Now that all the networks have announced their schedules, I thought I’d put together a grid to show the new fall lineup in its entirety. (New shows are highlighted.) Beneath that you’ll find some final observations on what happened this week, as well as some predictions for what’s to come.
Most Surprising Cancellation: Samantha Who?
ABC mistreated the show (an extended hiatus and a move to Thursday, where they had to know it would fail), then toyed with the idea of turning it into a multi-camera sitcom before unexpectedly pulling the plug altogether.
Most Surprising Renewal: Dollhouse
No way, no how will this show ever be a hit. Fox would have been better off cutting their losses and letting Joss Whedon develop a new show rather than putting this dreary, unfocused bomb back on the schedule.
Destined to Be a Hit: NCIS: Los Angeles
Like its predecessor, this show is set to be one of the highest-rated shows nobody you know actually watches.
Destined to Be a Flop: Brothers
Fox barely has a pulse on Fridays as it is. Adding what is sure to be a predictable sitcom with a former football player in the lead could cause them to flatline.
Most Surprising Series Pass: Legally Mad
This was to be David E. Kelley’s first show under his new contract with Warner Bros. Imagine how bad it must have been for NBC, which has to pay a hefty penalty for not picking it up to series, to have passed on it.
Smartest Move (time period): The Big Bang Theory
The show has been on the verge of breaking out for some time. Being paired with Two and a Half Men is the final push it needs to grow its audience.
Smartest Move (overall): A fall edition of So You Think You Can Dance
It’s risky, but it's just the kind of aggressive maneuver Fox needs to keep from twiddling their thumbs as they wait for American Idol to begin in January.
Most Boneheaded Move (time period): Ugly Betty
What makes ABC think that Betty will work on Fridays when it’s already seeing its viewership dwindle on Thursdays? Swapping Betty with new reality show Shark Tank on Tuesdays would probably be beneficial for both shows.
Most Boneheaded Move (overall): Continuing to ignore Saturday night
We’ve seen that, with the right programming, audiences are still available on Saturdays. Sporting events such as the NFL playoffs and NCAA tournament draw big crowds on the night year after year. Why couldn't the same happen with scripted programming? The right shows and the right promotion could turn things around.
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