In a rather sly move, NBC released its 2011-12 schedule to the press on Sunday, a day before their upfront presentation in New York City to advertisers. So without further ado, here it is (all times are Central). New shows are in CAPS: MONDAY 7-9 p.m. The Sing-Off 9:00 p.m. THE PLAYBOY CLUB TUESDAY 7-9 p.m. The Biggest Loser 9:00 […]
Bulls’ and Blackhawks’ victories not just limited to the arena Forget Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, the top prime time star as far as Chicago is concerned is Derrick Rose. Comcast SportsNet dominated the ratings with an iron first Thursday night with a Quarterfinal doubleheader featuring both the Chicago Bulls and the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, setting records […]
The Television Critics Association Press Tour came to an end on Saturday with the last three days devoted to cable networks. In the past, cable usually kicked off the press tour, but this year shoved toward the end of the twelve-day tour. Neverthless, critics stayed through the end, with the HBO presentation playing to full capacity on Saturday. The biggest […]
In a deal that helps set a precedent, NBC Universal’s cable networks have acquired exclusive cable off-network rights to Twentieth Television’s hour-long drama Glee and half-hour sitcom Modern Family. USA Network- which hasn’t bought a major sitcom for its first cycle since Major Dad and Wings in the early 1990’s, gets Modern Family for a reported $1.4 million per episode […]
NBC announced its 2010-11 schedule to the press today, with significant changes from last year. For one thing: no Jay Leno in prime-time. Second, NBC has picked up dramas from J.J Abrams and Jerry Bruckheimer, two producers who know how to create hit shows – something NBC desperately needs right now. From Abrams comes Undercovers, a new spy drama which […]
In a bit of a homecoming for Seinfeld, local syndicated repeats of the sitcom about “nothing” is returning to Tribune Co.-owned WPIX, after ten years at Fox-owned WNYW. WPIX was the original syndication home in the New York market, paying six figures a week for the top-rated NBC sitcom which debuted in prime access in September 1995. However, the series […]
The drawing in the Conan O’Brien lottery took place Monday, and it was Turner Broadcasting who turned up the lucky winner. So what does TBS actually win? Young demos. A proven name. An increased profile. And a new car – advertiser or two. But it seems a lot of players in this saga appear to winners – TBS, Conan O’Brien, […]
You’d think with recently disposed former NBC talk show host Conan O’ Brien possibly headed to Fox, you think the news would thrill affiliates, right? Well, think again. With news yesterday of Fox and O’Brien negotiating a deal to host a late-night talk show – something the network hasn’t had on a nightly basis since the debacle of Chevy Chase’s […]
The Chicago Blackhawks continue to be a success story on – and off the ice. Comcast SportsNet set hit yet another season high – and broke another ratings record – for a Blackhawks game Thursday night. The Blue Jackets – Blackhawks matchup averaged a 4.2 household rating, breaking a record set only last week by a Blackhawks-Boston Bruins game (an […]
The deals made by Tribune, Fox, and Weigel’s WCIU for Family Guy last week showed a return of cash into the syndication marketplace, something that has lacking for the past year or so. But hold the bubbly; in fact, you might have to take the bottle of champagne back to the store. It turns out Tribune paid less to renew […]
For the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards – it was deja vu – the year of the Repeat – as in repeat winners. For the third year in a row, 30 Rock won for Outstanding Comedy Series, while Mad Men swept its way to its second straight Outstanding Drama Series win. Another repeat winner came in the reality category, with […]
The best and worst of the last three weeks: Good. – The Michael Jackson Memorial Service. Tasteful and dignified. – America’s Got Talent. Once again, the hit of the summer season with an average of 11 million viewers. And it still hasn’t found its Susan Boyle! – Casey Kasem. Tip of the hat to the man who practically invented counting […]
In a blockbuster deal, the NBC Thursday night comedy 30 Rock was sold in syndication to cable networks Comedy Central and WGN America and to Fox and Tribune stations on the broadcast side, each for Fall 2011 debuts. NBC Universal decided to sell the sitcom to Fox and Tribune station groups, splitting the difference. Locally, 30 Rock will air on […]
How about this for anti-climatic: As expected, both Mad Men and 30 Rock took home Emmys for best drama and comedy, respectively (really, do you think Two and a Half Men was going to win? Ha!) And the idea for five people to host the Emmys… don’t let it happen ever again. The opening was absolutely atrocious. They said they […]
Regarding the peacock network’s Thursday night comedies. And this after the organization praised NBC for setting aside the 7-8 p.m. hour (Central) for family shows. And what about last night’s Deal or No Deal (another show they endlessly praise), which featured a rather raunchy Spring Break episode? If the PTC has to change their story, then this group clearly has […]