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Pavan

02-18-2009, 05:44 PM

Here is what each time zone will see on Tuesday, Feb. 24 due to the Presidential Address to Congress:

Eastern/Central Time
8:00PM ET/7:00PM CT “Homeland Security”
9:00PM ET/8:00PM CT “ABC News Special: Presidential Address to Congress”
10:00PM ET/9:00PM CT “Primetime: What Would You Do?”

Mountain Time
7:00PM MT “ABC News Special: Presidential Address to Congress”
8:00PM MT “Homeland Security” (special time, usually airs 7pm MT)
9:00PM MT “Primetime: What Would You Do?”

Pacific Time
6:00PM PT "ABC News Special: Presidential Address to Congress”
7:00PM PT Local Programming
8:00PM PT “Homeland Security”
9:00PM PT “Supernanny” (R, won't count in ratings)
10:00PM PT “Primetime: What Would You Do?

Obama's address to Congress is now 90-minutes next Tuesday:

Eastern/Central Time
8:00PM ET/7:00PM CT “Homeland Security”
9:00PM ET/8:00PM CT “ABC News Special: Presidential Address to Congress” (90 minutes)
10:30PM ET/9:30PM CT “Primetime: What Would You Do?” (30 min)

Mountain Time
7:00PM MT “ABC News Special: Presidential Address to Congress” (90 minutes)
8:30PM MT “Primetime: What Would You Do?” (30 minutes, special time, usually airs 9pm PT)
9:00PM MT “Homeland Security” (special time, usually airs 7pm MT)

Pacific Time
6:00PM PT "ABC News Special: Presidential Address to Congress” (90 minutes)
7:30PM PT Local Programming
8:00PM PT “Homeland Security”
9:00PM PT “Supernanny” (R, won't count in ratings)
10:00PM PT “Primetime: What Would You Do? (full 60 minutes)

tvcrazed

02-18-2009, 05:44 PM

Thanks for the response, Pavan.

Just to respond:

They also loved DSM and that show got higher ratings with 2.4 lead in. They gave LOM ample promotion, 2 of their best time slots and the audience rejected it. There comes a point where you acknowledge that it's not working. When people change the channel to procedural repeats, they are rejecting it. It is now hurting their avg. If it is on next week, their weekly avg will not be pretty. Also the shows they canceled in December were more serialized and they weren't concerned with not airing the final eps and alienating the fans, even after crtics kept complaining about it. LOM has been more self contained lately and they are not answering the major questions in the eps shot anyway.

I have seen the first 2 acts of THE UNUSUALS and I agree it is good. I just think at this point after INVASION, THE EVIDENCE, THE NINE, ELI STONE and now LOM performed badly after LOST, there is enough proof that another drama will get hurt more after LOST then helped by it. The only thing that might work after LOST, honestly is something light and unscripted, even WWYD for example. People's brains work very hard for LOST. Even the network acknowledges this. Or they could even run the LOST encore at 9pm the original at 10pm. The 8pm hour is filled with the sitcoms. Another drama is just not gonna work. Plus LOM proved that there are already 2 cop dramas in that slot and a 3rd won't work, even with the lead in. Even if they delayed THE UNUSUALS til May it will have a better shot in the long run. When they picked up the show, I agree, defintely schedule it after LOST especially with Harold in it. It makes sense on paper But I am more convinced than ever that any new drama won't work there.

I respect your opinion with regard to Supernanny and frankly WWYD will do well enough after the results show that it's not worth to go back and forth about this, but if you remember when Supernanny ran in the Wed 10pm slot for it's premiere night last Jan 08 it got a 4.0. I am sure you'd agree that it would provide wonderful counterprogramming to 2 cop dramas. I am glad it's doing well for ABC on Friday. I just think it could be a great asset for them on a much wider viewed night. Honestly it's gotten its best ratings of the season the last few weeks and that is also when it has had no reality competion. All 3of the other nets are running dramas Friday at 9pm. Againts 2 cop dramas at 10pm I think it would do quite well. Whether it is on Tues or not, I think it would be a great weekday asset. I am glad they are developing SUPERMANNY, maybe that could run on Friday.

The truth is on the 17th and 24th with AI and BL airing until 10pm, it wouldn't be such a bad idea for ABC to run WWYD at 9pm and the DWTS at 10pm. DWTS would most certainly do better not against those 2 plus THE MENTALIST and at 10pm it would have the reality audience to itself and many of those people would switch over to ABC. DST will have returned by then anyway.

UGLY BETTY is getting a 2.3 now. Against IDOL and NCIS and BL it will get massacred. I sure would hope ABC woudn't do that. Last Fall (and a few airings last Spring) a recap of DWTS got a 2.0 at 8pm. Honestly that is their best option and is the best lead in to DWTS.

Scoobiedoo30

02-18-2009, 06:00 PM

The Speech must be longer

tvcrazed

02-18-2009, 07:04 PM

Just as addendum to my long post before (sorry): I honestly think the best thing to air following LOST is something LOST related. A longer version of LOST untangled. Look at how the best retention out of GA is PP. Plus with LOST even more complicated, something more detailed explaining things immediately after the show ends should hold most of the show's passionate audience.

Zedman2

02-18-2009, 09:36 PM

Brent88

02-19-2009, 02:24 AM

The Speech must be longer

CBS has been scheduled for 90 minutes all along but NBC is only has an hour still. I'm not surprised ABC expanded since it'll do better than anything else would.

Yobb

02-19-2009, 09:18 AM

I'm sure since the end is near that they could make all episodes of Lost running for 90 minutes (60 minutes without commercial interruptions) for the final season. I'm sure they will have a lot of stuff to do it, specially for the final season.

And so, this could be aired between 9:30pm and 11pm with maybe a comedy block between 8pm and 9:30pm. I'm sure this could work.

But, I'm also sure that it will never happened.

Scoobiedoo30

02-19-2009, 12:30 PM

FOX is also Airing it for 90 Mintues fllower by Local News or Local Programming.

tvcrazed

02-19-2009, 01:23 PM

Pavan,

Do you have the promo inventory for The Oscars yet? You are usually very kind to to share that. Thanks

Pavan

02-19-2009, 01:58 PM

Not yet. I'll post when I get it though.

tvcrazed

02-19-2009, 02:08 PM

Thanks a lot, Pavan

Pavan

02-19-2009, 03:05 PM

Obama programming updates for Feb. 24:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/02/tbs-launches-my-boys-season-3-on-march.html

Pavan

02-20-2009, 03:26 PM

Couple of programming updates:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/02/tv-land-reveals-stunning-cougar-abc.html
Scrubs new night premiere moves up to Wednesday, March 11. Two-hour episode of Home Edition on March 29 from 8-10pm and the annual Ten Commanments airing on Saturday, April 11 from 7-11pm.

Oscar promos as of now: GMA, Dancing with the Stars, Castel, Dancing with the Stars, Jimmy Kimmel Oscar Special, In the Motherhood, Castle, Brothers & Sisters Movie Event, Jimmy Kimmel Oscar Special and a 150 second promo of ABC midseason (Castle, Cupid, Better off Ted, In the Motherhood, etc).

tvcrazed

02-20-2009, 03:36 PM

It's really interesting how ABC is knocking out an original GA/PP and DH/BS for a week during sweeps. I kind of understand it more with GA/PP since they are ahead by an episode and they have more competition coming as of April 9th.

Even though DH/BS will add another episode to their April eps, they will still have to run 2 weeks of reruns and with Easter a lower viewing night and THE TEN COMMANDMENTS always doing well for them, I don't get why they wouldn't run that on Sunday the 12th.

Thanks for the promo updates, Pavan

Pavan

02-20-2009, 03:41 PM

I am told networks are not caring much for this "March" sweep. So you'll see more reruns than usual in this sweep.

tvcrazed

02-20-2009, 03:43 PM

I might be totally off base here, but is it possible since March 11th is the night IDOL moves to 9pm, maybe ABC is gonna move the LOST encore to
9pm and then the original to 10pm.

Scoobiedoo30

02-20-2009, 04:00 PM

So We Could see More Reruns of Grey's Anatomy and Pravite Practice on Thursday's Night During March I just asking because my mom is going to asked me why are my Thursday Night Show's Programming not Taping.

Brent88

02-20-2009, 05:44 PM

I am told networks are not caring much for this "March" sweep. So you'll see more reruns than usual in this sweep.

I'm not surprised, March is a weird month for sweeps and it's so close to May when all the big finales and such occur.

Pavan

02-20-2009, 05:50 PM

tvcrazed, I really don't think they will move Lost to 10pm. They will air the remaining Life on Mars, I'm sure.

Aaron: Only one Thursday in March is repeats.

Scoobiedoo30

02-20-2009, 06:30 PM

Pavan Thanks for the Help my friend like I said my mom would be airing me if her Show's were taping I will tell my mom her show's will be in reruns for the month of March.

tvcrazed

02-22-2009, 02:38 PM

It seems like ABC is running 3 new eps of their hits consecutively every month, even March. That seems smart. That being said, I was just thinking about some scheduling stuff (clearly I have thought too much about this, LOL).

I believe LOST's 2 hour season finale will be May 13th (smart to air the week before AI's finale). They will need to break for 2 weeks between now and then. It seems like they are trying to have one or two of their hits on each week. Like the week of March 2nd, GREYS is off, but LOST and DH are new.

Maybe they scheduled SCRUBS reruns March 11th at 8p, since that night will be a LOST rerun, since GA and DH are new that week.

The other week they could take off would be April 22nd. the night before Sweeps begins. GA and DH will be new that week. In fact LOST's 100th ep airs April 29th, so maybe they could air a 100th ep special on the 22nd, with bloopers, cast fav eps etc.

It appears that ABC, isn't adding to the order of GA and PP (Ellen Pompeo told Letterman they are doing 24 eps, like you reported Pavan). So if ABC airs a 2 hour finale of GA, there will be 3 weeks of reruns on April 2nd, 9th, and 16th. Maybe those weeks, they could stunt. For example show the GREYS pilot (see how it all began) or they could do theme specials "The MOST Romantic Moments on GREYS" one week or "THE Top 10 favorite GREYS eps" as voted on by fans.

If there is a 2 hour GA finale then the first 2 weeks of sweeps would be ep 21 and 22 (season finale) of PP. There would only need to be a show filled in at 10pm on May 7th. Since that is the night of GREYS 100th episode, at 10pm there could be a GREYS 100th ep special. They could film some of it at the party the cast takes part in commememorating it and interview them on their fav scenes etc. If ABC isnt airing it as a 2 hour finale, then there will be 2 more weeks they will need to fill at 10pm. Maybe they could air the SCRUBS one hour finale one week, or even air 2 THE UNUSUALS eps.

Last year they did 26 EM:HE. if they are doing that again this year, they could have another 2 hour new ep on April 5th and that way just April 12th will need to be reruns (Easter Sunday). They could always move THE TEN COMMANDMENTS back there but it seems they have other plans.

I could be wrong on many of these things or GREYS finale script could run longer and that could add an extra hour to 25, so who knows, just some ideas in my head.

Pavan

02-22-2009, 04:40 PM

Where did you hear Lost is a rerun on March 11? I see it listed as new. I agree they could take April 22 off. They have 17 episodes (18 hours I believe since the finale is 2-hour episode), so they will have their finale on May 13 with just a week off, not two I think. That is Earth Day and they could air the Earth 2100 special then or like you said, a Lost special leading into a new Ununusals.

tvcrazed

02-22-2009, 04:53 PM

I didn't hear it is a rerun on the 11th, I am just assuming it is, because ABC is still advertising SCRUBS as premiering on the 18th (I saw the promo yesterday) so I am assuming those are reruns on Wed (maybe the ones that were scheduled for Tues which will be changed). I assume LOST is a rerun because why wouldn't they just still run the rerun into the new one that week, so I am assuming LOST is a rerun. The ABC grids that list LOST as new on that date, still list the rerun on at 8pm. It hasn't been updated. So I am guessing when it is, LOST will be a rerun. I don't knwo this for sure. Is that where you are seeing is listed as new?

I have only heard there are 17 eps this year and next year, so a 2 hour finale would be ep 16 and 17. Damon and Carlton have consistently said it is 48 hours for the last 3 years. 16, 16, 16. Since they only made 14 last year due to the writers strike, they added one ep for this year and next. Unless the finale runs long and they ask for another hour (which I am sure ABC would oblige) it is only 17 hours. Damon and Calrton specifically ask for a 2 hr finale. So the way I see it they will need 2 weeks off.

The Earth Day special is a good idea too.

Pavan

02-22-2009, 05:12 PM

I have an updated schedule and see two Scrubs repeats on the 11th (with Courtney Cox) at 8pm followed by an all-new Lost and Life on Mars. I hear their season finale is two-hours and it is all a part of the 17th episode. We'll see what happens but I think they will only need one week off, on April 22. Scrubs is the same way. They have 18 episodes but the 18th episode is one-hour.

The original plan was for another week off on March 4. But that isn't happening obviously. I think the decision of expanding the 17th episode to a second hour was the reason for that and thus they will only need one week off. I wouldn't be surprised to see Earth 2100 that night on April 22 from 8-10pm. It is a special I have been waiting for it. It is going to be awesome. That way they can have the one-hour series finale of Scrubs on the 13th of May instead of the 6th, leading into the two-hour Lost finale.

tvcrazed

02-22-2009, 05:25 PM

Oh so you have an updated schedule, well then that is probably right. If they have 18 hours you are right, they will only need one week off which would be great. But I have not heard of them adding any more hours.

Pavan

02-22-2009, 05:29 PM

Now that I think about it, when I first reported Lost has 18 episodes this season...this must be the reasoning...the 17th episode being two-hours.

tvcrazed

02-22-2009, 07:03 PM

Pavan,

You are usually right and you always provide great info, which I appreciate, but that would mean 18 hours which doesn't sound correct, unless a clip show is included or if they are only doing 16 next year.

Pavan

02-22-2009, 07:28 PM

Why can't the finale be extended to be two-hours? It'll still be 17 episodes, just an expanded episode. This what I'm hearing. Why is there not any other breaks so far then except that one week in April?

tvcrazed

02-22-2009, 08:22 PM

Because then it's not 17 episodes, It's 18. It would mean they are producing 18 hours this season. They made a deal with ABC for a specific 48 more hours. If the finale goes to another hour, which can be done, it would be news. When the season started they were set to produce 17 hours. That is how ABC planned out the season in terms of scheduling. Just like they planned for 24 GREYS hours. IF GREYS goes to another hour than they are producing 25 hours/eps, not 24. It's about money and contracts. If they are producing 18 this year, then they are only producing 16 next year, according to the deal they made 2 years ago. If it turns out they add to their order, (which can be done, esp since sometimes their finale comes out longer than they expect, which I am sure ABC will be thrilled with, they'll take as many as Damon/Carlton will produce) trust me, you will see it written about in the trades. (I just checked THE FUTON CRITIC and he lists them as having 17)

If it is only 17 eps as orginally reported, they will need 2 weeks off to get to May 13th. If it turns out there are 18 new hours, you are correct only one week will be need off.

Pavan

02-23-2009, 12:29 AM

tvcrazed, that is not how it works. Scrubs is labeled 18 episodes yet it is 19 half-hours, isn't it? They can extend the 17th episode of Lost and still call it the "17th episode." It won't mean next year we will only have 16 episodes. And no whenever Grey's Anatomy does a two-hour finale with the same episode title, it counts as ONE episode...not two. I have asked this many times.

I saw nothing that said it was 48 "hours," ABC and the producers have always called it 48 "episodes." So if it is a two-hour episode, with the same episode title...it will be ONE episode. If it is a two-hour block with two DIFFERENT episode titles, then yes it is two episodes (like the 2-hour Lost season premiere was).

EDIT: It looks like March 11 is a repeat. I must have misread the listings. My mistake. However, it will be the same exact episode that will air a week prior (March 4) at 9pm (which is why I didn't recognize the episode title, since that episode hasn't even aired yet). Which will be a disaster really, if you ask me. I guess since it is "enhanced" I didn't see the usual (R) note, like I did with the two Scrubs repeats prior to that. Slick ABC, lol. The only reason I noticed that about Lost was because I wanted to see the episode title for March 4 and then I said, wait...I saw that one listed for the 11th. This still doesn't mean Lost will take 2 weeks off. It could, but you never know...it could be all-new April 22. Or they won't "expand" the season finale to two-hours and just air two separate episodes on the finale night, as tvcrazed said...episodes 16/17. My wish is they be all-new on April 22 and expand the finale (17th episode as two hours).

tvcrazed

02-23-2009, 01:35 AM

I respect you Pavan, but I believe you are mistaken with this. Last year ABC ordered 5 more eps of LOST and GA after the strike. When Damon/Carlton asked for another hour (a total of 6), it was news. Therefore GA's finale was extended as well to 2 hours. But for syndication it is another episode. It might have the same title with a Part 2 to it, but it is another episode. Royalties, actors salaries etc, have to be paid for another hour. THE FUTON CRITIC lists them as having 17 new hours (not a clip show, 17 hours). That's not saying they won't extend it, if the script runs long. Ask your contacts at ABC. If I am wrong all respect to you and I'll say I am wrong , but I don't believe I am about this.

Pavan

02-23-2009, 01:44 AM

TheFutonCritic is not always correct, although they are great. They don't list Scrubs as 19 episodes, do they? I know for a fact that ABC is calling it 18 episodes, yet the final one is one-hour, so in your logic...that is 19 episodes. Futon still doesn't list the two Scrubs repeats for the 11th. As for production numbers, they have been wrong a lot I noticed. BTW, check my previous post...I did an edit at the end that is big news.

tvcrazed

02-23-2009, 01:52 AM

What happened with SCRUBS is what I am hoping will happen with LOST. Scrubs ran longer and ABC okayed them to have another half hour. If LOST's finale script runs longer, like it did last year, I am sure ABC will be more than happy to add another hour. However at this point (I don't think the finale is completely written yet, but it should be any minute) I believe ABC is only expecting 17 hours. If it goes to 18, yes they won't need another break after March 11th. If it is only 17, they will need to break in April again.

THE FUTON CRITIC isn't the only place I have seen 17. When ABC releases their press bundle tomorrow with the SCRUBS eps, THE FUTON CRITIC will update then.

Thanks again Pavan for the promo updates. Watching the Oscars tonight and knowing which promos would air was cool. I appreciate your updates.

Pavan

02-23-2009, 01:58 AM

I'm sure they will update the Scrubs listings for the 11th tomorrow, but the decision for the one-hour finale was made before Scrubs even started its run on ABC. So Futon, I'm sure knows the finale is one-hour. Yet they are still calling it 18 episodes. Which is correct. In syndication, yes, it is another episode and the actors will get their extra pay for it then, but on original airing & DVDs and such it still is one episode...just a more costly one.

And I know no other place is listing Lost as 18. I am not saying that, I just am saying if they expand the 17th episode to two-hours, it will still be called 17 episodes technically. I know... this is a confusing topic. But we are having an intellectual discussion.

tvcrazed

02-23-2009, 02:04 AM

You are correct, your info regarding ABC is the most correct and you usually have it before others, including THE FUTON CRITIC.

We are basically saying the same thing, it's just semantics. At this point I think we agree LOST is scheduled to have 17/eps and hours. I think we both hope it goes to 18 hours, just like it would be nice if GREYS extended, although I don't expect it.

Jjjg76

02-23-2009, 02:07 PM

I am told networks are not caring much for this "March" sweep. So you'll see more reruns than usual in this sweep.The other networks are caring though Fox moving AI to Thursday week of the 5th/CSI throwing a guest star. ABC itself is caring the creator of Practice only writes for big episodes in sweeps or premieres. She wrote the Mar12th epi of PrP.

ABC just wants to pull the "we don't care" care when Fox and CBS whoops it.

Pavan

02-23-2009, 07:23 PM

It's not about the programming. Less ad rates and buys for this sweep compared to the usual February.

Pavan

02-23-2009, 07:39 PM

Daytime change for Sunday, March 22, replacing sports programming:

Sunday, March 22
3:30-4PM ET (12:30PM-1PM PT) “Just for Laughs”
4:00-6PM ET (1:00-3:00PM PT) “Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams”

NBA on ABC Playoffs/Finals Schedule:

Saturday, April 18, 2009 (Round 1)
2:30-5:30 PM ET

Sunday, April 19, 2009 (Round 1)
2:30-5:30 PM ET

Sunday, April 26 and May 3, 2009 (Doubleheaders: either Round 1 finale or Semfinals)
12:30PM-3:30PM ET and 3:30-6:00PM ET

Saturday, May 9, 2009 (Semifinals)
8:00-11:00PM ET

Sunday, May 10 and 17, 2009 (Semifinals finale or Western Conference Final)
3:00-6:00 PM ET

Saturday, May 23, 2009 (Western Confernce Final Game)
8:00-11:00PM ET

Sunday, May 31, 2009 (Western Confernce Final Game Finale)
8:00-11:00 PM ET (if necessary)

NBA Finals:
Thursday, June 4 (Game 1)
8:30-11:30PM ET

Sunday, June 7 (Game 2)
7:30-11:00PM ET

Tuesday, June 9 (Game 3)
8:30-11:30PM ET

Thursday, June 11 (Game 4)
8:30-11:30PM ET

Sunday, June 14 (Game 5, if necessary)
7:30-11:00PM ET

Tuesday, June 16 (Game 6, if necessary)
8:30-11:30PM ET

Thursday, June 18 (Game 7, if neccesary)
8:30-11:30PM ET

(Programming for the half-hour before each NBA Finals game will be announced later)

Pavan

02-26-2009, 01:27 PM

More programming updates:

Tuesday, March 17
8:00PM Dancing With The Stars: Performance Recap Show (leading into first Results Show at 9PM)

Tuesday, April 7
8:00PM It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974)
8:30PM Charlie Brown's All-Stars! (1966, ABC premiere)

Saturday programming for the rest of the season (8-11pm ET):
Saturday, April 18 - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Saturday, April 25 - Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets
Saturday, May 2 - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Saturday, May 9 - NBA Playoffs Semifinals Game Primetime (see previous post)
Saturday, May 16 - Harry Potter of the Goblet of Fire (Network Television Premiere)
Saturday, May 23 - NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals Game Primetime (see previous post)

Wednesday, April 22
9:00PM-10:02PM Lost: Clip Show (working, all-new)

Friday, April 24
9:00-11:00PM 20/20 (all-new two-hours)

Friday, May 15
8:00-10:00PM America's Funniest Home Videos (all-new two-hour season finale)

Scoobiedoo30

02-26-2009, 02:20 PM

I know I cant wait for The Charlie Brown Special's on Tuesday April 7, 2009 at 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm CT Time.

View

02-26-2009, 02:35 PM

Good for ABC for pulling the GA/PP repeats and putting in movies on Sat night.

Pavan

02-26-2009, 04:07 PM

They didn't pull anything. Those GA/PP repeats were just for those two Saturdays.

tvcrazed

02-27-2009, 08:46 AM

Here's an idea (I am sure no one will agree with):

March 12th -ER George Clooney and Juliana Marguiles return with guest Susan Sarandon. GREYS and PP are new. I wouldn't waste a new PP there and instead run a "fan favorite" episode (rerun) of GREYS after the new one at 9pm. They can save the PP and have 3 new ones for May sweeps.

Pavan

02-27-2009, 11:01 AM

That will kill any momentum for PP it got from the crossover though. ER won't get a big bump until the finale.

tvcrazed

02-27-2009, 11:26 AM

Really even after 2 weeks of reruns?

mtlguy

02-27-2009, 12:17 PM

They are not going to have 2 weeks of GA & PP in reruns during sweeps, one was already too much I think. Network should be aware of competition but not altered their schedule everytime something happens elsewhere, especially against anything on NBC...just my opinion

Pavan

02-27-2009, 12:55 PM

Sure ER will get a bit of a bump for Clooney returning on the 12th...but so what? It won't be enough to be big like the series finale will do. And many won't know he is on the 12th, lol...it was said he was coming back in the finale and now it's March 12? I don't think ABC is scared of going up against ER on the 12th. Even last night with no PP, ER didn't do so hot. ABC is not going to having an extended break for PP after the crossover like that. 2 weeks is enough of a break. tvcrazed, weren't you also worried about The Office getting a huge bump after the Super Bowl. I don't think that happened? I knew that was a niche show that wouldn't get a bump at all in its regular airings. It has its loyal fans but they are all in the same age group. Which is why I'm baffled why that aired after the very broad audience of the Super Bowl.

The only thing different I would have done was go for a new GA/PP on the 5th. But I think they plan to go head-to-head with Southland on April 9, rather than the normal early April repeats, so I'm ok with it.

tvcrazed

02-27-2009, 01:59 PM

Yes I was worried about OFFICE, glad I was wrong. But without OFFICE last night ER still got a 3.4 and that is without Clooney etc. Everyone will know he is back that night. They have 2 weeks to promote it. There are only 5 PP's left and I am just suggesting that they could conserve one for May or even April 9th instead of coming in 2nd. They got a 4.4 last week with the much hyped crossover (I know there was no one from GA in PP). After 2 weeks of reruns and a much publicized return to ER I think PP will get hurt. I expected you to disagree with me and once again I will be happy to be proven wrong, if indeed PP still prevails.

Pavan

02-27-2009, 03:09 PM

I just don't think saving PP just because Clooney is coming to ER is a reason to pull it for that week. Why give up? What was the point of the crossover if you have an extended break like that? 2 weeks is long enough. I understand what you mean, but I'd rather it air against it. We don't know what ABC has in store for May sweeps. They could be planning something since PP only will have 1-2 episodes at most left. I'm sure they have a plan and are not just going on the fly.

tvcrazed

02-27-2009, 04:06 PM

I comtemplated not answering this, cause all we are gonna do is go around in circles, but here's the thing. You would have (and I believe you were) surprised that ABC is sitting out the first Thursday of the sweep against all new eps on other nets.You would probably think they are gonna lose momentum after the crossover, but they made a decision. So all I am saying is that since there are only a few eps of PP left (which is not a hit on the level of GA) don't waste a new one against ER that night. Aside from the ER finale, that should be the only ER event that would get people who have left the show to tune back in. A repeat "classic" GA after a new GA would probably do almost as well that night. It was just a suggestion, and it was one that in my opinion had PP's best interest. You are right I don't know what they have planned for Sweeps. (Also I wonder if when ABC set their March Sked, if they knew the ER event was March 12th, would they have planned as such. Maybe they would have, but these details just emerged.)

Pavan

03-02-2009, 04:51 PM

NBA on ABC Ratings for this season so far (all games are up from last year except noted):

(All times Eastern)

Christmas Special (Thursday, December 25, 2008)
2:36-5:15pm SAN ANTONIO @ PHOENIX 3.2/9
5:15-8:02pm BOSTON @ LA LAKERS 5.3/14

Regular premiere (Sunday, January 25, 2009)
12:57-3:30pm DALLAS @ BOSTON 1.7/4 (down from last year's time period of 1.8/4)
3:30-6:00pm SAN ANTONIO @ LA LAKERS 2.8/6

Sunday, February 1, 2009
2:26-5:00pm CLEVELAND @ DETROIT (vs. Super Bowl Pre-Game) 1.8/4

Sunday, February 8, 2009
12:59-3:37pm SAN ANTONIO @ BOSTON 2.4/6
3:37-6:06pm LA LAKERS @ CLEVELAND 3.8/8

Sunday, February 15, 2009
no games (All-Star Weekend)

MORE COMING SOON... CHECK BACK.

Zedman2

03-02-2009, 10:40 PM

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2009/03/abc_gives_life_on_mars_a_final.php

ABC Gives 'Life on Mars' a Finale
By Josef Adalian

ABC is giving fans of "Life on Mars" some closure.

The network has told producers that it won't be ordering any additional episodes beyond the 17 currently in the works for this season. But rather than play the usual "Let's-wait-until-May-before-we-make-a-decision" game regarding the fate of "Mars," ABC brass have admitted to producers that they won't be ordering another season of the show.

That means that, rather than letting "Mars" drift away with no resolution, producers will be able to write and film a definitive ending to the saga. Production is expected to continue for at least a few more weeks, with the finale expected to air no later than early April.

"We felt it was the right thing to do for the producers and the fans and creatively," ABC Entertainment Group President Steve McPherson told TelevisionWeek.

ABC took heat from critics and loyal fans for the abrupt endings to its well-regarded dramas "Eli Stone" and "Dirty Sexy Money" last year. By giving "Mars" a chance to complete its mission, the network is hoping to avoid any similar "controversy."

What's more, the U.S. "Mars" now will end up more closely resembling its British predecessor, which lasted for 16 episodes and also was a close-ended series. While the British series spawned a sequel of sorts, dubbed "Ashes to Ashes," no such plans are in the works Stateside.

Ensuring a definitive ending for "Mars" might also make it easier to promote the show's 17-episode run as a DVD release or, possibly, on a cable network should the series land an off-net run.

Mr. McPherson admitted the ratings for "Mars" were the main reason behind the decision to convert the show from a regular series into, in essence, a close-ended "event."

He has no regrets with how "Mars" is going out, however.

"I look at it creatively, and I couldn't be prouder," he said.

Jason O'Mara stars in "Mars." Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg are among the executive producers of the project, which is produced by 20th Century Fox TV and ABC Studios in association with Kudos.

Pavan

03-03-2009, 02:38 PM

More Wipeout weekend encores:

Saturday, March 28, 2009 and Sunday, March 29, 2009 both at 5:00PM ET (2:00 PM PT).

View

03-03-2009, 04:49 PM

That will kill any momentum for PP it got from the crossover though. ER won't get a big bump until the finale.
The momentum is going to be lost anyways after 2 weeks of repeats.

Nobody knew when George Clooney was returning, he thought it was the finale but there was no date given by NBC. NBC didn't even confirm he taped. Now TV Guide scooped it was the 12th and it's been reported everywhere from People mag to Entertainment Weekly. To say many won't know seems premature. It's like saying many won't know PP is new that same night. More people with the press covering Clooney would more likely know he's returning to ER that night than PP being new.

Too bad for LoM, ABC likes to want to continue the over played shows and refuses to give actual thought out shows a chance.

Pavan

03-04-2009, 12:13 AM

“The Bachelorette” two-hour season premiere is scheduled to air on Monday, May 18, 2009 from 9:00-11:00 PM ET/PT.

ryan423

03-04-2009, 12:22 AM

“The Bachelorette” two-hour season premiere is scheduled to air on Monday, May 18, 2009 from 9:00-11:00 PM ET/PT.

uggggghhhh! Geez, will ABC stick a fork in this show? Ratings wise, anything reality in this genre is gold. Shows like these are the reason America is getting dumber. Sorry.

Pavan

03-04-2009, 12:28 AM

ryan423

03-04-2009, 12:59 AM

Why would they? The Bachelorette is only once a year in the summer. It's a good summer show for ratings. Hope you know The Bachelor finale last night did HUGE. It would make no sense to stick a fork in it.

I meant the whole Bachelor/Bachelorette series'. I know it does huge, lol, I just hate it, lol... with a passion!

tvcrazed

03-04-2009, 11:00 AM

I heard Chris Harrison announce this last night and I understand why they want to premiere it out of the final Monday DWTS of the season. However this is a great asset for ABC Summer and last year it ended July 7th, with much of the Summer still to go. They really only had it for June, and it was their biggest hit of the Summer. I really think they should try to run it until at least the end of July. They probably should not run a new one on May 25th (Memorial Day). They can re-run the premiere with extra unseen footage.

Pavan

03-04-2009, 11:31 AM

I think Wipeout did better in the summer, but The Bachelorette did well and will likely do even better this year with the continuation of the storyline from this season of The Bachelor. Jillian, the 3rd place and fan favorite from this season of The Bachelor, is the new Bachelorette. I agree they should take off on May 25. The Bachelorette is 8 episodes again with one Men Tell All Special and maybe a Jillian Tells All Special. So that could extend it to 10 weeks. After the Final Rose of course would air after the finale. I do hear that another edition of The Bachelor could be used for the rest of the summer, but that is not confirmed. That would work well and that will give ABC another installment a year, in addition to Jan-Mar.

tvcrazed

03-04-2009, 12:30 PM

Oh right, Wiepout might have been slightly better, but BACHELORTETTE was next. If they would do another edition so soon, it would probably make more sense to use it for Fall.

JulieSomoski

03-04-2009, 02:56 PM

Oh right, Wiepout might have been slightly better, but BACHELORTETTE was next. If they would do another edition so soon, it would probably make more sense to use it for Fall.

But where would they air The Bachelor in the fall? Mondays seem to work best for the show, especially after this season. DWTS will be in the slot until December. Might as well just hype it up during DWTS and save it until January again. If it worked so well this season, chances are it'll work again next winter.

tvcrazed

03-04-2009, 03:25 PM

JulieSomoski

03-04-2009, 03:47 PM

I agree it should go in between DWTS cycles next Jan, but Pavan said they might do another one for JULY/AUGUST. My point was, if they are gonna do another one so soon, that version would be better served to run in the Fall. Otherwise just do a Bachelorette in Summer and a BACHELOR in Winter.

Yeah - ABC definitely does not want to overkill it to death. One Bachelor every January and one Bachelorette every summer should be the plan from now on.

tvcrazed

03-04-2009, 10:23 PM

According to THE FUTON CRITIC, According To Jim returns to Tuesdays back to back starting March 24th. I have to say, considering that whenever ABC runs a DWTS recap at 8pm (even against IDOL) it gets a 2.0 (at least) and provides the best lead in to The Results show and that ATJ got 1's in December against less competition, I am once again baffled by this decision.

They could have run ATJ on Fridays in the Summer.

yankeesrj12

03-04-2009, 10:31 PM

I'm glad According to Jim is coming back again. The only other time I watch ABC is Fridays at 8pm and 10pm.

Brent88

03-04-2009, 11:23 PM

Pavan

03-05-2009, 12:20 AM

I don't see anything about this at ABC. This is strange because they just extended HS USA starting March 24 the other day. TBD was listed previously for March 24 and beyond for Tuesdays at 8. In fact a repeat of HS USA was just booked yesterday for March 31. Not sure where Futon got this. I'll find out tomorrow. But if this is true, then ABC will have comedies Tues-Thurs in the 8pm hour. And then a few weeks later Mondays at 9:30pm as well. ABC can promote their comedies very well with a comedy brand promo (a la ABC Happy Hour from fall 2002). Jim does deserve to end its run during the actual season, though. If promoted, it could do decent. They can have the Jim finale on May 5 and Scrubs finale the next day. Makes sense, especially if ABC wants to have a full four comedy night next fall.

Pavan

03-05-2009, 01:45 AM

It's true...confirmed it. They will be heavily promoting these 8pm comedies. I like the idea. Here are the Jim episodes booked so far:

Tuesday, March 24
The Ego Boost and The Yoga Bear

Tuesday, March 31
Kyle's Crush and The Meaningful Gift

So they have 12 episodes and will likely double-pump them for a May series finale. Homeland Security USA will have 5 episodes left and will return at some point. The show would be decent for air on Fridays or even Saturdays.

In other news, episode 100 of Wife Swap is on March 13.

tvcrazed

03-05-2009, 09:27 AM

I don't understand how it makes sense to heavily promote ATJ, which will get no higher than 1's no matter what, when they are barely promoting CUPID.

Next week ABC will be in 4th on Tues and Wed, it's not even a question. I am trying to understand the logic at just surrendering. I guess I should just quit trying to understand it.

Pavan

03-05-2009, 11:00 AM

Cupid has been promoted and will get a heavy push when Dancing starts Monday. Cupid is still over 3 weeks away. I didn't say they would heavily promote ATJ...I think the entire comedy brand will. It is not a coincidence they will have comedies Tues-Thurs 8-9pm. Dancing and Suburbia will provide a big promotion to this brand, I think.

tvcrazed

03-05-2009, 11:07 AM

I hear ya. Thanks.

Pavan

03-05-2009, 05:33 PM

"DANCING WITH THE STARS" CONTESTANTS JEWEL AND NANCY O'DELL
WITHDRAW FROM COMPETITION DUE TO INJURIES

Both Celebrities to Appear on "Dancing with the Stars" Season Premiere, Monday, March 9

Additional Changes to the Cast Will Also Be Announced

Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Jewel and "Access Hollywood" host Nancy O'Dell have withdrawn from Season Eight of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" citing injuries. Jewel was diagnosed with a fractured tibia in both legs, O'Dell a torn meniscus. The injuries were sustained while training for the competition.

Jewel and O'Dell will appear on the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars," MONDAY, MARCH 9 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET) to address their injuries. The women were paired with professional dancers Tony Dovolani and Dmitry Chaplin, respectively. Additional changes to the cast will also be announced during Monday's premiere.

"Like most sports, dancing can be a demanding, physical activity. Each participant of 'Dancing with the Stars' warrants in contract that they are physically fit enough to participate in the competition. We love and appreciate Nancy and Jewel's competitive spirit, drive and desire to perform their best. Though we share in their disappointment that they can no longer continue, their physical well-being takes precedent above all else. We thank them both for giving it their all and wish them a quick and full recovery," said Executive Producer Conrad Green.

"When the doctors told me my injuries were so severe that I couldn't walk, let alone compete, I was devastated that I couldn't continue the show," said Jewel. "I have every intention of being at 'Dancing with the Stars' this season supporting my husband, Ty, and his partner, Chelsie (Hightower). I hope to be back on the show in the future."

"Beyond disappointment doesn't even being to describe how I feel about not being able to continue on 'Dancing with the Stars,'" said O'Dell. "It has been one of my favorite shows since Season One! But I have torn the meniscus in my knee in two places, which requires surgery. 'Dancing with the Stars' was a great experience. I'll miss working with my partner, Tony Dovolani, and all the other wonderful people on the amazing production that is 'Dancing with the Stars'."

JulieSomoski

03-05-2009, 06:04 PM

Jewel was probably the biggest name on the show, too. That's too bad.

I as well think ABC would have been better off airing Jim Fridays at 8pm. They still could have had 3 consecutive nights of comedy, but airing the show against Idol won't produce any better ratings than Homeland Security. Plus, Wifeswap is consistenly coming in lowest on ABC Fridays - Jim probably would have done great on Fridays for its last episodes.

Scoobiedoo30

03-05-2009, 06:45 PM

Get well Jewel and Nancy

Brent88

03-05-2009, 06:53 PM

WOW, Jewel is a huge loss for the show. I had seen rumors but I had no idea about Nancy. Also really bad to lose both in the final few days.

Pavan

03-05-2009, 07:01 PM

Certainly a huge loss, but the show is more about the competition rather than big names.

tvcrazed

03-05-2009, 10:58 PM

I am a huige fan of LOST. I actually think it's one of the best series EVER. I think Season 5 is nothing short of magnificent. I have talked to some people today who are a little confused by it this year.

I know this will never happen, but if I were ABC I would air the enhanced "LaFleur" at 8pm this week and at 9pm I would air another special with Damon and Carlton (those recaps they do at the beginning of the season are outstanding) where they assess and explain the season so far. Since 8 eps have aired it's basically halfway through the season (a total of 17). The people that are confused are so becaause of the leaps back and forth in time. They could explain the show in a linear style. A special like this is great because regular fans (like me) watch it because we can't get enough and we catch things we missed and semi regualr fans who are confused get things reset and explained for them.

View

03-05-2009, 10:58 PM

Jewel's a big loss since they've been selling this season more on the romantic drama angle than the performance side.

Zedman2

03-06-2009, 06:52 AM

tvcrazed

03-06-2009, 12:42 PM

ABC Thursdays will have been off for 3 weeks (when they return next week), while other nets have been new. Whenever they come back after weeks of reruns their numbers are down slightly. They only have 2 nights next week where they can promote since LOST isn't new. They really only have Sunday and Monday. I really hope they have strong GA and PP promos and they run them more than once (they should really pound them if you ask me) because ER got a 3.5 last night and that is without Clooney and Marguiles.

Pavan

03-07-2009, 04:52 PM

Well Castle premieres this Monday (March 9) at 10pm ET/PT and I guess I should say something about it, as I've seen the pilot. Let me say, I'm not a fan of crime dramas of today...they are so generic and the same stuff. Crime/cop shows of the '70s/80s were so much better. ABC has tried a few crime dramas in recent years that well didn't work in the ratings or with me, like The Evidence and In Justice. However, this one is right up ABC's alley! It is like Moonlighting in 2009. Fillion and Katic are great together and the tension between the two makes this addictive. Fillion, who was great on Desperate Housewives, is very funny in this as a writer assigned a murder case that was a copycat from one of his books. There are two angles for the show...obviously the murder case and also the Castle/Beckett tension. The show will have Dancing with the Stars as its lead-in for the first four weeks, so the show will certainly have a big lead-in and I think it will be a solid show and the procedural ABC is looking for!
I have also the second episode airing (3rd produced), that I still need to watch...but I'm sure it will be just as good as the pilot, if not better. The case is about a dead nanny. The first episode has a case about a series of murders that are copycats from his book...but who is doing them? A fan of his books or someone trying to frame someone?
View the first 13 minutes of the pilot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTbSfB8VJYU

I have seen the first two Better off Ted episodes as well, but that will get a more formal review from us on the blog...as it is a sitcom and we review ALL sitcom pilots from the networks. So stay tuned for that! Also coming soon ABC wise: formal reviews of In the Motherhood and Surviving Suburbia, while I also mention here about my take on Cupid and The Unusuals.

Pavan

03-08-2009, 12:14 PM

Brent88

03-08-2009, 12:55 PM

Unconfirmed, but likely...Melissa Rycroft (The Bachelor 13, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on CMT) is the one replacing injured Nancy O'Dell!

http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/03/08/source-bachelors-melissa-rycroft-to-join-dancing-with-the-stars/

WOW, this is the biggest get they could have gotten especially at the last minute. The Bachelor is still hot from what happened in the finale, very good move if true.

JulieSomoski

03-08-2009, 02:24 PM

It's a good get, but come on, is she really a "star"? This season of DWTS seems to be filled with a lot of D-stars. When I do watch DWTS, it really is mainly for the big-name stars.

Pavan

03-08-2009, 05:00 PM

View

03-08-2009, 07:58 PM

She was not a star, she was a nobody before the Bachelor dumped her to go back to the other one.This entire season is minor leagues. Even a soap star like how they had Susan Lucci last year and Kelly Monaco originally would be better than some of these nobodies.

tvcrazed

03-09-2009, 01:51 PM

I hope ABC has scheduled at least one GA promo in the 8pm, 9pm and 10pm hour this evening.

Pavan

03-09-2009, 02:58 PM

Yes, yes, and yes. It was promoted last night, too. And will be again every hour in primetime on Tuesday and Wednesday (late night Tuesday and Wednesday too), and daytime (and World News) Wednesday and Thursday.

catsrule

03-09-2009, 03:10 PM

Which hour will David Alan Grier be appearing on DWTS tonight? I might watch if it's in the 2nd hour, but the 1st hour my priority is Secret Life.

Pavan

03-09-2009, 03:24 PM

Not exactly sure when David is dancing. You might want to DVR/record the first hour and then tune into the second hour.

Pavan

03-09-2009, 03:37 PM

Thursday, May 7, 2009
10:00 PM “Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist”
Michael J. Fox, the former star of ABC’s comedy hit, “Spin City,” makes an emotional return to ABC as the acclaimed television and movie star investigates the nature of optimism. He travels the world to talk to people who have overcome great obstacles to find full and happy lives. In 1998, he publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease.

Pavan

03-09-2009, 03:55 PM

My guesses for the final episodes for Sunday and Thursday shows, now that we know that a Michael J. Fox special is airing Thursday, May 7:

Desperate Housewives final 6: April: 19, 26; May: 3, 10, 17 (two episode finale)
Brothers and Sisters final 4: April: 19, 26; May: 3, 10
Grey's Anatomy final 5: April: 23, 30; May: 7, 14 (two episode finale)
Private Practice final 2: April: 23, 30

I'd rather they extend the finale to a second hour of DH and GA rather than make it a two-episode finale, though.

They all are airing 3 episodes this March sweep (DH and B&S aired their first of three last night).

JulieSomoski

03-09-2009, 05:43 PM

Wait Julie ... are Lil Kim, Denise Richards, Jewel, David Alan Grier D-stars? Everyone knows them. And sports fans know who Lawrence Taylor is, and Shawn Johnson got big exposure during the Olympics. I could understand many don't know who Chuck Wicks or Gilles Marini though. Steve-O might not be an A list star, but is popular unfortunately.
As for Melissa, I think the entire country knows who she is right now. She might not be a star per say, but she is a big name right now and to get her last minute due to an injury is an excellent move. She also was popular before her Bachelor days as a cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys. They also did a TV show on CMT for that. So she has had some TV exposure in the past.

I guess it depends on what you define D-list star as. Jewel is no longer on the show. David Alan Grier - I'd definitely call him in A-lister. But Lil Kim and Denise Richards - while they may not be D-listers, they're definitely not A-listers. I guess you just can't beat having people like Cloris Leachman on the show :D

Brent88

03-09-2009, 06:14 PM

tvcrazed

03-09-2009, 09:54 PM

1 15 second promo for GA in the entire DWTS is ridiculous. They have no shows with any ratings to promote it the next 2 days - They have been off for 3 weeks

Brent88

03-10-2009, 12:37 AM

Castle was really good. I'm not hooked yet but I'll definitely be sticking around for now.

Now please let the ratings be good. ABC badly needs a new hit.

tvcrazed

03-10-2009, 12:48 PM

I think ABC should re-run CASTLE this Wed at 8pm. There is less competition than CSI:MIAMI and it's an earlier time - different audience. Plus it won't do much worse than the 1-2's the SCRUBS reruns will get. Maybe they can pick up some new viewers and pick some new ones SAT at 10pm, so they will stabilize at those numbers form last night. It can't hurt.

Scoobiedoo30

03-10-2009, 01:15 PM

I agree some people may have missed Castel so they should Re-Broadcast Castel on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7:00 pm CT Time on ABC.

Pavan

03-10-2009, 03:10 PM

Couple of programming updates:

Sunday, April 12, 2009 (Easter)
8:00-10:00PM Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (two-hours)
10:00PM Desperate Housewives (R)
(My Note: Looks like 4/5 DH/B&S will be new?)

Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night returns for a second year in front of the NBA Finals:
Thursday, June 4, 2009
8:00PM-8:30PM Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night #1

Sunday, June 7, 2009
7:00PM-7:30PM Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night #2

Tuesday, June 9, 2009
8:00PM-8:30PM Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night #3

Thursday, June 11, 2009
8:00PM-8:30PM Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night #4

Sunday, June 14, 2009
7:00PM-7:30PM Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night #5 (if necessary)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009
8:00PM-8:30PM Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night #6 (if necessary)

Thursday, June 18, 2009
8:00PM-8:30PM Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night #7 (if necessary)

Scoobiedoo30

03-10-2009, 03:25 PM

I am glad Jummy Kimmel Game Night is Returning to ABC befor The NBA Final's.

Pavan

03-11-2009, 06:33 PM

Saturday, April 11, 2009
5:00PM & 5:30PM ET (3 & 3:30 PM PT) Just for Laughs

(5:00 PM Eastern, 4:00 PM Central, 3:00 PM Mountain and 3:00 PM Pacific)

tvcrazed

03-12-2009, 11:31 AM

Pavan,

do you know the promos airing during GA tonight?

I am sure ITM/SW promos and SCRUBS/BOT are running. I just hope there is a CUPID promo. I am sure there is a DH promo but it would be nice if there was a B&S one too.

Thanks

Pavan

03-12-2009, 12:34 PM

No Cupid tonight, but it was promoted a few times already this week (one good one too with Bobby talking about it). Promos will crank up a lot for it when it is 2 weeks away.

Promos during Grey's tonight:

:10 GMA (FRI)
:30 SAMANTHA WHO? (2 WKS)
:15 EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION (SUN)
:30 BROTHERS & SISTERS (SUN)
:30 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (SUN)
:30 IN THE MOTHERHOOD (2 WKS)
:30 DANCING WITH THE STARS (MON)
:30 BETTER OFF TED (WED)
:30 PRIVATE PRACTICE (NEXT)
:30 CASTLE (MON)
:30 SCRUBS/BETTER OFF TED (WED)
:38 Split Screen Promo GREYS ANATOMY (NEXT THURS)
(SOME OF THESE COULD BE REPLACED BY A LOCAL COMMERCIAL)

And see you were worried about Chopping Block for nothing. Total dud last night.

tvcrazed

03-12-2009, 12:54 PM

Thanks a lot Pavan, ncie to see B&S get its own promo.

Glad it was a dud, and I'll still worry about KINGS and hope it doesn't hurt ABC too, but I will worry it that it will. What can I tell you. It's my nature.

By the way, one of my major concerns re: THE CHOPPING BLOCK was the lack of even trying to counterprgram. The SCRUBS reruns still did a low 1, I just think they could have counterprogrammed better for their weekly avg. If they wanted to warm up the time period for next week, then they should have put something better at 9pm Tues this week. They didnt need 2 nights of low rated reruns. Also GA has been off for 3 weeks and they have had no shows the last 2 nights to promote its return.

I think it's fairly obvious ABC has little hope for CUPID as out of all its new shows (including THE UNUSUALS which launches a week later) it is getting the least amount of primetime promo time. Bummer, cause I think it's the most distinctive, and most perfect for the ABC brand, out of all of them.

Pavan

03-12-2009, 01:06 PM

B&S will also get a combo promo with DH during PP tonight. I just think Kings is weird. It would be better as a miniseries or something, but as a real series? NBC must have had low hopes now for it since it moved it away as replacing ER and had no promos during the Super Bowl AT ALL for it.

I agree Scrubs Tuesday was not needed, but let's just hope all Scrubs fans now know that it is on the move. They have no excuse to. Cupid is good, I loved the pilot...and I think DWTS viewers will enjoy it. It is very light and fun. Not going to be serialized either. I'm almost certain ABC will move B&S to that slot next fall. Maybe they are not pushing Cupid enough, but if it surprises...I would look for that on Mondays at 10 instead of Castle.

tvcrazed

03-12-2009, 01:21 PM

I loved the CUPID pilot too, and I was a huge fan of the orginal, but I think they did a great job with the new version - casting and everything is great and it stays very true to the original. I also think Tuesdays at 10 it is good counterprogramming to the crime dramas on the other nets. But honestly I think its best shot would be out of GA or DH, but hopefully it can do something Tues at 10.

I don't think NBC has low hopes for KINGS. They didn't promo it during the SUPER BOWL, but they are spending a fortune promoting it now.

Maybe I am naive but I am still hoping CASTLE could work. The feedback I have seen online was pretty positive and it didn't drop that much in the finals - 3.3-2.8. If it somehow can stabilize at those numbers I think ABC will be happy. BONES started off very low as well and now it is a major asset for FOX. Maybe they will pick up some new people with the Saturday re-rairing. I wish ABC could re-run it somewhere there are no cop procedurals in that slot.
The reality is, it's very hard for new dramas to launch out of DWTS. So I hope it will stabilize.

tvcrazed

03-13-2009, 11:05 AM

I guess they pulled the B&S promos last night

Pavan

03-13-2009, 11:39 AM

Yeah, they pulled them late. The View is having a B&S themed show today, though.

ABC Studios Announces Fall 2009 TV DVD Slate: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=242610

tvcrazed

03-13-2009, 12:38 PM

Pavan

03-13-2009, 12:46 PM

I'm sure it has to do with Ugly Betty. Not sure what their plan is for that, but I'm sure they have a plan.

tvcrazed

03-13-2009, 02:35 PM

I hope they have a good plan for April 9th and 16th and don't run PP reruns against 2 new dramas. You always say how they should not surrender, I hope they don't here.

Pavan

03-13-2009, 05:31 PM

Programming/finale notes:

Ugly Betty will return Thursday, May 7 at 8pm (In The Motherhood and Samantha Who? will air 6 episodes each in slot from 3/26 to 4/30.)

Wednesday, April 29
8:30PM Better Off Ted

Thursday, April 30
8:00PM In the Motherhood
8:30PM Samantha Who?
10:00PM Private Practice

Friday, May 1
8:00PM Wife Swap
9:00PM Supernanny

Sunday, May 10
10:00PM Brothers and Sisters

Monday, May 11
10:00PM Castle

Tuesday, May 12
10:00PM Cupid

Wednesday, May 13, 2009
9-11PM Lost (two-hour season finale)

Thursday, May 14, 2009
9-11PM Grey's Anatomy (two-hour season finale)

Sunday, May 17, 2009
7-9PM Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (two-hour season finale)
9-11PM Desperate Housewives (two-hour season finale)

Thursday, May 21
8:00-10:00PM Ugly Betty (two-hour season finale)

All this is in addition to the finales that were confirmed such as According to Jim (May 5, 8-9PM), Scrubs (May 6, 8-9PM), AFV (May 15, 8-10PM), Dancing with the Stars Performance (May 18, 8-9PM), and Dancing with the Stars: The Results (May 19, 9-11PM). No news on finale dates for newcomers yet such as The Unusuals and Surviving Suburbia.

tvcrazed

03-13-2009, 05:48 PM

Which probably means UB will run May 21st and a 2 hour finale May 28th before the NBA finals (they will only have 5 eps left and that will include them all). Although if ITM and SW somehow blow up huge in the ratings you can be sure ABC will leave them on through the 14th just like they extended GREYS when it was first scheduled for a 4 week run.

nota_bene

03-13-2009, 11:13 PM

Hey guys. Long-time lurker, first-time poster.

I have a question. Since ABC is bringing back Ugly Betty on May 7, what does that mean for the remaining episodes of Samantha Who? If they only show six episodes, then five still remain of the 20 that ABC ordered this season.

Pavan

03-14-2009, 12:10 AM

That's good question, nota_bene. We'll have to see how it plays out. They could hold over those 5 for next season.

Pavan

03-14-2009, 12:48 AM

More confirmed finale dates:

Wednesday, April 29
8:30PM Better Off Ted

Thursday, April 30
8:00PM In the Motherhood
8:30PM Samantha Who?
10:00PM Private Practice

Friday, May 1
8:00PM Wife Swap
9:00PM Supernanny

Sunday, May 10
10:00PM Brothers and Sisters

Monday, May 11
10:00PM Castle

Tuesday, May 12
10:00PM Cupid

Thursday, May 21
8:00-10:00PM Ugly Betty

The Unusuals could run into the summer. No details on Surviving Suburbia...other than that, everything we have. I wonder what is airing Friday, Feb. 8 and Wednesday, May 20?

EDIT: Check post #863 on this thread for up to date finale dates.

tvcrazed

03-14-2009, 11:06 PM

So did they cut the UB order to 23 or are they gonna stick another episode on another night?

Pavan

03-15-2009, 12:19 AM

Not sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if they billed Betty as a two-night finale on Wednesday the 20th (1 episode) and Thursday the 21st (2 episodes) to complete the 24 hours.

tvcrazed

03-15-2009, 07:20 AM

yeah I was thinking that too, i guess it depens how THE UNUSUALS does, cause if it hits, I am sure they will run that on the 20th

tvcrazed

03-15-2009, 10:48 PM

Well I believe it's official: ABC is showing little hope for CUPID. A new long promo (was it a :60?) for THE UNUSUALS (and a good promo) during DH yet still no CUPID promo in primetime and it premieres in a little over 2 weeks.

Glad there was LOST promos tonight. Hope there are GA promos tomorrow.

Pavan

03-16-2009, 12:21 AM

No, The Unusuals promo was :30 and showcased Amber Tamblyn for the first time. There will be a 1 minute promo during Lost this week, though. There is a GA promo (and DH and Lost) tomorrow on DWTS. And as I said, Cupid will get that push once it is two weeks away, which is this Tuesday (for sure during DWTS Results...and I'm sure on Thursday). Surviving Suburbia promo premieres during Better Off Ted's premiere, so be on the lookout for that.

tvcrazed

03-16-2009, 12:33 AM

Thanks

Zedman2

03-16-2009, 09:55 AM

I know I asked this a few months back but I don't quite understand why ABC isn't premiering the Tursday comedies next week. It would be 2 weeks (instead of 1) of no Survivor. It would also be 2 weeks (instead) of 1 to air with a new GA.

I agree with tvcrazed. I continue to be perplexed by the scheduling moves ABC makes especially now that you have posted the season finale dates. It would have made more sense to start the Thursday comedies this week on March 19th. In the Motherhood could have had its season finale on April 23 and on April 30, either Ugly Betty could have returned or two episodes of Samantha Who? could have aired. This would have allowed the female centric comedies not to air against Survivor for a full two weeks and air opposite more male type programming of regional NCAA basketball on CBS.

tvcrazed

03-16-2009, 11:54 AM

I hope the GA promo is a :60. Glad they are promoting DH and I know it's a special epsiode next week but that gets 6 days of promos and GA gets 3 days? (I hope the GA is not a :15 like last week.) Honestly GA has much more competition.

Pavan

03-16-2009, 12:32 PM

What's GA's competition this week? March Madness? DH is not being promoted Tuesday, so it is not 6 actual days. Remember GA gets promoted like crazy on ABC Daytime and Late Night as well, especially Wednesday late night and Thursday daytime. You were worried about Kings over nothing. 1.6 demo. That is a mini-series type of a show, not a full fledged show. No wonder NBC backed out of airing that on Thursdays and didn't promote it during the Super Bowl. It doesn't matter if they were promoting it now.

tvcrazed

03-16-2009, 12:41 PM

As fas as KINGS if I would have seen it before I would not have been worried. It was quite boring, but lots of critics made it sound otherwise.

When ABC promotes their hits, they do better. The B&S movie did great - it was heavily promoted. They have since stopped promoting it and it has gotten a little better but no where what it was getting with the movie. When they promote their hits they benefit. New shows are always a ? - i am not saying don't promote them - you know i am questionsing the lack of CUPID promos - I am, just saying knock out one promo for your hits.

ABC daytime is 4 million viewers, and quite a different audience than the 15 million watching their hits in primetime.

tvcrazed

03-16-2009, 12:43 PM

Sinc you are such a good predictor - are SOUTHLAND and PARKS & RECREATION gonna flop too?

Pavan

03-16-2009, 12:51 PM

As far as Cupid goes, I'm thinking ABC is more high on The Unusuals...and I mean how the post-pilot episodes came out in quality. I have only see the pilots for each so far, so I cannot judge how other episodes came out. This is not to say Cupid won't be a hit or ABC is not behind it.

Well since the other NBC comedies are also not big hits, I don't think Parks & Recreation will be either. It will be wrapped around The Office its first week, though, so the demo should be good at least. But The Office is a niche show, so they are trying to make this the same thing? NBC needs mainstream type shows, not niche. Then after that Earl is it lead-in, so who knows how low P&R will go...you can see Kath & Kim for example.
Southland will probably do the best out of these NBC midseason shows, but airing out of these comedies? I don't think it will do much more than ER, if that. Until something hits on NBC, I'm not buying that anything will hit for them. The only show I was thinking would do well was Superstars of Dance (and ABC did good by airing a new DH to keep it a bit down), and it premiered decently, but tumbled after. The show to watch this midseason will be Surviving Suburbia following DWTS. That is going to surprise, I think. It hasn't been promoted even yet at all (Cupid has), but I don't think anything more than 2 weeks will be needed for that show, even though the first promo is this Wednesday. DWTS will be enough promotion. For Bergeron to just say at the end of DWTS, "Bob Saget returns to Comedy" will be enough for viewers to stick around (and I hated Full House but it was popular).

tvcrazed

03-16-2009, 01:13 PM

Office gets mid 4's 18-49 - that is a hit today. The first 2 weeks I believe OFFICE will surround P&R. The thing is. It's not Kath and Kim. It has a much bigger pedigree behind and in front of the camera. Amy Poehler is a star. If it did Office numbers or even 30 Rock numbers 18-49 that is a hit. That being said, I think the promos are horrible. It really doesn't make the show seem enticing or even funny which is surprising given the people involved.

Pavan

03-16-2009, 02:27 PM

The Office is not a mainstream show. It is getting lower than mid 4s now. 90% of its audience is 18-49, while that is great...it is not a broad show say like DWTS or American Idol. I think you need to get at least 10 million to consider yourself a big hit. The show does not go out of that 18-49 range. I did say P&R will be wrapped around The Office its first week, didn't I? I don't think The Office will get mid 4s in an 8pm slot those weeks. I also did say it will get decent demos that week...but this will not be a "hit." So Poehler is in it, Kath & Kim had star power as well: Molly Shannon and Selma Blair. And yes Shannon was an SNL player like Poehler, too. Until NBC proves it, they are not going to have any hits. You've been 0 for 3 with NBC predictions (The Office rising after the Super Bowl, Chopping Block, and Kings). All I'm saying here is, if none of the current NBC comedies are broad hits, why would P&R be any different? The Office is getting great demos, but other than that...it is not mainstream. I know this is an ABC thread, but why so worried about NBC? If ABC isn't (nor is CBS and Fox), why are you? It is probably going to become the first network to be 4th place for the season in viewers and 18-49 despite having the Super Bowl.

tvcrazed

03-16-2009, 02:52 PM

Geez, why are you so defensive? I am not so worried about P&R - in fact I believe I said it looked unfunny from the promos.

The networks are not concerned with Total Viewers. Any show that gets a 4.5 these days is a hit. DH got a 4.7 last week, this week was a 5.0 for the first time since Jan. The Office got a 4.1 this week. Last week it was a 4.5. Most weeks it is mid 4's.

Since you keep pointing out about how wrong I am, I just want to respond. I didn't predcit KINGS would be a hit, I was just worried it might be based on what I read. Trust me, the suits at ABC will worry about stuff like that too. Just like the other nets worry about ABC's potential hits.

I don't like to talk about myself but I have been correct about some things like how ABC would come back to low scores after weeks of no new eps and lack of promotion. I have also said the way they front load the start of the season which forces them to have all these breaks after Jan is silly because every time they are off for 3 weeks they have to build back the numbers. But I dont have to be right. I am happy to concede when I am wrong. I just root for them to be successful.

This argument is really sillyand childish because the reality is they are doing well. They do a really good job. It is obvious from anyone reading this I am rooting for their continued success. Yet whenever I question something/suggest something or ask about something they do that I don't thinks make sense you get quite defensive. So I won't post anything derogatory about them anymore. The reality is, I don't work for them, so what's the difference. I guess It's like being a Sports fan. You have your team you like and you root for and have opinions about your favorite team. I guess I figured this was a safe zone to express them since it is obvious I am a fan.

Pavan

03-16-2009, 04:07 PM

Pavan

03-16-2009, 04:21 PM

Pilot Review for Better off Ted: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/03/abc-mid-season-pilot-review-better-off.html

robyrob

03-16-2009, 04:52 PM

Pilot Review for Better off Ted: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/03/abc-mid-season-pilot-review-better-off.html
Better Off Ted looks like it might be interesting, but I am hesitant to even check it out and get into it considering how unlikely it is that it will be a hit and get renewed.

tvcrazed

03-16-2009, 05:15 PM

tvcrazed, all I'm asking is why do you always get worried about NBC? From what I see here, it is always about them? You're right this is very silly...I just don't understand why you get worried about them when they haven't launched anything lately. Also, I understand your promo concerns, but does it really matter if Grey's gets only a 15 second promo? It's not like that will be the only promo. I know you're a fan, but sometimes it feels like you nitpick more than compliment. But I disagree, you need both great demos and total viewers to be a big hit. The Office has only half of that formula. Sorry if I offended you. At least this is a civilized conversation, unlike the crazy with no facts statements from some others, who just bash shows. I'll move on.

You didn't offend me, no apology necessary, but thanks anyway, and I agree this is a civilized conversation. You provide a great service here, Pavan, and I don't want to get into a silly argument with anyone, especially you. It's not a big deal either way. To answer your question regarding NBC, I guess my concern stems from the fact that even with all ABC's big hits some weeks they are merely a few tenths a way from NBC in the ratings. Considering ABC's hits vs NBC's, it seems strange they are that close and so it seems like they are one hit away from overtaking ABC, in my mind. That is why sometimes like last week when ABC basically conceded Tues and Wed, I don't understand and question, but I am sure they have their reasons and know what they are doing.

Anyway thanks for your message, it's all good.

Janice

03-16-2009, 08:13 PM

Is there a way to watch LOST online? Thanks.

Scoobiedoo30

03-16-2009, 08:30 PM

www.abc.com

Janice

03-16-2009, 09:48 PM

www.abc.com (http://www.abc.com)
Thanks Aaron, but it won't allow me to watch last week's episode. :confused:

Scoobiedoo30

03-16-2009, 09:54 PM

try www.fancast.com good luck my friend

Pavan

03-16-2009, 11:53 PM

Scoobiedoo30

03-17-2009, 12:05 AM

What is ABC on Demand

Pavan

03-17-2009, 12:48 AM

If you have onDemand on cable, there is a service called ABC onDemand, I know for Comcast at least.

Scoobiedoo30

03-17-2009, 12:51 AM

Cox does not have that yet

Janice

03-17-2009, 01:35 AM

Janice, there was no episode last week, so maybe that's why you don't see it on abc.com. They encored "LaFleur" with an enhanced version last week. Lost is new this week, though...and for the rest of the season (well April 22 is a special 100th episode anticipation clip show).

You will find ABC shows only on abc.com (or ABC onDemand, if you get that on cable), not Fancast or any other online site.
That makes sense, Pavan. If there was no show, it can't be on abc.com, lol. Thanks a bunch. I thought I was going crazy.
Thanks for all the other info too. That's great that it's hit 100 episodes! I watched the Jimmy Kimmel clips on abc.com. They are hilarious. Jin's big secret, "I am Asian." :lol: We're enjoying this season, although we're a bit lost ourselves at times. Still, it's a blastl

Pavan

03-17-2009, 02:24 AM

LOL, those Secrets of Lost clips every Wednesday night on Jimmy Kimmel Live are hilarious. By the way, DH: S5 DVD is out Sept. 1, if you didn't see that post. That will give you about three-four weeks to watch in time for season six.

ryan423

03-17-2009, 07:12 PM

Just saw the first Ten Minutes of "Better off Ted" on facebook and it looks great. It'll do great paired up with Scrubs!

Janice

03-17-2009, 07:51 PM

By the way, DH: S5 DVD is out Sept. 1, if you didn't see that post. That will give you about three-four weeks to watch in time for season six.
Great news, thanks! We'll blast through that in three days, lol.

Scoobiedoo30

03-18-2009, 11:50 AM

I through Lost was on www.fancast.com sorry Janice

Pavan

03-18-2009, 02:09 PM

ABC will encore this past Monday's episode of Dancing with the Stars this Saturday (March 21) from 8PM-10:02PM. ABC Saturday Movie of the Week: Flightplan is no longer airing on this night.

Scoobiedoo30

03-18-2009, 02:15 PM

That a Great Idea for The Viewers who forgot to Tape Dancing With The Star's

catsrule

03-18-2009, 05:08 PM

Scoobiedoo30

03-18-2009, 05:20 PM

I wonder what ABC Plans for Tuesday, March 24, 2009 with ABC's According To Jim at 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm CT Time On ABC

Pavan

03-18-2009, 05:50 PM

Couple of updates:

Friday, May 8, 2009
8:00PM-10:00PM ABC Friday Movie of the Week - Happy Feet (network television premiere)

Thursday, May 28, 2009
8:00PM-approx. 10:00PM The 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee

Zedman2

03-18-2009, 07:45 PM

ABC will encore this past Monday's episode of Dancing with the Stars this Saturday (March 21) from 8PM-10:02PM. ABC Saturday Movie of the Week: Flightplan is no longer airing on this night.

I'm really confused by this programming move. How well can this do? We've already had a one-hour recap and we already know which star was eliminated. What's the point. If they didn't want to air the movie, they could have aired the final episodes of Eli Stone, or Dirty Sexy Money, or even, heaven forbid, Pushing Daisies. Any of these shows would produce the same results as the encoring of DWTS. And if the thought of airing those shows doesn't appeal to ABC programmers, they could have aired two of the final five episodes of Homeland Security, USA, I believe that program would succeed on a Saturday evening and it would have been a good opportunity to try. This is another programming move that doesn't impress.

Pavan

03-18-2009, 11:57 PM

ABC's Presidential News Conference plans:

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Eastern/Central Time Zones
8:00PM ET/7:00PM CT Presidential News Conference
9:00PM ET/8:00PM CT Dancing with the Stars: The Results (LIVE!)
10:02PM ET/9:02PM CT Primetime: What Would You Do?
NOTE: According to Jim will be preempted entirely in the East/Central.

Mountain Time Zone (schedule as is)
6:00PM Presidential News Conference
7:00PM According To Jim
7:30PM According to Jim
8:00PM Dancing with the Stars: The Results
9:02PM Primetime: What Would You Do?

Pacific Time Zone (schedule as is)
5:00PM Presidential News Conference
6:00PM Local Programming / ABC World News
8:00PM According To Jim
8:30PM According to Jim
9:00PM Dancing with the Stars: The Results
10:02PM Primetime: What Would You Do?

Scoobiedoo30

03-19-2009, 12:05 AM

I will be watching something eles in the 7:00 pm CT Time Hour

Stuck In The '70's

03-19-2009, 12:14 AM

I will be watching something eles in the 7:00 pm CT Time Hour
Me too Aaron. lol

Brent88

03-19-2009, 01:29 AM

I will be watching something eles in the 7:00 pm CT Time Hour

Same. :mad:

nota_bene

03-19-2009, 11:04 AM

Not good for the Thursday comedies. Having to premiere against Idol is not what ABC had planned.

Thanks Mr. President! :rolleyes:

Zedman2

03-19-2009, 01:07 PM

JulieSomoski

03-20-2009, 04:39 PM

Any word whether ABC will hold back the premieres of it's Thursday comedies in order not to compete against American Idol?

ABC should definitely hold over these comedies for 2 weeks - they'll most likely be weak on their own. Airing against Idol won't do them any better. Might as well just air another Ugly Betty episode there, especially if there are going to be some left at the end of the season.

Brent88

03-20-2009, 04:47 PM

As of now, they are still airing them next week(aired a bunch of promos last night), but I agree, it should be pushed back. The other big problem I see is that if it's pushed back to April 2nd, Grey's will be in repeat which will all know does terrible in ratings, so I don't see it being helpful at all. I honestly think the comedies should have premiered last week, then they would have had 3 weeks of Grey's lead-outs, 2 weeks of no Survivor, and been able to hopefully get an audience before facing Idol, but as usual ABC botches a scheduling move. The other option I see is to delay the comedies til April 23rd when Grey's comes back for it's final episodes this season, and wrap up Betty before then, but it's too late for that now.

I wouldn't be surprised if Betty never comes back to Thursdays, and it's definitely moving in the fall.

Pavan

03-22-2009, 04:12 PM

Just got back from a trip, sorry for the delay. ABC is going ahead with airing the comedies...they did some episode changes though. In the Motherhood will start off with the third episode produced instead and they have switched this week's Better Off Ted episode with April 1.

Pavan

03-25-2009, 12:09 AM

No According to Jim next week:

Better Off Ted encores will air on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 8:00 PM ET/PT and 8:30 PM ET/PT.
These telecasts will be repeats of the March 18 and March 25 episodes. No word yet on when According to Jim will air, but as of now, it is slated to return April 14. President Obama I guess messed the plans up for Jim, since it wouldn't make sense to air Jim on March 31 and preempt it the following week for the scheduled Easter Charlie Brown.

WilCap

03-25-2009, 11:28 AM

I've heard recently that Scrubs might actually get to come back if Braff agrees to do a few eps... any truth to it?

Pavan

03-25-2009, 11:36 AM

I doubt it. The May 6 finale is being labled a series finale by ABC.

Pavan

03-25-2009, 01:40 PM

My review of the first two episodes of In the Motherhood:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/03/abc-mid-season-pilot-review-in.html

Pavan

03-26-2009, 08:20 PM

Last day of sweeps:

Wednesday, May 20, 2009
8:00-11:00PM ET/PT ABC Wednesday Movie of the Week - "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (Network Television Premiere)

catsrule

03-28-2009, 12:40 PM

ABC cuts In the Motherhood order
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/03/abc-cuts-in-the.html

mtlguy

03-28-2009, 02:28 PM

ABC cuts In the Motherhood order
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/03/abc-cuts-in-the.html

That is nothing new, they already planned to show only six episodes, this journalist is not really up to date...

Pavan

03-31-2009, 01:51 PM

Thursday, May 21 and Thursday, May 28
10:00PM Grey's Anatomy (R)
(Encores following the two-hour season finale of Ugly Betty on May 21 and the two-hour annual Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 28)

Pavan

04-01-2009, 01:19 AM

New 30-minute affiliate special to air on ABC locals in May:

“The ABC Buzz Hunters II” will air between Saturday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 20, 2009. Check local listings for time and day.

This new 30-minute affiliate special offers viewers an entertaining recap on Grey’s Anatomy, Dancing with the Stars, LOST and Desperate Housewives, as they build excitement and momentum for the shows' finales in May. Viewers will also get a sneak peek at this summer's all-new season of The Bachelorette and the much anticipated return of summer's biggest hit Wipeout.

Scoobiedoo30

04-01-2009, 01:25 AM

I am hoping WGNO airs this 30 Mintue at 10:35 pm on a Saturday Night but the special looks great

robyrob

04-01-2009, 07:44 PM

Pavan

04-02-2009, 12:31 AM

It's not nothing new for all shows to be included. It has been a proven thing for networks to do TV special featuring all their shows in the past. I guess you have never seen a Fall Preview special, lol?

Pavan

04-04-2009, 02:00 AM

Wednesday, May 13
8:00PM Lost Clip Show (wt) -- leading into the two-episode season finale

Tuesday, May 19
8:00PM Dancing with the Stars: Performance Recap (leading into the two-hour grand finale) -- So, not sure when the According to Jim finale is now.

Early Summer updates:

Sunday, May 24
9:00-11:00PM ABC Mini-Series: Diamonds (Part 1)

Monday, May 25
8:00-10:00PM The Bachelorette (time period premiere)
10:00PM TBD

Tuesday, May 26
8:00PM Opportunity Knocks (return) -- for a few weeks I guess until the NBA Finals starts
9:00-11:00PM ABC Mini-Series: Diamonds (Part 2)

Effective Wednesday, May 27
8:00PM Wipeout (season premiere)
9:00PM The Goode Family (series premiere)
9:30PM The Goode Family
(The Unusuals is listed at 10PM still, so likely is new)

Saturday, May 30
8:00-10:00PM ABC Saturday Movie of the Week: TBD
10:00PM Pushing Daisies (return) -- likely will air for three straight weeks to finish its run

Sunday, May 31
8:00-11:00PM NBA Western Conference Finals, Game #7 (if necessary)

I don't have June info yet...stay tuned.

JulieSomoski

04-04-2009, 01:47 PM

yankeesrj12

04-04-2009, 02:39 PM

I'm sure Pushing Daisies fans are happy about the final 3 episodes finally being schedule (too bad its Saturdays at 10pm, though). Maybe ABC would be interested in airing the final episodes of Dirty Sexy Money once PD is over?

Too bad According to Jim - the final season, and it's still getting thrown around. Why not just schedule the show for Fridays at 8pm and be done with it?
I'm just happy Pushing Daisies will air its final three episodes. I am still going to buy the 2nd season DVD, but at least I don't have to wait longer to see them!

I just hope I get to see According to Jim soon. Any idea when it will air?

JulieSomoski

04-04-2009, 02:46 PM

I'm just happy Pushing Daisies will air its final three episodes. I am still going to buy the 2nd season DVD, but at least I don't have to wait longer to see them!

I just hope I get to see According to Jim soon. Any idea when it will air?

I'm kind of lost about According to Jim as well. I'm not even sure when it's premiering again - this week or next week, I think? And now it doesn't have an end date for its series finale, which is kind of sad. ABC should have been smarter with this show.

Brent88

04-04-2009, 02:59 PM

I'm kind of lost about According to Jim as well. I'm not even sure when it's premiering again - this week or next week, I think? And now it doesn't have an end date for its series finale, which is kind of sad. ABC should have been smarter with this show.

According to Jim returns next week. This week an Easter Charlie Brown special will air.

Honestly, I don't even know why it's on the schedule. Ratings are totally dreadful.

Re, ABC's summer schedule: Pushing Daisies! Though it's on Saturday at 10... better than nothing. Ratings will be scary though. Wipeout!!!!!!!!! Meh on The Goode Family and The Bachelorette.

What's the Diamonds miniseries about?

JulieSomoski

04-04-2009, 03:10 PM

According to Jim returns next week. This week an Easter Charlie Brown special will air.

Honestly, I don't even know why it's on the schedule. Ratings are totally dreadful.

Re, ABC's summer schedule: Pushing Daisies! Though it's on Saturday at 10... better than nothing. Ratings will be scary though. Wipeout!!!!!!!!! Meh on The Goode Family and The Bachelorette.

What's the Diamonds miniseries about?

I agree - airing Jim now definitely feels like burnoff. They should have left it for summer, where it could have aired 2 episodes a week until the series finale, without interruption (kind of like what ABC did with the Drew Carey Show a few years back).

Pavan

04-04-2009, 08:42 PM

According to Jim had an end date of May 5, but then Obama's address on March 24 (the night when Jim was supposed to return) messed that up. It would have made no sense to return it the following week on March 31 and have it be preempted after one week on April 7 for the already scheduled Easter Beagle Charlie Brown. So Jim is returning on April 14 and airing non-stop through May 12, but two episodes will have to air on a special night probably (Friday at 8 one week maybe?) since they are not airing the finale on May 19. Or they can just not air two episodes and have the actual finale on May 12. So this is not a burn-off. If it were a burn-off, it would have aired all 12 in the summer.

Diamonds is one of two ABC miniseries in the works for summer from Canada. Diamonds details: In a concept similar to the feature film Traffic, which examined the drug trade, Diamonds weaves together five storylines to form the plot, focusing on the daughter of a U.S. Senator who is murdered at a diamond mine in Sierra Leone (in Africa). It is a Hollywood event limited series from start to finish, especially with its stellar ensemble including Judy Davis who won an Emmy for the last role she played which aired on ABC (Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows). James Purefoy (Rome) also stars.

The second miniseries is going to be great and is called Impact. It will likely air in August or early September. Impact, is a four-hour internationally produced disaster epic. The moon enters into a collision course with planet Earth after being hit by a powerful meteor. The survival of mankind hangs in the balance as three scientists are sent into space to risk their lives and save the planet. Directed by Michael J. Rohl ("Smallville," "Supernatural"), the $14 million "Impact" stars David James Elliott ("JAG," "Close to Home"), Natasha Henstridge ("Eli Stone," "Commander in Chief"), Steven Culp ("Desperate Housewives," "JAG") and James Cromwell (W, Babe).

Can't wait for Wipeout season two! It's launching a month earlier this year and we get 16 episodes! And to air it side by side with the NBA Finals (airing Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays), is a good move instead of waiting until the Finals are over. Smart move to air The Goode Family after that. If Goode Family works, I can see ABC bringing it back as a summer or Jan-March series. Can't wait to see the final three Pushing Daisies episodes...and maybe they will use that same slot to burn-off the final 3 Dirty Sexy Money episodes and the final 4 Eli Stone episodes. We'll know soon. The Unusuals will have only 5 episodes aired before the regular season ends, so ABC could air the remaining 5 in the summer. As for Opportunity Knocks, six are left to air, so at least 2 will air (May 26 and June 2) before the NBA Finals starts. Not sure what will happen after that.

Much more ABC summer is still to come (such as the second season of Japanese Game Show and new stuff such as Wide World of Sports Superstars), with possibly the 10th anniversary of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire!

Brent88

04-04-2009, 08:50 PM

Diamonds is one of two ABC miniseries in the works for summer from Canada. Diamonds details: In a concept similar to the feature film Traffic, which examined the drug trade, Diamonds weaves together five storylines to form the plot, focusing on the daughter of a U.S. Senator who is murdered at a diamond mine in Sierra Leone (in Africa). It is a Hollywood event limited series from start to finish, especially with its stellar ensemble including Judy Davis who won an Emmy for the last role she played which aired on ABC (Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows). James Purefoy (Rome) also stars.

The second miniseries is going to be great and is called Impact. It will likely air in August or early September. Impact, is a four-hour internationally produced disaster epic. The moon enters into a collision course with planet Earth after being hit by a powerful meteor. The survival of mankind hangs in the balance as three scientists are sent into space to risk their lives and save the planet. Directed by Michael J. Rohl ("Smallville," "Supernatural"), the $14 million "Impact" stars David James Elliott ("JAG," "Close to Home"), Natasha Henstridge ("Eli Stone," "Commander in Chief"), Steven Culp ("Desperate Housewives," "JAG") and James Cromwell (W, Babe).

Both of these sound good, but especially "Impact". I'm a sucker for disaster movies.

JulieSomoski

04-04-2009, 09:46 PM

Saturdays at 10pm could be a good burnoff slot for the summer. I can't really see anything else doing well there, so why not air the final episodes of Dirty Sexy Money and Eli Stone as well?

I can't wait to see this new 10th Anniversary Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Hopefully Regis returns, though, because I can't see it hosted by anyone else in primetime (unless Merideth Vierra wants to do it).

Pavan

04-05-2009, 02:08 AM

I saw the final cut of The Unusuals pilot. Wow. Good stuff. It's been getting mixed reviews, but I like it. ABC likes it too. They all have secrets, and some of these cops could be crooked. We'll have to keep watching to see who is and who isn't. Amber Tamblyn is great (I loved her on CBS's Joan of Arcadia). There are also some funny bits in the same vein as the Police Academy films. One of the cops is exactly like Captain Harris from those movies. Not a serious show, it is very laid back and fun. Hopefully this works out of Lost and ABC could use this show to end Wednesdays in the fall as well. Also, Harold Perrineau (Michael!) from Lost is in it. He is obsessed with the number 42, (that is one of the "numbers" from Lost)! You'll see why he is obsessed.

The future episodes have come out great as well, so it is no wonder why ABC is so high on this show. Tune in Wednesday at 10 after Lost! tvcrazed, did you see the full cut of the pilot?

Eversoris

04-05-2009, 10:02 AM

I don't think I've watched anything on ABC since NYPD Blue. :lol: But I'm a big fan of Castle and The Unusuals looks good too, so I guess the DVR will have to get re-acquainted with ABC.

tvcrazed

04-05-2009, 01:03 PM

Yeah I did see the full cut of THE UNUSUALS and I think it's really great. It has everything - humor, suspense, interesting characters. I am really surprised at some of the negative reviews. I also saw SOUTHLAND which I found to be nothing new, and very dark and dreary. People are comaring it to THE SHEILD, but that show had Michael Chiklis and even some of the other cast members were fantastic. The only person here I really connected with was Regina King's character. I actually was bored watching it. My rooting for ABC aside, I can be unbiased. I watch and love many shows on many other networks. I am really surprised that SOUTHLAND is getting the better reviews because I honestly found UNUSUALS more fresh, exciting and interesting. I hope it works.

yankeesrj12

04-05-2009, 01:35 PM

Pavan

04-06-2009, 01:04 AM

ABC will air Jim in May sweeps. April 28, May 5 and May 12 airings are in sweeps. No one said it was a burn-off, it is more like a proper send-off.

catsrule

04-06-2009, 01:48 AM

I just wish they didn't constantly put Jim against Idol. I would much rather it air Friday nights where I have nothing.

JulieSomoski

04-06-2009, 04:14 PM

I just wish they didn't constantly put Jim against Idol. I would much rather it air Friday nights where I have nothing.

That's what I was getting at. Airing against Idol, it just doesn't seem like a "proper send off" to me. It would probably do better on Fridays, with the right amount of promotion.

Meanwhile, can't wait until Surviving Suburbia tonight!

Scoobiedoo30

04-06-2009, 04:20 PM

Surviving Suburbia will be a winning for ABC.

JulieSomoski

04-06-2009, 04:32 PM

Surviving Suburbia will be a winning for ABC.

It's reviews have been mixed so far, but if the critics hate it, doesn't that usually mean its ratings will be good? ;)

Pavan

04-07-2009, 04:01 PM

ABC weekend afternoon sports slots:

“Wipeout” encores will air on Saturdays, May 2, 9 and 16, 2009 at 5:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT.

“Just for Laughs” encores will air on Saturday, May 23, 2009 from 5:00-6:00 PM ET/3:00-4:00 PM PT.

Brent88

04-08-2009, 03:55 PM

More summer programming announced:

ABC gets early start on summer
Off-season franchises set for end of May
By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

ABC is getting an early start on summer, launching several of its off-season franchises at the end of May.

Joining "The Bachelorette," which the net had already booked for May 18 (Daily Variety, March 4), the second seasons of "Here Come the Newlyweds" and "Wipeout," as well as new animated laffer "The Goode Family," will all bow before the month is up.

Also on deck for summer: Athletic competish "The Superstars," the return of "I Survived a Japanese Game Show" and newcomer "Dating in the Dark."

"Bachelorette" - now a two-hour series -- will move into its regular Monday night 8 p.m. slot on May 25, a week after its bow. That will lead into the return of "Here Come the Newlyweds," which will air Mondays at 10 p.m. starting that night.

Also that week, last summer's breakout hit, "Wipeout," returns on Wednesday, May 27 at 8 p.m. - leading into the bow of "Goode Family," the new half-hour from "King of the Hill" alums Mike Judge, John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky, as well as MRC and 3 Arts. Alphabet will pair "Goode Family" with the live-action Bob Saget laffer "Surviving Suburbia," which moves to Wednesdays at 9:30 starting that night.

"The Superstars," which pairs eight celebs with pro athletes to compete in various sporting events, joins the Tuesday night competish starting June 23, at 8 p.m.

Then there's "Japanese Game Show," which runs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. starting July 8.

Later that month, "Dating in the Dark" replaces "Newlyweds" in the Monday 10 p.m. slot, starting July 20. Show follows men and women who are sequestered from each other - but go on dates in completely dark rooms, so that they get to know each other without knowing what they look like.

Meanwhile, ABC is also turning its Saturday night 10 p.m. slot into burn-off theater. In what the network oughta dub "Last Chance TV," left over episodes of canceled series will be featured: "Pushing Daisies" from May 30 through June 13; "Eli Stone" from June 20 through July 11; and "Dirty Sexy Money" from July 18 through August 8.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002248.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

Pavan

04-08-2009, 04:31 PM

Press release for first half of summer 2009:

ABC ANNOUNCES ITS SUMMER SCHEDULE, WITH THE RETURN OF “THE BACHELORETTE,” “WIPEOUT,” “HERE COME THE NEWLYWEDS” AND “I SURVIVED A JAPANESE GAME SHOW,” AND THE PREMIERE OF THREE NEW SERIES, “THE GOODE FAMILY,”

“THE SUPERSTARS” AND “DATING IN THE DARK”

ABC announces its summer schedule, with the return of “The Bachelorette” on Monday, May 18; “Here Come the Newlyweds” on Monday, May 25; “Wipeout” on Wednesday, May 27; and “I Survived A Japanese Game Show” on Wednesday, July 8. Also premiering are three new series, animated comedy “The Goode Family” from Mike Judge on Wednesday, May 27; “The Superstars,” based on the classic Wide World of Sports series, on Tuesday, June 23; and alternative series “Dating in the Dark” on Monday, July 20.

Following is a list of the upcoming programming in chronological order (all times ET):

THE BACHELORETTE – SPECIAL TWO-HOUR PREMIERE MONDAY, MAY 18 (9:00-11:00 p.m.), AND REGULAR TIME PERIOD PREMIERE MONDAY, MAY 25 (8:00-10:00 p.m.) – Jillian Harris, the intelligent, independent, passionate woman who fell just short of her goal – hoping that Jason Mesnick could be her best friend, soul mate and future husband on the just completed hit series of “The Bachelor” – will have her own opportunity to find true love, starring in the fifth edition of “The Bachelorette.” An instant fan favorite on “The Bachelor,” Jillian, 29, a restaurant interior designer, will get to choose from among a group of the country’s most eligible bachelors and is confident that she can find the love of her life on the series.

Hosted by Chris Harrison, “The Bachelorette” is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are the executive producers.

HERE COME THE NEWLYWEDS – PREMIERES MONDAY, MAY 25 (10:00-11:00 p.m.) -- The one-hour romantic comedy alternative series returns for a second season with nine just-married couples competing for a life-changing cash prize to help kick-start their new lives together and realize their dreams. Hosted by comedian Pat Bullard, “Here Come the Newlyweds” is all about relationships, the differences between men and women and the universal issues that every couple must face. In this eight-episode series, each couple faces a variety of mental and physical challenges that will test the love and passion they have for one another, as well as their competitive spirit. At the end of each episode, the field will be narrowed as the newlyweds vote to send one couple home. The stakes get higher as the potential nest egg grows, until one couple ultimately wins the grand prize.

The executive producers of “Here Come the Newlyweds” are Jay Blumenfield and Tony Marsh (“The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott,” “Dane Cook’s Tourgasm”). The series is produced by The Jay and Tony Show in association with Warner Horizon Television.

WIPEOUT – PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 (8:00-9:00 p.m.) – Bigger, better, wilder than ever! ABC’s hit series “Wipeout,” the #1-rated summer series across all networks, returns for season two as wide-eyed and energized contestants compete in the world’s largest extreme obstacle course, providing the biggest spills and best wipeouts ever seen on television.

The Qualifier boasts amazing new obstacles including: Plank in the Face, Hurtles and Gyro Sweeper. Brace yourself in the all new Wipeout Zone with the Catapult, Gears of Doom and more high stakes challenges. And the fan favorite obstacle -- the Big Balls -- will return but with a twist: “The Motivator” a massive anvil sneaks up on contestants propelling then onto the Big Balls if they dare to hesitate.

Each week, 24 daring new contestants of all ages, shapes and sizes go head to head through four rounds of demanding but hilarious obstacle courses to win the title of “Wipeout Champion” and the $50,000 grand prize. In the end, only one contestant will win, while everyone else will Wipeout!

“Wipeout” is hosted by John Henson (E! Entertainment’s “Talk Soup”) and John Anderson (ESPN’s “SportsCenter”). Jill Wagner is co-host. Executive producers are Matt Kunitz and Scott Larsen (“Fear Factor”). Shye Sutherland, Kevin Wehrenberg, Trice Barto and J. Rupert Thompson are co-executive producers. The series is produced by Endemol USA. David Goldberg is the Chairman of Endemol North America.

THE GOODE FAMILY – PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 (9:00-9:30 p.m.) – “The Goode Family” is a new animated series from Mike Judge (“King of the Hill,” “Beavis and Butt-head,” “Office Space”), John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky (“King of the Hill,” “Blades of Glory”). With standards always changing, no matter how hard you try to be good, it’s virtually impossible these days . . . especially for the Goode family. Meet Gerald and Helen Goode, a couple who live by the motto WWAGD (“What Would Al Gore Do?”). Gerald, a college administrator, and Helen, a community activist, are determined to obliterate their carbon footprint on the planet: They’re zealous vegans, they drive a hybrid, and they recycle everything possible. Even the family dog, Che, is vegan. In the words of Helen, all the Goodes want to do is buy organic apples and call minorities by their right names. But despite their best efforts, something always goes haywire with their politically correct plans.

“The Goode Family” is voiced by Mike Judge as Gerald, Nancy Carell as Helen, Dave Herman as Ubuntu, Linda Cardellini as Bliss, and Brian Doyle Murray as Charlie.

John Altschuler, Mike Judge, Dave Krinsky, Michael Rotenberg, and Tom Lassally are executive producers of the series, which is produced by MRC and 3 Arts Entertainment.

THE SUPERSTARS – PREMIERES TUESDAY, JUNE 23 (8:00-9:00 p.m.) -- “The Superstars,” a fresh take on an old favorite, is based on ABC’s classic “Wide World of Sports” series, “The Superstars,” which pitted athletes from all different sports against each other to determine the best athlete in the world. Eight celebrities are paired with eight professional male and female athletes to compete against each other in varying sporting events. Each week a team will be eliminated until one team is ultimately crowned the winner. Competitors’ athletic prowess will be put to the test, with events including swimming, biking, running and kayaking, in addition to other head-to-head athletic challenges that will test strength, speed, stamina, agility, as well as an element of strategy. The 6 episode series will be shot entirely on location at the Atlantic Resort in the Bahamas.

“The Superstars” is produced by Juma Entertainment and Blue Entertainment Sports Television (BEST). Robert Horowitz, president, Juma Entertainment, Lewis Fenton, head of production, Juma Entertainment, Dennis Spencer, executive vice president, BEST and Michael Principe, managing director, BEST, are the executive producers.

I SURVIVED A JAPANESE GAME SHOW – PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 (9:00-10:00 p.m.) – Going into its second season, “I Survived A Japanese Game Show” is an unscripted reality/game show -- actually a show within a show -- taking an eye-opening, behind-the-scenes look at 12 Americans who are whisked away to Japan to compete in the ultimate Japanese game show. The results are sure to be hilarious as this season will be even bigger and funnier than the last. The final winner will take home $250,000. Returning will be the witty Game Show Host Rome Kanda (“Pink Panther,” “Saturday Night Live”), who leads the contestants through all of the zany challenges; Mamasan, a house mother and resident pot stirrer; and Judge Bob, the rarely dynamic but always entertaining referee of the games.

The executive producers are Arthur Smith and Kent Weed for A. Smith & Co. (“Kitchen Nightmares,” “Hell’s Kitchen”); and David Sidebotham, Karsten Bartholin and Tim Crescenti for Babyfoot APS Denmark. “I Survived A Japanese Game Show” is one of only four US shows nominated for a Rose D’Or Award, plus the series received a DGA nomination for Best Reality Competition Show.

DATING IN THE DARK – PREMIERES MONDAY, JULY 20 (10:00-11:00 p.m.) – “Dating In The Dark” is the unique alternative series that asks the age-old question, “Is Love Blind?” Each week, three single men and three single women, all looking for love, will move into a house together, but be totally sequestered from the opposite sex. While they will have no chance of seeing each other in the light, they will have the opportunity to date in a completely dark room. Looks will be taken out of the equation as the men and women get to know each other and form bonds in total darkness. After several days of dating in the darkroom, the participants will select the one member of the opposite sex that they want to see revealed in the light. For the first time, the participants will see who they have been dating, wooing, kissing, snuggling with and forming bonds with. And after they see each other in the light for the first time, they have to make the difficult decision...do they stay with the person they fell for in the dark, or leave them behind. Hosted by Rossi Moreale (“Can You Duet?,” “Temptation”).

“Dating in the Dark” is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol holding, along with Talpa Content, the format department of Dutch media entrepreneur John’s de Mol’s company. David Goldberg is the North America Chairman of Endemol USA. The series is executive-produced by Tom Shelley and the co-executive producer is Richard Devinki.

Airdates for the remaining episodes of “Pushing Daisies,” “Eli Stone,” and “Dirty Sexy Money” were also announced, with “Pushing Daisies” returning to the schedule as of Saturday, May 30 through Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 p.m.; Eli Stone” on Saturday, June 20 through Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 p.m.; and “Dirty Sexy Money” on Saturday, July 18 through August 8 at 10:00 p.m.

Comedy “Surviving Suburbia” will move to a new night and time as of Wednesday, May 27, airing behind “The Goode Family” at 9:30 p.m.

mtlguy

04-08-2009, 05:24 PM

What happened to Opportunity Knocks?

Pavan

04-08-2009, 05:29 PM

Opportunity Knocks is on twice at least on May 26 and June 2. I don't think they are airing them all.

yankeesrj12

04-08-2009, 06:35 PM

Bringing back Japanese Game Show is stupid.

JulieSomoski

04-08-2009, 06:44 PM

Bringing back Japanese Game Show is stupid.

I agree - it was only doing 5-6 million last summer. ABC would be better off airing a full season of Opportunity Knocks in the summer, as it would probably do much better.

I take it Surviving Suburbia will then be airing all 13 episodes, with the remaining 8 airing in the summer? Wednesdays at 9:30 - is this a sign of a 9pm comedy block for the fall? Hopefully it's ratings on Monday can maintain, and people follow over in the summer. We haven't had a sitcom like SS air in the summertime in quite some time, but maybe people will watch. Who knows.

Zedman2

04-08-2009, 08:07 PM

Bringing back Japanese Game Show is stupid.

I disagree. This show is a great summer pleasure.

TVFactFan

04-08-2009, 11:24 PM

I disagree. This show is a great summer pleasure.

Only if you are actually there-lol

TVFactFan

04-08-2009, 11:26 PM

I disagree. This show is a great summer pleasure.

Ignore my last post I thought you were referring to Wipeout

Brent88

04-09-2009, 12:52 AM

:eek: I have to see this in all it's unedited glory. :lol:

Courteney Cox’s new show Cougar Town is being deemed too X-rated for primetime!

The show is scheduled to make its debut on ABC this fall, but before it airs, it needs to clean up its act!

The show is about a group of middle-aged women who will romance any guy without a bald spot, which sounds innocent enough. But the bosses at ABC are having issues with how raunchy the content is.

Apparently execs are furious at Cox, saying that ABC isn’t cable, and that she and writers have pushed the envelope from edgy to downright filthy!

We’re talking kinky sex references, f-bombs, and sex with boys age 15! What does Courteney think this is, Showtime?? Maybe she should have pitched the show there. They love any shows having to do with sex and drugs!

http://tv.hollyscoop.com/courteney-cox/courteney-coxs-cougar-town-too-risque-for-abc_1642.aspx

Stuck In The '70's

04-09-2009, 12:58 AM

TVFactFan

04-09-2009, 01:02 AM

Zedman2

04-09-2009, 09:06 AM

Brent88

04-09-2009, 02:33 PM

Is this a firm go? I thought it was just a pilot that was fast coursed for this development season.

As far as I know it's still just a pilot, though it seems to be a frontrunner given the name attached to it. Of course... so was Football Wives and Secrets of a Small Town. :lol:

Anyone watch The Unusuals last night? It held my interest and I'll watch again(for the lack of anything better on) but it wasn't that great IMO.

JulieSomoski

04-09-2009, 04:52 PM

ryan423

04-11-2009, 06:30 PM

I forgot all about Unusuals last night - ratings weren't too good. Better than Life on Mars, though.

Funny about Cougar Town - as if the name didn't imply enough-LOL. ABC will definitely have a lot of variety on their fall schedule, though.

Cougar Town looks hilarious.

I can't say I was impressed with Surviving Suburbia though, which I found downright boring. I was really hoping it would be good. How were the ratings?

Pavan

04-11-2009, 09:50 PM

tvcrazed, Brent, and any other fans of The Unusuals: I saw the second episode yesterday. It is very good. The episode is more serious than the pilot, but has its comical moments still. The episode is about the Borland family, who have a history of crime sprees. They remind me of the Darlings of Dirty Sexy Money, but just not rich. Sort of a shocker at the end, too, regarding Walsh. I liked the pilot, and this is even better.

JulieSomoski

04-11-2009, 11:37 PM

Since I have nothing to watch on Wednesday at 10pm, I'll definitely be watching The Unusuals this week. Both Castle and Cupid have unimpressed me so far, but The Unusuals sounds pretty good.

Ryan, since SS premiered, I've been hearing either people found it boring, or they found it hilarious. Very odd, but I guess it depends on tastes, doesn't it? So far, I liked this side of Bob Saget in SS. He's really just more himself, whereas in Full House he needed to take the good-guy act down a notch or two. It has promise, and it has room to grow.

Pavan

04-12-2009, 12:21 AM

Castle has gotten better and better each week. Must see now. Tension between Castle and Beckett is fun to watch.

Brent88

04-12-2009, 06:50 PM

I hated Surviving Suburbia. It was totally awful. Castle is really good while Cupid has been blah.

JulieSomoski

04-12-2009, 11:04 PM

Castle has gotten better and better each week. Must see now. Tension between Castle and Beckett is fun to watch.

Sorry Pavan, but I'm definitely a Medium fan - I've watched for 5 years, and it's just as good now as it was 5 years ago. Having Medium, Castle, and CSI: Miami all in 1 hour, when both are all very like each other, is really stupid, IMO. ABC should switch Cupid and Castle, since Castle seems to have its own fanbase by now, and Cupid couldn't get any worse on Tuesdays.

Pavan

04-12-2009, 11:26 PM

Why switch Castle though up against two more crime shows? It's fine where it is now. With no NBC in the fall, maybe Castle can build next season on the same night.

As for Surviving Suburbia, they have some good storylines coming up including Steve and Anne having to have 40 days of sex. Why? You'll see. Tomorrow's episode has to do with Steve and Anne going to their daughter's school.

Pavan

04-13-2009, 12:35 AM

I was thinking about Millionaire and thought of a plan:

* Sun-Thurs for two straight weeks at 8 or 9PM (depends on the night, like Sunday at 9 would be better) from say Aug. 16-30.
* Then if that run in August does well, ABC should bring it back in December since they will need it then instead of wasting some new episodes of scripted series then or playing repeats of them. Sun-Thurs format would again from say Dec. 6-20. One week they could have regular players and the next week ABC stars playing for charity for the holidays. Both of the weeks would work very well with holiday specials that ABC does.
* Finally, it would be wise to bring back the show from Jan-Mar when ABC really needs it. Twice a week would suffice, especially against Idol and the Winter Olympics next winter. And then I guess by the time Dancing returns in March, it won't be needed

If the model works, ABC could repeat it the next year. Sound good?

JulieSomoski

04-13-2009, 11:05 AM

That's not a bad plan at all. But, the only way it'll work is if Regis comes back. If Regis isn't there as host, why would people watch when they
ve been watching Meredith do it great for 8 years?

Hopefully ABC does something for the 10th anniversary. It could definitely do VERY well for them.

Pavan

04-13-2009, 11:09 AM

Well of course Regis would have to return. With short weeks, I could see him returning. If not, I'm sure Meredith would not be available since she is really with NBC. The only other option would be to get Tom Bergeron.

Brent88

04-14-2009, 07:40 PM

JulieSomoski

04-14-2009, 09:35 PM

ABC has officially collapsed at 9:30 on Mondays:

Surviving Suburbia
- 9.711 million viewers
- 6.3/10 HH
- 2.6/6 A18-49

Castle (58 minutes)
- 7.279 million viewers
- 4.9/8 HH
- 1.9/5 A18-49

Surviving Suburbia is already lower than Samantha Who's 2nd season premiere numbers and way way WAY below it's 1st season numbers when it used to get 15 million. Castle is suddenly dead. A 1.9 demo?! :eek: Medium got a 2.7!!!!!!!!

But, SS last night was right on par with what SW? was doing at the end of last fall. Still, nothing is certain yet about SS. It has still 3 more weeks to go, where it can go either up or down.

What happened to Castle? Last week, it was clearly beating Medium in total viewers, and both were neck and neck in the demo. Last night, Medium beat it in total viewers and HUGELY beat it in the demo.

Pavan

04-16-2009, 07:41 PM

ABC weekend afternoon airings:

Wipeout encores - Saturdays, May 2, 9 and 16, 2009 at 5:00PM ET/3:00PM PT
Just for Laughs encores - two back to-back half-hour episodes on Saturday, May 23, 2009 staring at 5:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT.

Brent88

04-17-2009, 04:33 PM

Pavan

04-17-2009, 04:43 PM

Confirmed:

An all-new episode of “The Unusuals” is scheduled to air on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 from 10:02-11:00 PM ET/PT.
“The Unusuals” will continue to air in its regular Wednesday, 10:02-11:00 PM ET/PT slot this week as well.

JulieSomoski

04-17-2009, 05:45 PM

Cupid has been pulled this Tuesday for another new episode of The Unusuals(and it will still be new on Wednesday). Sounds like a good move to me. Neither one is doing well at all but Cupid is botching a massive lead-in while The Unusuals is stuck with the weak Lost(and Lost is a clip show this week).

I agree - ABC is obviously keen on The Unusuals. BTW, I watched this weeks episode, and I really enjoyed it. it's so far my favorite of the new ABC dramas, so I'm really pulling for it. ABC wants to see what it can do with the DWTS lead-in, and I don't blame them. It's not doing terrible with the Lost lead-in, but DWTS is much bigger.

catsrule

04-20-2009, 01:52 PM

Brent88

04-20-2009, 02:06 PM

I had something else going on last night and missed Desperate Housewives. It's too bad DH isn't encoring this Saturday instead of the millionth showing of Harry Potter. And whatever happened to the same week encores on Lifetime?

Bad Cats. :lol:

You can watch it on abc.com if you have a high-speed connection.

Ugly Betty is returning next Thursday instead of May 7th, likely due to the extremely poor performance of Motherhood and Samantha

http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/04/20/ugly-betty-comes-back-a-bit-earlier/17053

Scoobiedoo30

04-20-2009, 02:10 PM

I wonder what will happen to Samantha Who.

Brent88

04-20-2009, 03:25 PM

I wonder what will happen to Samantha Who.

I would be surprised if Samantha Who? is not back at least for a few episodes next season in another timeslot(either after DWTS or part of a comedy block on Wednesday). In the Motherhood though is dead I'm sure.

Pavan

04-20-2009, 07:27 PM

“Ugly Betty” is now scheduled to return to the schedule starting Thursday, April 30, 2009 and will continue through and including Thursday, May 14, 2009in its 8:00-9:00PM ET/PT slot.

The season finale of “Ugly Betty” is still scheduled to air in the 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT slot on Thursday, May 21, 2009.

JulieSomoski

04-20-2009, 10:03 PM

I would be surprised if Samantha Who? is not back at least for a few episodes next season in another timeslot(either after DWTS or part of a comedy block on Wednesday). In the Motherhood though is dead I'm sure.

ABC might as well just put it back after DWTS - it obviously has to be nurtured, because it just can't stand on its own. And if they want it back for more episodes, why make it suffer in another slot?

Scoobiedoo30

04-20-2009, 10:05 PM

so in the motherhood will only have 3 airing.

Pavan

04-21-2009, 03:14 PM

ABC ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND TEAM PAIRINGS FOR "THE SUPERSTARS,"
PREMIERING TUESDAY, JUNE 23, ON ABC

Eight Athletes and Eight Celebrities Team Up to Compete for the Title of The Superstars Champion

New Alternative Series Shot Entirely on Location at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas

ABC announces the cast and team pairings of new alternative series "The Superstars," a fresh take on an old favorite. The eight athletes are Jennifer Capriati, Brandi Chastain, Robert Horry, Jeff Kent, Kristi Leskinen, Lisa Leslie, Bode Miller and Terrell Owens. The eight celebrities are David Charvet, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Dan Cortese, Paige Hemmis, Julio Iglesias, Jr., Joanna Krupa, Ali Landry and Estella Warren. The series is based on ABC's classic "Wide World of Sports" series of the same name, which pitted athletes from all different sports against each other to determine the best athlete in the world. "The Superstars" pairs the celebrities with the athletes to compete in varying sporting events. Participants found out who their selected partners were only when they met for the first time at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. The six-episode series premieres TUESDAY, JUNE 23 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

The team pairings for "The Superstars" will be Terrell Owens & Joanna Krupa; Jeff Kent & Ali Landry; Robert Horry & Estella Warren: Bode Miller & Paige Hemmis; Kristi Leskinen & Maksim Chmerkovskiy; Lisa Leslie & Dan Cortese; Jennifer Capriati & David Charvet; and Brandi Chastain & Julio Iglesias, Jr.

Every week a team will be eliminated until one team is ultimately crowned the winner. Competitors' athletic prowess and strategy will be put to the test to excel in events including swimming, biking, running and kayaking, in addition to other head-to-head athletic challenges everyone must try to conquer.

"The Superstars" past winners include football stars Herschel Walker in 1987 and Jason Sehorn in 1998, decathlete Dave Johnson in 1993 and Olympic skier Bode Miller (who makes his return this year) in 2002.

The eight athletes in alphabetical order are:

JENNIFER CAPRIATI -- At the young age of 13, Jennifer Capriati made her mark on the tennis world by becoming a professional as well as the youngest player to win the French Open junior singles title. At the age of 15 she was the youngest-ever semifinalist at Wimbledon. After a career hiatus due to injury, Capriati made a tremendous comeback in 2001 and became the World's No. 1 singles player. In 2002 she beat out Michael Jordan for the ESPY for Comeback Player of the Year. She has also been recognized as the 2001 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year, the 2001 Reuters Sportswoman of the Year and the 2001 Sportswoman of the Year by Sports Illustrated Women magazine. Over her incredible career, Capriati has won three Grand Slam titles, 14 singles titles, one doubles title and a gold medal at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.

BRANDI CHASTAIN -- Brandi Chastain is a world class athlete who has won at every stage of her career. During college in 1990 she was awarded the prestigious Hermann Award (college soccer's equivalent of the Heisman Trophy), led Santa Clara University to two NCAA Final Four appearances and was named Freshman Player of the Year. In 1993 she played professionally in Japan, where she was named MVP. She was a founding member of Women's United Soccer Association in 2001 and a member of the inaugural WUSA League Champions - Bay Area CyberRays. Currently Chastain is a member of the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer League. During her tenure on the U.S. National team, which began in the summer of 1988, she has picked up the following accolades and accomplishments: She was a member of the gold medal team during the 1996 Olympics, when started and played every minute of all five Olympic matches; she continued on to the gold medal-winning 1991 World Cup team, 1993 U.S. Olympic Festival gold medal team, 1999 World Cup Championship team and scored the winning goal during the 1999 World Cup. Recently she was a member of the silver medal-winning 2000 Olympic Soccer team and 2004 Olympic gold medal team.

ROBERT HORRY -- Robert Horry has earned the reputation as one of the premier clutch shooters in NBA history, delivering time and time again during the NBA Playoffs. His ability to come through in pressure situations earned him the nickname "Big Shot Rob." Horry is one of only two players in NBA history to win championships with three different teams-Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs. Only six players in league history (all Celtics) have more championship rings than Horry's seven. The 6ft 10inch forward attended University of Alabama and was the 11th overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft.

JEFF KENT -- After 17 Major League seasons, recently retired Los Angeles Dodger Jeff Kent is the all-time leader among Major League second basemen, with 351 home runs. He also leads all second basemen with 1,389 RBI. Kent's 508 doubles as a second baseman rank first, and his 2,215 hits rank fifth. He played 2,034 games at second base, the fifth-highest total in Major League history. During his four seasons with the Dodgers, from 2005-08, Kent led the club with 551 hits, 122 doubles, 75 homers, 311 RBI, 281 runs scored and 521 games played. He was the National League's starting second baseman in the 2005 All-Star Game at Detroit's Comerica Park. He ranks eighth in club history in batting average (minimum 1,800 AB), while also placing among franchise leaders with 73 home runs as a second baseman (third) and 497 games played at second base (fifth). Kent was the National League Most Valuable Player in 2000, when he hit .334 with 33 homers and 125 RBI with the Giants. He is a four-time Silver Slugger Award winner for NL second basemen, and is a five-time All-Star (1999-01, 2004-05), including four starts in the Mid-Summer Classic. Kent played in the postseason seven times, including one World Series with the Giants in 2002. His career stats include batting .290 with 560 doubles, 377 home runs and 1,518 RBI in 2,298 games with Toronto (1992), the New York Mets (1992-96), Cleveland (1996), San Francisco (1997-2002), Houston (2003-04) and the Dodgers (2005-08). He ranks 47th on baseball's all-time RBI list, just ahead of Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle, who had 1,509. Kent also ranks 62nd in career home runs, and is tied for 20th on baseball's all-time doubles list. He is 95th on baseball's all-time hits list with 2,461.

KRISTI LESKINEN -- Kristi Leskinen is a well known X Games action sports athlete among the world's top freeskiers, constantly pushing the limits of the sport. There was a lot of history made at the 2005 Winter X Games; some athletes were decorated, and others walked away bitterly sore. But in one event, Women's Skiing Superpipe, the entire field was triumphant. It was the first year the event made its way into this marquee festival, and Leskinen was at the forefront. As a headliner, she shoulders the responsibility of women's freeskiing in particular - which has moved out from under the shadow of more established action sports to receive the respect and exposure it deserves. At her first U.S. Open, Leskinen was the only woman doing the Big Air event and the only woman to take a run on the pipe. In 2004, little more than five years later, the U.S. Open hosted the largest women's superpipe contest in the world, with 40 athletes vying for the championship. After 10 years of professional competition, Leskinen continues to dominate the podium and lives true to her motto, "Follow the fun." Currently she is working on a new TV project which will bring out her vivacious personality and natural ability to connect with and socialize with people throughout the action sports world. This past March she hosted the first ever all-female ski and snowboard slopestyle event and rail jam at her home resort of Seven Springs in Pennsylvania. Her official website is www.kristileskinen.com

LISA LESLIE -- A rare combination of power, grace, beauty and style, Lisa Leslie is one of the most recognized faces in the history of women's sports. She is only one of a handful of players who have competed since the WNBA's inaugural year in 1997, and has changed the course of history in more ways than one. In 2002 she became the first player to dunk in a women's professional basketball game, a cornerstone of the WNBA, helping guide the Sparks to two WNBA titles and being named the league's MVP three times. Leslie is the first basketball player (not just woman) to win four consecutive gold medals in basketball. In 2001 she became the first female player and the fourth professional basketball player to win all three major awards in a single season, including All-Star MVP, WNBA MVP and WNBA Finals MVP Awards, joining Shaquille O'Neal, Michael Jordan and Willis Reed in this prestigious category. Her influence is recognized off the court as well. She was named 2002 Woman of the Year by MS. Magazine, and an "Influential Woman" by The Women's Museum. After competing in each of the WNBA's first 10 seasons, she sat out the 2007 campaign due to pregnancy and gave birth to her first child, Lauren Jolie Lockwood, on June 15, 2007. Leslie returned to action on opening day in 2008.

BODE MILLER -- Bode Miller continues his stronghold on the competition and is currently ranked No.1 in the Overall World Cup standings for skiing. Most recently he secured two Overall titles (2004-05 & 2007-08) while adding four Discipline titles, Giant Slalom in 2003-04, Super G in 2004-05, Super G in 2006-07 and Super Combined in 2007-08. His 31 career World Cup wins place him sixth in Alpine skiing history (male) and mark the most World Cup wins in the history of American Alpine ski racing. He also holds four World Championship gold medals in Downhill, Super G, Combined and Slalom, with two Olympic silver medals in the 2002 Olympics. He's only one of two men to win a World Cup race in all four disciplines in a single season (Downhill, Super G, Slalom and Giant Slalom). Impressively, Miller holds the record for most consecutive races skied (136), from March 2002 through January 2006. His participation in "The Superstars" marks his return since being crowned champion in 2002. Additionally, his non-profit foundation, Turtle Ridge Foundation, dedicated to supporting health, diversity and sustainable living, was established by him and his family as a way to help people in need and give back to the community. TRF raises funds and support through corporate sponsors, private donors and charity events for the Boys & Girls Club of America, adaptive ski programs, inner city youth sports programs, cancer treatment centers, ski racing scholarships to deserving children and thousands of dollars' worth of warm jackets to kids in need.

TERRELL OWENS -- Terrell Owens, a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills whose extraordinary football skills and sensational athleticism have set the standard for NFL wide receivers, is among the league's most exciting and electrifying players. His remarkable work ethic and unparalleled commitment to the game, as well as his candid and passionate personality, make him one of the most fascinating athletes in professional sports. Chosen as much on his size and speed as for his exceptional ability, Owens was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 1996 NFL draft. He is entering his 14th NFL season with the Buffalo Bills. He had 69 catches for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns last season for Dallas. During his outstanding career, he has amassed numerous awards and honors: He has earned six Pro Bowl appearances and has been named a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press five times. Among his other accomplishments, Owens was the second NFL player to record five seasons with 13 or more touchdowns, and he was the first to score a touchdown in seven straight "Monday Night Football" games. On September 15, 2008, in another amazing "Monday Night" game, Owens moved into second place on the NFL's all-time career touchdown list.

The eight celebrities in alphabetical order are:

DAVID CHARVET -- David Charvet, who rose to international fame on the hit shows "Baywatch" and "Melrose Place," has moved into the feature front with starring roles in three films: He has just been cast to star in the supernatural thriller "Nephilim," scheduled to begin production this summer; in the sports feature "Green Flash" he played a star basketball player with a future in the NBA until he chokes in a key game, with the after effects causing him to settle into an aimless life; and in the action/adventure film "Prisoners of the Sun" he played an archaeologist hired by an eccentric professor to lead his team on a national expedition to excavate a long lost city beneath an Egyptian pyramid. As a Universal Music recording artist, Charvet spent five years in Europe, where he released three successful pop rock albums as part of his five-album deal with Universal Music Group France. He has sold over 2.5 million albums to date, with three of his singles ("Leap of Faith," "Should I Leave" and "The Tears in My Eyes") charting in the Top 10. Charvet has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, performing for packed arenas, writing music and experiencing new cultures. He has collaborated with top songwriters such as Ty Lacy (who wrote Leanne Rimes' single, "I Need You"), and has also worked with Robbie Williams' producer, Steve Power. Charvet has recorded a duet with Bryan Adams and worked on a duet with Seal. He is engaged to Brooke Burke (Season 7 "Dancing with the Stars" reigning champion), and the couple have two children together.

MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY -- Best known for his work on the hit ABC show "Dancing with the Stars," Russian born professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy was introduced to the world of Ballroom Dance at the age of four when his parents brought him to a local dance school in Odessa, Ukraine. In addition to his dance abilities regularly showcased on the top rated television show, where he has been partnered with Tia Carrere, Willa Ford, boxing world champ Laila Ali, Spice Girl Melanie Brown, Olympic Champion Misty May-Treanor and actress Denise Richards, Chmerkovskiy is also a world renowned choreographer, having worked in association with famed director Franco Dragone revamping and updating the immensely popular performance show, Le Rve, at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. He is currently a board member for the non-profit organization DanceTeamUSA, which promotes DanceSport amongst the youth of America. He also has a production company, Maksim Chmerkovskiy Productions, which organizes performances all over the world.

DAN CORTESE -- Dan Cortese is well known for his hosting and acting credits for television. He burst onto the TV screen hosting "MTV Sports," then hosted ABC's "Crash Course" and "My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad." His acting credits include "Joey," "Veronica's Closet," "What I Like About You," "Seinfeld" and "Rock Me Baby," and he is currently a recurring cast member on ABC's "Surviving Suburbia." Cortese is of Sicilian descent. He attended and played football at the University of North Carolina. He now lives in Malibu with his wife and two kids.

PAIGE HEMMIS -- Paige Hemmis (www.paigehemmis.com) may be an unlikely vision on a construction site. However, the statuesque beauty is an accomplished carpenter, skilled homebuilder, successful businesswoman and author. She is self-taught, with no formal carpentry training, and is rarely to be found without a tool of some kind in her purse. This dynamic and confident Wisconsin-born entrepreneur founded a successful real estate company and a wedding planning business before joining the design team of ABC's Emmy-winning "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." In 2005 she founded Tuff Chix, Inc., dedicated to performance work wear for women that is durable and fashionable. Tuff Chix is inspired by Hemmis' own hard work and determination and features such items as pink work gloves, boots and tool belts. In December 2006, she released her first book, The Tuff Chix Guide to Easy Home Improvement, to inspire other women to tackle home improvement projects with confidence. Hemmis considers her role on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" a blessing and feels fortunate to make her living helping others. In between extreme makeovers, she lends her time and celebrity as a spokesperson for Habitat for Humanity and other charities. She will continue her mission of giving through her Tuff Chix products & foundation, dedicating support to her favorite charities.

JULIO IGLESIAS, JR. -- Julio was born in Madrid, Spain to well-known singer Julio Iglesias and the beautiful Isabel Preysler. At a very young age he moved to Miami, Florida, a place he now considers home. Although he has spent his whole life surrounded by music, his own personal journey into music didn't begin until the late '90s, when he released his first album in English. In his second album he wanted to go back to his roots and reestablish himself; he chose to sing in Spanish and the result was the mind-expanding "Tercera Dimension" album. He got his inspiration from Anglo rock, and not only did he write lyrics, but was involved in the production of the album. "Tercera Dimension" also has some elements of rock en Espa–ol. In addition to music, Iglesias has hosted the Latin Grammy pre-show, guest starred on UPN's "EVE," and has participated in several productions for VH-1 and E! Entertainment. He was a participant in one of the most viewed shows in Spain, "Mira Quien Baila" ("Dancing with the Stars" in Spain). Recently he was chosen winner of the CMT reality program, "Gone Country," for his talents as a singer and songwriter. In addition, last year he starred in an independent film entitled "The Music of You."

JOANNA KRUPA -- Polish-born Joanna Krupa is the personification of a true, self-made sensation who knew early on in her life that she was destined to work in the world of fashion and show business. Born in Warsaw and raised in Chicago (with a strong will and little tolerance for the word "No"), after high school she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in modeling and acting. Her hard work and positive spirit led her to become one of the most requested models/covergirls in the world. The young beauty is recognized for her diversity, her stunning exotic looks, assorted talents and unique interests. PETA's "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign featuring Joanna became a massive phenomenon. She's one of the top searched women on the internet and recently launched two internet channels, www.livevideo.com/joannakrupa.com and www.Youtube.com/TheRealJoannaKrupa. Krupa has graced 110 covers of world-renowned magazines, often being titled "the sexiest woman in the world" or "sexiest top model in the world," and was cast for several notable film and television projects. Most recently she was cast alongside Michael Madsen in "Six Days in Paradise," to be released in fall of 2009, and was featured in E! Channel's "The Sexiest" (syndicated worldwide) as one of the sexiest women in the world. The leggy beauty was also selected to be this year's cover model of the prestigious annual Ocean Drive magazine, and Maxim magazine (U.S. and European) voted her among the "TOP 100" women in the world. In 2008 Krupa was cast in "Ripple Effect" with Oscar winners and nominees Minnie Driver, Virginia Madsen and Forest Whitaker. She also appeared on hit TV shows such as "Las Vegas" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." Additionally, her musical skills will be showcased in June with her band project's debut song, "Do It Right."

ALI LANDRY -- Actress Ali Landry continues to reign as one of the most versatile talents in Hollywood. Crowned Miss USA in 1996, Landry broke onto the scene and gained instant fame as "the Doritos girl" when she was featured in a commercial for Frito Lay during the 1998 Super Bowl telecast. Following the success of the commercial, she made the transition from modeling to acting with a variety of film and television roles. To show her dramatic chops, she took on a layered and complex role in the acclaimed feature "Bella," which was screened at the Vatican and won top honors at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival. Her guest starring roles include an appearance on CBS' "Criminal Minds," in addition to past roles on "Felicity," on which she recurred, ABC's "Two Guys and a Girl" and "Popular." Currently Landry hosts an informative and entertaining Yahoo internet series entitled "Spotlight to Nightlife," where celebrity moms share their experiences in parenting. Other hosting credits have included a weekly music-talk show, "Farmclub.com," and "Full Frontal Fashion." Landry hails from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.

ESTELLA WARREN -- Before becoming a Hollywood actress, Estella Warren was a true, competitive athlete. At the young age of 12, she left home to train for the Canadian National Team as a synchronized swimmer. During her time as a competitive athlete, Warren was discovered by a talent scout and has now filled her resume with multiple feature films and television shows. Some of her work includes the box-office hits "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "Planet of the Apes" and television series "Law & Order" and "Ghost Whisperer." Not only is Warren an athlete and actress, but she was also given the no. 1 spot on Maxim magazine's Hot 100 list in 2000.

"The Superstars" is produced by Juma Entertainment and Blue Entertainment Sports Television (BEST). Robert Horowitz, president, Juma Entertainment, Lewis Fenton, head of production, Juma Entertainment, Dennis Spencer, executive vice president, BEST and Michael Principe, managing director, BEST, are the executive producers.

Brent88

04-21-2009, 05:23 PM

so in the motherhood will only have 3 airing.

No, this Thursday will be 5. It premiered March 26th.

Pavan

04-22-2009, 02:08 PM

In the Motherhood and Samantha Who? are not airing this week either. A repeat of Grey's Anatomy will air instead (the last original that aired before the hiatus) leading into the return of all-new episodes of Grey's Anatomy:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/04/lifetime-networks-2009-upfront-network.html

mtlguy

04-22-2009, 02:19 PM

ABC picks up 'Copper'
Network nabs 13 episodes of cop drama
By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

ABC has picked up 13 episodes of the cop drama “Copper,” a Canadian co-production from indie studio E1 Entertainment.

Series reps the latest international co-prod to make its way onto the U.S. airwaves - a quickly growing trend in primetime. “Copper” will air in Canada on Canwest Global.

It’s also the latest U.S. pickup for E1, which is rapidly expanding its domestic presence, having also sold the series “Hung” to HBO, “Testees” to FX and another Canadian co-prod, “The Bridge,” to CBS.

“Copper” revolves around five rookie Cops who are learning the ins and outs of policing for the first time. Ilana Frank, whose shingle Thump Inc. has an overall deal with E1, is exec producing, along with showrunner Tassie Cameron (“Flashpoint”).

Cameron, Morwyn Bernber and Ellen Vanstone created the show. E1’s John Morayniss and Noreen Halpern will exec produce as well.

“Our ability to combine our creative auspices, business acumen and alternative sources of financing makes our series very appealing to U.S. buyers,” Morayniss said.

Canwest initially commissioned the pilot and series. “We knew that it was a high-caliber production and worthy of international audiences,” said Canwest exec VP of content Barbara Williams.

E1 handles worldwide distribution for the show.

“Copper” joins a slew of other Canadian and international co-productions hitting the U.S. broadcast networks in the coming months. ABC also has the miniseries “Diamonds” and “Impact” this summer, and “Ben Hur” next year; Fox is airing the series “Mental”; NBC has “The Listener,” “Merlin” and “The Philanthropist”; CBS has “The Bridge” and “Flashpoint”; and more are likely to come.

Maybe for Summer?

Pavan

04-22-2009, 03:20 PM

Millionaire is back with Regis, too! 10th anniversary event this August from Aug. 9-23, Sun-Thurs from 8-9PM ET/PT.

WEEK 1
Sunday, August 9, 2009
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Monday, August 10, 2009
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Wednesday, August 12, 2009
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Thursday, August 13, 2009
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

WEEK 2
Sunday, August 16, 2009
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Monday, August 17, 2009
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Tuesday, August 18, 2009
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Wednesday, August 19, 2009
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Thursday, August 20, 2009
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

FINALE
Sunday, August 23, 2009
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

I knew this would happen. I bet if this does very well, you'll see a similar strategy in December then a few nights a week in Jan-Feb.

Scoobiedoo30

04-22-2009, 04:00 PM

I cant wait to watch Who' Want's to be Millionaire 10th Anniversarry Sepcial.

Pavan

04-22-2009, 04:20 PM

Just to make it official on both WWTBAM and Copper:

QUICK TAKE

ABC ANNOUNCES THE MUCH ANTICIPATED RETURN OF
“WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE” HOSTED BY REGIS PHILBIN
FOR A SPECIAL TWO-WEEK EVENT IN CELEBRATION OF ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Regis is back in ABC primetime! Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the smash hit “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” comes back to ABC this summer for a special two-week event. “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” premieres SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) and will air for 11 nights, Sunday-Thursday at 8:00 p.m., with the finale on SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET).

Canwest and ABC join forces with E1 Entertainment on original series, COPPER

Production on 13 episodes begins in Toronto, June 2009

LOS ANGELES and TORONTO, April 22 - Leading independent studio, E1 Entertainment announced today the Canwest original drama series COPPER has been picked up by ABC for broadcast in the United States. The 13 episode series will air on Global Television in Canada.

COPPER is a youthful, heartfelt, one-hour, character-driven workplace drama about five rookie cops plunged into the high stakes world of big city policing - a world where even the smallest mistake can have life-or-death consequences. The series follows them just out of the police academy where they bonded together, fought together, drank together, worked together and slept together. And now they're on the job together. They're kids with guns, learning firsthand the hardest kind of policing there is. They are first responders and they are about to learn that no amount of training prepares you for life.

"When we initially commissioned the pilot and then the series, we knew it was a high-calibre production and worthy of international audiences." said Barbara Williams, Executive Vice President Content, Canwest Broadcasting. "We could not be happier with the partnership and are confident that E1 will deliver a great show for Global and ABC to simulcast."

"This project, co-created with Morwyn Berbner,Ellen Vanstone and Tassie Cameron, who will also serve as series showrunner, arose out of our overall deal with Executive Producer Ilana Frank and her company, Thump, Inc." said John Moryaniss, E1 Television's CEO. "Securing a 13 episode series order, from two premier networks, is a testament to E1's position as a leading creative supplier of programming. Our ability to combine our creative auspices, business acumen and alternative sources of financing makes our shows very appealing to US buyers."

COPPER, a Thump Inc/E1 Entertainment Production is co-created by Morwyn Berbner, Ellen Vanstone and Tassie Cameron, (Season 1 showrunner of the CBS/CTV hit series Flashpoint). Cameron also serves as executive producer along with Ilana Frank (Would be Kings) of Thump Inc and E1 Entertainment's John Morayniss and Noreen Halpern. E1 Entertainment, the studio behind COPPER is the worldwide distributor for the series.

Continuing to build on its strategy to create high end television content with great partners, COPPER is the fourth series from E1 including the highly-anticipated HBO series HUNG, the recent CBS pick-up THE BRIDGE and F/X comedy hit series, TESTEES.

JulieSomoski

04-22-2009, 06:39 PM

Wow, that Copper pickup is highly unusual. But, I'm glad ABC decided to go ahead with the Millionaire 10th Annniversary specials. It'll just make this summer so much better! I'm expecting it to do pretty well.

Pavan

04-23-2009, 01:54 AM

No surprises here, but ABC will announce 12 early pick-ups for the 2009-2010 season for returning series. This doesn't mean all other shows not mentioned won't return, this is just the early pick-ups. Here are the pick-ups to be announced in the morning:

America's Funniest Home Videos, The Bachelor, Brothers & Sisters, Dancing with the Stars, Desperate Housewives, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Private Practice, Supernanny, Ugly Betty and Wife Swap.

Pavan

04-23-2009, 12:07 PM

Just to make the early pick-ups official:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/04/abc-announces-12-early-pick-ups-for.html

April 23, 2009

ABC ANNOUNCES EARLY PICK-UPS FOR NEXT SEASON

Series “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “The Bachelor” “Brothers & Sisters,”
“Dancing with the Stars,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,”
“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Private Practice,” “Supernanny,” “Ugly Betty” and “Wife Swap”

Receive Early Pick-ups for the 09-10 Season

ABC announced early pick-ups for the 09-10 season, of “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “The Bachelor,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Private Practice,” “Supernanny,” “Ugly Betty” and “Wife Swap.”

Season to date, ABC claims 4 of the Top 10 highest-rated TV series in Adults 18-49, including the Top 2 scripted shows with “Desperate Housewives” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” During the fall, the Net finished No. 1 in the November Sweep among Adults 18-49 for the 4th year in a row. Most recently ABC is generating mid-season momentum in 2009, delivering across-the-board gains over the same point last year: Total Viewers +6%, Adults 18-34 +14%, Adults 18-49 +8% and Adults 25-54 +6%.

Pavan

04-23-2009, 02:28 PM

Just a heads up, towards the end of tonight's all-new Grey's Anatomy there will be a 2 minute promo for ABC summer! We will get some promos for this week's DH and the return of Ugly Betty as well during Grey's Anatomy. tvcrazed, are you still around? Haven't seen you post in a while.

tvcrazed

04-23-2009, 05:07 PM

Hi Pavan,

Thanks for the promo info. Looking foward to the Summer promo

Pavan

04-24-2009, 01:09 AM

Early Summer updates:

Sunday, May 24
9:00-11:00PM ABC Mini-Series: Diamonds (Part 1)

Effective Monday, May 25
8:00-10:00PM The Bachelorette (time period premiere) through July 20
10:00PM Here Come the Newlyweds through July 13

Tuesday, May 26
8:00PM Opportunity Knocks (return for two weeks)
9:00-11:00PM ABC Mini-Series: Diamonds (Part 2)

Effective Wednesday, May 27
8:00PM Wipeout (season premiere) through all summer
9:00PM The Goode Family (series premiere) through July 1
9:30PM Surviving Suburbia (new night) through July 1
10:00PM The Unusuals through June 17

Thursday, May 28
8:00-10:00PM 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee

Effective Saturday, May 30
8:00-10:00PM ABC Saturday Movie of the Week
10:00PM Pushing Daisies (return) through June 13

Sunday, May 31
8:00-11:00PM NBA Western Conference Finals, Game #7 (if necessary)

2009 NBA Finals June 4-18 on Thursdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays (see previous posts). Leading into the games will be Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night half-hour specials.

June/July premieres:

THE SUPERSTARS – PREMIERES TUESDAY, JUNE 23 (8:00-9:00 p.m.) through July 28

I SURVIVED A JAPANESE GAME SHOW – PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 (9:00-10:00 p.m.) through Sept. 9

DATING IN THE DARK – PREMIERES MONDAY, JULY 20 (10:00-11:00 p.m.) through Aug. 24

Airdates for the remaining episodes of “Pushing Daisies,” “Eli Stone,” and “Dirty Sexy Money” were also announced, with “Pushing Daisies” returning to the schedule as of Saturday, May 30 through Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 p.m.; Eli Stone” on Saturday, June 20 through Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 p.m.; and “Dirty Sexy Money” on Saturday, July 18 through August 8 at 10:00 p.m.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 11 night-event, Sun-Thurs 8-9PM from Aug. 9-23!

OK so that is a recap of everything ABC summer so far into one post.

More ABC summer updates will be announced officially in the morning. Here are the details we don't know about yet but will in the morning:

ABC News series:
* Primetime: Family Secrets (Tuesdays, effective June 23 through July 21 at 10:00PM ET/PT)
* Primetime: Crime (Wednesdays, effective June 24 through Sept. 9 at 10:00PM ET/PT)
* Primetime: The Outsiders (Tuesdays, effective July 28 through Sept. 8 at 10:00PM ET/PT)
* Primetime: What Would You Do? (TBD, August)

ABC News Specials:
* Earth 2100 (Tuesday, June 2 from 9-11PM ET/PT)
* Oil With Charlie Gibson (Wednesday, July 15, 10:00PM, preempting Primetime: Crime on this night)
* J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life (Thursday, July 16, 8:00PM ET/PT)

Mini-series:
* Impact (Sunday, June 21 and Sunday, June 28 from 9-11PM ET/PT)

Entertainment Specials
* CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock (Monday, August 31 from 8:00-11:00PM ET/PT)

mtlguy

04-24-2009, 01:38 AM

ABC to air 'Flash Forward' promos during 'Lost'
Drama has yet to receive official series pickup

By Nellie Andreeva and James Hibberd

April 23, 2009, 01:00 AM ET
ABC is so excited about its new project Flash Forward the network has plans to start marketing the show before its even officially ordered a series.

When viewers tune in for the 100th episode of Lost next week, they will be served an extra dose of mystery. Sources said ABC will launch a stealth promo campaign for Flash during the episode, in which Daniel Faraday (Jeremy Davies) will come clean about what he knows about the island.

While questions from the dense mythology of Lost probably will be answered in the episode, the commercial breaks are sure to raise a host of new ones. Viewers will see perplexing snippets that might direct viewers to a Web site.

The mystery spots will in fact be for Flash. They are said to be part of an elaborate marketing campaign for the drama, which has not been officially picked up but is quietly being positioned on ABC's schedule for next season. ABC has used several online Web sites to promote Lost over the years; sites designed to expand on various aspects of the the show's complex mythology.

Several summer programs are getting early starts next month as networks jockey to use their in-season momentum to launch post-season programs. But promoting a new show for next season in April -- a program that hasn't even been formerly announced yet -- is extremely unusual.

Fox is making a somewhat similar early move with its musical drama Glee, which will air one episode after American Idol next month before launching the show in the fall. Both Flash and Glee are expected to have marketing campaigns that help ramp up excitement for the projects through the summer.

From the moment in September the Flash spec script by filmmaker David S. Goyer and Star Trek veteran Brannon Braga landed at ABC with a series commitment, the project has been considered a perfect companion for Lost. Yet with Lost airing in midseason, ABC promoting Flash suggests the network may be considering the show for fall rather than trying to air the shows on the same night..

Based on Robert J. Sawyer's sci-fi novel, Flash starring Joseph Fiennes, chronicles the aftermath of a global event in which everyone in the world blacks out for 2 minutes, 17 seconds and has a mysterious vision of the future.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i2b46d200e6140dd0b1b9a24746901e29

Yobb

04-24-2009, 09:57 AM

Pavan

04-24-2009, 12:00 PM

It's official:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/04/abc-family-pulls-sophie-speeds-up.html

April 24, 2009

ABC AND ABC NEWS ANNOUNCE SUMMER SPECIALS AND LIMITED SERIES

ABC and ABC News announce summer specials and limited series, including the return of “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” and “2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee,” and the new ABC News specials “Earth 2100,” “J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life” along with a one-hour special on oil, “Oil with Charles Gibson.” In addition, ABC will air limited series “Diamonds” and “Impact,” and ABC News will air the ‘Primetime” limited series “Primetime: Family Secrets,” “Primetime: The Outsiders,” “Primetime: Crime,” and “Primetime: What Would You Do?.” “20/20” will continue to air in its regular time period, Friday’s at 10:00 p.m.

Following is a description of the upcoming programming in chronological order (all times ET):

DIAMONDS – SUNDAY, MAY 24 (9:00-11:00 p.m.) – It’s the most romantic stone known to man. But when the daughter of U.S. Senator Joan Cameron (Judy Davis) is killed in a massacre at an African diamond mine, a chain of events begin that uncovers the darkest secrets of the international diamond trade. Shot on location in South Africa and Canada, this four-hour limited series provides a look inside one of the world’s most glamorous yet mysterious industries. “Diamonds” dramatically weaves together five storylines to portray the personal and political effects of the blood diamond trade on a global scale. From prospectors scouring the northern barrens, to the dazzling estates of the diamond lords of Cape Town; from the diamond fashion shows in London, to the war ravaged villages of Sierra Leone, this epic thriller follows the trail of greed and obsession that brings to the world its most dazzling gems.

Part One of “Diamonds” airs Sunday, May 24 (9:00-11:00 p.m.), and Part Two on Tuesday, May 26 (9:00-11:00 p.m.)

Starring Academy Award nominated and Emmy award winner Judy Davis (“Husbands and Wives,” “Marie Antoinette”) as Senator Joan Cameron, James Purefoy (“Rome,” “A Knight’s Tale”) as Lucas Denmont, Emmy award winner Sir Derek Jacobi (“Frasier,” “Gosford Park”) as Piers Denmont, , Louise Rose (“Eastenders”) as Luna and Joanne Kelly (“Vanished”) as Stephanie. “Diamonds” is produced by Alchemy Television and Sienna Films; directed by Andy Wilson and written by David Vainola.

THE 2009 SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE – THURSDAY, MAY 28 (8:00-10:00 p.m.) – Emmy Award-winning Tom Bergeron (“Dancing with the Stars,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos”) hosts live television coverage of the final championship rounds of “The 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee,” THURSDAY, MAY 28 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), live from Washington, DC as 291 spellers from around the world compete. Preliminary championship rounds will air live earlier in the day on ESPN, which has televised the Bee in its entirety since 1994. ESPN’s live telecast (simulcast on ESPN360.com) is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., ET. ESPN360.com will provide coverage of the quarterfinal rounds from 2:00-5:30 p.m., ET on Thursday, May 29 on ESPN 360.com.

EARTH 2100 – TUESDAY, JUNE 2 (9:00-11:00 p.m.) -- Could this be the final century of our civilization? A world where cities are abandoned and our population decimated may seem the stuff of science fiction, but according to some of the world’s top scientists, it could be a reality unless we act now. Experts say over the next hundred years the “perfect storm” of population growth, resource depletion and climate change could converge with catastrophic results. ABC News’ “Earth 2100,” hosted by Bob Woodruff, takes viewers on a journey through what the next century could have in store and shows viewers what can be done to avoid disaster.

IMPACT – SUNDAY, JUNE 21 (9:00-11:00 p.m.) – We seem to have survived a catastrophic meteor storm….but something has changed and the moon is looming larger in the sky. What once was the most familiar object in the night now threatens to destroy all life on earth. A small band of international astronauts, scientists, and soldiers band together as our last best hope.

Part One of “Impact” airs Sunday, June 21 (9:00-11:00 p.m.), and Part Two on Sunday, June 28 (9:00-11:00 p.m.).

Starring David James Elliott (“Close to Home,” “Jag”), Natasha Henstridge (“Eli Stone,” “Species”), Steven Culp (“Desperate Housewives,” “E.R.”), and Oscar and Emmy nominated James Cromwell (“W.,” “L.A. Confidential,” “Babe”).

“Impact” is created by Executive Producer Greg Gugliotta and Michael Vickerman (“Superfire,” “Intimate Strange”) wrote the teleplay. It is directed by Michael J. Rohl (“Smallville,” “Eureka,” “Supernatural”).

PRIMETIME: FAMILY SECRETS -- TUESDAY, JUNE 23 (10:00 - 11:00 p.m.) -- “Primetime: Family Secrets” goes behind closed doors and reveals firsthand the secrets most families never talk about. Each episode looks at the poignant and sometimes shocking secrets of families -- why they keep them, how they keep them, and what happens when the truth finally surfaces. Among the topics explored this summer include teen pregnancy as told by the young adults themselves and breaking the cycle of child abuse. This series is scheduled to air through Tuesday, July 21.

PRIMETIME: CRIME –WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 (10:00 -11:00 p.m.) -- “Primetime: Crime” goes deep inside real cases, with unusual access to the criminal process, new investigations and exclusive interviews. This season’s compelling cases include what federal investigators call possibly the worst serial date rapist of all time, who seduced dozens of women while posing as a doctor, astronaut, and CIA agent; and the high society trial of Manhattan philanthropist and socialite, Brooke Astor, whose son is charged with abusing his mother and defrauding her estate of millions of dollars. The series also retraces the twists and turns of some cold cases, providing new clues and forensic evidence. This series is scheduled to air through Wednesday, September 9.

OIL WITH CHARLES GIBSON – WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 (10:00 -11:00 p.m.) -- Oil affects nearly every aspect of people’s lives, yet most have no idea why prices keep shooting up and down and who’s pulling the strings. In an hour special, ABC News Anchor Charles Gibson investigates how the oil business works, who’s making money and how average Americans are at the mercy of the biggest industry in the world. Gibson travels around the globe, visiting oil fields in the Middle East and challenging Saudi sheikhs who rule the oil cartel. He also meets with Wall Street traders who are being investigated by Congress for causing gas to cost more than $4 a gallon last summer. As millions of Americans get ready for their summer vacations driving and flying across the country, this ABC hour will help people get a handle of what the price of gas is going to be... and why. This special will air instead of the regularly scheduled “Primetime: Crime” on Wednesday, July 15.

J.K. ROWLING: A YEAR IN THE LIFE – THURSDAY, JULY 16 (8:00-9:00 p.m.) -- The woman who created an imaginary world for millions, J.K. Rowling, allowed cameras extraordinary access during the year before the 7th Harry Potter book was published. From the one bedroom apartment in Scotland where it all began to a hotel room where viewers watch her type the last words of the Potter saga, Rowling lets millions of fans into her world. The documentary exposes her childhood sorrows, visits the church where she and her sister worked after-school as janitors, and allows people to see her, now, as both the queen of a magical, alternate universe, and an everyday mom. Cameras also travel back to her hometown and discover where many of the characters of Harry Potter originated. Upon the release of the latest Harry Potter movie, Elizabeth Vargas takes viewers on a journey into the life of the woman who came from “nothing” and created all of her own success.

PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS – TUESDAY, JULY 28 (10:00 -11:00 p.m.) -- The limited series takes viewers into the lives of people who live in worlds unfamiliar to the rest of society. One episode follows two men living with lions and their jaw-dropping attempts to help save the species. Another takes a rare look at people born with the condition of albinism, where in some parts of the world their radical appearance has them literally fighting for their lives. This series is scheduled to air through Tuesday, September 8.

CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL: COUNTRY’S NIGHT TO ROCK – MONDAY, AUGUST 31 (8:00-11:00 p.m.) -- You’re invited to summer’s hottest music event when ABC heads to Nashville for “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock.” Filming June 11-14, today’s most exciting Country Music sensations will hit the stage in a four-day party and music celebration for the special that will air Monday, August 31 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. For the first time ever, the special will be expanded from two hours to three to include even more high wattage performances.

Some of the artists already announced to appear at the nightly concerts include Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Julianne Hough, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, John Rich, Darius Rucker, Taylor Swift, and Wynonna (with a special appearance by The Judds), plus many more to be announced and surprise appearances by Country superstars – a hallmark of CMA Music Festival.

The annual music festival is unlike any other, with four days, 30 hours of autograph signings by Country Music’s biggest names and up and comers, 100 hours of live music, and a party list of thousands of avid, singing and dancing-till-dawn fans. This is the sixth time ABC will broadcast this special—which invites the whole country to America’s biggest Country Music bash—since the original Fan Fair® was launched in 1972. Last year more than 191,000 fans attended CMA Music Festival over its four days, its biggest turnout yet.

PRIMETIME: WHAT WOULD YOU DO? – RETURNING THIS SUMMER (AIRDATE TBD) -- The highly rated news magazine returns this August using hidden cameras to capture people's reactions to provocative situations. Whether people are compelled to act or mind their own business, John Quinones reports on their split-second and often surprising decision-making process. The series reveals what people actually do in the face of everyday dilemmas that test their character and values.

Brent88

04-24-2009, 05:32 PM

Is there a link to see online this 2 minute promo ?

I was going to get it and put it on YouTube(I got the Grey's, PP, and ABC Sunday promos), but the primary affiliate I record off of the picture messed up just as it started(I switched to the other one), and I missed about the first 30 seconds, so I didn't want to post only part of it. Hopefully it'll air again soon.