My DVR Might Explode
Now, being that I work in the TV industry, one could say that it is my duty to watch it. One must understand the space they work in in order to function well in it, right. Well, blah blah blah…I’ve been addicted to television since I was a kid and working in it made it that much worse. So yes, I watch/DVR a lot of TV shows. (Please note – I do not watch TV all day, most TV is on DVR so I can FF and make the most of my TV time.)
And of course I pay close attention to the network Upfronts every year. I need to know what I’m going to be in for in the fall & mid-season. That said, this 2009/2010 fall line up is one of the most disappointing to me so far. So many great shows will not be returning or have ended up in a weird time slot which will make my DVR explode in having to choose.
Specifically, this is the Thursday 9-10pm time slot. This has already been reserved for “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC) and “The Office“/”30 Rock” (NBC). But that sly Fox wants to throw it all off balance. It’s bad enough that the cancelled “The Sarah Connor Chronicles” and kept “Dollhouse”, but they want to pit “Fringe” up against these other power house shows? Do they want it to get cancelled? (PS – if SyFy is smart, they will pick this show up and find a way to pay for it for at least 1 more season.)
I realize they can’t put a new show there as it would surely die but why put such a promising one there? Why 9pm? Why not 8pm? Why Thursday? Why not any day Mon-Wed? It really just doesn’t make any sense what so ever. I think it is an incredibly stupid move on Fox’s part from a viewer stand point and from an advertiser stand point. A less costly show should go here and thus would make a greater chance of survival. Why must I choose between Liz Lemon, JJ Abrams/Pacey & McDreamy/McSteamy?
But of all the networks, ABC is probably the most heartbreaking for me. On the cancelled list in order of disappointment: Pushing Daisies, Life on Mars, Samantha Who?, The Unusuals, Dirty Sexy Money & Eli Stone. Moving Ugly Betty to Friday against Dollhouse (FOX) & Southland (NBC)? It has a chance but I think Betty is on her last legs any way. The story lines aren’t as interesting any more. Sorry, Betty.
Pushing Daisies was the little show that could have. I loved this show. It kind of reminded me of the was Princess Bride was told. A little fanciful but romance was at the heart with a dash of adventure. It pushed the boundaries of imagination and with a great cast & quirky story lines made this my favorite show in its run. So R.I.P. Pushing Daisies…
Now NBC…oh NBC. How can I hate you when you bring me such Thursday joy with the Office & 30 Rock? You are giving Chuck another 13 episode chance? Thank you! Southland is also getting a 13 episode reprieve. I hope it makes it. I actually enjoy it and feel that, while a little slow at times, its realness and character development is one to watch. Too soon to tell if this will be a good follow-up for ER’s creators. And Kings really should be on HBO or Showtime. Its amazing cinematography made it a pleasure to watch. How they made this TV show look like a movie was a production dream. Plus Ian McShane is amazing as King Silas but now, the King is dead.
CBS & CW have yet to release their fall line up as of today but I’m assuming that their Thursday night hero, Smallville, will have tough times also. Holding off on any comments about the new shows until I see them as I’d hate to pre-judge!
I’ll just say that thank goodness Time Warner has Primetime On Demand now and I’m hoping networks pay attention to those replays as well.