NBC Fall Lineup: Downhill Slide Continues at DVinfo.net

J. Stephen McDonald · May 15th, 2006, 06:59 PM

NBC announced their Fall program schedule today, to get the jump on the other networks, which will reveal theirs later thisweek:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...MPLATE=DEFAULT

I see nothing much new that interests me. They are claiming that their new programs will give them a boost from 4th place in the network ratings, but the descriptions of the shows seem like a formula for a further decline to me. The two new ones about behind-the-scenes at TV production studios may attract only a narrow segment of the audience, that won't likely include me. They have a cop show featuring Jeff Goldblum. I can't describe why, but I can take only so much of him. I keep seeing his pathetic character from "The Big Chill", pop out in every other role he plays.

I actually watch more NBC primetime than from any other network, but unless I'm wrong about the new shows having thin and unsustainable plotlines, I will do some shifting elsewhere. I guess I can't forgive them for axing "The West Wing", just when it was showing so much potential for future success. Now, we've lost that parallel political universe in which we could seek a brief weekly respite from what is really going on. Perhaps they have a bunch of tentatively-approved programs to substitute in mid-season, for those that fold. There's a lot of such shows that get funded for 3 or 4 episodes and eventually get shown the next Summer, if no slots open in the regular season. These shows often are more interesting, as some very enthusiastic hopefuls are behind them.

Charles Papert · May 15th, 2006, 07:44 PM

I worked on the pilot (may work on the series too, we'll see) of "Raines", the Jeff Goldblum vehicle, and I can say that it was well-made television. Jeff is quite magnetic in the part. He's come a long way from his 80's era "loser" characters. I think it will be worth watching.

Steve McDonald · May 16th, 2006, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles Papert

I worked on the pilot (may work on the series too, we'll see) of "Raines", the Jeff Goldblum vehicle, and I can say that it was well-made television. Jeff is quite magnetic in the part. He's come a long way from his 80's era "loser" characters. I think it will be worth watching.

O.K., I'll watch the "Raines" pilot and give it a chance. Do you suppose the writers will finally let Goldblum score in this series?

Peter Wiley · May 16th, 2006, 06:02 AM

The most interesting thing, I think, about the upfronts this year is what appears to be growing understanding of the impending fragmentation of the video content marketplace . . . and growing frustration on the part of advertisers with the current broadcast/network model.

NBC actually seems to be looking ahead on this issue.

See: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/16/bu...ia/16adco.html

This is also interesting: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/arts/tele...-upfronts.html

I think West Wing jumped the shark awhile back.

May 15th, 2006, 06:59 PM	#1
J. Stephen McDonald Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 909	NBC Fall Lineup: Downhill Slide Continues NBC announced their Fall program schedule today, to get the jump on the other networks, which will reveal theirs later thisweek: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...MPLATE=DEFAULT I see nothing much new that interests me. They are claiming that their new programs will give them a boost from 4th place in the network ratings, but the descriptions of the shows seem like a formula for a further decline to me. The two new ones about behind-the-scenes at TV production studios may attract only a narrow segment of the audience, that won't likely include me. They have a cop show featuring Jeff Goldblum. I can't describe why, but I can take only so much of him. I keep seeing his pathetic character from "The Big Chill", pop out in every other role he plays. I actually watch more NBC primetime than from any other network, but unless I'm wrong about the new shows having thin and unsustainable plotlines, I will do some shifting elsewhere. I guess I can't forgive them for axing "The West Wing", just when it was showing so much potential for future success. Now, we've lost that parallel political universe in which we could seek a brief weekly respite from what is really going on. Perhaps they have a bunch of tentatively-approved programs to substitute in mid-season, for those that fold. There's a lot of such shows that get funded for 3 or 4 episodes and eventually get shown the next Summer, if no slots open in the regular season. These shows often are more interesting, as some very enthusiastic hopefuls are behind them. __________________ Steve McDonald https://onedrive.com/?cid=229807ce52dd4fe0 http://www.flickr.com/photos/22121562@N00/ http://www.vimeo.com/user458315/videos

May 15th, 2006, 07:44 PM	#2
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	I worked on the pilot (may work on the series too, we'll see) of "Raines", the Jeff Goldblum vehicle, and I can say that it was well-made television. Jeff is quite magnetic in the part. He's come a long way from his 80's era "loser" characters. I think it will be worth watching. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

May 16th, 2006, 06:02 AM	#4
Peter Wiley Major Player Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lewisburg PA Posts: 752	The most interesting thing, I think, about the upfronts this year is what appears to be growing understanding of the impending fragmentation of the video content marketplace . . . and growing frustration on the part of advertisers with the current broadcast/network model. NBC actually seems to be looking ahead on this issue. See: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/16/bu...ia/16adco.html This is also interesting: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/arts/tele...-upfronts.html I think West Wing jumped the shark awhile back.