as has DirecTV -- which is partnering with NBC on Friday Night Lights this fall -- but sources said no deal is yet imminent anywhere. Sources also said the pitch to cable networks is that with the show’s concept, a freeing from the Federal Communications Commission regulations that restrict broadcast networks could allow it to really grow creatively and from a buzz standpoint. The show’s concept is more typical of a premium cable outlet such as CBS’ own Showtime. One executive who does not work at CBS said the show in fact screamed pay TV from the outset. “I read the script and was like, ‘This should be on HBO,’” the executive said. “But they already had their polygamy show [Big Love].” And if Swingtown appears to share a sensibility with Showtime programming there’s good reason: Showtime Networks Entertainment president Robert Greenblatt and Swingtown executive producer Alan Poul were both executive producers of HBO series Six Feet Under. A Showtime spokesperson declined comment. http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6589617.html
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08-22-2008, 09:20 PM	#2
JulieSomoski Roseanne Reboot - March 27! Forum Veteran Join Date: Nov 06, 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 7,558	That's good news, I guess - it's great that the show has fans within the CBS/Paramount. Nina Tassler is an obvious fan of Swingtown, which is even better - she's said numerous times that she's a huge fan of Molly Parker's, and that she loves where the show is going. But, if she decides to cancel it, I honestly think that Showtime would pick it up. I"m getting more hope fora second season. I just hope that if it does go to Showtime, it doesn't end up being all about sex and not enough about the good writing and acting like it is now. A good example is Weeds on Showtime - I used to love the show in its first season, but now, it focuses way too much on sex and got too far away from its central focus.
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08-22-2008, 09:27 PM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	^ I knew you and Ann would be excited, Julie.
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08-25-2008, 08:44 AM	#7
MIBabe03 Loving Swingtown! Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 28, 2002 Location: TX Posts: 4,646	Great. Too bad I don't have any of those channels.
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09-02-2008, 05:36 PM	#9
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,128	If it goes to Showtime I might check it out. I imagine they'd rerun season 1 anyhow. I just didn't want to commit to a show that CBS had dumped in the summer. I didn't figure it had much of a chance.
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08-23-2008, 04:33 PM	#5
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	I think that a show like Swingtown, would be perfect on Showtime. I am very excited about the possibility.