I have watched at least one episode of virtually every television series launched in the last decade. It’s an occupational hazard. How can I recommend a client advertise in a program without knowing what that program is? It would be like a waiter recommending an entrée he’s never even tried. How does he know how good it is?
So this time of year, as the networks launch their new Fall programming, I fire up two DVRs and three VCRs and hit record. Based on what I’ve seen thus far here’s what you can count on.
Guiltiest Pleasure: Melrose Place (Tues. 9p-10p -CW)
Yes – it is THAT Melrose Place. Flash back to 1992 when Heather Locklear moved in and the drama began. It’s hands down the show everyone will be whispering about but no one will admit to watching. It has the benefit of launching early (It aired on Tuesday, September 8) and could hook audiences before the other networks get in the game later in September. It will deliver solid ratings and if I had any advertising dollars targeting women of any age it is the safest bet in TV this fall.
The Luckiest Show This Season: Community (Thurs. 9:30p-10p – NBC)
What more could a new program ask for? It is directed by the minds behind Arrested Development & the Sara Silverman Project. It has a cast including E!’s Joel McHale and comedic icon Chevy Chase. And it airs immediately following the unadulterated success of The Office. If there is such a thing as being born with a silver remote this is it!
Show everyone will be watching but me: Glee (Wed. 9p-10p – Fox)
I don’t get it but apparently this show is contagious. Fox launched Glee in May to stronger-than-expected ratings and even better reviews. The series follows an optimistic teacher who, against all odds and a malicious cheerleading coach, attempts to save McKinley High's Glee Club from obscurity. It’s billed as a musical comedy. The last musical brave enough to dare the television landscape was Viva Laughlin which was kindly put out of its misery two episodes into the season. However, this show already has a following and airing immediately following So You Think You can Dance gives it a strong lead-in. I bet it makes a strong showing and becomes a regular part of the Fox landscape but it won’t ever be programmed into my DVR again.
Show You Absolutely Don’t Want to Miss: The Good Wife (Tues. 10p-11p CBS)
Julianna Margulies stars in this drama about the wife of an adulterous, disgraced politician (Chris Noth) who has to re-enter the workforce after her husband’s corruption lands him in jail. With the natural connection to recent political events it had the potential to be my bet for the first show cancelled. Instead, they deliver one of the smartest, well written dramas I’ve seen in a long time. If you enjoy dramas this is one worth checking out.
Don’t Fall in Love – Show Most Likely to be Cancelled: Cougar Town (Wed 9:30p ABC)
This comedic failure, starring Courtney Cox, explores dating after a divorce. It’s been done before and better. It’s a safe bet that ABC will eventually cancel the entire night but this should be first on the chopping block.
Network Most Likely to Succeed: Fox
Every Fall Fox launches their season early because they are forced to take a break for the World Series. Some years this has truly handicapped Fox’s ability to compete against ABC, CBS and NBC. This year it really doesn’t matter. The network’s success with Fringe and Lie to Me last season delivers a schedule that only has room for two new Fall programs. Even if both failed it is still home to House, Bones, and So You Think You Can Dance. It would take a global power outage for Fox to fail this Fall.
Network Most Unlikely to Succeed: ABC
ABC had the opportunity to reposition itself as a programming leader this Fall. NBC is surrendering the 10p hour to Leno and CBS had very little room on its schedule for anything that wasn’t crime-based. Unfortunately, ABC’s best prime lineup was right before the writers strike and they never properly re-launched any of those programs. As a result, their best shows in recent years (including Dirty, Sexy, Money and Pushing Daisies) were canceled and they are left with a Fall lineup that includes Eastwick, Cougar Town and Castle. At least they still have Dancing with the Stars.
Network Most Like to Endure: NBC
NBC has given the 10p hour to Jay Leno which will be the most written about and least watched television show in American history. From a ratings standpoint, it will be nothing short of a disaster. From a financial standpoint, the network will be happy with minimal ratings while their affiliates are left to mourn the days when their 11p news was boosted by a strong NBC lineup. But let’s not forget, NBC is the network that introduced the Law & Order franchise. Eventually, NBC will be back but years from now we’ll all still be saying “what were they thinking?”
Finally, if you like to laugh, even a little, check out The Cleveland Brown Show (Sun 8:30p-9p, Fox) A spin off from The Family Guy, this show delivers everything we’ve come to expect from good adult animated humor. I can’t think of a better way to end the week! Cheers!
