Comic Con Analysis for TV Watchers and Wannabes Part One

You've probably seen all of the news smothered over the internet like Smuckers raspberry preserves (yum), and you may have even seen some of the panels.

Now I want to pick it apart and analyze it all. What does all of this MEAN?

The week before Comic Con a little event called the TCA Fall Press Tour happened...not that'd you'd know, because it got a thimble-size of the press Comic Con received. Anymore the networks realize that connecting with fans is as important (if not moreso) than chattering at TV critics and reporters who cover this stuff for a living. Granted, most critics are also TV fans, and it becomes evident as they pick good quality shows to support which just don't get the ratings they need to survive. It happens every year.

Still, getting fans engaged, the kind who go to big events like Comic Con can be "make or break" for a film, and now for TV shows too. Lost set the precedent (though I'm sure other shows have visited before that show launched) for launching at Comic Con and getting fan support early. If the fans like you, buzz builds online and people get excited for the show.

The lesson learned in 2007 was it is not enough to hype the pilot. Too many shows (See: Invasion, Surface, Bionic Woman and Journeyman) placed too much emphasis on the pilot and not on the whole show. The good news, is that for the shows that approach the marketing of their shows with creativity and flair (and let's be fair, we're talking mostly 'genre' shows here), it can pay great dividends. Two years ago Heroes was the belle of the ball. Last year the big buzz was around Pushing Daisies and Sarah Connor Chronicles. All of those shows saw good sampling based in part on their launches at Comic Con.

So what about this year? Who has benefited the most from their appearances at Comic Con. Let's give each network a grade.

ABC presented panels for Lost and Pushing Daisies, both returning shows. ABC hasn't picked up their midseason shows yet, and their new fall shows don't really qualify as 'genre'. Both panels were packed and response was very positive. The "Lost" panel gave away some fun prizes to people who asked questions and showed a short teaser video tieing into the new ARG running this year. They put the panel in the largest room (Hall H) which shows just how much demand there is for the show at Comic Con. "Daisies" also got good buzz going again with some clips for next season (the benefit for returning shows this year is that most have already started shooting at least a couple of episodes, so there was stuff to show). ABC did a good job with their show promotion, though I think "Daisies" could have used a stronger push. Overall, a good job. Grade: A-

CBS had no presence at Comic Con this year. Their only new genre show is Harper's Island which was nowhere to be seen. Viacom makes up for this shortcoming with its Showtime offerings, which we'll get to later. Grade: D

Fox pulled out all the stops for its shows. Not only did the new J.J. Abrahms show Fringe get lots of viral marketing, a panel and a screening of the pilot, but Fox was there to strongly promote Season 2 of Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles and other returning shows. Offerings ranged from the obvious (The Simpsons, Family Guy, 24) to the surprising (Bones, Prison Break, American Dad. And then there was Joss. Of course, nothing could hold back the hordes of Whedonites who needed their fix of Dollhouse. The panels were all well attended (although Fringe was less full than I expected), the marketing was really great for the fall premieres, and definitely buzz was built for the new shows. I think Fox knows how to promote their genre offerings. Grade: A

NBC After mixed results from their Comic Con promotion last year, I was glad to see that NBC bounced back and charged ahead aggressively. They too presented some unusual offerings -- The Office writers panel? (A dream for us!) But they were in full force for freebies and viral campaigns for Knight Rider, Chuck, The Office, and Heroes. They also did well to give lots of early info on midseason show Kings which got some good buzz and attention at the Con. Disappointments: No Merlin or Crusoe news. Their booth in the exhibit hall was similar to last year, but the giveaways were good, and the Comic Con exclusive merchandise was very popular. Grade: A-

The CW Okay, so I know Supernatural and Smallville were both there, but where the heck was Reaper?? Grade: C- (Kudos to WB for promoting their studio backed shows -- they had the Nerd Herd car giveaway/drawing)

Hard to believe that was just the network presence! Next post: The cable nets, and how does this impact writing specs?

UPDATE: A myriad of panels!

NBC's Show Panels

The 2007-08 Season TV Watch List

Updated on 06/10.

New Series Premiere Dates / Status:

NETWORK:

• Dance War (ABC) (could return next year)
  
• Farmer Wants a Wife (CW) Wed 9 PM
  
• Swingtown (CBS) Thurs 10 PM
  
• Fear Itself (NBC) Thurs 10 PM
  
• The Mole (ABC) Mon 9 PM
  
• When Women Rule the World (Fox) TBD 9 PM
  
• Celebrity Circus (NBC) 6/11 9 PM
  
• Wipeout (ABC) 6/24 8 PM
  
• I Survived a Japanese Gameshow (ABC) 6/24 9 PM
  
• The Baby Borrowers (NBC) 6/25 8 PM
  
• Hopkins 24/7 (documentary series) (ABC) 6/26 10 PM
  
• Dance Machine (ABC) 6/27 8 PM
  
• High School Musical: Summer Session (ABC) 7/20 8 PM
  
• Wanna Bet? (ABC) 7/21 9 PM
  
  

CABLE:

• Tell Me You Love Me (HBO) Sun 9 PM
  
• America's Psychic Challenge (Lifetime) Fri 10 PM
  
• Girl Meets Cowboy (We) Sun 10 PM
  
• The Shot (VH1) Sun 10 PM
  
• It's My Party (Lifetime) Fri 10 PM
  
• In Treatment (HBO) Mon 9:30 PM
  
• Step It Up and Dance (Bravo) Thurs 10 PM
  
• Sarah Jane Adventures (SciFi) Fri 8 PM
  
• The Alaska Experiment (Discovery) Tues 10 PM
  
• In Plain Sight (USA) Sun 10 PM
  
• Secret Diary of a Call Girl (Showtime) 6/16 10:30 PM
  
• The Starter Wife (series) (USA) October TBD
  
  

Renewed for 2008-09 Season (New shows for 07-08 indicated in bold):

• Damages (FX) (Also renewed for 2009-10)
  
• The Big Bang Theory (CBS) Mon 8:30 PM
  
• Dexter (Showtime) Sun 9 PM
  
• Ugly Betty (ABC) Thurs 8 PM
  
• Grey's Anatomy (ABC) Thurs 9 PM
  
• Desperate Housewives (ABC) Sun 9 PM
  
• Brothers & Sisters (ABC) Sun 10 PM
  
• Lost (ABC) Thurs 9 PM
  
• Dancing With the Stars (ABC) Mon 8 PM/Tues 9 PM
  
• America's Funniest Home Videos (ABC) Sun 7 PM (19th season)
  
• Supernanny (ABC) Wed 9 PM
  
• Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC) Sun 8 PM
  
• Wife Swap (ABC) Wed 8 PM
  
• The Bachelor (ABC) Mon 9:30 PM
  
• WWE Smackdown (CW) Fri 8 PM (moving to MyNetwork TV next year!)
  
• Heroes (NBC) Mon 9 PM
  
• Gossip Girl (CW) Wed 9 PM
  
• America's Next Top Model (CW) Wed 8 PM
  
• Smallville (CW) Thurs 8 PM
  
• Everybody Hates Chris (CW) Mon 8 PM
  
• Supernatural (CW) Thurs 9 PM
  
• Survivor (CBS) Thurs 8 PM
  
• The Amazing Race (CBS) Sun 8 PM
  
• 60 Minutes (CBS) Sun 7 PM
  
• CSI: Miami (CBS) Mon 10 PM
  
• CSI: New York (CBS) Wed 10 PM
  
• C.S.I. (CBS) Thurs 9 PM
  
• NCIS (CBS) Tues 8 PM
  
• E.R. (NBC) Thurs 10 PM (renewed for 15th and last season)
  
• 24 (Fox) 9 PM (Won't air until January 09)
  
• One Tree Hill (CW) Tues 9 PM
  
• Big Brother (CBS) Tues 9 PM
  
• Prison Break (Fox) Mon 8 PM
  
• Samantha Who? (ABC) Mon 9:30 PM
  
• Dirty Sexy Money (ABC) Wed 10 PM
  
• Chuck (NBC) Mon 8 PM
  
• Life (NBC) Wed 10 PM
  
• Private Practice (ABC) Wed 9 PM
  
• Pushing Daisies (ABC) Wed 8 PM
  
• Kitchen Nightmares (Fox) Wed 9 PM
  
• Law and Order (NBC) Wed 9 PM
  
• Friday Night Lights (NBC) Fri 9 PM
  
• Lipstick Jungle (NBC) Thurs 10 PM
  
• How to Look Good Naked (Lifetime) Fri 9:30 PM
  
• 30 Rock (NBC) Thurs 8:30 PM
  
• Deal or No Deal (NBC) Wed 8 PM
  
• My Name is Earl (NBC) Thurs 8 PM
  
• The Office (NBC) Thurs 9 PM
  
• Medium (NBC) Mon 10 PM
  
• Celebrity Apprentice (NBC) Sun 8 PM
  
• Law and Order: SVU (NBC) Tues 10 PM
  
• Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox) Mon 8 PM
  
• Tim Gunn's Guide to Style (Bravo) Wed 10 PM
  
• Project Runway (Lifetime) MOVING TO LIFETIME!!
  
• Sunday Best (BET) Sun 8 PM
  
• American Gangster (BET) Thurs 10 PM
  
• Real Housewives of Orange County (Bravo) 10 PM
  
• Top Chef (Bravo) Wed 10 PM
  
• Real Housewives of New York City (Bravo)
  
• Top Design (Bravo)
  
• Shear Genius (Bravo)
  
• The Millionaire Matchmaker (Bravo)
  
• Million Dollar Listing (Bravo)
  
• Breaking Bad (AMC) Thurs 10 PM
  
• American Idol (Fox) Tues/Wed 8 PM
  
• House (Fox) Mon 9 PM
  
• Bones (Fox) Tues 8 PM
  
• Lincoln Heights (ABC Family) Mon 8 PM
  
• Two and a Half Men (CBS) Mon 9 PM
  
• Ghost Hunters (SciFi) Wed 9 PM
  
• The Game (CW) Mon 9:30 PM
  
• Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? (Fox)
  
• Don't Forget the Lyrics! (Fox)
  
• Cops (Fox)
  
• America's Most Wanted (Fox)
  
• The Simpsons (Fox) Sun 8 PM
  
• Family Guy (Fox) Sun 9 PM
  
• Boston Legal (ABC) Wed 10 PM
  
• The Ghost Whisperer (CBS) Fri 8 PM
  
• The Tudors (Showtime) Sun 9 PM
  
• Eli Stone (ABC) Thurs 10 PM
  
• The Moment of Truth (Fox) Wed 9 PM (returns 6/12)
  
• Reaper (CW) Tues 9 PM
  
• The Unit (CBS) Tues 9 PM
  
• Cold Case (CBS) Sun 9 PM
  
• How I Met Your Mother (CBS) Mon 8 PM
  
• Rules of Engagement (CBS) Mon 9:30 PM
  
• Criminal Minds (CBS) Wed 9 PM
  
• Without a Trace (CBS) Thurs 10 PM
  
• Numb3rs (CBS) Fri 10 PM
  
• 20/20 (ABC) Fri 10 PM
  
• Scrubs (NBC) Thurs 9:30 PM (moves to ABC)
  
• According to Jim (ABC) Tues 9 PM (returns midseason)
  
• 10 Items or Less (TBS) 11 PM
  
• Tyler Perry's House of Payne (TBS) 10 PM
  
• Frank TV (TBS) Tues 11 PM
  
• The Bill Engvall Show (TBS)
  
• King of the Hill (Fox) Sun 8:30 PM
  
• American Dad (Fox) Sun 9:30 PM
  
• Torchwood (BBC America) Sat 9 PM [Season 3 only 5 eps no date]
  
  
  

Series Death Watch (New shows for 07-08 indicated in bold):

• Online Nation (CW)
  
• Nashville (Fox)
  
• Viva Laughlin (CBS)
  
• Kid Nation (CBS) Wed 8 PM
  
• Las Vegas (NBC) Fri 10 PM
  
• Girlfriends (CW) Mon 9 PM
  
• Jericho (CBS) Tues 10 PM
  
• The Return of Jezebel James (Fox) Fri 8:30 PM
  
• Journeyman (NBC) Mon 10 PM
  
• Bionic Woman (NBC) Wed 9 PM
  
• Phenomenon (NBC) Wed 8 PM
  
• Clash of the Choirs (NBC)
  
• Secret Talents of the Stars (CBS) Tues 10 PM
  
• Exalted! (BET) Sun 9 PM
  
• Amne$ia (NBC) Fri 8 PM
  
• Men in Trees (ABC) Wed 10 PM
  
• Battlestar Galactica (SciFi) 9 PM (Series Ending)
  
• Back to You (Fox) Wed 9:30 PM
  
• October Road (ABC) Mon 10 PM
  
• Aliens in America (CW) Mon 8:30 PM
  
• Beauty and the Geek (CW) Tues 8 PM
  
• New Amsterdam (Fox) Mon 9 PM
  
• K-ville (Fox) Mon 9 PM
  
• Big Shots (ABC) Thurs 10 PM
  
• CW Now (CW) Sun 7 PM
  
• Cavemen (ABC) Tues 8 PM
  
• Carpoolers (ABC) Tues 8:30 PM
  
• Cane (CBS) Tues 10 PM
  
• Life is Wild (CW) Sun 8 PM
  
• American Band (Fox) Fri 8 PM
  
• Crowned (CW) Wed 8 PM
  
• Women's Murder Club (ABC) Tues 10 PM
  
• Welcome to the Captain (CBS) Mon 8:30 PM
  
• Oprah's Big Give (ABC) Sun 9 PM
  
• Shark (CBS) Sun 10 PM
  
• Power of 10 (CBS) Wed 8 PM
  
• Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious Wed 9 PM
  
• Notes from the Underbelly (ABC) Mon 9:30 PM
  
• Duel (ABC) Fri 9 PM
  
• Moonlight (CBS) Fri 9 PM
  
• Cashmere Mafia (ABC) Wed 10 PM
  
• Canterbury's Law (Fox) Fri 9 PM
  
• The Singing Bee (NBC) Tues 9:30 PM
  
• Miss/Guided (ABC) Thurs 8PM
  
• quarterlife (Bravo) Tues 10 PM
  
• Unhitched (Fox) Sun 9:30 PM
  
• Dirt (FX) Tues 10 PM
  
  

Returning Series Premiere Dates:

NETWORK:

• Hell's Kitchen (Fox) Tues 9 PM
  
• The Bachelorette (ABC) Mon 9 PM
  
• Last Comic Standing (NBC) Thurs 8:30 PM
  
• So You Think You Can Dance? (Fox) Tues 8 PM
  
• Nashville Star (NBC) Mon 8 PM
  
• America's Got Talent (NBC) 6/17 9 PM
  
  

CABLE:

• Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO) Sun 10 PM
  
• It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX) Thurs 10 PM
  
• The Ultimate Fighter (Spike) Wed 10 PM
  
• Stargate Atlantis (SciFi) Fri 10 PM
  
• Brotherhood (Showtime) Sun 10 PM
  
• South Park (Comedy Central) Wed 10 PM
  
• The Sarah Silverman Program (Comedy Central) Wed 10:30 PM
  
• Law and Order: Criminal Intent (USA) Sun 10 PM
  
• Drawn Together (Comedy Central) Fri 10:30 PM
  
• Nip/Tuck (FX) 10 PM
  
• The L Word (Showtime) 10 PM
  
• Hotel Babylon (BBC America) Wed 9 PM
  
• The Riches (FX) Tues 10 PM
  
• Greek (ABC Family) Mon 8 PM
  
• Deadliest Catch (Discovery) Tues 9 PM
  
• Doctor Who (SciFi) Fri 9 PM
  
• Workout (Bravo) Tues 10 PM
  
• Robin Hood (BBC America) Sat 9 PM
  
• Wildfire (ABC Family) Mon 9 PM
  
• Burn Notice (USA) 6/10 10 PM
  
• Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List (Bravo) 6/12 9 PM
  
• Weeds (Showtime) 6/16 10 PM
  
• Flipping Out (Bravo) 6/17 9 PM
  
• Monk (USA) 6/18 9 PM
  
• Psych (USA) 6/18 10 PM
  
• 30 Days (FX) 7/3 10 PM
  
• The Shield (FX) 9/2 10 PM
  
  
  

A brief explanation of the watch list:

New shows premiere dates / status - consider this the neutral zone, detailing the premiere dates for new shows and tidbits of info which could forecast a move to another category.

Shows likely to be axed - their numbers aren't good, news stories point to it being yanked, it may soon end up in the cancelled category.

NEW Series Pickups- this doesn't mean it is renewed for next year, just that the series has gotten a full season order. (e.g., 'back nine' pickup).

Likely pickups - the numbers are good, all we need is the confirmation from the network (again, this is for full season orders, not renewals).

Renewed - Will be back next season (new or older shows).

Series death watch - they've been on the air and their time may be coming. We watch and wait... (new or older shows)

All other series premiere dates - Just what it says. These aren't new series, but their premiere dates are listed and updated, just as an added service to you, my loyal readers and googlers passing by...

** New this year, I will be tracking the reality shows as well as scripted

The fall schedules 2008-09

So, now that upfronts are over, let's take a look at how the networks stack up against each other next year. Keep in mind that now everyone has shown their cards, there may be a tweak here or there to move shows away from each other.

MONDAY

8 PM

ABC Dancing with the Stars
CBS The Big Bang Theory / How I Met Your Mother (8:30)
NBC Chuck
Fox Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
CW Gossip Girl

9 PM

ABC Untitled Tyra Banks&Ashton Kutcher / Samantha Who (9:30)
CBS Two and a Half Men / Worst Week (9:30)
NBC Heroes
Fox Prison Break
CW One Tree Hill

10 PM

ABC The Bachelor / Boston Legal (after Bachelor ends)
CBS CSI: Miami
NBC My Own Worst Enemy

TUESDAY

8 PM

ABC Opportunity Knocks
CBS NCIS
NBC The Biggest Loser: Families
Fox House
CW 90210

9 PM

ABC Dancing Results Show / Scrubs/The Goode Family(9:30) (after Dancing ends)
CBS The Mentalist
NBC The Biggest Loser: Families / Kath & Kim (9:30)
Fox Fringe
CW Surviving the Filthy Rich

10 PM

ABC Eli Stone
CBS Without a Trace
NBC Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

WEDNESDAY

8 PM

ABC Pushing Daisies
CBS The New Adventures of Old Christine / Project Gary (8:30)
NBC Knight Rider
Fox Bones
CW America's Next Top Model

9 PM

ABC Private Practice
CBS Criminal Minds
NBC Deal or No Deal
Fox 'Til Death / Do Not Disturb (9:30)
CW Stylista

10 PM

ABC Dirty Sexy Money
CBS CSI:NY
NBC Lipstick Jungle

THURSDAY

8 PM

ABC Ugly Betty
CBS Survivor
NBC My Name is Earl / 30 Rock (8:30)
Fox The Moment of Truth
CW Smallville

9 PM

ABC Grey's Anatomy
CBS CSI
NBC The Office / The Office/SNL Thursday Night Live (9:30)
Fox Kitchen Nightmares
CW Supernatural

10 PM

ABC Life on Mars
CBS Eleventh Hour
NBC ER

FRIDAY

8 PM

ABC Supernanny
CBS The Ghost Whisperer
NBC Crusoe
Fox Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?
CW Everybody Hates Chris / The Game (8:30)

9 PM

ABC Wife Swap
CBS The Ex List
NBC Deal or No Deal
Fox Don't Forget the Lyrics!
CW America's Next Top Model (Encore Presentation)

10 PM

ABC 20/20
CBS Numb3rs
NBC Life

SATURDAY

8 PM

ABC College Football
CBS Crimetime Saturday
NBC Dateline NBC
Fox Cops / Cops (8:30)

9 PM

ABC College Football / Movie
CBS Crimetime Saturday
NBC Knight Rider (Encores)
Fox America's Most Wanted

10 PM

ABC College Football / Movie
CBS 48 Hours Mystery
NBC Law & Order: SVU (Encores)

SUNDAY

7 PM

ABC America's Funniest Home Videos
CBS 60 Minutes
NBC Football Night in America
Fox The OT (NFL post-game)

8 PM

ABC Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
CBS The Amazing Race
NBC NBC Sunday Night Football
Fox The Simpsons / King of the Hill (8:30)

9 PM

ABC Desperate Housewives
CBS Cold Case
NBC NBC Sunday Night Football
Fox Family Guy / American Dad (9:30)

10 PM

ABC Brothers & Sisters
CBS The Unit
NBC NBC Sunday Night Football

Upfronts 2008: CW announces fall schedule

The following is a transcript of a meeting at the CW just prior to the release of their schedule

INT. BOARDROOM - DAY

DAWN O.
Good morning everybody!

Mumbles from rest of table.

DAWN O.
Okay, so now that we don't have to program the weekend, what have we got?

MINION #1
Well, we've got Gossip Girl.

DAWN O.
OMG! I love that show so hard!

MINION #2
Yes, for real, Ms. Ostroff.

MINION #1
But it's only got about two million viewers.

DAWN O.
Yeah, but it's so good!

MINION #1
Well, since it does seem to be generating some good press for us, we've decided to focus on that core demographic of 14 to 30 year old women for a couple of new shows.

DAWN O.
These aren't like that stupid safari show, right?

MINION #2
No way! One is called "Surviving the Filthy Rich".

DAWN O.
Love it!

MINION #1
The other is an updated "Beverly Hills, 90210".

DAWN O.
We are so owning ABC's butt with women next year. So what else do we have?

MINION #1
We've got Top Model, still our highest rated program.

DAWN O.
That reminds me, make sure Tyra gets the CW gift basket. Make sure she gets a mug.

MINION #2
Right-o! Anyway, we have great news! Tyra had this idea of another show she doodled on a napkin the other day. Something about women who love fashion competing for a prize at a fashion magazine. It's 'The Devil Wears Prada' as a competition!

DAWN O.
What, like designers?

MINION #2
No, it's not ProjRun exactly...we're calling it Stylista.

DAWN O.
OMG! I love Tim Gunn. Can we get him to host this show for us?

MINION #1
He's busy.

DAWN O.
Heidi?

MINION #1
Busy. And before you ask, yes, Michael Kors is busy, as is Carson Kressley.

DAWN O.
(heavy sigh)
Fine. Who do we have?

MINION #2
No one as yet. But once we announce this, I'm sure they'll be beating down our door!

DAWN O.
Moving on. Did we finally get rid of that wrestling thing?

MINION #2
As you requested. MyNetworkTV is taking it.

DAWN O.
Who?

MINION #2
You know, that network Fox owns that no one watches.

DAWN O.
(sniff)
I can't believe they can stay on the air with no viewers.

MINION #1
We're still on the air.

DAWN O.
We have viewers! They just don't know we're on TV.

MINION #1
Right. So, since we didn't really have much else in the development pipeline and you told us we were on a budget, we recommend renewing our core shows for another year. And "Reaper".

DAWN O.
What's "Reaper"?

MINION #1
One of our highest rated shows. Right now it's pulling better numbers than "Gossip Girl" and really haven't promoted it very strongly.

DAWN O.
Shut your face! Do not blaspheme Gossip Girl! Fine, renew everything. Except that Aliens show. I hate it. Wait, do we have a slot to repeat Top Model?

MINION #2
Not really. Now that we don't have Sunday night, we don't have an hour to spare.

DAWN O.
I really like that we show Model twice a week. And Tyra owns my soul, so...bump that Devil show...

MINION #1
Reaper?

DAWN O.
Right. That. Move it to midseason or something.

MINION #1
I'm not sure that's a good idea considering the fanbase...

DAWN O.
JUST DO IT!!

MINION #2
Consider it done, Ms. O.

DAWN O.
Well. I feel very good about this schedule. I just have one question.

MINION #1
What's that?

DAWN O.
Why are you two the only ones at this meeting?

MINION #2
We're the only ones in the building. You fired everyone else.

DAWN O.
Oh. So who are you two?

MINION #2
I'm the legal department.

MINION #1
I'm your janitor. And I'm not cleaning up after this crappy schedule. I quit.

DAWN O.
(watches Minion #1 leave)
Whatever! Fine, get out of my face, non-believer! Jeez, you believe that guy?

MINION #2
Not at all.

DAWN O.
Meeting over! I need to go watch Gossip Girl.


The CW PRESS RELEASE AND FALL 2008-09 SCHEDULE FOLLOW:

THE CW ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR 2008-2009 SEASON

BUILDING THE POP CULTURE BUZZ, NEW SEASON LAUNCHES SEPTEMBER 1 WITH SCHEDULE FEATURING RETURNING HITS "GOSSIP GIRL" AND "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL," ALONG WITH HIGHLY ANTICIPATED "90210"

Monday Night Features Winning Team of Hit Dramas "Gossip Girl" and "One Tree Hill"

New Neighbors Move in Tuesday Night: "90210" Ensemble Features Original Cast Member Jennie Garth in a Guest Starring Role, Followed By New Drama "Surviving the Filthy Rich"

Top-Rated "America's Next Top Model" Leads Into New Fashion Reality Series "Stylista" on Wednesdays

Fan Favorites "Smallville" and "Supernatural" Return on Thursdays

Friday Night Gets a Counter-Programming Comedy Makeover With "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game," Followed By An "America's Next Top Model" Encore

Three Hours of Original Programming on Sunday From Media Rights Capital

The Devil Returns on "Reaper" for Midseason

May 13, 2008 (New York, New York) - The CW Network announced a fall launch date of September 1 and unveiled the schedule for its 2008-2009 season today at a presentation and party for advertisers, affiliates and national media in the Tent at Lincoln Center. The announcement was made by Dawn Ostroff, President of Entertainment, The CW.

"With shows that everyone is talking about, from Gossip Girl' and America's Next Top Model' to our upcoming 90210,' our new lineup has the best Monday-Friday schedule flow we have ever had at The CW," said Ostroff. "We are zeroed in on our target demo of young women 18-34 with both new and returning series, and each programming block provides a strong promotional platform for the following night. We're confident that the quality of our shows for the fall season will make The CW the destination for young women."

On Monday, the network will continue the successful combination of GOSSIP GIRL and ONE TREE HILL. GOSSIP GIRL was the most buzz-worthy show of last season and had the highest concentration of female teens of any series on broadcast television. GOSSIP GIRL will return to its 8:00-9:00 p.m. slot, followed by ONE TREE HILL from 9:00-10:00 p.m. ONE TREE HILL's loyal fan base is the second youngest on television, and the series continued to grow last season despite its time period move.

On Tuesday, 90210, the most eagerly anticipated series of the fall, will premiere in the 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot. A fresh interpretation of the iconic 1990's drama "Beverly Hills, 90210," this spin-off features a dynamic cast of up-and-coming stars, familiar faces such as Lori Loughlin ("Summerland") and Jessica Walter ("Arrested Development"), and guest star Jennie Garth, who will reprise her role from the original series. 90210 promises to deliver all the drama and excitement of the original series. In the 9:00-10:00 p.m. timeslot, the new series SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH brings a distinctively witty note to the Tuesday lineup. Based on the best-selling book "How To Teach Filthy Rich Girls" by Zoe Dean, SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH stars JoAnna Garcia ("Reba") as the live-in tutor to wild and wealthy teenage twin sisters in fabulous Palm Beach. SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH makes the perfect companion piece for 90210.

On Wednesday, The CW's top-rated series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL ranked first in its time period in adults and women 18-34 and was the sixth highest-rated show on television among female teens last season. AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL returns in its successful 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot, followed by the new fashion reality show STYLISTA. From the creators of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL and "Project Runway," and starring Elle magazine's Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, and Creative Director, Joe Zee, STYLISTA is "The Devil Wears Prada" reinvented as a reality series. With tough weekly challenges, 11 hopeful fashion enthusiasts will vie for a coveted editorial job and great prizes. Together, AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL and STYLISTA make up the fall's most fashionable night of television.

On Thursday, the heroic team of SMALLVILLE and SUPERNATURAL will continue to offer viewers great special effects and gorgeous men. From 8:00-9:00 p.m., SMALLVILLE was The CW's most-watched and highest-rated scripted series in total viewers and adults 18-49 last season. In the 9:00-10:00 p.m. hour, SUPERNATURAL is The CW's third most-watched scripted program, despite the highly competitive timeslot.

Big changes are in store on Fridays when The CW will offer the only comedy option of the night with returning hits EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS and THE GAME. The counter-programming theme continues in the 9:00-10:00 hour with an encore presentation of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL.

As previously announced, The CW is partnering with Media Rights Capital to program the Sunday night primetime block. Details on the individual series will be released at a later date.

For Midseason, the critically acclaimed drama REAPER will return for a second season with The Devil and his bounty hunter.

Following is The CW's 2008-2009 primetime schedule, a night-by-night breakdown and accompanying details on all the programs.

THE CW's 2008-2009 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GOSSIP GIRL
9:00-10:00 PM ONE TREE HILL

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM 90210 (New Series)
9:00-10:00 PM SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH (New Series)

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL
9:00-10:00 PM STYLISTA (New Series)

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SMALLVILLE
9:00-10:00 PM SUPERNATURAL

FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS
8:30-9:00 PM THE GAME
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL (Encore Presentation)

MONDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. "GOSSIP GIRL"

Returning for its second season, GOSSIP GIRL is a one-hour drama based on an exclusive group of privileged prep school teens on Manhattan's Upper East Side whose lives revolve around the blog of the all-knowing albeit ultra-secretive Gossip Girl. No one knows Gossip Girl's identity, but everyone in this exclusive and complicated vicious circle relies on her website and text messages for the latest scoop. The series stars Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen, Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf, Penn Badgley as Dan Humphrey, Chace Crawford as Nate Archibald, Taylor Momsen as Jenny Humphrey, Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass, Jessica Szohr as Vanessa Abrams, Kelly Rutherford as Lily van der Woodsen and Matthew Settle as Rufus Humphrey. Filmed in New York and based on the popular series of young-adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, GOSSIP GIRL is from College Hill Pictures and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Paramount Network Television with executive producers Josh Schwartz ("The O.C."), Stephanie Savage ("The O.C."), Leslie Morgenstein ("Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants") and Bob Levy ("Surviving the Filthy Rich").

9:00-10:00 P.M. "ONE TREE HILL"

Returning for its sixth season to the town of Tree Hill, last season ONE TREE HILL made the unprecedented move of taking the storylines four years into the future. Season four ended as the young characters graduated high school and season five began post-college, four years later. The show also dipped into the past, returning to incidents and events that impacted the lives of this close group of friends who call Tree Hill home. The series stars Chad Michael Murray as Lucas Scott, James Lafferty as Nathan Scott, Hilarie Burton as Peyton Sawyer, Sophia Bush as Brooke Davis, Bethany Joy Galeotti as Haley James Scott, Lee Norris as Mouth, Antwon Tanner as Skills and Paul Johansson as Dan Scott. ONE TREE HILL was created by Mark Schwahn and is executive produced by Schwahn, Joe Davola, Greg Prange, Mike Tollin and Brian Robbins. ONE TREE HILL is a Tollin/Robbins Production in association with Warner Bros. Television.

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. "90210" (New Series)

An edgy, contemporary spin-off of the iconic drama "Beverly Hills, 90210," the new 90210 looks at life through the eyes of Annie Mills (Shenae Grimes, "Degrassi: The Next Generation") and her brother Dixon (Tristan Wilds, "The Wire"), whose first day at West Beverly Hills High School leaves no doubt they're not in Kansas anymore. The Mills family, including dad Harry (casting TBD) and mom Debbie (Lori Loughlin, "Summerland"), has relocated to Beverly Hills to keep an eye on Harry's mother Tabitha (Jessica Walter, "Arrested Development"), a feisty-but-faded former television star and a charter member of the Betty Ford Clinic. For Annie and Dixon, the awkwardness of being the new kids is made worse by the fact that their dad has taken a job as the high school principal. The school is one big culture shock for Annie, a sweet and friendly girl with a passion for the theater, and Dixon, a star athlete and scholar who was adopted by the Mills family after they took him in as a foster child. Annie and Dixon have a close sibling relationship, which they'll need to help them cope with all the new cliques and classmates, including Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord, "Nip/Tuck"), a hot, spoiled, rich girl; Ethan (Dustin Milligan, "Runaway"), a popular jock whose abilities rival Dixon's; Navid (Michael Steger, "The Winner"), an aspiring reporter who heads up the school's daily newscast; and Silver (Jessica Stroup, "Prom Night"), a rebel who produces and stars in a YouTube-type video series. Even the faculty seems hip and sophisticated at WBHHS, such as smart and funny teacher Ryan Matthews (Ryan Eggold, "Dirt") and beautiful guidance counselor Kelly Taylor (guest star Jennie Garth, the original "Beverly Hills, 90210"). The Mills family has just begun to realize how much their lives are about to change. 90210 is produced by CBS Paramount Network Television with executive producers Gabe Sachs & Jeff Judah ("Freaks & Geeks"). Mark Piznarski ("Gossip Girl") is the director and executive producer of the pilot.

9:00-10:00 P.M. "SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH" (New Series)

Twenty-three-year-old Megan Smith (JoAnna Garcia, "Reba") has a Yale education, a relentlessly positive attitude and a plan to conquer the world of journalism, despite the fact that she is currently slaving away at a tabloid rag. Megan's plan is thrown off course when, in one whirlwind day, she gets fired, meets cosmetics mogul Laurel Limoges (casting TBD) and becomes the live-in tutor for Laurel's twin teen granddaughters in the heady Palm Beach world of wealth and power. The girls, Rose (Lucy Kate Hale, "Bionic Woman") and Sage (Ashley Newbrough, "The Best Years"), are beautiful, rebellious and less-than-thrilled with their new tutor, but Megan is determined to win them over as she enjoys the perks of her new job - breathtaking private suite, gorgeous convertible and live-in chef Marco (Allan Louis, "Stomp the Yard"). Even the neighbors are fabulous in Palm Beach, and Megan quickly catches the eye of Will (casting TBD), the wealthy and extremely hot dilettante who lives on the estate next door and just happens to be dating Megan's estranged sister Lily (casting TBD). Completing this romantic quadrangle is Megan's best friend Charlie (Michael Cassidy, "Smallville," "The O.C."), who is secretly in love with her. Despite her own complicated romantic and family relationships, Megan is committed to making a difference in the lives of her two headstrong charges as she navigates the treacherous waters of high society in Palm Beach. SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH is based on the Alloy Entertainment book "How To Teach Filthy Rich Girls" by best-selling author Zoey Dean ("The A-List"). The series is from Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Paramount Network Television with executive producers Rina Mimoun ("Gilmore Girls," "Everwood"), Bob Levy ("Gossip Girl") and Leslie Morgenstein ("Gossip Girl," "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"). Michael Engler ("30 Rock") directed the pilot.

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL"

Returning for its eleventh cycle, the runaway runway hit series stars Tyra Banks. The show gives real people an opportunity to prove that they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of supermodeling. With mentoring by Tyra Banks and exposure to high-profile fashion-industry gurus, young women of various backgrounds, shapes and sizes must endure a highly accelerated modeling boot camp and face weekly tests to determine who will make the cut as they vie for a professional modeling contract. The executive producers are Ken Mok ("Making the Band"), Tyra Banks and Daniel Soiseth ("Hell's Kitchen"). The reality series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Ken Mok and Kenya Barris. AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with Bankable Productions.

9:00-10:00 P.M. "STYLISTA" (New Series)

If "The Devil Wears Prada" were a reality show, it would be STYLISTA. Eleven aspiring fashion enthusiasts vie for a much-coveted editorial job with Elle magazine. They work as assistants to Elle's Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, a demanding but well-respected fashion icon. The competitors will carry out an assistant task and a fashion editorial assignment in each episode. Each week, in consultation with Elle's Creative Director, Joe Zee, Anne fires one person, until the last assistant standing gets "promoted" to the coveted real-life job opportunity. The grand prize includes a paid editorial position at Elle magazine, a paid lease on a great apartment in Manhattan, and a clothing allowance at H&M, all for one year, valued at $100,000. STYLISTA is from 10 by 10 Entertainment, Inc. and Bankable Incorporated in association with Magic Molehill Productions, Inc. and Warner Horizon Television Inc. with executive producers Tyra Banks, Ken Mok, Eli Holzman, Desiree Gruber and Jane Cha.

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 P.M. "SMALLVILLE"

Returning for its eighth season, this new interpretation of the enduring Superman mythology and its classic characters blends realism and adventure into an exciting action series. Last season, Clark Kent and Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) became the sworn enemies that comic book aficionados have always known and loved. The season also brought storylines of Krypton and the El family, including the arrival of Clark's cousin Kara, a.k.a. Supergirl (Laura Vandervoort), and the return of Brainiac (James Marsters). There were also exciting guest stars from the Superman mythology, including Dean Cain ("Lois & Clark") and Helen Slater ("Supergirl"). Clark discovered more about his home planet, who his parents were, what his future holds and why he was sent to Earth. The series stars Tom Welling as Clark Kent, Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang, Erica Durance as Lois Lane and Aaron Ashmore as Jimmy Olsen. Reinterpreting the Superman mythology from its roots, SMALLVILLE was developed for television by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar ("Shanghai Noon," "Spiderman 2"), based on the DC Comics characters. The executive producers are Kelly Souders & Brian Peterson, Todd Slavkin & Darren Swimmer, James Marshall, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola. The series is produced by Tollin/Robbins Productions and Warner Bros. Television. Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster.

9:00-10:00 P.M "SUPERNATURAL"

Returning for its fourth season, this haunting series follows Sam and Dean Winchester, two brothers bound by tragedy and blood to their dangerous, other-worldly mission. This past season, the clock was ticking as Sam and Dean journeyed into the dark world of the unexplained to find a way to break Dean's deadly contract with the evil Lilith. The series stars Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester. SUPERNATURAL is from Warner Bros. Television in association with Kripke Enterprises Inc. and Wonderland Sound and Vision, with executive producers Eric Kripke ("Boogeyman"), McG ("Charlie's Angels," "The O.C."), Robert Singer ("Midnight Caller") and Kim Manners ("The X-Files").

FRIDAY

8:00-8:30 P.M. "EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS"

Returning for its fourth season, this hit comedy was inspired by the childhood experiences of comedian Chris Rock. Rock also serves as the narrator of this hilarious, touching story of a teenager growing up as the eldest of three children in Brooklyn, New York during the early 1980s. Uprooted to a new neighborhood and bused into a predominantly white middle school two hours away by his strict, hard-working parents, Chris struggled to find his place. At the conclusion of season three, Chris' excitement over graduation from middle school was ruined when his best friend announced his plans to attend a different high school in the fall. This responsible, resilient adolescent brings a distinct, funny spin to his everyday trials and traumas, in the Golden Globe- and People's Choice-nominated comedy EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS. The single-camera comedy series stars Tyler James Williams ("Unaccompanied Minors") as Chris, Terry Crews ("The Longest Yard") as Julius, Tichina Arnold ("Martin") as Rochelle, Tequan Richmond ("Ray") as Drew, Imani Hakim as Tonya and Vincent Martella ("Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo") as Greg. EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS is a production of CBS Paramount Network Television in association with Chris Rock Enterprises, Inc. and 3 Arts Entertainment. Co-creator and narrator Chris Rock ("Head of State"), co-creator and writer Ali LeRoi ("Head of State"), Michael Rotenberg ("King of the Hill"), Dave Becky ("Lucky Louie") and Don Reo ("My Wife and Kids") are executive producers.

8:30-9:00 P.M. "THE GAME"

Returning for its third season, THE GAME is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the wives and girlfriends of pro-football players. This comedy tackles the way these women deal with egos, groupies and image consultants and shows how THE GAME is really played among the women behind the athletes. The series stars Tia Mowry ("Sister, Sister") as Melanie Barnett, Coby Bell ("Third Watch") as Jason Pitts, Pooch Hall ("Miracle's Boys") as Derwin Davis, Hosea Chanchez ("For Your Love") as Malik Wright, Brittany Daniel ("White Chicks") as Kelly Pitts and Wendy Raquel Robinson ("The Steve Harvey Show") as Tasha Mack. THE GAME is a production of Happy Camper Productions and Grammnet Productions in association with CBS Paramount Network Television. Kelsey Grammer ("Frasier," "Girlfriends"), creator Mara Brock Akil ("Girlfriends," "Moesha," "The Jamie Foxx Show") and Steve Stark serve as executive producers.

9:00-10:00 P.M. "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL" (Encore Presentation)

Returning for its eleventh cycle, the runaway runway hit series stars Tyra Banks. The show gives real people an opportunity to prove that they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of supermodeling. With mentoring by Tyra Banks and exposure to high-profile fashion-industry gurus, young women of various backgrounds, shapes and sizes must endure a highly accelerated modeling boot camp and face weekly tests to determine who will make the cut as they vie for a professional modeling contract. The executive producers are Ken Mok ("Making the Band"), Tyra Banks and Daniel Soiseth ("Hell's Kitchen"). The reality series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Ken Mok and Kenya Barris. AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with Bankable Productions.

SUNDAY

Details on the original series from The CW's partnership with Media Rights Capital will be released at a later date.

MIDSEASON

"REAPER"

Returning for its second season, REAPER blends suspense and humor as it follows Sam, a slacker whose world turned upside down on his 21st birthday when he learned that his parents sold his soul to the Devil before he was born. Charged by the Devil himself to be Hell's bounty hunter, Sam, with the aid of his goofball friends, Sock and Ben, and loyal girlfriend Andi, must track down evil-doers and send them back where they belong. Along the way, Sam has learned a lot about friendship, trust and the line between good and evil. The series stars Bret Harrison as Sam Oliver, Tyler Labine as Bert "Sock" Wysocki, Ray Wise as the Devil, Missy Peregrym as Andi Prendergast, Rick Gonzalez as Ben Gonzalez, Valarie Rae Miller as Josie Miller, Donavon Stinson as Ted and Andrew Airlie as Mr. Oliver. REAPER is from ABC Studios with executive producers Michele Fazekas ("Ed," "Law & Order, Special Victims Unit"), Tara Butters ("Ed," "Law & Order, Special Victims Unit"), Mark Gordon ("Grey's Anatomy," Criminal Minds"), Deborah Spera ("Criminal Minds") and Tom Spezialy ("Desperate Housewives").

Pilot news!

God Bless Nikki Finke and her insider-y knowledge. She's posted some pilot news on her blog today.

If you haven't listened to my radio show (prominently featured in the sidebar over there) I make my own predictions as to what will make it to the schedules, particularly for dramas. I'd say I'm almost right on so far...

We now return to your regularly scheduled program

The Watch List is rather ugly, I know. So, I thought I'd pull out the return dates of shows and publish them here.

Returning shows by Network:

ABC

• Samantha Who? Mon 9:30 PM (returns 4/7)
  
• Desperate Housewives Sun 9 PM (returns 4/13)
  
• Brothers & Sisters Sun 10 PM (returns 4/20)
  
• Ugly Betty Thurs 8 PM (returns 4/24)
  
• Grey's Anatomy Thurs 9 PM (returns 4/24)
  
• Lost Thurs 10 PM (returns 4/24)
  
• Women's Murder Club Tues 10 PM (returns 4/29 moves to Tues)
  
• Boston Legal Wed 10 PM (moves to Wed from Tues new episode 4/30)
  
  

CBS

• Moonlight Fri 9 PM (returns 4/25)
  
• Shark Sun 10 PM (returns 4/29)
  
  

NBC

• 30 Rock Thurs 8:30 PM (returns 4/10)
  
• The Office Thurs 9 PM (returns 4/10)
  
• Law and Order: SVU Tues 10 PM (returns 4/15)
  
  

Fox

• King of the Hill Sun 8:30 PM (returns 4/6)
  
• The Simpsons Sun 8 PM (returns 4/13)
  
• Bones Mon 8 PM (returns 4/14)
  
• Back to You Wed 8 PM (returns 4/16 9:30 PM)
  
• Family Guy Sun 9 PM (returns 4/27)
  
• House Mon 9 PM (returns 4/28)
  
  

The CW

• One Tree Hill Tues 9 PM (returns 4/14)
  
• Smallville Thurs 8 PM (returns 4/17)
  
• Gossip Girl Wed 9 PM (returns 4/21)
  
• Reaper Tues 9 PM (returns 4/22)
  
• Supernatural Thurs 9 PM (returns 4/24)
  
• Aliens In America Sun 8:30 PM (returns 4/27)
  

More post-strike scuttlebutt

2/13 Lots of Updates!

Here are the tidbits being posted around the web on various sites and in notes I've gotten from people 'in the know':

CBS:

* UPDATE: Shark is going back into production for four episodes, return date TBD. "The Unit" is still on hiatus.

* Cane is also a bubble show -- no requests for episodes from them, but pickup is still a possibility.

* The New Adventures of Old Christine and Rules of Engagement - also unknown if they will be picked up for next season -- bubble. UPDATE: Rules of Engagement will produce 6 more episodes for this season, return date is April 14.

* Moonlight might get 4 new episodes this spring,and will return to the schedule on April 11.

* Swingtown will go back into production. Air date is TBD.

* How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men each get 9 new episodes. All will return on March 17.

Other CBS shows, episodes ordered and return to air date:

"CSI: Miami," March 24, 8 episodes

"Cold Case," March 30, 5 episodes

"Criminal Minds," April 2, 7 episodes

"CSI: NY," April 2, 7 episodes

"CSI," April 3, 6 episodes

"Without a Trace," April 3, 6 episodes

"Ghost Whisperer," April 4, 6 episodes

"Numb3rs," April 4, 6 episodes

"NCIS," April 8, 7 episodes


Fox:

* Word is that Prison Break won't shoot more episodes.

* Also rumor that 24 might get pushed to January 2009!! UPDATE: Still hearing this.

* House will push out 5 or 6 more episodes, and Fox isn't afraid to extend their spring season a bit to accommodate past May sweeps.

* Back to You and 'Til Death are expected to go back into production for a few more episodes this season.

NBC:

* Chuck and Heroes will likely not produce any more episodes this season, but will return in the fall. No word on whether additional episodes will be tacked on to next season (this may happen to some shows being cut short this season).

* The Office and 30 Rock are expected to resume production.

ABC:

* Lost will probably only eke out another 6 episodes or so. There were supposed to be 16 for the shortened seasons, so a few episodes may get added to the next two seasons, making them 17 or 18 episode seasons to accommodate the story-telling (still speculative)

* Boston Legal is expected to resume production, and may be quickest back to air with new episodes, as apparently David Kelley works really fast cranking out scripts (hat tip: Hollywood Reporter for several of these items)

* Women's Murder Club is really on the bubble. Three executive producers were let go from the show yesterday. Big Shots looks really dead.

The CW:

* Gossip Girl has already been picked up for next season. No word yet on production schedule (though probably won't have new episodes until fall).

* Girlfriends was aired its last original episode, but no more are expected to be produced since this was the show's final season. There is talk of a final episode -- possibly a clip show -- to give the show a proper send off (will add this cancellation to watch list).

* Aliens in America had already shot 18 episodes, likely won't get more produced for spring. Everybody Hates Chris produced their 22-episode order, and both series still have fresh episodes to be aired. The Game is expected to go back into production for a few episodes.

* Smallville, Supernatural, Reaper and One Tree Hill are expected to go back into production. No word on how many episodes will be produced.

Will update rumors/confirm news as it happens.

CW gives Gossip Girl full season order

Surprise! The CW, despite weak ratings for its new shows, moves first to order the back nine of "Gossip Girl". Article in Variety.

Stay tuned for updated Watch List.

How the new series fare so far...

(For Nielsen coverage in full, check out Mark Berman's Programming Insider column daily.)

New Show Debut Ratings from last week:

Private Practice (ABC) – Wed. 9 p.m.
Viewers: 14.41 million (#13), A18-49: 5.2/13 (#10)

Bionic Woman (NBC) – Wed. 9 p.m.
Viewers: 13.91 million (#16), A18-49: 5.7/14 (#8)

Big Shots (ABC) – Thurs. 10 p.m.
Viewers: 11.10 million (#29), A18-49: 4.5/12 (#20t)

Dirty Sexy Money (ABC) – Wed. 10 p.m.
Viewers: 10.44 million (#31), A18-49: 3.6/10 (#32t)

Life (NBC) – Wed. 10 p.m.
Viewers: 9.95 million (#34), A18-49: 4.0/11 (#27)

The Big Bang Theory (CBS) – Mon. 8:30 p.m.
Viewers: 9.52 million (#37), A18-49: 3.7. 9 (#30t)

Chuck (NBC) – Mon. 8 p.m.
Viewers: 9.21 million (#42), A18-49: 3.6/ 9 (#32t)

Journeyman (NBC) – Mon. 10 p.m.
Viewers: 9.16 million (#43), A18-49: 3.5/ 9 (#35t)

Moonlight (CBS) – Fri. 9 p.m.
Viewers: 8.54 million (#47), A18-49: 2.5/ 8 (#55t)

Reaper (CW) – Tues. 9 p.m.
Viewers: 3.28 million (#85), A18-49: 1.5/ 4 (#76t)

So far this week, "The Big Bang Theory" held most of its audience from last week, and "Chuck", "Journeyman" and "Reaper" have on par numbers. "Cane" last night had better ratinigs than "Smith" in the time period a year ago. I say it will hold on for a few weeks. So far this bunch of shows look relatively stable.

"Cavemen" and "Carpoolers" last night bowed to unspectacular numbers. Both shows managed a 6.5/10 and a 6.3/10 in the fast nationals. This will probably put them in the top 50 shows of the week, but I don't expect those ratings to hold next week. Both shows were painful to watch.

There are articles all over the web detailing how increased DVR usage impacts the ratings this year. Nielsen has not yet published the live +3 and live +7 day ratings which include the DVR usage. Last year, DVR penetration was at about 8.5%. This year it is estimated to be more than double that, to 19%. 19% of households is roughly equal to 22 million households. That is a significant amount for the ratings picture and could catapult some shows from decent numbers to hit status once the DVR viewership is factored in.

Of course, the advertisers aren't so sure that people using DVRs are seeing their ads (probably not) so they are probably going to take the live +3, live +7 ratings with a grain of salt...

Decent premiere numbers from 'Kid Nation' & 'Kitchen Nightmares'

If you want the latest and greatest on the overnight ratings, visit The Programming Insider Forum daily, about noon Eastern, 9 AM Pacific for the numbers.

Kid Nation underperformed somewhat, considering all the hype. Gossip Girl was nearly a bomb, losing a significant amount of America's Top Model lead-in audience.

Back to You and Kitchen Nightmares were well sampled on Fox.

The 2006-07 Watch List

Updated 09/07.

Cancelled (new) shows:

• Blade: The Series (Spike)
  
• Smith (CBS)
  
• Runaway (CW)
  
• 20 Good Years (NBC)
  
• Waterfront (CBS) (midseason, never aired)
  
• Kidnapped (NBC)
  
• Happy Hour (Fox)
  
• Vanished (Fox)
  
• 3 Lbs (CBS)
  
• Help Me Help You (ABC)
  
• Justice (Fox)
  
• Daybreak (ABC)
  
• The Wedding Bells (Fox)
  
• The Black Donnellys (NBC)
  
• 6 Degrees (ABC)
  
• In Case of Emergency (ABC)
  
• Andy Barker, P.I. (NBC)
  
• The Nine (ABC)
  
• Big Day (ABC)
  
• Raines (NBC)
  
• Drive (Fox)
  
• Standoff (Fox)
  
• Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (NBC)
  
• The Knights of Prosperity (ABC)
  
• The Class (CBS)
  
• The Winner (FOX)
  
• Creature Comforts (CBS)
  
• Traveler (ABC)
  
• Hidden Palms (CW)
  
• John From Cincinatti (HBO)
  
• Painkiller Jane (SciFi)
  
• Heartland (TNT)
  

Shows likely to be axed:

None at this time.

Ordered full season:

None at this time.

Likely pickups:

None at this time.

New shows on the air, no decision:

NETWORK:

• The Singles Table (NBC) (will it ever air??)
  
  

CABLE:

• Monarch Cove (Lifetime)
  
• The Dresden Files (SciFi)
  
• Tyler Perry's House of Payne (TBS)
  
• Meadowlands (Showtime)
  
• Damages (FX)
  
• Greek (ABC Family)
  
• Side Order of Life (Lifetime) (resumes airing in Sept)
  
• State of Mind (Lifetime) (resumes airing in Sept)
  
• Mad Men (AMC)
  
• Flash Gordon (SciFi)
  
  

Renewed for another season:

• Eureka (SciFi)
  
• Psych (USA)
  
• 10 Items or Less (TBS) (summer 07)
  
• My Boys (TBS) (gets 3rd season for summer 08)
  
• Lincoln Heights (ABC Family) (summer 07)
  
• Doctor Who (SciFi)
  
• Dexter (Showtime)
  
• The Wire (HBO) (last season)
  
• The Office (NBC)
  
• My Name is Earl (NBC)
  
• Heroes (NBC)
  
• Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
  
• Everybody Hates Chris (CW)
  
• Battlestar Galactica (SciFi)
  
• House (Fox)
  
• Bones (Fox)
  
• Prison Break (Fox)
  
• The Simpsons (Fox)
  
• American Dad (Fox)
  
• Family Guy (Fox)
  
• Las Vegas (NBC)
  
• Nip/Tuck (FX)
  
• Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
  
• Boston Legal (ABC)
  
• Men in Trees (ABC)
  
• Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
  
• Ugly Betty (ABC)
  
• Desperate Housewives (ABC)
  
• Lost (ABC)
  
• 30 Rock (NBC)
  
• The Tudors (Showtime)
  
• The Riches (FX)
  
• Dirt (FX)
  
• Medium (NBC)
  
• Blood Ties (Lifetime)
  
• Friday Night Lights (NBC)
  
• Til Death (Fox)
  
• October Road (ABC) (13 episode order)
  
• Notes from the Underbelly (ABC) (13 episode order)
  
• Law and Order (NBC)
  
• Law and Order: Criminal Intent (NBC) (Will go to USA next season)
  
• Shark (CBS)
  
• The Unit (CBS)
  
• How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
  
• The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS)
  
• Ghost Whisperer (CBS)
  
• Criminal Minds (CBS)
  
• CSI (CBS)
  
• CSI: NY (CBS)
  
• CSI: Miami (CBS)
  
• Cold Case (CBS)
  
• NCIS (CBS)
  
• Without a Trace (CBS)
  
• Numb3rs (CBS)
  
• Two and a Half Men (CBS)
  
• One Tree Hill (CW)
  
• Supernatural (CW)
  
• Smallville (CW)
  
• The Game (CW)
  
• Girlfriends (CW)
  
• Rules of Engagement (CBS)
  
• Jericho (CBS)
  
• According to Jim (ABC)
  
• Robin Hood (BBC America)
  
• Burn Notice (USA)
  
• Saving Grace (TNT)
  
• Flight of the Conchords (HBO)
  
• Army Wives (Lifetime)
  
• The Bill Engvall Show (TBS)
  
• Californication (Showtime)
  
  

Veteran shows death watch:

• The O.C. (Fox) (cancelled)
  
• Stargate: SG-1 (SciFi) (cancelled)
  
• King of Queens (CBS) (cancelled)
  
• Reba (CW) (cancelled)
  
• 7th Heaven (CW) (cancelled)
  
• Gilmore Girls (CW) (cancelled)
  
• The George Lopez Show (ABC) (cancelled)
  
• What About Brian (ABC) (cancelled)
  
• Crossing Jordan (NBC) (cancelled)
  
• The War at Home (Fox) (cancelled)
  
• Veronica Mars (CW) (cancelled)
  
• All of Us (CW) (cancelled)
  
• Close to Home (CBS) (cancelled)
  
• The Loop (Fox) (cancelled)
  
  

A brief explanation of the watch list:

Cancelled (new) shows - these are CONFIRMED freshman cancelled shows (or as close as we can get to confirmation).

Shows likely to be axed - their numbers aren't good, news stories point to it being yanked, it may soon end up in the cancelled category.

Ordered full season - this doesn't mean it is renewed for next year, just that the series has gotten a full season order. (e.g., 'back nine' pickup).

Likely pickups - the numbers are good, all we need is the confirmation from the network (again, this is for full season orders, not renewals).

New shows on the air, no decision - consider this the neutral zone, detailing the premiere dates for new shows and tidbits of info which could forecast a move to another category.

Renewed - Will be back next season.

Veteran show death watch - they've been on the air and their time may be coming. We watch and wait...

The Uprising

The fans of Jericho have succeeded. The NUTS campaign (which reportedly sent 20 TONS of nuts to CBS) convinced the network to give Jericho a second season order for seven episodes (expect some characters to disappear or die suddenly when it returns -- they had to cut budget in order to do this).

Now, watching the success of this campaign, some Veronica Mars fans are emboldened. Introducing the Mars for Mars campaign! $1.79 will get you a Mars bar sent to the CW (and right now it's free shipping).

This news comes from Aint It Cool News. The poster of this story muses that if each fan gave $2 upfront to pay for an episode, (with supposedly at least 1 million viewers) they could have $2 million per episode budget. I talked about this kind of subscription model during the Geekerati show on Monday night. I don't think the timing is right for this yet, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some lower budget indie-type show financed in this way.

There is one big difference between Jericho and Veronica Mars -- Jericho had at least 7 million viewers when it pulled the plug. The first six or seven episodes had at least 10 million. Veronica Mars season high of viewers: 3 million. It's a steeper hill to climb to convince CW to renew Mars. The only promising news I can give you is that Rob Thomas had a concept for a 'reboot' of the show for another season, and the CW is pretty hard up for content right now.

This is all very interesting. Some shows have been saved before through the sheer devotion of fans, but this strikes me as a potential paradigm shift. The fans are going to need to do more than send nuts or candy bars to support their show, however. A show needs viewers. These fans are going to need to find a way to recruit new viewers (or reenlist old ones) to keep the show's ratings from sinking again. That requires a lot more commitment than clicking a 'buy' button at an internet store.

Will a viral campaign from fans work? Time will tell.

Previews of new fall shows

In earlier posts I embeded and linked to some video clips for some of NBC's new shows. ABC and CBS also have some video clips up at the following locations:

ABC Fall Preview
CBS Fall Preview
Fox Fall Preview
The CW Fall Preview

2007 Upfronts: The CW announces Fall Schedule

Monday
8:00 p.m. Everybody Hates Chris
8:30 p.m. Aliens in America (new comedy/sitcom)
9:00 p.m. Girlfriends
9:30 p.m. The Game

Tuesday
8:00 p.m. Beauty and the Geek (new day and time)
9:00 p.m. Reaper (new drama)

Wednesday
8:00 p.m. America’s Next Top Model
9:00 p.m. Gossip Girl (new drama)

Thursday
8:00 p.m. Smallville
9:00 p.m. Supernatural

Friday
8:00 p.m. Friday Night Smackdown!

Sunday
7:00 p.m. Online Nation (new reality)
7:30 p.m. CW Now (new reality/newsmag)
8:00 p.m. Life is Wild (new drama)
9:00 p.m. America’s Next Top Model (repeats)

"One Tree Hill" and "Pussycat Dolls" are held until midseason. No "Veronica Mars" on the schedule, but the CW has until June 15 to make a final decision on its future.

New Program Descriptions (from Mediaweek)

Dramas

GOSSIP GIRL
Based on the series of young adult novels of the same name, the lives of a privileged, but dysfunctional group of prep school teens on Manhattan’s Upper West Side is the focus. Being super-rich and super-popular are not necessarily synonymous with finding true happiness. The cast includes Penn Badgley, Chace Crawfrod, Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Taylor Momsen, Matthew Settle and former Melrose Place star Kelly Rutherford.

LIFE IS WILD
A blended family living in New York City relocate to spend a year at a broken-down lodge in a game reserve deep inside South Africa. Outsiders at first, the family begins to appreciate the breathtaking scenery, the enchanting locals, and the vibrant culture surrounding them. Brett Cullen (Friday Night Lights) leads the ensemble cast.

REAPER
When a 21-year-old slacker (Bret Harrison) learns that his parents sold his soul to the devil before he was even born, he must now serve as a bounty hunter, tracking down evil souls that have escaped and returning them to Hell. With his friends and trusty vessel-of-the-week at his side, Sam is ready to face his destiny as the Reaper.

---------------

Comedy

ALIENS IN AMERICA
A sensitive, nerdy 16-year old (Justin Tolchuk) trying to make it through high school with the help of his well-meaning family finds his world turned upside down when a Pakistani exchange student of the same age (Adhir Kalyan) arrives. The cast includes My Pietz (Caroline in the City), Patrick Breen (Kevin Hill) and Lindsey Shaw as popular sister Claire.

--------------------

Non-Scripted

CW NOW
In this adult 18-34-targeted newsmagazine, the focus is on the hottest fashions, the coolest music, the A-list movies, and the best in technology.

ONLINE NATION
Scouring the endless number of websites, blogs and user-generated materials on the Internet, Online Nation will feature everything and anything that has captured the attention of the online world. Viewers, in addition, will be able to communicate with each other live on the air.

CROWNED: THE MOTHER OF ALL PAGEANTS (midseason)
In this eight-episode competition judged by Carson Kressley (Queen Eye for the Straight Guy) and former Miss U.S.A. Shanna Moakler, teams of mothers and daughters are pitted against each other in a no-holds-barred beauty pageant.

FARMER WANTS A WIFE (midseason)
In this reality sounding hybrid of Green Acres and The Bachelor, a group of 10 women fed up with bad dates in the big city will compete for the hand of a charming, hard-working farmer.

And now, the news many of you have waited for...

UPDATE:

Veronica Mars is Cancelled...Maybe.

5/16: Futon Critic reports this morning that The CW may not make a final decision on this until June 15. So I guess I *will* shut my big fat mouth and see what happens...

Other CW news: Series orders confirmed for half hour "Aliens in America" and hourlongs "Gossip Girl", "Reaper" and the untitled South Africa project.

"One Tree Hill", "Supernatural", and "Smallville" are all renewed for next year. Sitcom "All of Us" has been cancelled, but "Girlfriends" and "The Game" have been renewed.

CBS has renwed "How I Met Your Mother" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and dramas "The Unit", "Shark", "Criminal Minds" and "The Ghost Whisperer." "Rules of Engagement" is also renewed for next year.

"Close to Home", "Jericho", and "The Class" are cancelled.

Danger Zone

I feel like pulling this out of the Watch List just so I can keep track of changes.

These shows are considered 'on the bubble', or in danger of cancellation:

Close to Home (CBS)
Jericho (CBS) (though I'm hearing things are looking up a bit here)
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS)
The Class (CBS)

Scrubs (NBC)
Law and Order (NBC)
Law and Order: Criminal Intent (NBC)
Crossing Jordan (NBC)

According to Jim (ABC)
Notes from the Underbelly (ABC) (hearing this one has a shot of making it)
October Road (ABC) (I think it will get a 13 ep order)
What About Brian (ABC)

The War at Home (FOX)
Til Death (FOX) (hearing this will live and be paired with the new 'Action News')

Veronica Mars (CW) (news on this changes daily)
Girlfriends (CW)

As more news emerges, I'll update with changes here and in the Watch List. Stay tuned.

Veronica Mars lives!

...and it looks like 'Gossip Girl', from Josh Schwartz (he who hath created 'The O.C.') is gonna get a pickup from CW also -- they were given the go ahead to start staffing.

Yes, the news is trickling in. I've also heard 'Action News', the comedy pilot with Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton is a lock at Fox and 'Dirty Sexy Money' is gonna get a pimp spot, just like the new Grey's spinoff 'Private Practice' will...my bet is one of them goes to Monday and Brian hits the trash heap. But more about my predictions later...

UPDATE (10:49 AM WED): Or maybe it won't live. Ratings last night were beyond dismal into non-existant. Even with fire coverage pre-empting the show in L.A. there was an approximate loss of 500,000 viewers. The show has been pulling in less than 3 million viewers all season. Last night it was probably less than 2 million. Sadly, I'm not sure even a retooled VM could take off next season, certainly not if there are less than 3 million viewers for it...

Gilmore Girls Cancelled

Reported yesterday. No word yet on the future of Veronica Mars...

Bring out Your Dead

I'm not the only one watching the networks and reading the tea leaves of what will be spared execution and given new life, and which shows are being sent to the gallows.

Read this article in the Olympian for other thoughts. You'll notice most of them line up with my previous musings and Watch List predictions.

(Hat tip: a poster at the Programming Insider Forum.)

Pilot dirt

Oh I love a good rumor mill story. Especially if it is in the Reporter.

Read it and feel enlightened as to which pilots may make the cut next month.

Too lazy to click the link at the top of this post? Fine, here's a summary:

ABC: "Dirty Sexy Money" appears to be a frontrunner for a spot on the schedule. "Marlowe", "Suspect", "Pushing Daisies" and "Football Wives" are also looking good.

CBS: "Viva Laughlin", "Babylon Fields", "Swingtown", "Protect and Serve" and "The Man" are said to be favorites.

Apparently "Demons" got leaked last week accidentally...anyone got a copy?

Fox: "Action News" and "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" look to be making the grade. "The Return of Jezebel James" and "The Life and Times of Tim" are also "heating up" in Reporter-speak.

NBC: "Lipstick Jungle", "Life", "Winters" and "Chuck" seem to be early front-runners.

The CW: They like "Gossip Girl" and "Reaper" and the untitled South Africa wildlife preserve show.

I won't speculate on the comedies until they are all shot. I'm sure they'll follow up with those later.