ABC Upfront: Fall 2008

[Pavan]

That was an awesome summer promo with a great song, too. I'll let you know if and when it is slated to air again.

More programming updates:

Monday, May 4, 2009
8:00-10:02PM Dancing with the Stars (expanded, because of two dances per star)
Surviving Suburbia will be preempted on this date. (It will be on this coming week though and May 11)

Friday, May 29, 2009
9:00-10:00PM Un-Broke: Everything You Need To Know About Money
Melody Hobson teams up with Will Smith, Samuel L. Jackson, Seth Green, the Jonas Brothers, the E*Trade babies and more to tell you the truth about credit cards, mortgages, the stock market indexes, investing, 401K plans and how you can get out of your personal credit crisis.

And the Lost clip show for May 13 at 8PM will be titled Lost: A Journey In Time.

[Pavan]

Looks like ABC is indeed airing the "Obama: First 100 Days" News Conference on Wednesday from 8-9PM ET. They pulled scheduled promos today for Scrubs/Better Off Ted. Too bad for Ted because that was its season finale. Hopefully ABC schedules it on Tuesday at 8:30 the following week instead of Jim.

Also, Flash Forward will indeed launch in the fall! Look for four 5-second spots during the 100th episode of Lost this Wednesday at 9!

[ryan423]

Wait, so they have no plans in airing the finale of Better off Ted now? And what about Scrubs? I figured they'd just move either a week back.

Considering Ted's chances of renewal aren't good and Scrubs is finished in a week or two, why not preempt Jim the following Tuesday for Scrubs and 'Ted' and continue on with the current schedule for May 6th which consists of the Scrubs series finale? The ratings aren't any better for either hour-block.

[Pavan]

I never said that. We'll know tomorrow. I'm sure they will air both Scrubs/Ted somewhere. It would make sense for them to air them on Tuesday, May 5 from 8-9PM. And the next night (Wed., May 6) would be the one-hour Scrubs finale. I wouldn't preempt Jim this week...it's too late. As I already suggested, next Tuesday would be good. They can air the Jim finale the following week (May 12) as planned. They can air the four unaired ones in the summer and air them as "lost episodes" or something.

[ryan423]

I never said that. We'll know tomorrow. I'm sure they will air both Scrubs/Ted somewhere. It would make sense for them to air them on Tuesday, May 5 from 8-9PM. And the next night (Wed., May 6) would be the one-hour Scrubs finale. I wouldn't preempt Jim this week...it's too late. As I already suggested, next Tuesday would be good. They can air the Jim finale the following week (May 12) as planned. They can air the four unaired ones in the summer and air them as "lost episodes" or something.

Hopefully thats what'll happen. That would make the most sense.

[Pavan]

No surprise:

ABC NEWS TO BROADCAST PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PRESS CONFERENCE ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 AT 8:00 P.M., ET - HIS 100TH DAY IN OFFICE

Plus: "The First 100 -- What's Changed?" To Be Featured Across ABC News Broadcasts & Platforms

On Wednesday, April 29, President Barack Obama's 100th day in office, ABC News will broadcast live coverage of his press conference from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET. Charles Gibson will anchor and will be joined by Chief Washington Correspondent and host of "This Week" George Stephanopoulos and Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper.

Also this week, the broadcasts and platforms of ABC News are taking an in-depth look at what President Obama and his administration have accomplished so far and the challenges that lie ahead. "The First 100 - What's Changed?" features in-depth reporting and analysis, as well as the results of an ABC News/Washington Post public opinion poll on the President's first three and a half months in office.

Coverage of "The First 100" began this weekend on "Good Morning America," "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" and "World News Sunday." Reporting and further poll analysis will be featured this week on "GMA," "World News with Charles Gibson" and its webcast, as well as "Nightline."

ABC News Radio will provide reports taking stock of the President's first 100 days and what's to come in the next year. ABC News Radio will also provide live anchored coverage of the President's press conference on Wednesday. ABC News Radio Correspondent Aaron Katersky will anchor from New York, with ABC News Radio White House Correspondent Ann Compton in Washington.

ABC News Digital will feature text stories, video highlights and slideshows devoted to President Obama's first 100 days in office, and ABC's "Top Line," hosted by David Chalian and Rick Klein, will also report on the topic. On Wednesday, ABC News NOW will provide live coverage of the President's address beginning at 8:00 p.m., co-anchored by Rick Klein, Senior Political reporter and author of "The Note", and White House Correspondent Yunji de Nies. The coverage will be live streamed on ABCNEWS.com.


More on what this means for Scrubs/Better Off Ted shortly.

[Pavan]

ABC's programming changes due to the Obama Press Conference:

Wednesday, April 29, 2009
EASTERN/CENTRAL:
8:00PM ET/7:00PM CT “ABC NEWS SPECIAL: PRESIDENTIAL NEWS CONFERENCE”
9:00PM ET/8:00PM CT “LOST” (new, 100th episode)
10:02PM ET/9:02PM CT “THE UNUSUALS”


MOUNTAIN:
6:00PM “ABC NEWS SPECIAL: PRESIDENTIAL NEWS CONFERENCE”
7:00PM “Scrubs”
7:30PM “BETTER OFF TED”
8:00PM “LOST” (new, 100th episode)
9:02PM “THE UNUSUALS” (new)

PACIFIC:
5:00PM “ABC NEWS SPECIAL: PRESIDENTIAL NEWS CONFERENCE”
6:30PM LOCAL NEWS or “ABC WORLD NEWS WITH CHARLES GIBSON”
6:30PM LOCAL NEWs or “ABC WORLD NEWS WITH CHARLES GIBSON”
7:00PM LOCAL PROGRAMMING
8:00PM “SCRUBS”
8:30PM “BETTER OFF TED”
9:00PM “LOST” (new, 100th episode)
10:02PM “THE UNUSUALS”


SCRUBS and BETTER OFF TED that was all-new on Wednesday, April 29 will be moved to Tuesday, May 5:

Tuesday, May 5, 2009
8:00PM ET/PT SCRUBS (new, special night)
8:30PM ET/PT BETTER OFF TED (new, special night, season finale)
(ACCORDING TO JIM is preempted)

[yankeesrj12]

Will ABC air all of the remaining According to Jim episodes?

[robyrob]

so is it true that Better Off Ted has been cancelled, or is it juswt a rumor?

[TVFactFan]

so is it true that Better Off Ted has been cancelled, or is it juswt a rumor?



It probably has since I like the show. And now I can't see the show this week because of "UHBAMA"

[Pavan]

No word on Better Off Ted. We will know on May 19 at upfront. ABC loves the show, so that could help and the show produced more episodes for air, so ABC could save them. I would think According to Jim will air the remaining episodes that haven't aired yet, in the summer (which is four episodes). Jim will still air on Tuesday, April 28 and Tuesday, May 12, though. I see the series finale is not airing May 12, though...so the finale will have to be in the summer. What I would have done is air the final 2 on May 12 and air those four remaining episodes in the summer as "lost" episodes."

[ryan423]

ABC in Negotiations to Bring Back 'Scrubs' with Potentially New Cast

The doctors might still be in.

ABC is in talks to renew the veteran comedy "Scrubs" for a ninth season with some or all of the original cast members coming back full or part-time.

The network is going over the proposed budget for next season with series producer ABC Studios.

"Scrubs" creator Bill Lawrence, busy editing his ABC/ABC Studios comedy pilot "Cougar Town," is said to be deeply involved in the renewal talks as well as in the discussions with the cast, who don't have deals beyond the show's current eighth season.

Last summer, Lawrence and ABC chief Stephen McPherson indicated that they were looking into a way to keep "Scrubs" going with new cast members, a la NBC's revolving-door medical drama "ER." This season, the show integrated a new crop of interns.

Additionally, talks are under way with the original cast members about ways to bring them back, possibly as recurrings, as in the case of Zach Braff, who had said this was probably his last year on the show, as well as Donald Faison, John C. McGinley and Neil Flynn, who are co-starring on pilots.

For Faison, McGinley and Flynn, "Scrubs" is in second position to ABC's "The Law," CBS' "Back" and ABC's "The Middle," respectively, which means they can at most be recurring on "Scrubs" if their pilots go to series.

And Lawrence, of course, could be pulling double duty if his Courteney Cox starrer "Cougar Town" goes and "Scrubs" gets renewed.

In its debut season on ABC after seven years on NBC, "Scrubs" has been a modest performer at 8 p.m. Wednesday. But it has helped launch new comedy "Better Off Ted," with both series enjoying critical praise, strong support at the network and talk about possibly extending the pairing into next season.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i6832227f5a72401ece0e164b47a8c75c

[robyrob]

i don't care what anyone else thinks about it, I wouldn't mind if they tried to keep Scrubs alive with a different cast.

as long as they don't try to recreate the original characters and keep it funny and original, I am willing to give it a chance.

[Pavan]

I don't think ABC will air Opportunity Knocks on May 26 and June 2 from 8-9PM now. I bet we will see the final four According to Jim episodes then. Not announced yet, just speculating. Tuesdays at 9pm starting June 23 is still TBD. Wonder what will air out of The Superstars (Tuesdays at 8pm starting June 23)? Right now Scrubs repeats are listed, but that is just a place holder.

[Pavan]

Confirmed...ABC will air According to Jim on May 26 and June 2 from 8-9PM, so the series finale is June 2 (bearing any more preemptions!). Not sure if and when Opportunity Knocks will be burned off now. I would slot it Sundays at 9 for 6 weeks after EM: HE repeats after the NBA Finals and Impact ends (so July 5), and have DH repeats at 10.

[ryan423]

I may hold off on watching if there's a ninth season with the interns they've been showing this season. We all have heard the eigth season's finale was filmed as a series finale, so if I hear the ninth (if there is one) season sucks, I won't bother tuning in. Don't take something great and make it crap! This isn't like ER. This is a comedy.

[JulieSomoski]

I may hold off on watching if there's a ninth season with the interns they've been showing this season. We all have heard the eigth season's finale was filmed as a series finale, so if I hear the ninth (if there is one) season sucks, I won't bother tuning in. Don't take something great and make it crap! This isn't like ER. This is a comedy.

Totally agree. It was lucky enough to get an eighth season. Giving Scrubs a ninth season would completely be going to far. ABC needs to just end it and accept it.

[Jjjg76]

Scrubs barely gets viewers with the original cast. Adding a bunch of new people would be worse.

ABC needs to let it go.

[Pavan]

ABC shows now also on Hulu...even includes classic series!

DISNEY TO JOIN NBC UNIVERSAL, NEWS CORPORATION AND
PROVIDENCE EQUITY PARTNERS AS AN EQUITY OWNER OF HULU

Full Episodes of Hit Current and Library Programs Like Lost, Desperate Housewives,
Grey’s Anatomy, Dancing with the Stars, Ugly Betty, Private Practice, Scrubs,
Wizards of Waverly Place, Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, General Hospital, The View, Greek, The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Other Hit Series from ABC, ABC Family, Disney Channel and SOAPnet to Come to Hulu.com and Its Distribution Sites



Los Angeles, CA, April 30, 2009 . . . Hulu and The Walt Disney Company today announced that Disney, through a subsidiary of ABC Enterprises Inc., has agreed to join NBC Universal, News Corporation and Providence Equity Partners as a joint venture partner and equity owner of Hulu, a leading online aggregator of video content. Upon closing, the agreement will enhance Hulu’s programming lineup through the expanded online distribution of Disney’s most popular current and library primetime series and library feature films. In particular, full-length episodes of hit current and library programs like Lost, Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Private Practice, Ugly Betty, Scrubs, Greek, Hope & Faith, Less than Perfect, Wizards of Waverly Place, Phineas and Ferb, Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, General Hospital, The View and The Secret Life of the American Teenager will soon be streamed on Hulu on an ad-supported basis.

“From our landmark iTunes deal to our pioneering decision to stream ad supported shows on our ABC.com player, Disney has sought to meet the constantly evolving viewing habits of our consumers, and today’s Hulu announcement is the next important step in that ongoing journey,” said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “Disney and Hulu share a focus on delivering the highest-quality entertainment experience and we look forward to working with Hulu to build value for our consumers, our brands and our shareholders.”

“We're honored to welcome the Disney team in our mission to help people find and enjoy the world’s premium content, when, where and how they want it,” said Jason Kilar, CEO of Hulu. “With the addition of shows like Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and many more to Hulu, we continue to aspire to deliver a service that users, advertisers and content owners unabashedly love.”


Following the closing, content available to Hulu users will include:



· Full-length episodes of ABC primetime programs like Lost, Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty, Samantha Who?, Scrubs, Private Practice and popular late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live
· Full-length episodes of hit ABC Family series like The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Greek
· Popular series from ABC Daytime and SOAPnet like General Hospital and The View
· Classic series from ABC’s library like Hope & Faith, Less than Perfect, Commander in Chief, Who Wants To Be a Millionaire and Dancing with the Stars
· Select hit programs from Disney Channel like Wizards of Waverly Place and Phineas and Ferb which can be easily accessed from a new DISNEY location in the Channel section of Hulu.com
· Popular library titles from The Walt Disney Studios
· Short-form content including webisodes, sneak peeks and episode recaps from ABC Entertainment, ABC Family and SOAPnet


“Hulu, quite simply, now has the best premium content on the web,” said Peter Chernin, president and COO, News Corporation. “With three major networks and over 150 leading content providers providing content, combined with the best video user interface anywhere on the web, Hulu offers consumers the finest premium online video experience available today.”

“Hulu has shown that, if you make quality content available on the web and combine it with an unbeatable user experience, viewers will come, and so will advertisers," said Jeff Zucker, president and CEO, NBC Universal. "The addition of some of the best content Disney/ABC has to offer will only enhance Hulu’s standing as a top site for high quality video entertainment.”

Jonathan M. Nelson, CEO of Providence, said “Hulu is creating significant value for users, advertisers and content owners. This balance, together with aggregated professional content and an expanding base of over 200 brand advertisers, is establishing Hulu as a compelling online video monetization platform. Hulu is a bright spot in the new media landscape.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory review. As an equity partner, Disney will have three seats on the Hulu Board that will be held by Mr. Iger; Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group; and Kevin Mayer, executive vice president, Corporate Strategy, Business Development & Technology. All other current directors from News Corp, NBC Universal and Providence will remain on the Hulu board.


About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of nearly $38 billion in its most recent fiscal year.



About Hulu

Hulu is an online video service that offers a selection of hit shows, clips, movies, and more at Hulu.com and 35 destination sites online, including AOL, IMDb, MSN, MySpace and Yahoo!. Hulu’s selection of premium programming is provided by nearly 150 leading content companies, including FOX, NBC Universal, Comedy Central, Lionsgate, MGM, MTV Networks, National Geographic, Paramount, PBS, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Television Group.

Founded in March 2007, Hulu is currently co-owned by NBC Universal, News Corp., and Providence Equity Partners. It is operated independently by a dedicated management team with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Beijing.

[Pavan]

Flash Forward spots aired last night during Lost. "What Did You See?" was the title of them all. They were just to get you thinking. Here are all of them, if you missed it:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1859671179?bctid=21702033001

Visit www.TheMosaicCollective.com for further information.

[Pavan]

Saturday, May 30, 2009
8:00 PM - WIPEOUT (R, 5/27)
9:00 PM - HERE COME THE NEWLYWEDS (R, 5/25)
10:00 PM - PUSHING DAISIES (all-new, as previously announced)

[Pavan]

Couple of updates:

- 15-second Flash Forward promo will air during the end of tomorrow's Lost--it looks to be more about the show, but not sure.
- ABC News Special - "Oil With Charles Gibson" is now on July 22 at 10PM rather than July 15. Primetime: Crime will air on July 15.

[Pavan]

“Dancing With The Stars” is now scheduled to air from 8:00-10:02 PM ET/PT on Monday, May 11, 2009 only. Surviving Suburbia is preempted and will return as scheduled on its new night at 9:30pm on Wednesday, May 27.

[Scoobiedoo30]

doi you think Surviving Suburbia will do well when it moves to Wednesday Night's at 8:30 pm CT Time.

[mtlguy]

From The Hollywood Reporter:

ABC picks up 'Modern Family'

Sources say ABC has made its first pickup for the fall season: Modern Family, the single camera mocumentary about about three suburban couples -- a traditional one, a gay one and a multi-ethnic one.

ABC has ordered 13 episodes from 20th TV and the show stars Ed O'Neill, Sofia Vergara and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.


http://reporter.blogs.com/live_feed/

[Pavan]

tvcrazed, are you still around? Just did my prediction for ABC fall:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=246340

If you are around, head over there to take a look and comment. Some of that prediction is actually what ABC is thinking right now.

[tvcrazed]

It looks like a decent schedule. When you say ABC is thinking about this right now, have you heard from people at the network?

Without seeing their actual pilots, it's hard to comment on which should get picked up. Happy about FF and MF. I was hoping for V for midseason, and LIMELIGHT for Fall but from the trades it sounds like they aren't as excited about either. I hope Happy Town is as good as the network thinks it is.

I could see FF on Wed like LOST launched and then LOST could air after it come midseason, but I could see FF airing at Thursdays at 8p too. I think it is time for B&S to move and I understand your reasoning for having that on Mondays and CASTLE on Tuesdays, but all I can think about is how ELI STONE moved to Tuesdays this year and bombed even more. Maybe keeping Mondays exactly as it now, with DWTS 2 hours and CASTLE and B&S on Tuesdays might be safer. They defintely should schdule a new female skewing drama Sunday at 10pm, maybe INSIDE THE BOX, maybe EASTWICK, I guess their best one.

Bummed that Lauren Graham's show is dead. ABC should definitely sing her to a deal before NBC does. I also hope ABC picks up THE LAW if it is good.

I also think SW should be held for midseason.

[Pavan]

Yes, I have heard from them. They are REALLY thinking about trying Happy Town Wednesdays at 10, with a premiere out of DWTS Results. Among other things they are mulling, most of that is reflected in the prediction schedule.

[tvcrazed]

What are they saying about EASTWICK, EMPIRE STATE, and DAVID HEMINGSON?

Are they gonna pick up that Obstacle course show they shot a pilot for with Orlando Jones and Dan Cortese as hosts?

[Pavan]

I think Eastwick will be picked-up, but for midseason. Hemingson has tested decently I think. Not sure about Empire State, but I doubt they will pick it up. Not sure if Crash Course is still in contention. They shot a pilot like in March. That would have been good for Tuesdays at 9 this summer. Right now Scrubs repeats are listed. If ABC picks up Better Off-Ted, they should repeat that for 4 weeks and then the 10 next weeks they should repeat Castle there.

Look for promos for Flash Forward during the end of the Lost, Grey's Anatomy AND Desperate Housewives finales this week.

[Pavan]

Wipeout weekend afternoon repeats:

Sunday, June 7: 4-5pm ET/1-2pm PT
Sunday, June 14: 5-6pm ET/2:30-3:30pm PT
Saturday, June 20: 5-6pm ET/3-4pm PT
Sunday, June 28: 5-6pm ET/3-4pm PT

Saturday, June 13
4-6pm ET/2-3pm PT ABC Movie “Stuart Little”

[Pavan]

Fridays, Effective Friday, June 5, 2009
9:00PM Samantha Who?
9:30PM In the Motherhood

[Yobb]

Fridays, Effective Friday, June 5, 2009
9:00PM Samantha Who?
9:30PM In the Motherhood

New or Repeat ?

[nota_bene]

Say Pavan, is this basically a burnoff for Samantha Who? or is it looking good for renewal, and they're just showing these episodes to get them out of the way for the format change?

[Pavan]

Both will be new. Motherhood is a burn-off of course. Samantha Who is not. It could be poised for Fridays in the fall, I'm guessing. And yes they are leaning towards becoming a hybrid (mix of single and four camera).

[Yobb]

According to
http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=8095

In the Motherhood will be new at 9:30pm, but Samantha will be a repeat at 9:00pm.

[Pavan]

Interesting, I'll look into it. Possibly the new ones won't start for Sam then until the fall, since they have 7 left. They will probably only order 13 new ones for a total of 20 airing next season.

[Zedman2]

Interesting, I'll look into it. Possibly the new ones won't start for Sam then until the fall, since they have 7 left. They will probably only order 13 new ones for a total of 20 airing next season.

More likely, ABC will only order 6 episodes for a total of 13 for the fall to see if it can bounce back.

[Pavan]

ABC Wonderful World of Disney encores:

Saturday, June 13, 2009: 8-10pm ET "The Haunted Mansion”
Saturday, June 20, 2009: 8-10pm ET “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events”

[Pavan]

If there are no games 5, 6 and 7 of the NBA Finals, the following will air

Sunday, May 31 if no NBA Western Conference Finals Game 7 AND Sunday, June 14 if no NBA Finals Game #5
7:00 PM AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS (R)
8:00 PM EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION (R)
9:00 PM DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (R)
10:01 PM BROTHERS & SISTERS (R)

Tuesday, June 16 if no NBA Finals Game #6
8:00PM ACCORDING TO JIM (R)
8:30PM ACCORDING TO JIM (R)
9:00PM SCRUBS (R)
9:30PM BETTER OFF TED (R)
10:00PM CUPID

Thursday, June 18 if there is no NBA Finals Game #7
8:00PM UGLY BETTY (R)
9:00PM GREY'S ANATOMY (R)
10:02PM PRIVATE PRACTICE (R)

With the way how these NBA Playoffs are going, 6 or 7 games will easily happen in the NBA Finals.

[mtlguy]

Would that be the unaired episode of Cupid or a repeat on the 16th?

[Pavan]

Not sure, probably unaired one. Hopefully it doesn't air and game 6 airs.

[Brent88]

In series-premiere news, ABC’s animated The Goode Family (http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/the-goode-family/EP01058285) was a bust, with just 3.93 million viewers (#4) and a 1.6/ 5 among adults 18-49 (#3) at 9 p.m. Comparably, retention out the second-half of lead-in Wipeout (http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/wipeout/EP01046187) (Viewers: 9.24 million; A18-49: 3.5/10 at 8:30 p.m.) was just 43 percent in total viewers and 46 percent in the demo. Overall, this second season-opening edition of Wipeout (http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/wipeout/EP01046187) opened with a healthy 8.64 million viewers (#2) and a first-place 3.2/10 among adults 18-49. Leading out of The Goode Family (http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/the-goode-family/EP01058285) was the time period premiere of sitcom Surviving Suburbia (Viewers: #4, 2.83 million; A18-49: #4, 1.0/ 3 at 9:30 p.m.), followed by canceled dramedy The Unusuals at a last-place 3.91 million viewers and a 1.2/ 3 in the demo at 10 p.m.

Wipeout did great. It beat So You Think You Can Dance! :D I loved it(great new obstacles and hilarious commentary as usual). But the rest of the night was a major disaster. Goode Family and Surviving Suburbia(especially) are both dead. How long will they last before they are pulled?

[Pavan]

Not "good" (no pun intended) for Goode Family and Suburbia. At least Unusuals built on. Wipeout did great as usual. What a fun show and it is back better than ever! I think if the comedies don't work next week from 9-10, they can easily expand Wipeout to 90 minutes and move Goode Family to 9:30pm and can Suburbia.

Anyway, in some news:

Samantha Who? repeats will now be back-to-back Fridays at 9 & 9:30pm starting June 5 instead of just 9pm. In the Motherhood will now air its unaired episodes on Thursdays at 8:30pm starting June 25 now. Maybe Samantha Who? originals will air at 8pm starting June 25?
(Interesting that repeats are still scheduled for Samantha Who? and not its 7 unaired new ones. If I were ABC, I'd pick this back-up and pair it with Romantically Challenged, which I think will be pick-up up to series for midseason.)

Finally, if there is a Game 7 this Sunday for NBA's Lakers/Nuggets series, look for promos for The Superstars to premiere! As of now, ABC is mulling two-hour episodes for its 6-week run.

[Pavan]

OK, looks like they are going with Better Off Ted following The Superstars at 9PM starting June 23. Not a bad idea to bring in new viewers for that. Scrubs will follow at 9:30PM.

More comedy details to come, but Samantha Who/In The Motherhood will be all-new it seems on Thursdays in the 8pm hour starting June 25, with more comedy at 9. Motherhood is just three weeks, not sure what will air after that.

In addition to The Superstars promo premiere on Sunday, if there is NBA, you'll see the premiere of the Cougar Town promo as well (Flash Forward one will air again too).

[Pavan]

Sorry to keep posting back and forth, but here are the latest updates for summer with changes listed only:

Wednesday, June 3 ONLY
9-10pm The Goode Family (2 episodes)

Fridays June 5, 12, 19 ONLY
9:00PM & 9:30PM Samantha Who? (R)

Tuesdays, Effective June 23, 2009
9:00PM Better off Ted (all-new)
9:30PM Scrubs (R)

Thursdays, Effective June 25
8:00PM Samantha Who? (all-new)
8:30PM In the Motherhood (all-new, June 25, July 2, & 9 ONLY)
9-11PM TBD

Friday, June 26 ONLY
9:00PM & 9:30PM According to Jim (R)

Saturday June 27 and July 4 ONLY
8:00PM Wipeout (R)
9:00PM The Superstars (R)

Fridays, Effective July 3
9:00PM According to Jim (R)
9:30PM Surviving Suburbia

Thursdays, Effective July 23
8:30PM TBD
(NOTE: July 16 from 8-9PM is the previously announced ABC NEWS SPECIAL - J.K. ROWLING: A YEAR IN THE LIFE)

If anything changes or gets added, I'll edit in here.

[Pavan]

Breaking change:

“The Goode Family” will air at 9:31PM on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 instead of Surviving Suburbia.
“The Goode Family” will also air in its regular 9:01PM ET/PT time slot on this date as well.

Comments: If this does better than Suburbia did, forget that coming back to Wednesdays. ABC can finish the run for Suburbia on Fridays starting July 3, as previously announced.

[Brent88]

Good moves, Suburbia doesn't deserve Wednesdays.

This sounds awesome and would fit perfectly with Wipeout

ABC has given the green light to the auto-competition show "Crash Course" for a late summer run.

The network plans to air seven one-hour episodes from executive producers Arthur Smith and Kent Weed. Orlando Jones ("MadTV") and Dan Cortese ("Veronica's Closet") will serve as commentators.

"It's going to be visually stunning and hysterical," Smith said. "Nothing brings out the worst in people than sitting in a passenger seat."

Each episode features five couples (such as brother and sister, best friends, spouses, etc.) undertaking four extreme driving challenges. The first three rounds have contestants performing such feats as driving on two wheels or navigating intense weather conditions. Contestants have to work together when, for instance, the passenger is given sole control of the brake.

One couple is eliminated during each round. The final round is the Crash Course, a large obstacle track.

"Any kind of conditions you can imagine you'd encounter while driving -- rain, snow, flash flood -- we take that and blow it up," Weed said.

The order comes on the heels of a strong return for ABC's other obstacle course series, "Wipeout," which won its time period Wednesday. CBS was developing a similar auto-based reality show titled "Thunder Road" from producer-director McG, but sources say that project is not moving forward.

Producers plan to shoot "Crash" in Michigan and are scouting backdrops that reflect the state's automotive history.

"It's great to be going to the automotive center of America. What could be more appropriate?" Smith said.

If "Crash" airs in August as planned, it will mark A. Smith & Co.'s third reality series to broadcast this summer. The company also produces Fox's "Hell's Kitchen" and ABC's "I Survived a Japanese Game Show" in addition to such cable fare as Spike TV's "Pros vs. Joes" and TruTV's upcoming "Full Throttle."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3if6edc43bfbecc72a4c6817539a2d60da

[Pavan]

Better off Ted this summer will be ALL-NEW now:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/05/ion-switches-reba-and-feud-abc-summer.html

[bliggenstrauff]

Don't know what happened to Surviving Suburbia. Did everyone who watched it before forget it was on or something? Maybe it was because it was a long break inbetween episodes. Strange that it would do so badly all of a sudden

[robyrob]

that was the first episode I'd seen of Suburbia - I thought it was great and I'd definitely watch it again if I didn't know that abc has already decided to can it.

that "Goode Family" show was crap - no way i'd give that a second chance

I am still pissed at what abc is doing to Pushing Daisies - I don't think they could possibly find a worse time slot for it

[JulieSomoski]

that was the first episode I'd seen of Suburbia - I thought it was great and I'd definitely watch it again if I didn't know that abc has already decided to can it.

that "Goode Family" show was crap - no way i'd give that a second chance

I am still pissed at what abc is doing to Pushing Daisies - I don't think they could possibly find a worse time slot for it

This was probably Surviving Suburbia's best episode yet - I just watched it, and thought it was great as well. It's really a mystery to me why not even 3 million people tuned into it on Wednesday night.

[Pavan]

Well this is interesting, ABC will premiere the promo for I Survived a Japanese Game Show this Wednesday that says it will be "two weeks from tonight." So, that means the show will launch on June 17 rather than July 8? Hmm... so I expect Goode Family to be double-pumped this week and next week then it will be gone or moved, I guess.

The Superstars promos premiered tonight. If you miss it, you'll see plenty this week (like on Earth 2100, Wipeout, NBA Finals). Cougar Town promo launches on Thursday during the NBA Finals.

[Pavan]

The promo for Japanese Game Show tonight will now say "Coming Soon." So, I guess they are not announcing the date change yet if it happens?

Also, promos for Modern Family and The Forgotten will also premiere during the NBA Finals tomorrow! They join Cougar Town. They are slated for game 2 on Sunday as well.

[tvcrazed]

I assume FLASH FORWARD and SUPERSTARS are also promoted during the finals?

[robyrob]

The promo for Japanese Game Show tonight will now say "Coming Soon." So, I guess they are not announcing the date change yet if it happens?

Also, promos for Modern Family and The Forgotten will also premiere during the NBA Finals tomorrow! They join Cougar Town. They are slated for game 2 on Sunday as well.
so is this like the "anti-sweeps" period were they try to squeeze in all their worst programming to get rid of it?

[Pavan]

I assume FLASH FORWARD and SUPERSTARS are also promoted during the finals?

Yes, those, too.

[Pavan]

so is this like the "anti-sweeps" period were they try to squeeze in all their worst programming to get rid of it?

Get rid of what? Japanese Game Show is decent ratings player.

[Pavan]

Modern Family promo during Game 1 of the NBA Finals has now been changed to a promo for all of the Wednesday comedies this fall.

[Pavan]

Season premiere of Just for Laughs is on Sunday, June 21 at 7PM on ABC. They will air a half-hour only, with an abbreviated AFV encore at 7:30.

[tvcrazed]

Pavan,

Do you know the promo order for Game 1?
Are any of the new show spots :30?

[Brent88]

Despite ABC’s fourth-place finish, week two of the sophomore season of summer favorite Wipeout (http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/wipeout/EP01046187) finish first in the 8 p.m. hour in total viewers (8.37 million) and a close second (behind Fox’s competing So You Think You Can Dance (http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/so-you-think-you-can-dance-1/EP00751700)) among adults 18-49, with a 2.9 rating/10 share in the demo. That led into two episodes of animated The Goode Family (http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/the-goode-family/EP01058285), which collapsed as follows:

The Goode Family (http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/the-goode-family/EP01058285) (ABC)
9:00 p.m. – Viewers: 3.17 million (#4), A18-49: 1.2/ 4 (#4)
9:30 p.m. – Viewers: 2.16 million (#4), A18-49: 0.9/ 3 (#4)

All together now…not so good! Canceled drama The Unusuals capped off the evening for ABC with a last-place 2.94 million viewers and a 0.9/ 3 among adults 18-49 at 10 p.m. Quirky, no doubt, is never an easy sell to the audience.

Wipeout continues to do great but 9-11 needs a total overhaul. Goode Family should never air on Wednesday again(did even worse than Suburbia last week). Is it possible Wipeout could be expanded to 2 hours? Otherwise a repeat of Wipeout should air at 9pm until Japanese Game Show is ready. Thankfully The Unusuals only has 2 more weeks until Primetime takes over. It cannot end fast enough. Maybe they should ditch the new episodes and put them on Saturday after the already scheduled burnoffs and get Primetime on sooner? They could always do a special on Obama or the economy or something currently in the news at the last-minute.

[Pavan]

I don't know if Wipeout can be expanded to two-hours or even 90-minutes next week (June 10) since they already did the commentary. I would just air a repeat and a new episode of Wipeout next week from 8-10pm, with the repeat being the Wipeout Bowl. They can promote it is as a two-hour special and perhaps air the new one at 9. Not sure what they could air at 10, but if it is The Unusuals, fine.

Then on the 17th, I really bet that Japanese Game Show will premiere. We had some hints of that even before last night, but now I think that just sealed the deal. If possible on the 17th, they should do a 90-minute Wipeout followed by the 90-minute premiere of Japanese Game Show. Then they both go to 1-hour the following week when Primetime launches at 10.
The last Unusuals can air Friday, June 19 at 9pm or something.

[Pavan]

Thank god the NBA Finals are launching tonight. They should do very well.

Promos during Game 1:

8:30PM ET GMC NBA Countdown
:30 THE SUPERSTARS (Tuesday, June 23)
:30 ABC HOUSE IMAGE
:15 FLASH FORWARD (FALL)

9:00PM ET NBA Finals Game 1
:30 THE SUPERSTARS (Tuesday, June 23)
:30 WIPEOUT (WED)
:15 20/20 (FRI)
:15 FLASH FORWARD (FAL)
:15 COUGAR TOWN (FALL)
:30 ABC HOUSE IMAGE
:30 THE SUPERSTARS (Tuesday, June 23)
:15 HANK/THE MIDDLE/MODERN FAMILY/COUGAR TOWN (FALL)
:15 WIPEOUT (WED)
:30 THE SUPERSTARS (Tuesday, June 23)
:15 THE FORGOTTEN (FALL)
:03 ABC LOGO (GENERIC)
:15 JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE (TON, E/C)/JM KIMMEL GAME NIGHT (NEXT MT/PT)

[tvcrazed]

Thanks a lot Pavan

[JulieSomoski]

ABC airing 2 episodes of Goode Family was a bad idea from the beginning. It did terrible with just 1 episode, so why would 2 episodes have done better? I would definitely do Wipeout repeats at 9pm from now until Japanese Game Shwo premieres. Or perhaps they'd want to air new episodes at 9pm and repeats at 8pm for awhile?

Goode Family should just be dropped altogether. It's not even worth bringing to Fridays or Saturdays.

[JulieSomoski]

Seems like ABC just renewed Just for Laughs for a third season. It'll be airing Sundays at 7pm starting June 21.

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=8145

[Pavan]

We posted that already yesterday. http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4214731&postcount=1060

[JulieSomoski]

These posts go by so quickly I must have missed it.

I always liked Just for Laughs, though. I'll definitely tune in, if I can remember. Wonder why they're airing it at 7pm. 8 or 9pm would have been better, as AFV is the best repeater of ABC's Sunday shows anyways.

[Brent88]

I don't know if Wipeout can be expanded to two-hours or even 90-minutes next week (June 10) since they already did the commentary. I would just air a repeat and a new episode of Wipeout next week from 8-10pm, with the repeat being the Wipeout Bowl. They can promote it is as a two-hour special and perhaps air the new one at 9. Not sure what they could air at 10, but if it is The Unusuals, fine.

Then on the 17th, I really bet that Japanese Game Show will premiere. We had some hints of that even before last night, but now I think that just sealed the deal. If possible on the 17th, they should do a 90-minute Wipeout followed by the 90-minute premiere of Japanese Game Show. Then they both go to 1-hour the following week when Primetime launches at 10.
The last Unusuals can air Friday, June 19 at 9pm or something.

Sounds good to me... anything is better than what the last 2 weeks has brought.

[Zedman2]

I don't believe 'The Goode Family' is long for this world as ABC has just aired a promo for "I Survived a Japanese Game Show' stating June 17 as it's premiere date (previously slated to return July 8).

[tvcrazed]

On Their website there are 2 WIPEOUT's scheduled for WED. Goode Family has been pulled.

[tvcrazed]

Per their website starting FRi 6/12, it's SS at 8pm , Goode Family 8:30 and the 2 prevouly scheduled Samanthas 9-10p

[Pavan]

Told you all that would happen with Japanese Game Show. They added that promo late. It's good they are launching it earlier now. I'll have confirmations on all this tomorrow.

[Pavan]

Here is the confirmation of the Wednesday and Friday changes:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/blog/2009/06/tv-one-july-2009-abc-moves-goode-family.html

[Scoobiedoo30]

I wonder how The Goode Family and Surviving Suburbia will do on Friday June 12, 2009 at 8:00 pm and 8:30 pm CT Time.

[robyrob]

Get rid of what? Japanese Game Show is decent ratings player.
seriously? they've aired what, 2 episodes already?

but I was actually referring to all of the networks, not just abc - it seems like every station is just airing repeats or filler shows in prime time the past week or so and it doesn't look any better next week

...the exception being USA with premieres this week of Burn Notice and others

[JulieSomoski]

seriously? they've aired what, 2 episodes already?

but I was actually referring to all of the networks, not just abc - it seems like every station is just airing repeats or filler shows in prime time the past week or so and it doesn't look any better next week

...the exception being USA with premieres this week of Burn Notice and others

They aired the first season last summer, 7 episodes.

And it's summer - of course there's repeats. All the nets still have original programming, though.

[Brent88]

It's summer, ratings are lower, advertising rates are lower, there's less of a potential audience. The highest-rated show will get about 12 million viewers most likely, compared to close to 25 million in the fall. It just does not matter nearly as much. Notice how Survivor, Idol, DWTS which all premiered in the summer to huge ratings moved to fall as soon as possible. It always has(even back when the networks were much bigger than they are now) and always will feature a lot more repeats and low-rated shows than fall does(usually burnoffs if it's scripted programming). All the big original shows are reality which is much cheaper.

Cable on the other hand thrives in the summer, but they have lower standards.

[Pavan]

ABC Wonderful World of Disney encores:

Saturday, June 13, 2009: 8-10pm ET "The Haunted Mansion”
Saturday, June 20, 2009: 8-10pm ET “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events”

UPDATE:

The June 13 movie is still on, but the June 20 movie is now replaced by encores of Wipeout and Castle from 8-10pm. In fact, Castle repeats will air Saturdays at 9pm starting June 20 until further notice. The Superstars Saturday encores on June 27 and July 4 is no longer scheduled. As of now, Wipeout encores are airing June 6, 20, 27, and July 4 only at 8pm.

Also, Friday, July 3 from 9-10pm is a full-hour of According to Jim repeats, instead of one Jim and one Suburbia.

[DSfan]

I am looking forward to watching Japanese Game Show. It's really funny with the host and when the Americans are being made fun of without knowing by all the Japanese people haha.

It's good for useless entertainment - not necessarily going to watch each episode. It reminds of an indoor, less macho version of Spike's MXC.

[Pavan]

Scrubs repeats at 9:30pm Tuesdays are removed:

“Better Off Ted” is now scheduled to air in the 9:30 PM ET/PT slot effective Tuesday, June 23, 2009. The Superstars will have a 90-minute premiere on Tuesday, June 23.

[Pavan]

Forgot to mention this earlier this week, but look for the launch of the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? promos tonight during the NBA Finals Game #4.

[Pavan]

A special is now airing on Wednesday, June 24 at 10pm:
Primetime: Questions for the President: Prescription for America

Limited series Primetime: Crime will now launch Wednesday, July 1 at 10pm.

Also, looks like Just for Laughs is just for four weeks: America’s Funniest Home Videos will return to the full 7:00 PM ET/PT hour effective Sunday, July 19, 2009. Please note, “Just for Laughs” will now have its last 7:00-7:30 PM ET/PT airing on Sunday, July 12, 2009 (June 21-July 12).

Finally, Dating in the Dark promos launch tonight during The Bachelorette.

[songyo]

Just wonderful!

http://www.snagpic.com/users/img/4128/n09x0302vnsn/clear.gif

[Pavan]

Couple of updates:

Monday, July 20, 2009
8:00PM-10:02PM - THE BACHELORETTE: THE MEN TELL ALL (special)

Monday, July 27, 2009
8:00PM-10:02PM - THE BACHELORETTE (season finale)
(NOTE: Not sure when After the Rose is airing yet. Maybe Monday, Aug. 3 from 8-10?)

Friday, September 18, 2009
8:00PM-10:00PM The 2009 ALMA Awards

[robyrob]

Scrubs repeats at 9:30pm Tuesdays are removed:

“Better Off Ted” is now scheduled to air in the 9:30 PM ET/PT slot effective Tuesday, June 23, 2009. The Superstars will have a 90-minute premiere on Tuesday, June 23.
what the heck is "The Superstars" - you can't really tell from the promos

[Pavan]

I guess you never saw the original Superstars, part of ABC's Wide World of Sports? It's different sporting events with a celebrity and a sports star teamed up together (8 pairs). It's good stuff.

[Pavan]

The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose is now scheduled:

Tuesday, July 28, 2009
10:00PM “The Bachelorette: After The Final Rose”

Because of this change, “Primetime: The Outsiders” will now premiere on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 10:00 PM ET/PT. “Primetime: Family Secrets” has its season finale on Tuesday, July 21.

[tvcrazed]

Too bad it's not running at 9pm since that is the night MORE TO LOVE premieres.

[Pavan]

If they continue to air The Superstars 90-minutes beyond the first two weeks, I could see them doing After the Final Rose 90-minutes on that night from 9:30-11.

Also, next week starting Monday, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire will get a promo push with lots of promos (during Bachelorette, Superstars, Wipeout, Primetime, etc). This will be its first non-NBA Finals promos. Also, there will be a one-minute promo for Flash Forward on Wednesday during Primetime Obama special.

[tvcrazed]

Looks like Monday Aug 3rd is set:

http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/06/sugarland-abc-special-exclusive-.html

[Pavan]

Yes, they made it official today:

Monday, August 3, 2009
8-9PM Sugarland: Live on the Inside (all-new special)
9PM is TBD
10PM Dating in the Dark (all-new)

tvcrazed, I hear rumors of Crash Course and What Would You Do being paired up and possibly will air Thursdays 9-11PM starting this August. What do you think about that? It will have Millionaire as a lead-in at 8PM the first two weeks if this indeed does happen.

[tvcrazed]

That's cool. I was expecting them to use Millionaire to lead into DITD, ST and CC. I just wasn't sure if they were gonna air CC on Tues or Thurs. I guess they are stretching out the run of BOT, since they are running a rerun in 2 weeks so maybe some orginals will still air in August out Of Millionaire. (I am sure they are also waiting to see how SUPERSTARS performs. I assume if it does well, it will be 90 minutes thru its run). Also doesn't ISAJGS end August 19th. I was wondering what they were gonna do with that the 2 weeks Millionaire is on. Would they move WIPEOUT to 9p and Game Show to 10p or would they move one of those to Thurs (I know that WIPEOUT aired 2 a few weeks ago, so they could conceivebly not air it one week in AUGUST, but even a rerun of one of their highest rated SUMMER shows should air and not rest a week). Now that you mention they are doing CC on Thurs, I wonder what they will do with WED. Also, will they move GA and PP To Fridays those weeks. I would imagine they are rerunning all the GA's and with their current schedule they are set to end right before the new season.

I was almost expecting WWYD to air after DITD (which would move to 9pm) after MILLIONAIRE unless they start running those CASTLE"S in its slot.

[DSfan]

What is this Sugarland special all about?

[tvcrazed]

THE SUPERSTARS was really good. A shame it wasn't scheduled after WIPEOUT

[JulieSomoski]

4.3 million, 1.6 demo for The Superstars last night. Even worse, and VERY troubling, was Better Off Ted at 1.8 million, 0.8 demo. Just wow - I'm expecting some schedule changes to be made here very soon.

[Brent88]

4.3 million, 1.6 demo for The Superstars last night. Even worse, and VERY troubling, was Better Off Ted at 1.8 million, 0.8 demo. Just wow - I'm expecting some schedule changes to be made here very soon.

What horrible numbers. Why in the world was Ted brought back? ABC has got major problems this summer with the only bright spots until Millionaire's stunt being Bachelorette and Wipeout. ohno:

[tvcrazed]

I applaud ABC for bringing back TED. Not every show starts out strong right out of the gate. The critical acclaim is very strong. I just don't know if that was the best spot for it, but oh well.

I have to say I don't get why they are wasting a WIPEOUT rerun on Sat nights. On Sat night it is getting a 1.0, when most of their shows during the week now are not getting much higher than that. If they ran a WIPEOUT rerun at 8p Wed into a new one at 9pm, it would help their overall avg and WIPEOUT's numnbers for originals would be higher too, since they would be airing at 9pm (they'd probably get a 3.0)

[Pavan]

First a schedule change:

On Sunday, June 28, 2009 only, “America's Funniest Home Videos” repeat is scheduled to air in the 7:00 ET/PT half-hour and an all-new “Just for Laughs” is scheduled to air in the 7:30 ET/PT half-hour.

Now thoughts:

Superstars was certainly not a bomb in the ratings, but disappointing. Maybe it will do better next week with no competing I'm a Celebrity... (which Superstars beat in the ratings). I agree, the show was very well done and entertaining. Ted needs to pick it up. But I don't think they will be changing the schedule. As long as Superstars does OK, (1.6-2.0 demo), they are fine. They just need to extend every episode to 90 minutes and not just the first two episodes.

As for Wipeout, maybe it does make sense to air it at 9pm, but then it would be facing Got Talent on NBC. I do think Wipeout would beat that show head to head in the demo though.

Someone asked what the Sugarland special is about: As the two-time consecutive reigning Country Music Association Vocal Duo of the Year launch their follow-up combo CD/DVD, “Live on the Inside,” to hit stores August 4, the night before Sugarland will send viewers a cinematic postcard from their tour in their first network TV special.

[JulieSomoski]

I have to agree with Brent - Better Off Ted had no right being renewed. It needs time to grow? Under 2 million viewers is unacceptable. It couldn't even manage 5 million in the spring. The ratings are terrible, and they won't get better. Surviving Suburbia is doing better than this show.

The Superstars was very disappointing. But I disagree with you Pavan - they need to cut it down to an hour and air Wipeout at 9pm. Superstars did its worst in the 9pm halfhour, and of course there was the BOT disaster at 9:30. Wipeout wouldn't beat AGT, but it would hold up well. Wipeout is the only success ABC has had this summer. Unfortunately, The Bachelorette is a close second.

ABC better hope to God the return of Millionaire is a success. It's their last hope to salvage the summer, and it only airs for 3 weeks.

[Pavan]

Moving Wipeout to Tuesdays at 9? There is no need to change its night for no reason. And then what about Wednesdays? Too many moves for the summer is not good. Summer is much more lower rated than the regular season. A 3.0 demo in the summer is like over 5.0 for the regular season.

[JulieSomoski]

Moving Wipeout to Tuesdays at 9? There is no need to change its night for no reason. And then what about Wednesdays? Too many moves for the summer is not good. Summer is much more lower rated than the regular season. A 3.0 demo in the summer is like over 5.0 for the regular season.

But ABC shouldn't let their ratings get lower and lower. Plus, Wipeout was doing better on Tuesdays last summer than its doing on Wednesdays this summer. I think ABC needs the support on Tuesday, because Superstars/Better Off Ted isn't going to cut it.

ABC is pushing 4th place this summer. I read an article where it's even behind TNT. Even for summer, ABC shouldn't allow it to happen. They need to make some changes.

[Pavan]

ABC is not in 4th place. ABC is first right now in 18-49 thanks to the NBA. And you still didn't answer what would air on Wednesdays. This isn't plug and play, you know.

[Brent88]

I would probably just leave Tuesday mostly alone... whatever's on at 9pm is going to struggle against AGT anyway, but Ted's numbers are unacceptable so it could be pulled perhaps.

Wednesdays I agree with, put the new Wipeout at 9 and a repeat at 8, and shift JGS to 10.

[JulieSomoski]

ABC is not in 4th place. ABC is first right now in 18-49 thanks to the NBA. And you still didn't answer what would air on Wednesdays. This isn't plug and play, you know.

But the NBA is over, and they'll soon be in 4th place.

For Wednesdays, why not air Wipeout repeats from last season leading into Japanese Gameshow? I don't know what they'd air, but they could definitely do better than Ted.

[JulieSomoski]

I would probably just leave Tuesday mostly alone... whatever's on at 9pm is going to struggle against AGT anyway, but Ted's numbers are unacceptable so it could be pulled perhaps.

Wednesdays I agree with, put the new Wipeout at 9 and a repeat at 8, and shift JGS to 10.

That could work too. I just don't see Better Off Ted lasting on Tuesdays for 5 more episodes.

[Pavan]

NBA gave them a big lead for 2 weeks of ratings. It is the summer, so it doesn't really matter. And Who Wants to Be a Millionaire will help them for 11 nights. Superstars not cutting it doesn't make any sense. It only has aired once and it's not like it totally bombed. 1.6 is OK for summer. Ted needs to pick-it up. The only thing they could do is have 90-minute Primetime: Family Secrets follow. I think Superstars for sure needs to air 90-minutes each week. It would make no sense to move Wipeout to Tuesdays at 9. Wednesdays is its night. If they want to do repeat and new from 8-10 on Wednesdays, then fine. If so, this would work for now:

Mondays
8-10 Bachelorette
10-11 Newlyweds

Tuesdays
8-9:30 Superstars
9:30-11 Primetime: Family Secrets

Wednesdays
8-9 Wipeout repeat
9-10 Wipeout new
10-11 I Survived a Japanese Game Show

Thursdays
8:00pm Samantha Who
8:30pm In the Motherhood/Better Off Ted
9:00pm Grey's repeats
10:00pm Primetime: Crime

In August, Crash Course on Thursdays following Millionaire. What Would You Do maybe Mondays at 9 after Millionaire?

[JulieSomoski]

NBA gave them a big lead for 2 weeks of ratings. It is the summer, so it doesn't really matter. And Who Wants to Be a Millionaire will help them for 11 nights. Superstars not cutting it doesn't make any sense. It only has aired once and it's not like it totally bombed. 1.6 is OK for summer. Ted needs to pick-it up. The only thing they could do is have 90-minute Primetime: Family Secrets follow. I think Superstars for sure needs to air 90-minutes each week. It would make no sense to move Wipeout to Tuesdays at 9. Wednesdays is its night. If they want to do repeat and new from 8-10 on Wednesdays, then fine. If so, this would work for now:

Mondays
8-10 Bachelorette
10-11 Newlyweds

Tuesdays
8-9:30 Superstars
9:30-11 Primetime: Family Secrets

Wednesdays
8-9 Wipeout repeat
9-10 Wipeout new
10-11 I Survived a Japanese Game Show

Thursdays
8:00pm Samantha Who
8:30pm In the Motherhood/Better Off Ted
9:00pm Grey's repeats
10:00pm Primetime: Crime

That could work. Better Off Ted airing once Motherhood finishes makes sense. But Superstars is not a hit - it's doing about as well as I'm a Celebrity did, and let's face it - IAC was a bomb. Chances are, The Superstars won't be making any huge ratings gains in the next few weeks.

When is Crash Course coming in?

[ryan423]

Sorry, I love Better off Ted! Guess I'm the only one...I wish it was doing better because I think it's so much better than The Office, which people have compared it to.

[Pavan]

Urgent news for tomorrow:

Thursday, June 25
10:00PM “A Special Edition of 20/20 - "Farrah Fawcett: Her Life, Her Loves, Her Legacy"

This special edition of “20/20” hosted by Barbara Walters will feature the story of Farrah Fawcett and interviews her long time companion Ryan O’Neal, former co-star “Charlie’s Angels” Jaclyn Smith and her doctor.

[mtlguy]

You are not alone, I find Better Off Ted hilarious. Not equal very week, but so well written and much funnier than any other comedy on ABC by FAR...

[JulieSomoski]

Urgent news for tomorrow:

Thursday, June 25
10:00PM “A Special Edition of 20/20 - "Farrah Fawcett: Her Life, Her Loves, Her Legacy"

This special edition of “20/20” hosted by Barbara Walters will feature the story of Farrah Fawcett and interviews her long time companion Ryan O’Neal, former co-star “Charlie’s Angels” Jaclyn Smith and her doctor.

I just read that Farrah is pretty much on her death bed. I'm glad to see ABC has scheduled a special on her tomorrow. It's sad :(

EDIT: Wow - they couldn't have scheduled this special at a better time.

Farrah Fawcett dies:
http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/25/farrah-fawcett-dies/

[DSfan]

RIP, that is shocking news :(

[Brent88]

RIP Farrah :(

Anyway, to last night's ratings, Wipeout did well of course but Japanese Game Show got absolutely crushed against AGT and SYTYCD at 9. The Obama healthcare special at 10 failed to get 5 million viewers(which was the really shocking part of the night). ohno:

[Pavan]

ABC will have a special on Michael Jackson's passing tonight at 9PM ET/PT, followed by the previously announced Farrah Fawcett special (slated to air before she had passed) at 10PM ET/PT.

[Pavan]

A Jackson special tonight as well instead of According to Jim repeats at 9pm:

Friday, June 26, 2009
9:00-10:00PM A Special Edition of 20/20 - “Michael Jackson: The Man and His Music”

[catsrule]

A Jackson special tonight as well instead of According to Jim repeats at 9pm:

Friday, June 26, 2009
9:00-10:00PM A Special Edition of 20/20 - “Michael Jackson: The Man and His Music”crap, those were two episodes I hadn't seen

[Brent88]

A Jackson special tonight as well instead of According to Jim repeats at 9pm:

Friday, June 26, 2009
9:00-10:00PM A Special Edition of 20/20 - “Michael Jackson: The Man and His Music”

Another VERY smart move... I'm in shock. Jim repeats would have barely gotten a million viewers. :lol:

[JulieSomoski]

Another VERY smart move... I'm in shock. Jim repeats would have barely gotten a million viewers. :lol:

Very true. Seeing how well the 20/20 specials did for them last night, this was another smart move. I'll definitely be watching this tonight, as well as the continued news coverage (which I can't get enough of ;) ).

[Pavan]

I suggest tomorrow they go and reair Living with Michael Jackson from 2003 (Martin Bashir interview) from 8-10PM. That interview did more than 27 million back in 2003 for ABC.

[JulieSomoski]

I suggest tomorrow they go and reair Living with Michael Jackson from 2003 (Martin Bashir interview) from 8-10PM. That interview did more than 27 million back in 2003 for ABC.

That's a great idea. They're airing repats on Saturdays anyways - chances are that MJ special would do MUCH better.They should consider it.

[tvcrazed]

They'd be better off airing that special on a night during the week where there are higher viewing levels.

[tvcrazed]

They'd be better off airing that special on a night during the week where there are higher viewing levels.
On second thought there is a lot in that special that doesn't present Michael in the best light and I think at this point we should be celebrating his accomplishments as a music icon. It'd be cool if they could get the rights to a recent Michael Jackson concert.

[tvcrazed]

When you look at the Wed finals that Pavan graciously provides for us on this site, it seems WIPEOUT got a 3.1 in the last quarter rising to a 3.5 at the end. SYTYCD only got a 3.1 at the end of its 2 hours.and even AGT ended with a 3.1 and those were an hour later. It really seeems to me that ABC would be better served to air WIPEOUT at 9pm.

[JulieSomoski]

When you look at the Wed finals that Pavan graciously provides for us on this site, it seems WIPEOUT got a 3.1 in the last quarter rising to a 3.5 at the end. SYTYCD only got a 3.1 at the end of its 2 hours.and even AGT ended with a 3.1 and those were an hour later. It really seeems to me that ABC would be better served to air WIPEOUT at 9pm.

SYTYCD was really off this week for some reason. Wednesday's edition was down some while Thursday's edition was down hugely, probably due to all the news coverage. But, I agree - ABC should be airing a Wipeout repeat at 8pm and a new episode at 9pm, with Japanese Gameshow at 10pm.

[Pavan]

ABC did an excellent job on 20/20 (and Nightline) for Jackson tonight. Last night Farrah's special was excellent, too. Last night's Jackson special was decent for a last minute special, but tonight it was in a league of its own.

[JulieSomoski]

ABC did an excellent job on 20/20 (and Nightline) for Jackson tonight. Last night Farrah's special was excellent, too. Last night's Jackson special was decent for a last minute special, but tonight it was in a league of its own.

I agree - it was a fantastic special. ABC really knows what they're doing when it comes to this stuff, much better than NBC and Dateline, IMO.

[tvcrazed]

My suggestion for Aug 9th:
Either
Millionaire - 8-10p
ST - 10-11p

or

Millionaire - 8-9:30p
ST - 9:30-11pm

[Scoobiedoo30]

what does ST stand for

[Brent88]

what does ST stand for

Shark Tank

[Pavan]

Because of the CBS premiere, I guess tvcrazed? I guess they can extend the premiere of Millionaire to 90-minutes. They are going to have a different celebrity come on for each night for one question for charity at the end of each episode, so I guess they can extend it for 11 nights if possible.

[tvcrazed]

yes because of the CBS premiere. They are not taping them until close to air, so there is no reason not to extend it.

[Pavan]

ABC weekend afternoons in July/August:

Saturday, July 4, 2009
4:00-6:00PM ET (2:00-4:00PM PT) ABC Movie "Signs”

Sunday, July 5, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Wipeout” (R)

Saturday, July 11, 2009
5:00PM & 5:30PM ET (3-4PM PT) "Just for Laughs" (R)

Sunday, July 12, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Wipeout” (R)

Saturday, August 8, 2009
4:00-6:00PM ET (2:00-4:00PM PT) ABC Movie “Holes”

Sunday, August 9, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Homeland Security USA”

Saturday, August 15, 2009
4:00-6:00PM ET (2:00-4:00PM PT) ABC Movie “Cat in the Hat”

Sunday, August 16, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Homeland Security USA”

Sunday, August 23, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Homeland Security USA”

Sunday, August 30, 2009
2:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Homeland Security USA”

[Brent88]

Whatever happened to Homeland Security USA? Is it canceled?

[Pavan]

I am not sure. I think it will air again, like Just for Laughs has.

[Pavan]

No surprise:

On Sundays, July 5 and 12, 2009, “America’s Funniest Home Videos” will air a half-hour repeat at 7:00PM ET/PT followed by an all-new “Just for Laughs” 7:30 PM ET/PT.

[Pavan]

In the Motherhood has been pulled immediately:

“Samantha Who?” is now scheduled to air new episodes on Thursdays at 8:30 PM ET/PT on July 2nd and 9th with the season finale airing on July 23, 2009.

“Samantha Who?” will also still be all-new in the 8:00 PM ET/PT time period on these nights as well.

[JulieSomoski]

In the Motherhood has been pulled immediately:

“Samantha Who?” is now scheduled to air new episodes on Thursdays at 8:30 PM ET/PT on July 2nd and 9th with the season finale airing on July 23, 2009.

“Samantha Who?” will also still be all-new in the 8:00 PM ET/PT time period on these nights as well.

Geez, ITM only had like 2 episodes left too.

[tvcrazed]

I believe ABC has until July 19th to pick up ROMANTICALLY CHALLENGED? Is that correct? I am assuming it probably won't happen. I am assuming THE LAW is done too, since Donald Fasion with John Mcginley are regulars on the new SCRUBS.

[Pavan]

The Law is done for sure, but Romantically Challenged has a shot. It is still listed under the ABC series on a password-protected site (no other not picked-up series is listed).

[tvcrazed]

I have no problem with them removing ITM, but I assume it's so that the run of SW will end July 23rd. I say this because the .7 ITM got is not worse than the .5 and .6's SS and TGF have been pulling on Fridays and ABC seems willing to run those all the way through even running a rerun of SS this week when WIFE SWAP and SUPERNANNY reruns would get a 1.0. I am really surprised they are nmot rerunning those somwehere this Summer.

[Zedman2]

ABC weekend afternoons in July/August:

Sunday, August 9, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Homeland Security USA”

Sunday, August 16, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Homeland Security USA”

Sunday, August 23, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Homeland Security USA”

Sunday, August 30, 2009
2:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Homeland Security USA”

I still believe this show can succeed on Saturday evenings, much the same way FOX has a following with Cops and America's Most Wanted. Why is ABC wasting the show on Sunday afternoons? This move, added to other preplexing moves made by ABC programmers makes me wonder why ABC's top scheduler got a promotion when he should have been let go in the reorg.

[Pavan]

Those HS USA airings are most likely repeats, but I haven't been able to confirm.

As for Romantically Challenged, Alyssa Milano Tweeted to us (http://twitter.com/SitcomsOnline) that their pilot option has been extended to December 31! I think this one will get picked-up, especially since Better off Ted is not working.

[tvcrazed]

To anyone that thinks a WIPEOUT rerun into a new one at 9pm is not a good idea, AGT aired a rerun at 8pm and got a 2.3 and the new one got a 3.7 which was even better than the premiere.

I still am shocked and dismayed that ABC did not air SUPERSTARS after WIPEOUT because now the show is tanking and it could have been something. Also airing these competitions at 10pm against NO reality would make sense especially since PRIMETIME is tanking horribly.

They make great shows and make some great decisions, but honestly some just make me scratch my head. GA would not be scheduled at 8pm into a 9pm start for UB. Why is Wipeout? To waste reruns on Sat night and weekend afternoons makes no sense, when they can be used to better effect in primetime.

[JulieSomoski]

Superstars is a big bomb. ABC just needs to end it now. It lost to a repeat last night. Actually, it lost to 2 repeats last night. I really don't think it ever had a chance, and its bringing down the rest of the night.

Even worse, though, is Better Off Ted - ABC needs to cancel it while they can. If its now even doing 2 million now, I'm afraid to see what it'll do in the regular season. ABC has the great option of Romantically Challenged which could have a real chance, and instead they're putting the low-rated BOT on the air.

[tvcrazed]

Well if you are calling SUPERSTARS a bomb what do you think of ISAJGS since they got a 1.4 last week after a WIPEOUT lead in (which ended with a 3.5). SUPERSTARS is a self starter and got a 1.3.

[JulieSomoski]

Well if you are calling SUPERSTARS a bomb what do you think of ISAJGS since they got a 1.4 last week after a WIPEOUT lead in (which ended with a 3.5). SUPERSTARS is a self starter and got a 1.3.

That's a good point, but I don't think I Survived a Japanese Gameshow is any better. But, it's doing about what it was doing last year, and it's doing much better than the 2 comedies in the slot, and it's also up against America's Got Talent.

And to top it off, Superstars fell with each half hour. At 8pm it did an okay 4.2 million. At 9pm it only did 3.6 million. That's a big drop off. It'll only get worse next week.

[tvcrazed]

ISAJGS drops as well. It should not be in the anchor postion at 9pm. How do you think that would do Tues at 8pm if it's is getting a 1.4 on Wed? Superstars has not lead in and the last half hour of its premiere went up against the biggest Summer hit. I am not saying it would have been a big hit, but I'd be willing to bet it would have held more of WIPEOUTs audience than ISAJGS which already had a season behind it and at the end of its run was squandering much of its lead in.

[JulieSomoski]

ISAJGS drops as well. It should not be in the anchor postion at 9pm. How do you think that would do Tues at 8pm if it's is getting a 1.4 on Wed? Superstars has not lead in and the last half hour of its premiere went up against the biggest Summer hit. I am not saying it would have been a big hit, but I'd be willing to bet it would have held more of WIPEOUTs audience than ISAJGS which already had a season behind it and at the end of its run was squandering much of its lead in.

ISAJGS isn't a hit either. It's only slightly better rated than Superstars and it has an 8 million lead-in. But, Superstars would not hold more of the Wipeout audience. It would probably hold less. Superstars was only up against an AGT repeat last night. When it went up against the new episode, it droped below 4 million. ISAJGS has already gone up against a new AGT and averaged over 4 million. I think Gameshow is a bit better than Superstars, but both are underperforming.

ABC would probably be better off moving Superstars to 10pm, but that would probably never happen. And Better Off Ted needs to go before it gets any worse.

[Brent88]

I don't even know what ABC could do on Tuesdays. It's already a disaster and it's only going to get worse with Hell's Kitchen and Big Brother coming later this month. Whatever they air will be a distant fourth. Better Off Ted has got to go though now, those numbers are even worse than Motherhood which has been already been pulled.

[Pavan]

To say Superstars needs to be pulled is crazy. Superstars is the least of the problems. It didn't drop "every half-hour" as Julie said. It only dropped in the 9pm half-hour, where I'm sure viewers went to America's Got Talent, just like it did last week. It builds from 8 to 8:30. So how is Superstars bringing down the rest of the night? It was their highest rated show of the night! Better Off Ted is the problem. But it doing only 2 million now doesn't mean it would do WORSE in the regular season. Summer viewing is lower Julie, not higher. And Ted works best with another comedy, especially Scrubs.
I guess you haven't watched Superstars yet, Julie? It is great and deserves to air.

ABC needs to do this ASAP:

Tuesdays
8:00PM Castle repeats (no NCIS repeats soon and Castle will be the only crime drama here)
9:00PM Primetime: Crime
10:00PM Primetime: Family Secrets (later Primetime: The Outsiders)
(this night would be decent in total viewers at least)

Wednesdays
8:00PM Wipeout
9:00PM The Superstars (thru Aug. 5)
10:00PM I Survived a Japanese Game Show (thru Aug. 19?)
NOTE: Millionaire would air on Aug. 12 and 19 at 8 with all-new Wipeout at 9. I don't think ABC wants to put a new Wipeout at 9 vs. AGT, but like tvcrazed said, Superstars can hold more of Wipeout's numbers than Japanese Game Show.

Thursdays starting Aug. 13
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire / Crash Course
9:00PM Crash Course
10:00PM Defying Gravity(?)
NOTE: Crash Course has 7 episodes, so one week it could air two from 8-10pm and finish up by Sept. 17. Gravity is a new adventure drama produced internationally with a 13 episode order, but I don't think they can air all 13 this summer now.

Saturdays
8:00PM Wipeout encore
9:00PM The Superstars encore
10:00PM Eli / Dirty

Mondays starting Aug. 3
9:00PM Primetime: What Would You Do?

[tvcrazed]

from Futon Critic Via twitter:

ABC likely to announce DEFYING GRAVITY premiere date today; unconfirmed word is Sunday, July 26 with a two-hour premiere

[Pavan]

Interesting. That would mean it would air 10PM starting Aug. 9, since Millionaire and Shark Tank come then.

[JulieSomoski]

To say Superstars needs to be pulled is crazy. Superstars is the least of the problems. It didn't drop "every half-hour" as Julie said. It only dropped in the 9pm half-hour, where I'm sure viewers went to America's Got Talent, just like it did last week. It builds from 8 to 8:30. So how is Superstars bringing down the rest of the night? It was their highest rated show of the night! Better Off Ted is the problem. But it doing only 2 million now doesn't mean it would do WORSE in the regular season. Summer viewing is lower Julie, not higher. And Ted works best with another comedy, especially Scrubs.
I guess you haven't watched Superstars yet, Julie? It is great and deserves to air.

ABC needs to do this ASAP:

Tuesdays
8:00PM Castle repeats (no NCIS repeats soon and Castle will be the only crime drama here)
9:00PM Primetime: Crime
10:00PM Primetime: Family Secrets (later Primetime: The Outsiders)
(this night would be decent in total viewers at least)

Wednesdays
8:00PM Wipeout
9:00PM The Superstars (thru Aug. 5)
10:00PM I Survived a Japanese Game Show (thru Aug. 19?)
NOTE: Millionaire would air on Aug. 12 and 19 at 8 with all-new Wipeout at 9. I don't think ABC wants to put a new Wipeout at 9 vs. AGT, but like tvcrazed said, Superstars can hold more of Wipeout's numbers than Japanese Game Show.

Thursdays starting Aug. 13
8:00PM Who Wants to Be a Millionaire / Crash Course
9:00PM Crash Course
10:00PM Defying Gravity(?)
NOTE: Crash Course has 7 episodes, so one week it could air two from 8-10pm and finish up by Sept. 17. Gravity is a new adventure drama produced internationally with a 13 episode order, but I don't think they can air all 13 this summer now.

Saturdays
8:00PM Wipeout encore
9:00PM The Superstars encore
10:00PM Eli / Dirty

Mondays starting Aug. 3
9:00PM Primetime: What Would You Do?

Superstars is a bust. I DVRd the pilot episode, watched the next day, and it wasn't very good. The entire concept seems like a rip-off of past and present shows like it, put together into one. It's a problem, and putting it Wednesdays at 9pm would be even worse. Since you've seen how badly it does in the 9pm half hour against AGT, why would ABC put it against an entire hour of AGT? That makes no sense. Clearly Wipeout is not going to salvage this show.

I agree, though, that BOT is the biggest problem. It's ratings are low now, and even though they'll probably be a bit higher in the regular season, its ratings are going to be low no matter what it airs with. I don't understand why ABC brought it back in the first place.

That being said, ABC will not be able to salvage the summer. Their highest rated show is Wipeout, and even that has been declining slowly every week. Millionaire could do well, but it won't be a breakout success by any means. You guys thought Superstars was going to do great, but it hasn't even done 'good.'

[tvcrazed]

yeah that's what I was thinking. I am thinking what you suggested for Thursdays with CC and WWYD will probably happen as well, since I am guessing they don't want to enter the fray of Tuesdays with potential reality stuff, althought SYTYCD is on Thurs too, but that's the only one ,wheras Tuesday is very crowded. Maybe they'll give CC a 2 hour premiere, so SYTYCD people might migrate at 10pm.

[tvcrazed]

Julie once again I don't understand your logic, without a lead in SUPERSTARS virtually tied ISAJGS. It certainly won't do worse than it. This is a mute argument anyway, becuase I'd be really surprised if ABC moves stuff around like we are suggesting anyway. I do think they'd benefit from moving that WIPEOUT repeat to somehwere during the week, specifcally Tues or Wed.

[tvcrazed]

Boy ABC has a lot to promote and that's even before the major FALL shows start getting heavy promotion mid/late JULY. Pavan, are they ramping up promotion for Dating In The Dark? It's only 2 and half weeks away.
I give them major props for having a really new and diverse summer slate of new shows this year. I just want one of them to pop.

[Pavan]

Dating in the Dark will get lots of promos tonight, along with Millionaire and Shark Tank. Those three are the big priorities now.

[JulieSomoski]

Julie once again I don't understand your logic, without a lead in SUPERSTARS virtually tied ISAJGS. It certainly won't do worse than it. This is a mute argument anyway, becuase I'd be really surprised if ABC moves stuff around like we are suggesting anyway. I do think they'd benefit from moving that WIPEOUT repeat to somehwere during the week, specifcally Tues or Wed.

A Wipeout repeat on Tuesday, where it aired last season, may be a good idea. But, my logic is, as long as Superstars is against AGT, it isn't going to do well, no matter what the lead-in is. Those ratings for ISAJGS are still decent against Talent, so why take the risk of moving it? if it can keep up what it's doing there, I don't see a reason to move things around.

[JulieSomoski]

Dating in the Dark will get lots of promos tonight, along with Millionaire and Shark Tank. Those three are the big priorities now.

Dating in the Dark could do decent. Millionaire will probably be their biggest summer hit. I have doubts about Shark Tank, though.

[Pavan]

Superstars is a bust. I DVRd the pilot episode, watched the next day, and it wasn't very good. The entire concept seems like a rip-off of past and present shows like it, put together into one. It's a problem, and putting it Wednesdays at 9pm would be even worse. Since you've seen how badly it does in the 9pm half hour against AGT, why would ABC put it against an entire hour of AGT? That makes no sense. Clearly Wipeout is not going to salvage this show.

I agree, though, that BOT is the biggest problem. It's ratings are low now, and even though they'll probably be a bit higher in the regular season, its ratings are going to be low no matter what it airs with. I don't understand why ABC brought it back in the first place.

That being said, ABC will not be able to salvage the summer. Their highest rated show is Wipeout, and even that has been declining slowly every week. Millionaire could do well, but it won't be a breakout success by any means. You guys thought Superstars was going to do great, but it hasn't even done 'good.'

Now I got your drift. You watched I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here (and loved it) and it did the same rating if not worse than The Superstars, but you didn't like The Superstars, so you completely bash it while not saying a word about that IACGMOOH. If you like that fake nonsense of IACGMOOH and don't like The Superstars, which is a remake of ABC's classic while NBC "ripped-off" the nonsense from ABC in 2003. So who is ripping-off now? You are completely out of the loop here.

Yeah Wipeout is so declining each week. Going from a 2.7 two weeks ago to a 2.8 last week. Please look at the ratings before talking.

[catsrule]

ABC needs to do this ASAP:

Tuesdays
8:00PM Castle repeats (no NCIS repeats soon and Castle will be the only crime drama here)I didn't hear anything about NCIS not airing there. It's The Mentalist that's leaving when Big Brother comes.

[tvcrazed]

Dating in the Dark will get lots of promos tonight, along with Millionaire and Shark Tank. Those three are the big priorities now.
Thanks. Is tonight the premiere for the Shark Tank promos?

The promo for Millionaire I saw last night with John Carpenter winning was the best one I have seen so far.

Are the Dancing In The Dark promos regular ones that illustrate the show (as opposed to the teaser ones they were running last week)?

[JulieSomoski]

Now I got your drift. You watched I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here (and loved it) and it did the same rating if not worse than The Superstars, but you didn't like The Superstars, so you completely bash it while not saying a word about that IACGMOOH. If you like that fake nonsense of IACGMOOH and don't like The Superstars, which is a remake of ABC's classic while NBC "ripped-off" the nonsense from ABC in 2003. So who is ripping-off now? You are completely out of the loop here.

Yeah Wipeout is so declining each week. Going from a 2.7 two weeks ago to a 2.8 last week. Please look at the ratings before talking.

LOL - I didn't love I'm a Celebrity. It was a guilty pleasure, nonsense, a mess. But, it was entertaining, whether you liked it or not. Don't make fun of my tastes - I didn't like The Superstars at all, because I felt like I've seen the show a thousand times. ABC needs to come up with something more original than Superstars, and then they'll do better. Now, I'm not saying I'm a Celebrity was anymore original, but yes, I did find it to be a better show.

And, I'm a Celebrity never went as low as The Superstars went last night, in total viewers and demo.

Wipeout is on a declining streak. It did gain .1 demo last week from the week before, but overall, Wipeout is not as strong as it was last summer, and it's not as strong as it was earlier this summer. Last week, it went under 8 million for the first time.

[JulieSomoski]

I didn't hear anything about NCIS not airing there. It's The Mentalist that's leaving when Big Brother comes.

That's true. NCIS will be airing Tuesdays at 8pm all summer I believe.

[tvcrazed]

I hate that this silly argument is continuing, but to compare WIPEOUT from last Summer when EVERY show is down is preposterous. WIPEOUT is still top 3in Summer shows and it airs in the early hour of 8p, when the other hits air 9pm.

SUPERSTARS is more orginal than any reality competition CURRENTLY on air. There are no judges, there is no voting out. It is purely a sports competition. IASGMEOOH is beyond derivitive (SURVIVOR, VH1 shows etc). You may not like SUPERSTARS but it is well produced and there is nothing currently on tv like it.

[JulieSomoski]

I hate that this silly argument is continuing, but to compare WIPEOUT from last Summer when EVERY show is down is preposterous. WIPEOUT is still top 3in Summer shows and it airs in the early hour of 8p, when the other hits air 9pm.

SUPERSTARS is more orginal than any reality competition CURRENTLY on air. There are no judges, there is no voting out. It is purely a sports competition. IASGMEOOH is beyond derivitive (SURVIVOR, VH1 shows etc). You may not like SUPERSTARS but it is well produced and there is nothing currently on tv like it.

Yes, it should end. Really in the end, both Superstars and Japanese Gameshow are not doing what they should be doing. Wipeout is still a summer success, but it could be doing better. It can be compared to last summer, because not every show is down. Look at AGT - it's doing exactly the same it was doing last summer. I just think Wipeout is getting old fast. I still enjoy watching it, but it's not as fun as it used to be.

[tvcrazed]

I should resist answering this but alas I am not. Last week AGT got a 3.2 WIPEOUT got a 2.8. AGT aired 9-11p. WIPEOUT was over at 9pm. AGT has benefited from all the press surrounding BGT and Susan Boyle. OH AND AGT has not faced SYTYCD on Tues either. It has the field all to itself. Yes it did well last night but considering the above it is hardly towering over WIPEOUT. WIPEOUT has been on since May 27th. AGT just started. let's see how it shakes out at the end of the season.

[JulieSomoski]

I should resist answering this but alas I am not. Last week AGT got a 3.2 WIPEOUT got a 2.8. AGT aired 9-11p. WIPEOUT was over at 9pm. AGT has benefited from all the press surrounding BGT and Susan Boyle. OH AND AGT has not faced SYTYCD on Tues either. It has the field all to itself. Yes it did well last night but considering the above it is hardly towering over WIPEOUT. WIPEOUT has been on since May 27th. AGT just started. let's see how it shakes out at the end of the season.

That doesn't make sense. AGT always does well all through the season. Nothing is going to affect that. AGT is the highest rated summer show, has been for what, 3 years now? There's nothing to argue about. Wipeout is still successful, but all I'm saying is that it's not as successful as it once was.

Who cares if AGT hasn't faced Dance? Who cares if Wipeout airs at 8pm? It really doesn't matter. None of this really matters, so lets end it now, please.

[Pavan]

Julie, please everything is down this summer. Even AGT.

[JulieSomoski]

Julie, please everything is down this summer. Even AGT.

Last year, on July 1, AGT had 12.04 million viewers and a 3.3 demo. This year, June 30, AGT had 12.91 million viewers and a 3.7 demo. AGT is not down this summer.

Wipeout, on the other hand, was doing 9 million viewers on average last summer, well over a 2.8 demo.

[Pavan]

And what about the season premiere and last Wednesday's airing? That was down but you didn't state that. As tvcrazed said, the repeat at 8pm helped it last night. And why are you comparing Wipeout when it is facing competition (SYTYCD) this year? Wipeout has been steady all year and it's been on over a month. Wait until another month and compare AGT then.

[JulieSomoski]

And what about the season premiere and last Wednesday's airing? That was down but you didn't state that. As tvcrazed said, the repeat at 8pm helped it last night. And why are you comparing Wipeout when it is facing competition (SYTYCD) this year?

The season premiere was down, but it built heavily in the final hour, back up to last season's average. The 2nd episode was right on par with the 2nd episode from last season. And of course, last night's episode was well above the 3rd episode from last season.

Who cares if Wipeout is facing competition? it's facing competition and losing against competition, but you didn't state that. That's just another point in the fact that Wipeout isn't the hit you sometimes make it out to be.

[Pavan]

Wipeout isn't losing to Dance. Go check the numbers for Dance's first hour to Wipeout.

Your reasoning is very shotty, like how you mentioned Roseanne was a hit on TV Land and then said Swingtown was doing better than Flashpoint last summer, LOL.

[JulieSomoski]

Wipeout isn't losing to Dance. Go check the numbers for Dance's first hour to Wipeout.

Your reasoning is very shotty, like how you mentioned Roseanne was a hit on TV Land and then said Swingtown was doing better than Flashpoint last summer, LOL.

Well, I think we can say Wipeout and Dance are pretty even in terms of competitionto each other.

Okay, so Roseanne isn't exactly a hit on TV Land. And, Swingtown wasn't doing better than Flashpoint last summer. It was a hell of a better show, though-lol

[Stuck In The '70's]

A Lot of people don't watch much tv in the summer so I can't get excited or worried about summer ratings. lol

[tvcrazed]

Pavan,

Did u see ABC extended the options RC, This Little Piggy (only 2 cast members) and Solving Charlie. So no Inside The Box, but Solving Charlie. It also looks like they didn't retain Eric Christian Olsen

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i04af04c7447fd0dc165e95293fabee89

[tvcrazed]

Abc is going for Christian Slater for the male lead on "Forgotten". Not sure how I feel about that. I vote for Gabrielle Union for the female lead.

[Pavan]

Interesting that Eric Christian Olsen wasn't retained for Romantically Challenged. If they pick it up I guess they will recast his role. Wonder who they can get for it? Bornheimer really shined in the pilot I heard, and he was excellent on Worst Week.
Maybe they are putting Inside the Box back into the development table and redeveloping it for next pilot season?

[tvcrazed]

In the early household ratings WIPEOUT won the 8pm hour. But Game Show lost more than half the audience. I know it probably won't happen, but I was hoping ABC was waiting to see last night's numbers before they announce some of the changes we spoke about in addition to Defying Gravity's premiere date.

By the way, do you know if there is any chance they might still renew SAMANTHA WHO, or is the door completely closed?

[tvcrazed]

In the finals ISAJGS will tie SUPERSTARS with a 1.3.
A new WIPEOUT can easily dulicate its 8pm numbers, but will probably increase at 9pm. Check this out. AGT had a good night Tuesdays but came back down to earth Wed. It got a 2.9 To WIPEOUT's 2.6 (will probably be a 2.7 in the finals), despite airing an hour later.

At 8 p.m. Fox led with a 2.8 for the first half of “Dance,” followed by ABC with a 2.6 for “Wipeout.” NBC was third with a 1.4 for a repeat of “Talent,” Univision fourth with a 1.3 for “Cuidado con el Angel,” CBS fifth with a 1.2 for repeats of “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Gary Unmarried,” and CW sixth with a 0.3 for an “America’s Next Top Model” rerun.

Fox was first again at 9 p.m. with a 3.1 for the second hour of “Dance,” while NBC moved to second with a 2.9 for a new episode of “Talent.” CBS was third with a 1.8 for a repeat of “Criminal Minds,” Univision fourth with a 1.7 for “Mañana Es para Siempre,” ABC fifth with a 1.4 for “I Survived a Japanese Game Show” and CW sixth with a 0.4 for a repeat of “Hitched or Ditched.”

At 10 p.m. CBS led with a 1.7 for a “CSI: NY” rerun, with NBC second with a 1.5 for “The Philanthropist.” ABC was third with a 1.4 for “Primetime” and Univision fourth with a 1.1 for “Don Francisco Presenta.”

[tvcrazed]

Just announced on GMA:

2 specials Tuesday night:
9PM - Remembering Michael Jackson
10pm - Primetime: Family Secrets: Michael Jackson's children

[JulieSomoski]

Just announced on GMA:

2 specials Tuesday night:
9PM - Remembering Michael Jackson
10pm - Primetime: Family Secrets: Michael Jackson's children

Looks like ABC found a way to preempt Better Off Ted. Good idea-lol

[Brent88]

Just announced on GMA:

2 specials Tuesday night:
9PM - Remembering Michael Jackson
10pm - Primetime: Family Secrets: Michael Jackson's children

Great move, anything is better than Better Off Ted. :rolleyes:

[Pavan]

Better off Ted was scheduled for a repeat anyway.

[Du Mont]

ABC weekend afternoons in July/August:

Saturday, July 4, 2009
4:00-6:00PM ET (2:00-4:00PM PT) ABC Movie "Signs”

Sunday, July 5, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Wipeout” (R)

Saturday, July 11, 2009
5:00PM & 5:30PM ET (3-4PM PT) "Just for Laughs" (R)

Sunday, July 12, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Wipeout” (R)

Saturday, August 8, 2009
4:00-6:00PM ET (2:00-4:00PM PT) ABC Movie “Holes”

Sunday, August 9, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Homeland Security USA”

Saturday, August 15, 2009
4:00-6:00PM ET (2:00-4:00PM PT) ABC Movie “Cat in the Hat”

Sunday, August 16, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Homeland Security USA”

Sunday, August 23, 2009
5:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Homeland Security USA”

Sunday, August 30, 2009
2:00PM ET (3:00PM PT) “Homeland Security USA”
Pavanbadal, I am surprised that ABC is using such expensive theatrical titles on weekend afternoons. And if those episodes of 'Homeland Security USA' are originals, that would be surprising too, because they didn't rate that bad on Tuesdays at 8 pm (season average 3.8HH/6%, 1.71 A18-49, 5,843,000 P2+), and those episodes could still go in on Thursdays at 10 pm to spell 'Private Practice' encores.

Do you think ABC is trying to establish a weekend Easyview programming block a la The WB, UPN and The CW (which gives up its Sunday 5-7 pm Easyview block to affiliates this fall)? If so, they could become the first of the Big Four networks to utilize non-primetime dayparts for primetime programming, and ABC could use weekend afternoons to air encores of its fall programs to try and build audiences, especially critical for the newbies.

[Pavan]

When they don't have sports programming they seem to be airing encores of shows like Wipeout and Just for Laughs over the past few months. Now movies and Homeland Security USA are added. It'll only happen when sports ends early or there are no sports, so it's not going to be a regular thing. I think those HS USA airings are repeats.

[Pavan]

Press release for Jackson coverage:

ABC NEWS COVERAGE OF MICHAEL JACKSON MEMORIAL SERVICE


Charles Gibson to Anchor Live Coverage of Memorial on Tuesday, July 7 Beginning at 1pm ET

News Magazine Specials to Air at 9pm and 10pm ET



ABC News will broadcast live coverage of Michael Jackson’s memorial service on Tuesday, July 7 at the Staples Center beginning at 1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT.

Charles Gibson will anchor “Remembering Michael Jackson” from New York and will be joined by “Nightline” anchor Martin Bashir. “Good Morning America’s” Robin Roberts, “Nightline” anchor Cynthia McFadden and Senior Law and Justice Correspondent Jim Avila will report from the Staples Center. Brian Rooney, Lisa Fletcher, Mike von Fremd and Ryan Owens will also contribute to the special coverage.

At 9:00 p.m. ET, Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters will co-anchor a special edition of “20/20”. Sawyer, from ABC News headquarters in New York, and Walters, from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, will report on the highlights from the memorial service and other news of day.

At 10:00 p.m. ET, “Primetime: Family Secrets” will report on Michael Jackson’s children, the custody battle with Debbie Rowe and feature a rarely seen interview with Rowe from 2003. Diane Sawyer and Elizabeth Vargas will co-anchor the program with Jim Avila reporting from Los Angeles. (Please note: the previously announced topic for “Primetime: Family Secrets” will air next Tuesday, July 14.)

Tuesday morning Robin Roberts will co-anchor a special edition of “Good Morning America” from Los Angeles. Roberts will anchor live coverage for both East and West Coast editions of “GMA” bringing morning viewers interviews with special guests, a preview of the ceremony and memories of Michael Jackson throughout the morning. Roberts will also bring the latest overnight news and developments as preparations continue at the Staples Center.

In-depth reporting will continue on “World News” and at 11:35pm ET Cynthia McFadden will also anchor “Nightline” from the Staples Center with John Donvan contributing.

Cynthia McFadden will also anchor “Nightline” from the Staples Center tonight.

ABC News’ digital channel ABC News NOW will air live coverage of the memorial anchored by Tanya Rivero beginning at 1:00pm ET. ABCNEWS.com will live stream that coverage it its entirety on the home page.

ABC News Radio will provide live coverage of the memorial service beginning at 1:00pm ET on Tuesday. “Remembering Michael Jackson” will be anchored by ABC News Radio correspondent Aaron Katersky who will be joined by ABC News Radio correspondents Alex Stone and Dave Alpert at the Staples Center. ABC News Radio Correspondent Brad Wheelis will also participate in the coverage from Los Angeles. ABC News Radio Entertainment Director Andrea Dresdale and Rolling Stone Contributing Editor Alan Light will offer insight into Jackson’s career, music and legacy. ABC News Radio will provide one-minute Status Reports throughout the day on the events surrounding the Jackson Memorial and will provide a one-hour special “Remembering Michael Jackson” at 7:06pm ET on Tuesday recapping the events from Los Angeles and around the world.

NewsOne, the affiliate news feed service of ABC News, will be providing live reports throughout the day Tuesday from the Staples Center for stations and clients with ABC News correspondents T.J. Winick and Carla Wohl.

[Pavan]

Defying Gravity promos start tonight during both 20/20 at 9pm and Primetime: Family Secrets at 10. "Coming soon" I believe is the date listed.

[tvcrazed]

coming soon is a great timelost, there's very little competition- LOL

[Pavan]

Coming Soon will be the tag on Wednesday for these promos as well, but starting Thursday it will have a date and time listed. So I guess the premiere date and details will be announced tomorrow or Thursday.

[tvcrazed]

I have to say the promos make the show loook really good

[Pavan]

Yes, they do. I just confirmed the show will indeed launch on Sunday, July 26 at 9.

[mtlguy]

Any idea if it will go at 10pm once Shark Tank arrives?

[Pavan]

I would assume that would be the case for Gravity.

As for Homeland Security on Sundays in August, they are repeat episodes. If I were to guess ABC will air new ones in primetime sometime in August, since they are encoring it on Sunday afternoons.

[tvcrazed]

Why is ABC not announcing GRAVITY yet?, especially if debuts in a little over 2 weeks.

I really thought they were gonna make some other changes like WIPEOUT to 9pm, some changes to Tues. It doesn't look like they will now.

I would schedule BETTER OFF TED back to back new eps Thurs, JULY 30th and Thursday August 6th from 8-9pm. I think they would have a better shot there, like SW has, then Tues at 9pm.

[Pavan]

Tonight's promos will have the premiere date for Gravity, as I mentioned. I agree with your Ted suggestion. This would be good:

Tuesdays
8:00PM Superstars/Homeland Security USA
9:00PM Japanese Game Show
10:00PM Primetime: Family Secrets/Outsiders

Wednesdays
8:00PM Wipeout
9:00PM Wipeout
10:00PM Primetime: Crime

Thursdays
8-9PM Better off Ted 7/30 and 8/6

[tvcrazed]

Thanks. I doubt it's gonna happen though. They still have TED/SCRUBS set for Tuesday. This Tues they came within 3 tenths of NBC. It would benefit TED and ABC to make those changes you outlined, I really don't get why they are so reticent to do that.

[Pavan]

Here it is:

The two-hour premiere of “Defying Gravity” will air on Sunday, August 2, 2009 from 9:00-11:00 PM ET/PT.

“Defying Gravity” will then air in its regular 10:00 PM ET/PT (the original Grey's Anatomy slot) slot beginning on Sunday, August 9, 2009 until further notice.

From executive producers James Parriott and Michael Edelstein comes “Defying Gravity,” a sexy, provocative space thriller set in the very near future against the background of our solar system, in which eight astronauts from five countries (four women and four men) undertake a mysterious six-year international space mission covering eight billion miles.

[ryan423]

So "Ted" will air new these next two Tuesdays, and then air the final four new ones, back to back, on Thursday July 30th from 8-9 and August 6th from 8-9pm?

[Pavan]

No, Thursdays was a SUGGESTION we were talking about.

Here is what will lead into Defying Gravity's premiere on Sunday, August 2:
8:00PM TY'S GREAT BRITISH ADVENTURE (special)

[tvcrazed]

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/abc/abc_news_pays_200000_for_jackson_video_121262.asp

Maybe they could move the regualr PRIMETIME to 9p and air this one at 10p

[tvcrazed]

From ABC's news website:

For more on the Joe Jackson exclusive interview tune into a special edition of "Primetime: Family Secrets"-- "The Jackson Family: Life After Michael", Tuesday, July 14, 10PM ET

[Pavan]

That's a good move. I feel sorry for the regularly scheduled Family Secrets story. This would mean the father who had a sex change story would be preempted for two straight weeks, unless ABC airs it at 9pm (I hope!).

Also, a schedule update:

Sunday, July 26, 2009
8:00pm-10:00pm Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2-part repeat)
10:00pm Desperate Housewives (repeat, special time)

[Pavan]

Couple of other programming updates:

“The Superstars” season finale is now scheduled to air on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 (instead of August 4) from 8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT slot. "Better Off Ted" will follow in the 9:30PM ET/PT slot on this date. Programming for August 4 is TBD.

"Grey's Anatomy" repeat will air Thursday, July 30 at 8:00PM ET/PT (Samantha Who will finish its scheduled run after its July 23 airings, as planned) and will still air in its regular 9:00PM ET/PT slot as well (Probably the same will go true for August 6 with two Grey's repeats, not confirmed yet).

[Pavan]

Ted/Scrubs looks like will air this Tues at 9:

JOE JACKSON SAYS HE SUSPECTS FOUL PLAY IN THE DEATH OF HIS SON
IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AIRING ON "THE JACKSONS AFTER MICHAEL"
ON "PRIMETIME: FAMILY SECRETS," TUESDAY, JULY 14 AT 10:00 P.M.

In an exclusive television interview with ABC News' Chris Connelly, Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the Jackson family, says he suspects foul play may have been involved in the death of his son, Michael Jackson. The report will examine Joe Jackson's accusations, from his claims that some of the people surrounding Michael were ripping him off to whether any one individual could be at fault for the death of the King of Pop. Jackson also speaks out about how Michael really felt about his upcoming tour, why the children belong with the Jackson family, and whether he thinks they have potential to follow in their father's footsteps. "Primetime: Family Secrets -- The Jacksons After Michael," airs TUESDAY, JULY 14 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Please note: the previously announced topic for "Primetime: Family Secrets" will air the following Tuesday, July 21.

[tvcrazed]

Any shot ABC looks at the .5, .4. .6. and .7 that their Friday night sitcoms got from 8-10 and finally pull them and put WS and SUPERNANNY reruns back stat? 20/20 got a 1.1 - I am sure their hideous lead ins didn't help.

[tvcrazed]

Not to beat a dead horse but FOX is running SIT DOWN SHUT UP in late night this Fall. ABC could easily air the remaining SS and TGF on Sat and Sun afternoons instead of wasting WIPEOUT's there.

[Pavan]

ABC Saturday Movie of the Week: “Red Eye” is scheduled to air on Saturday, August 1, 2009 from 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT. Starring: Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Brian Cox, Lauren Johnson, Max Kasch, Jayma Mays

[Pavan]

ABC is airing Wipeout until 9:05pm tomorrow (July 15). Japanese Game Show will air 9:05-10pm.

[Pavan]

Crash Course promo is premiering tomorrow during Wipeout, with a date and time!

[tvcrazed]

According to TV Guide GREYS has a 2 hour opener. If this is true, I just don't get it. Why waste another new episode right away, especially when there is less competition at 10pm this year and for the first time they have a legitimate 10pm show. So now there will be an extra week of reruns. I just don't get it, I hope TV Guide is wrong

[JulieSomoski]

According to TV Guide GREYS has a 2 hour opener. If this is true, I just don't get it. Why waste another new episode right away, especially when there is less competition at 10pm this year and for the first time they have a legitimate 10pm show. So now there will be an extra week of reruns. I just don't get it, I hope TV Guide is wrong

I don't think its a bad idea at all. ABC saw how well the 2 hour finale did - the 10pm did over 17 million. They're probably hoping that will happen again in September.

[tvcrazed]

I don't think its a bad idea at all. ABC saw how well the 2 hour finale did - the 10pm did over 17 million. They're probably hoping that will happen again in September.

Will you think it's a bad idea when they are in reruns against new CSI and THE OFFICE. YOu don't need to blow your wad the first week. They'll get tons of viewers for the first hour too. If it's such a good idea why isn't every other net having 2 hour premieres, becuase they know they have to have fresh shows to last until May.

[JulieSomoski]

Will you think it's a bad idea when they are in reruns against new CSI and THE OFFICE. YOu don't need to blow your wad the first week. They'll get tons of viewers for the first hour too. If it's such a good idea why isn't every other net having 2 hour premieres, becuase they know they have to have fresh shows to last until May.

But you also have to keep in mind that Private Practice will probably only have 22 episodes, while Grey's will have somewhere in the 25 episode range. So, if they want to keep these shows somewhat together count-wise they'll have to waste a few Grey's episodes.

Like I said, ABC is probably just trying to recreate the ratings they saw in May. They're probably hoping they'll get extra viewers in the 10pm hour for the show, and those viewers will return the following week, then leading into Private Practice.

[tvcrazed]

But you also have to keep in mind that Private Practice will probably only have 22 episodes, while Grey's will have somewhere in the 25 episode range. So, if they want to keep these shows somewhat together count-wise they'll have to waste a few Grey's episodes.

Like I said, ABC is probably just trying to recreate the ratings they saw in May. They're probably hoping they'll get extra viewers in the 10pm hour for the show, and those viewers will return the following week, then leading into Private Practice.
GREYS does not produce more than 24. Not to be rude but your logic is rather faulty. It is in their interest to have as many original GREYS Thursdays at 9pm all season. They usually do 10 before Christmas . Now that will be only 9 weeks with an extra week for a rerun. If they follow last years schedule of 24 GREYS and 22 PP (who knows they might increase PP, but let's assume they are not), it's very simple they air together every week up to week 22. The last week there is a 2 hour GREYS finale which are hours 23 and 24. There is no conflict and they are together every week. Again if it is such a great idea to have 2 hour openers DH would have one every year, CSI, Criminal Minds, etc would all follow suit. Every one knows it is a long tv season and with cable increasingly competetive you can't afford to go weeks on end with reruns. A 2 hour opener and a 2 hour closer already limits them to just 22 weeks. They already do a 2 hour closer. One can even argue that GREYS season premiere will be much higher rated than week 2 will be (all shows generally are and then dip 2nd week), thus providing a better lead in to PP to resolve their cliffhanger. I thought ABC was delaying PP a week for maybe an encore of FF or their new comedies. That would honestly make more sense to me since they know GA season premiere will be high rated and they can expose their new sddshows to more eyeballs. To use another hour against MENTALIST and LENO seems silly to me, when it could be used better during the season. Eonline didn't refer to it as a 2 hour premiere so maybe TV Guide got it wrong and this is all a moot point. The only other reason I think it might be true is cause they had a table read for both eps 601 and 602 together on Monday

[Pavan]

Dating in the Dark will be moving to Mondays at 9:00PM ET/PT starting Monday, August 3, after airing at 10PM its first two weeks after The Bachelorette on July 20 and July 27. Castle repeats will return to its slot on Monday, August 3 at 10:00PM ET/PT.

Tuesday, August 4 ONLY
8:00PM Scrubs (R)
8:30PM Scrubs (R)
9:00PM Better off Ted (R)
9:30PM Better off Ted (all-new, season-finale)

Thursday, August 6 at 8 will be Grey's Anatomy (R) as expected, like Thursday, July 30 will be.

[ryan423]

Tuesday, August 4 ONLY
8:00PM Scrubs (R)
8:30PM Scrubs (R)
9:00PM Better off Ted (all-new)
9:30PM Better off Ted (all-new)



Why would they have two repeats leading into two all new episodes? LOL...that's not logical. Put Better off Ted on at 8 and 8:30, or place a new show at 8:00 for a good lead in.

So, Better off Ted airs Episode 11 on July 21st, Episode 12 on July 28th, and then they still have 2 episodes for the 4th of August? I thought season one was a thirteen episode order. Either that or there's a repeat on the 28th.

[JulieSomoski]

GREYS does not produce more than 24. Not to be rude but your logic is rather faulty. It is in their interest to have as many original GREYS Thursdays at 9pm all season. They usually do 10 before Christmas . Now that will be only 9 weeks with an extra week for a rerun. If they follow last years schedule of 24 GREYS and 22 PP (who knows they might increase PP, but let's assume they are not), it's very simple they air together every week up to week 22. The last week there is a 2 hour GREYS finale which are hours 23 and 24. There is no conflict and they are together every week. Again if it is such a great idea to have 2 hour openers DH would have one every year, CSI, Criminal Minds, etc would all follow suit. Every one knows it is a long tv season and with cable increasingly competetive you can't afford to go weeks on end with reruns. A 2 hour opener and a 2 hour closer already limits them to just 22 weeks. They already do a 2 hour closer. One can even argue that GREYS season premiere will be much higher rated than week 2 will be (all shows generally are and then dip 2nd week), thus providing a better lead in to PP to resolve their cliffhanger. I thought ABC was delaying PP a week for maybe an encore of FF or their new comedies. That would honestly make more sense to me since they know GA season premiere will be high rated and they can expose their new sddshows to more eyeballs. To use another hour against MENTALIST and LENO seems silly to me, when it could be used better during the season. Eonline didn't refer to it as a 2 hour premiere so maybe TV Guide got it wrong and this is all a moot point. The only other reason I think it might be true is cause they had a table read for both eps 601 and 602 together on Monday

Season 2 had 27 episodes. Season 3 had 25 episodes. Your point that GA never has more than 24 is therefore wrong . . . and my logic is faulty? And honestly, who really cares? Seems to me like you're always trying to pick a fight. So GA is having a 2 hour premiere, who really cares?

I actually think its very smart to have a 2 hour Grey's. It will be premiering against The Mentalist, which would easily get more viewers than Private Practice. Airing GA opening week instead will get viewers to continue watching ABC instead of switching over to CBS.

[Pavan]

ryan, Scrubs would do better in the ratings, even in repeats. I made an error. New Ted is at 9:30 only on 8/4.

[ekkostar]

Won't be surprised if ABC drops Goode Family and FOX picks it up. Feels like The Critic in 95 all over again.

[tvcrazed]

Season 2 had 27 episodes. Season 3 had 25 episodes. Your point that GA never has more than 24 is therefore wrong . . . and my logic is faulty? And honestly, who really cares? Seems to me like you're always trying to pick a fight. So GA is having a 2 hour premiere, who really cares?

I actually think its very smart to have a 2 hour Grey's. It will be premiering against The Mentalist, which would easily get more viewers than Private Practice. Airing GA opening week instead will get viewers to continue watching ABC instead of switching over to CBS.
I sincerly apologize if I offended you in any way. No tyring to pick a fight at all. It seems like you and others are allowed to make scheduling criticisms without anynone knocking you for it. Whenver I do, it seems like I get criticized for it. It makes me not want to post here. But I do sincerly apologize if I seemed harsh. I don't want to arugue at all.

GREYS season 2 had 4 leftover from S1. They only produced 23 that year. S3 had 25 because one was the poilt for PP.

[Pavan]

I agree, tvcrazed you're correct. If they are planning on doing 25+ episodes this season, then fine they can air the first 2 on the opening Thursday. Or if they want to make the first one two hours and label it as "601" that is fine, too. Yes, I'd much rather have Grey's for 2-hours, but it might not be good in the long run of the season.

And excellent points on the season 2 and 3 episode order. You are right on the money.

[tvcrazed]

Thanks Pavan. I appreciate that. Again Julie, didn't mean to offend you at all when I said your logic is faulty. Sorry if I did. I probably should have worded my thoughts better.

[ryan423]

So Scrubs will repeat episodes from 8-9:30?

[Pavan]

No, Ted repeat is at 9.

“The Goode Family” season finale is scheduled to air on Friday, August 7, 2009 at a special time at 9:30 PM ET/PT.
“The Goode Family” is also scheduled to air in its regular 8:30 PM ET/PT slot on this date as well.

The ABC Saturday Movie of the Week - “Finding Nemo” is scheduled to air on Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT.

[Pavan]

Anyone saw the Crash Course promo last night during Wipeout? I missed it. What was the date and time for the premiere?

[Brent88]

Anyone saw the Crash Course promo last night during Wipeout? I missed it. What was the date and time for the premiere?

I must have missed it. I recorded it though so I could go back and look for it.

[tvcrazed]

I don't think the promo aired.

[Pavan]

Hmm, this was the order of promos in case anyone has it on DVR/tape:

WIPEOUT 8PM
:30 ABC NEWS SPECIAL (THURS)
:30 DEFYING GRAVITY (SUNDAY, AUG. 2)
:30 WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? (SUNDAY, AUG. 9)
:05 I SURVIVED A JAPANESE GAME SHOW (NEXT)
1:00 I SURVIVED A JAPANESE GAME SHOW SNEAK PEEK (NEXT)
:30 CRASH COURSE ()
:15 MODERN FAMILY (FALL)
:15 MODERN FAMILY (FALL)
:30 SHARK TANK (SUNDAY, AUG. 9)
:15 MODERN FAMILY (FALL)
:30 BACHELORETTE SPECIAL/DATING IN THE DARK PREMIERE (MON)
1:00 I SURVIVED A JAPANESE GAME SHOW SNEAK PEEK (NEXT)

[tvcrazed]

I saw all those promos and don't recall seeing CRASH COURSE. After seeing how much inventory they gave to ISAJGS last night and it got the same score, I think they don't need to promote it as much and can use the promo space to better use. I am assumimng they pulled the CC promo, because they haven't announced the date yet.

Also the promos for Monday night are not very effective in my opinion and ABC usually does amazing promos. Instead of having any of the controversial Bachelors speaking, they just have one of the early rejects who I don't even recognize take his shirt off and Jillian saying my father's watching. I would either have footage of Dave, Jake or Juan saying something. From ABC's press release it sounds like it gets crazy, but the promo doesn't illustrate any of that. Maybe a longer version that starts airing tonight will. They are usually great with that stuff.

[catsrule]

Hmm, this was the order of promos in case anyone has it on DVR/tape:

WIPEOUT 8PM
:15 MODERN FAMILY (FALL)
:15 MODERN FAMILY (FALL)
:15 MODERN FAMILY (FALL)grr, three promos for Modern Family and none for Hank. :rolleyes:

[tvcrazed]

I believe HANK is being reworked (and possibly (party) reshot) so I am assuming ABC won't promote that until they have new footage - early/mid August I guess. MODERN FAMILY is the anchor to that entire new comedy night, plus it's the most talked about new sitcom. It should and probably will get the bulk of the comedy advertising. COUGAR TOWN is already being promoted as well. I guess THE MIDDLE is next.

[Brent88]

The Modern Family promos were hilarious last night... I think it's pretty much the anchor of the entire comedy night.

[JulieSomoski]

I believe HANK is being reworked (and possibly (party) reshot) so I am assuming ABC won't promote that until they have new footage - early/mid August I guess. MODERN FAMILY is the anchor to that entire new comedy night, plus it's the most talked about new sitcom. It should and probably will get the bulk of the comedy advertising. COUGAR TOWN is already being promoted as well. I guess THE MIDDLE is next.

Hank is clearly the least favorite of the bunch. It's pretty obvious, considering Mr. McPherson scheduled it against Old Christine, his FAVORITE sitcom ;) But, I do think ABC should promote all 4 comedies equally, or at least promote the 8pm comedies a bit more.

[ryan423]

Is Better off Ted preempted for Obama next week? Saw this tweet on Twitter:

robertgp421: President Obama is going to pre-empty Better off Ted again next week. V. unhappy!
about 24 hours ago from Twitterrific

[Brent88]

Is Better off Ted preempted for Obama next week? Saw this tweet on Twitter:

No, Obama is speaking Wednesday, not Tuesday.

http://twitter.com/whitehouse/status/2694756439

[JulieSomoski]

Are all the networks carrying Obama's speech? I can understand ABC preempting Japanese Gameshow, but why would NBC want to preempt AGT? Same goes for FOX and Dance. I'm so sick of these Obama speeches. They're all the exact same thing, with the sentences switched :D

[Brent88]

Are all the networks carrying Obama's speech? I can understand ABC preempting Japanese Gameshow, but why would NBC want to preempt AGT? Same goes for FOX and Dance. I'm so sick of these Obama speeches. They're all the exact same thing, with the sentences switched :D

No one has confirmed it yet, but NBC could easily move AGT to 10pm since The Philanthropist has been a miserable failure. I doubt FOX airs it(they didn't air the one in April, and I don't see how they could with Dance live for 2 hours). ABC and CBS I'm sure will cover it though(CBS is a Criminal Minds repeat).

I agree, I'm sick of these speeches, but at least it's summer this time. A lot less stuff on.

[tvcrazed]

No one has confirmed it yet, but NBC could easily move AGT to 10pm since The Philanthropist has been a miserable failure. I doubt FOX airs it(they didn't air the one in April, and I don't see how they could with Dance live for 2 hours). ABC and CBS I'm sure will cover it though(CBS is a Criminal Minds repeat).

I agree, I'm sick of these speeches, but at least it's summer this time. A lot less stuff on.
ABC can air ISAJGS this week Tues at 9p and on August 4th instead of one new BOT and one rerun they can both be new.

[JulieSomoski]

No one has confirmed it yet, but NBC could easily move AGT to 10pm since The Philanthropist has been a miserable failure. I doubt FOX airs it(they didn't air the one in April, and I don't see how they could with Dance live for 2 hours). ABC and CBS I'm sure will cover it though(CBS is a Criminal Minds repeat).

I agree, I'm sick of these speeches, but at least it's summer this time. A lot less stuff on.

AGT would probably do better at 10pm, too. And I'm sure NBC cares less about The Philanthropist at this point.

And tvcrazed, that's also a good idea, if ABC wanted to carry the speech.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I think it would be better at 9:00 pm CT Time

[Pavan]

Tuesdays Effective Tuesday, August 18, 2009
9:00PM "Shaq Vs."

Shaq Vs. is an ABC reality series that pits NBA star Shaquille O'Neal against top athletes in their own sports.
Filming begins Wednesday in Pittsburgh, where Shaq takes on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in football. Future hour-long episodes will pit him against Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, tennis pro Serena Williams and beach volleyball Olympians Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh.
O'Neal also hopes to book pal Lance Armstrong for a cycling competition once the Tour de France ends.

The series will premiere after Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? on Aug. 18 before airing after Shark Tank the next few weeks.

[tvcrazed]

Maybe I am wrong but I could see ISAJGS 2 hour finale Tues Aug 11th 9-11p. This way WIPEOUT airs after Millionaire

[JulieSomoski]

Tuesdays Effective Tuesday, August 18, 2009
9:00PM "Shaq Vs."

Shaq Vs. is an ABC reality series that pits NBA star Shaquille O'Neal against top athletes in their own sports.
Filming begins Wednesday in Pittsburgh, where Shaq takes on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in football. Future hour-long episodes will pit him against Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, tennis pro Serena Williams and beach volleyball Olympians Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh.
O'Neal also hopes to book pal Lance Armstrong for a cycling competition once the Tour de France ends.

The series will premiere after Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? on Aug. 18 before airing after Shark Tank the next few weeks.

What is with Shaq in all these reality shows? I really don't get the point of needing a series like this, lol.

[Pavan]

It's his second show ever and the first one was summer 2007, not sure what you mean with "all these reality shows." ABC is giving original programming all summer long and the show seems it will have broad appeal.

I'm hearing Crash Course will air Wednesdays at 9 starting Aug. 12 (or 19) after Millionaire, then eventually Wipeout. Not confirmed yet.

[JulieSomoski]

It's his second show ever and the first one was summer 2007, not sure what you mean with "all these reality shows." ABC is giving original programming all summer long and the show seems it will have broad appeal.

I'm hearing Crash Course will air Wednesdays at 9 starting Aug. 12 (or 19) after Millionaire, then eventually Wipeout. Not confirmed yet.

I applaud ABC for sticking with original programming, but all these reality shows are going overboard. IMO, people are getting sick of seeing nothing but reality shows in the summer, partly why ratings for Wipeout and Japanese Gameshow are down from last summer, and why shows like The Superstars didn't hit.

But, Shaq's Big Give didn't exactly work 2 summers ago, so why make another last minute one? I don't see the reason for it.

[Pavan]

Shaq's Big Give was feel-good reality. This show is a sports competition series. Totally different. It is more game than reality. The only true "reality" series I see on ABC are Bachelorette, Newlyweds, and Dating in the Dark...and even those have some sort of competing. Everything else is game/sports or competition.

And I guess you forgot everything is down across the networks. Big Brother, So You Think You Can Dance, and America's Got Talent. Wipeout's ratings are still in the top 5 for summer. Nothing new has hit this summer yet anywhere. Superstars was scheduled poorly or it would have worked I think after Wipeout. It is a good fun show. Japanese Game Show is facing Talent AND Dance, when last year it didn't face Talent. It's a pretty weird show, though.

[JulieSomoski]

Shaq's Big Give was feel-good reality. This show is a sports competition series. Totally different. It is more game than reality. The only true "reality" series I see on ABC are Bachelorette, Newlyweds, and Dating in the Dark. Everything else is game/sports or competition.

And I guess you forgot everything is down across the networks. Big Brother, So You Think You Can Dance, and America's Got Talent. Wipeout's ratings are still in the top 5 for summer. Nothing new has hit this summer yet anywhere. Superstars was scheduled poorly or it would have worked I think after Wipeout. It is a good fun show. Japanese Game Show is facing Talent AND Dance, when last year it didn't face Talent. It's a pretty weird show, though.

I still enjoy Wipeout, and Big Brother and Talent are also summer favorites of mine. But, all the unscripted summer programming can be a bit mindboggling. Seems like with all the networks competing with unscripted programming, it all cancels each other out, resulting in lower ratings across the board. Of course, shows like Talent, Wipeout, and The Bachelorette are all still doing well, but its the others like this that seem to just be 1 more unnecessary show.