Sweeping away new season's weakest ontv
TV Goddess
Published: November 2, 2006
Last Modified: November 2, 2006 at 05:27 AM
As we enter sweeps month, let's look back at this season's new offerings. There have been some true breakout hits ("Ugly Betty," "Heroes") and some even bigger failures ("Smith," "Kidnapped") and everything in between.
Of the new shows that remain on the schedule, some are still at risk of cancellation. Here's the major networks outlook:
ABC: "Ugly Betty" and "Brothers & Sisters" received full-season pickups, making them the network's only two shows in the clear. The alphabet network has yet to cancel anything, but fans of "Six Degrees" should start letting go. It's the only new ABC program that hasn't received at least an additional script order. Fans of "Men In Trees," "Help Me, Help You" and "The Nine" can rest easier. They're not in the clear yet, but they are showing enough promise that they'll probably last through the season. The set-in-Alaska dramedy "Men In Trees" probably would benefit from a switch from Friday to a different night -- perhaps taking the time slot of "Six Degrees" on Thursdays or "The Nine" on Wednesdays after "Lost."
CBS: The first network to cancel a new program this season ("Smith," of the lofty pedigree and likely loftier budget) also has given two programs a full-season order: "The Shark" and "Jericho." Both have been modest hits for the network -- "Jericho" has been a surprise in the coveted 18-to-49 demographic in which the network usually lags. "The Class" should stick around a little longer, but if numbers -- and laughs -- don't tick up, fans shouldn't get too comfortable.
CW: The fledgling network ordered only two new programs this season: "The Game" and "Runaway." The football comedy "The Game" has been picked up for the season, and "Runaway" already has been canceled. That leaves fans to worry only about "Veronica Mars" and "One Tree Hill," returning shows that continue to struggle in ratings. However, with the all-around ratings struggles at the network, those programs are likely to live until the end of the season.
Fox: The network of the World Series always gets a head start on the fall season, for better or for worse. Fox has yet to cancel anything, but "Vanished" has been skimmed to 13 episodes with the possibility of returning next season (don't hold your breath). Fans can only hope that the mystery is wrapped up by the end of episode 13, since Fox also canceled serial drama "Reunion" last season, leaving viewers to wonder about the big mystery. "Justice," "Standoff," "'Til Death" and, disturbingly, "Happy Hour" all are expected to return in the coming weeks, but they probably won't survive beyond the season. Fox has failed to find a hit this season, which could mean a complete overhaul before next fall.
NBC: The network, which recently announced it will air only unscripted programming in the 8 p.m. hour, has a huge hit that could last for years in riveting serial drama, "Heroes." "Friday Night Lights" is floundering in the ratings, as is "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." Both are good enough -- and costly enough -- that the network will hang on to promote them and see if it can't drum up additional viewers. It shouldn't be that difficult, especially for a drama as universally appealing as "Friday Night Lights," but NBC often has trouble marketing itself. "Twenty Good Years" and "30 Rock" might be in trouble, even though "30 Rock" is a rare comedy gem. It took it an episode or two to find its way, but viewers should follow it to Thursdays and discover what they've been missing: Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan at their finest.
• TV reviewer and Portland, Ore.-based freelance journalist DeAnn Welker can be reached at deann@tvgoddess.com. To read more of her TV ramblings, visit www.tvgoddess.com.
Everyday Things
5 p.m. Tuesday, National Geographic Channel: The episode "A Closer Shave" kicks off this three-part series that explores things we do every day -- on a deeper level than you can imagine. In the first episode, viewers will discover the art and cultural impact and historical context of, you guessed it, shaving. The episode is followed at 6 p.m. by "Flushed," which shows how the toilet might be the key to our modern civilization. The episodes repeat at 8 and 9 p.m. Part three, "Shrink-Wrapped & Boxed Up," airs at 5 and 8 p.m. Wednesday and explores the packaging that defines our culture.
The New Adventures of Old Christine
8:30 p.m. Monday, CBS: Blair Underwood returns this week. If this is anything like Christine's usual antics when it comes to attractive men, it can only end awkwardly and humiliatingly. But it's sure to be hilarious, as Julia Louis-Dreyfus' acting chops seem to have improved, if that's possible, since her days on "Seinfeld."
Battlestar Galactica
5 p.m. today, SciFi: Post-traumatic stress sufferers Starbuck and Tighe stir up trouble, trying this time to separate those who stayed with the fleet from those who suffered under Cylon occupation on New Caprica. It's never pretty when Starbuck and Tighe are on the same side, and this is no exception. Repeats at 7 p.m.
Deal or No Deal
8 p.m. Monday, NBC: Tune in to get used to the programming style NBC will be offering in its future, after the blanket announcement that the 8 p.m. hour -- with the exception of Thursday comedies -- will be only unscripted programming. It's sad when the oldest network surrenders rather than, say, continuing to find quality programming such as "Heroes." Somewhere, Howie Mandel is smiling.
The Simpsons
7 p.m. Sunday, Fox: Just in time for sweeps but a little late for Halloween, "The Simpsons" return with their annual horror-themed episode, "Treehouse of Horror." And what could be more horrifying than guest voice Dr. Phil McGraw? Maybe Gollum? Or Fran Drescher? Well, prepare to be petrified because this episode has it all.
-- DeAnn Welker
