ROB LOWE FOR PRESIDENT (err...) EMMY!

          So, I think I speak for everyone when I say “OK, just give Rob Lowe the supporting actor Emmy now and save Jeremy Piven the tux rental”. I honestly thought at the end of Season 2 that Lowe's character Chris was going to REALLY grate on the audience after just a few short weeks. Lowe and behold (had to.) HE'S FANTASTIC.

          This role was made for Lowe, its unbelievable. After watching him play Senator Robert McCallistar on Brothers and Sisters for the last four years, his acting ability was never in question. But who knew? WHO knew that this man, known for a myriad of dramatic roles in Film and TV, had impeccable comedic timing? Every scene the man's in is a delight. The fact that Parks and Rec is incredibly well written doesn't hurt, and of course, throw Amy Poehler and Aziz Ansari into the mix and you've got comedy gold! If you haven't given Parks and Rec a chance yet, all I have to say is.....WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??

"Fringe" RENEWED FOR SEASON 4!

          The TV gods have smiled upon us, and renewed the beloved but low-rated Fringe. As a self-professed sitcom junkie, I was surprised when I became hooked on this sci-fi drama last summer. A friend pestered me for a few months to watch this show, and I resisted as long as I could. I finally accepted her offer to borrow the first season on DVD, and what a surprise! It was fantastic! The production value alone was enough to keep me watching, but that coupled with the sharp writing and spot-on acting by the entire ensemble (shout out to the criminally-ignored-by-the-Emmys John Noble) made me an official fan. Of course, as someone who reads daily Nielsen ratings religiously, I knew in the back of my mind that the show I was getting heavily addicted to was not exactly a lock for a long life. It had performed OK in its second season in a tough Thursday timeslot, but it wasn't setting the ratings world on fire in Season 3. 

         Then, FOX made what seemed like a damning announcement: The show would be moved to Fridays. Now, having been about halfway through the second season DVDs (thanks Netflix!) at the time of this announcement, I had yet to see a single episode of the much-lauded third season. Even so, I was concerned, but cautiously optimistic. I knew FOX was basically DOA on Fridays for the last, well decade, so if Fringe could deliver decent ratings (on a Friday, thats around a 1.5 in Adults 18-49) then it would have a shot of seeing a fourth season. It has since settled into about a 1.5 average (Live), and was mercifully renewed by FOX for a full 22-episode fourth season! Will there be a season five? Who knows, I'm just happy that the show will have the time to wrap up the various story lines, if need be, since a show like Fringe is all about full-circle storytelling. Bonus, I don't have to worry about losing a favorite show! Until next year Spring, that is...

What will replace 'Men' in CBS Monday Schedule?: Part V

And finally,

1. Two And A Half Men returns and keeps its slot: Most believe that there is no show without Sheen. With all the studio has put into this franchise, theres almost no possibility they won't try to continue the show. Even if they change the show somewhat drastically, by retaining the name, they can continue to sell it into syndication. So, even if ratings drop and the show is eventually cancelled, the studio wouldn't lose money. Not to mention, the ratings will most definitely rise early next season, as viewers tune in to see what changes the show has made. Will they stick around? Will Sheen realize he was being a jackass, apologize, and return? Who knows, but even with all of the drama surrounding Sheengate, its still most likely Men will resume, in some form or another.


Chances of happening: 85%

What will replace 'Men' in CBS Monday Schedule?: Part IV

Maybe:

2. Move Mike & Molly to the anchor slot: Though only halfway thorough its freshman season, the latest sitcom from hitmaker Lorre has performed very well behind Men, and in recent weeks performed well out of a repeat of Men as well. Though not exactly proven, the audience seems pretty committed to this show, and CBS has no reason to believe they wouldn't follow it to the 9PM slot. And as was the case with Men, Bang, and even Mother, the audience could very well grow with a slot-shift and sophomore season.

Chances of happening: 60%

What will replace 'Men' in CBS Monday Schedule?: Part III

Or:

3. Move How I Met Your Mother to the anchor slot: If someone had suggested this move just two seasons ago, many an eyebrow would've been raised. Mother debuted in 2005 to decent ratings behind long-running hit The King of Queens and has remained a staple on the Monday night schedule ever since. However, after three seasons of declines, the show rode the bubble, and often waited until May for an eleventh hour renewal. Since Season Four though, the show has done what almost no veteran series do: increased its ratings. Last fall, as the show entered syndication, the ratings continued to look good, often rating second for the night behind only CBS' own Men. Still though, the series seemed less than likely to become the night's new anchor. Then, CBS made the unprecedented move to renew the series for two additional years, keeping it around until at least May 2013. The early renewal, combined with the multi-year deal that was struck for the production and cast, makes one think CBS may be pondering a move for the show. Still, ranking number one in its time-slot against FOX vet House is something the CBS may not be willing to lose, so its still likely Mother will stay put.

Chances of happening?: 40%

What will replace 'Men' in CBS Monday Schedule? Part II

Next:

4. Move The Big Bang Theory back to Mondays: This may seem like a no brainer: When Bang aired after Men last season it often out-rated the vet in the demos, and even sometimes in total viewers, finishing last season as the number one comedy in Adults 18-49. When CBS made the bold decision to create a new comedy block on it's ailing Thursday night, the expectations were relatively low that The Big Bang Theory would make much of an impact. However, the series has consistently ranked as the most-watched entertainment show of the night week in and week out, even with ratings declines attributed to the move. With long-running hit CSI fading fast, having a hit on Thursdays is important, so for CBS to reclaim Bang for Monday's isn't very likely.

Chances of happening?: 25%

What will replace 'Men' in CBS Monday Schedule? Part I

This is part one of a five-part series, where I go through the possible replacements for CBS' Two And A Half Men next season. In the increasingly likely event that Men has already aired is series finale, the biggest question, at least from a programming stand point, is what will assume the 9PM slot that Men has occupied for the last six years? CBS is in a position that many nets would kill for. They have options:

Here's a list, in order from least to most likely, of the moves CBS could make:

5. Debut a new comedy in this slot next season: While this may seem like a possibility because when most networks cancel a show, something new premieres in that slot, this is extrememly unlikely. As the anchor slot of the Eye's very successful Monday schedule, its doubtful they'd be willing to give it to a show that has yet to prove itself.


Chances of happening?: >1%

Good Luck, Charlie

          When Everybody Loves Raymond left the airwaves in May 2005, CBS had little trouble deciding what show would fill the 9PM slot. Then sophomore laffer Two And A Half Men, starring comeback kid Charlie Sheen, was doing very well in the ratings, holding most if not all of Raymond's lead-in audience most weeks, so the network was hopeful that it would continue to perform on its own. And that it did. Seasons three through eight have each ranked the show as the most-watched comedy on television, and the lead-out slot has helped launched such hits as The New Adventures of Old Christine and The Big Bang Theory. This year, CBS decided to stick another Chuck Lorre-produced comedy behind Men, Mike & Molly, and the comedy has blossomed into the highest-rated new comedy of the season, as well as the fifth highest-rated comedy of the season in Adults 18-49.

          In a very rare move, CBS secured three additional seasons of Men in 2009, ensuring the series would continue at least until the 2012 season. Considering the ratings were there, and Men was also proving a giant cash-cow in syndication, there was no reason to think that the show wouldn't last until at least a ninth season. The only wild card remained star Charlie Sheen, and his contract, which expired at the conclusion of season seven. A new deal was put into place in May 2010, but the the increasingly troubled Sheen was quickly becoming a liability to the studio. If he were to quit, overdose, or require an extended stay at a rehabilitation center, production would be interrupted, and the show would be put in jeopardy. Sheen was integral to the appeal of the show, and producers were hoping that he would get his life together, and at least be able to perform his duties on the show. But, as seen this March, Sheen is far worse off than anyone could have seen, and he was subsequently terminated from Men on March 7^th. 

          Fingers crossed, the show will return next season, either with a new addition to the cast, or with the remaining cast members, and co-star Jon Cryer, the only cast member to receive an Emmy for his portrayal as Alan Harper, transitioning to the starring role. Whether the show can remain at the top of the ratings is a unknown, but for all of these people to lose their jobs because of the ignorance and ego of the star would be a real shame.

'American Idol' Dominates Slow Wednesday

          American Idol dominated the night, beating the combined network competition by 36% in Adults 18-49 for the night averaging an 8.0 over its two-hour telecast. For those Idol haters out there, the show continues to hold remarkably well compared to last season, being down just 8% year-to-year in the demos, and actually up a bit in total viewers (24.2 million v 23.5 million).

          CBS was up next, with its mostly new lineup of Survivor: Redemption Island (10.94m, 3.2), a repeat of Criminal Minds (8.22m, 1.8) and freshman spin-off Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (9.06m, 2.2). Survivor, while down from previous cycles, is holding up very well against Idol, especially considering in its 22^nd season, this is the first time the skein has faced off against the FOX juggernaut. With the original in repeat mode, Suspect Behavior didn't fare horribly, although the ratings at this level are solidly in the danger zone.

          ABC served up two repeats of The Middle (5m, 1.4), a rerun of Modern Family (6.16m, 2.3), a quickly dimming Mr. Sunshine (4.8m, 1.8), and closed out the night with a fresh Off The Map (4.3m, 1.4). While fans of Mr. Sunshine will point out that the weaker lead in would obviously hurt the ratings, that 1.8 can't be explained away when a Family repeat came in at a 2.3. As far as Off The Map is concerned, the quickly-cancelled The Whole Truth was pulling a 1.5 most weeks last Fall in this slot, so draw your own conclusions there.

          On NBC, a new Minute to Win It (3.5m, 1.0) lead into a double dose of Law & Order: SVU, the second of which beat ABC's Map in viewers and tied in the demos with 5.4m and 1.5 respectively.

          The CW closed out the night with a new America's Next Top Model (2.33m, 1.1) followed by Shedding for the Wedding (1.05m, 0.5). ANTM continues to perform well (by CW standards) while Shedding will be lucky to still be on the air for the wedding.

Is The CW is danger of cancellation?

          The CW, which rose from the ashes of The WB and UPN five years ago, continues to struggle in the ratings. When micro networks The WB and UPN were still in business, their audiences were small, usually averaging 3-4 million viewers per week, but the fans were passionate, and they were able to at least make profits off of DVD sales, syndication, and other venues. By 2005 however, it became clear that neither network would ever blossom into a full-fledged network, or at least not to the caliber that FOX did in the mid 1990’s. 

          Network executives at Warner Brothers (owners of The WB) and CBS (owners of UPN) decided that while they wouldn’t be able to compete with the Big Four, they were most definitely competing with each other. Each networks tiny audience was being cannibalized by the other network, since they both mainly focused on alternative programming that appealed to young women (see: America’s Next Top Model, Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer,  the list goes on and on). 

          So, in their infinite wisdom, they decided to stop competing and merge. Now, this was a big deal at the time, as it’s not common for two networks to merge, especially two on broadcast television. However, they assumed that by not competing with each other The WB’s 4 million viewers could join UPN’s 4 million and make up the 8 million that could watch the HORRIBLY name The CW. In a way, this makes at least some sense, although most insiders didn’t believe that all 8 million would follow their shows to the new network, but if The CW could at least exceed the 4 million each was getting and average, say, 5-6 million, than the venture would be a smashing success.

            Cut to the present, March 2011, where last week The CW averaged less than 2 million total viewers. It would be easy to say that people simply didn’t know that The CW had been formed; the public didn’t know where their favorite shows were now playing, and so on. However, five years down the line, people know about The CW. The public is also aware that half of their shows are based on "tween" book series, and the other half are past their ratings prime (holdovers from the merger America’s Next Top Model, One Tree Hill, Smallville, and Supernatural). It’s also interesting to note that, with the rating they’re currently getting, not one show airing on The CW would have been renewed by either The WB or UPN in 2005. 

          Though the network has always said “once DVD sales, merchandise, and other factors are added in, the network makes up the deficit caused by lower ratings”, one has to wonder how many people are really buying anything that has to do with these shows. Last week, less than 1.5 million people watched Gossip Girl. If 1.5 million people watched it, and you figure conservatively that 20% of the audience would buy the fourth season when it’s released on DVD at $40 apiece, that’s only a few million dollars. Take out manufacturing costs, marketing, actual production on the show, is this show really making money for The CW? I guess the real question is this: Though there is no way that the network is turning a profit, are DVD sales, international licensing, etc, really enough to keep a broadcast network who’s young female audience is actually a fraction of some cable networks on the air? Only time will tell.

Monday Night Ratings: "The (non) Event" Plummets

          This week's hyped House outing on FOX averaged a night-leading 3.8 and 11 million viewers overall, achieving its best numbers in weeks, and helping FOX win the night in demos and viewers. At 9, Lead out Chicago Code was steady at a not-so-good 2.1, still seriously flirting with cancellation at this point.

         Over on ABC, The Bachelor averaged a 3.1 over its 2-hour run, down about 10% from last week, proving once again, women will tune in to see other women make fools out of themselves. Castle followed with a 1.4, which wasn't bad for a repeat of the series.

         Finishing a very competitive third for the night, CBS began with a repeat of How I Met Your Mother, which led into a new Mad Love, which hit a series low 2.4, but considering it only fell 11% following a repeat of the usually potent Mother, the results can't be too disappointing for the Eye. Repeats of Two and Half Men and Mike & Molly made up the 9 o'clock hour, averaging a 2.8 and 2.6 respectively. A Hawaii Five-0 repeat closed out the night with 2.0.

         NBC remained stuck in fourth, despite the return of The Event (1.4, 5m) which plummeted some 26% from its last fresh outing in November. Fellow freshman Harry's Law was stable with a 1.8, but hit a five-week high in total viewers with 9.4 million tuning in. NBC can't be happy with those numbers, and this may just be the final nail in the coffin that is The Event.

Sunday Night TV Ratings

          It was business as usual at 7pm, with ABC taking the demo with America's Funniest Home Videos (1.8 in Adults 18-49), while CBS's venerable 60 Minutes (12.25 million) took the hour in viewers. NBC went with a new Dateline (5.31m, 1.4), while FOX settled for fourth with animation repeats.

          The 8pm hour proved more interesting, with two new series premiering. With a timeslot-leading 3.3, ABC's new Secret Millionaire also led the night in viewers (12.61m). As far as the other new entry, NBC's America's Next Great Restaurant didn't fare as well, drawing a weak 1.6 and just 4.57m total viewers. FOX's The Simpsons, still potent in its umpteenth season, was steady with a 2.8, though freshman Bob's Burgers lagged with a 2.3. Meanwhile, CBS went with a new The Amazing Race, which was up a healthy 29% from last week's telecast when it aired against the Oscars to a 2.7.

          At 9pm, Desperate Housewives, with a Sunday-leading 3.4, was up 10% from its last original. FOX tied for second, with its animation duo Family Guy and The Cleveland Show, both down to a 3.1 and 2.3 respectively. CBS's Undercover Boss was up slightly to a 2.7, while the first hour of the Celebrity Apprentice premiere averaged a 2.5, which was relatively low for the franchise, especially for a premiere. (Note that, with the increase to a 3.0 in the 10pm hour, the average 2.7 for the night was almost 100% better than the premiere of The Apprentice original flavor last fall).

          Apprentice led the hour in the demos, while CSI: Miami's 10.65m easily bested NBC, as well as ABC's dwindling Brothers and Sisters, which, while up 16% from its last original, could only manage a third-place-worthy 2.2.

          Overall, CBS led the night in viewers with an average 10.9m, while ABC's 2.7 led in the demos.

REVIEW: Modern Family (ABC)

“Two Monkey's and a Panda” (Original Airdate: March 2, 2011)

          This week, in the world of the Pritchetts, is pretty much what we've come to expect from Modern Family: a basic problem + a misunderstanding + Gloria (Sofia Vergara) mispronouncing something = HILARITY. Now, don't misunderstand me. This formula is gold. Family has become one of the most consistent and hilarious shows on the air, and almost right from the pilot a year and half ago it has stayed true to this formula. While simple, the sharp writing, combined with the brilliant ensemble make this show a delight to watch each week.

          So, we begin this week with Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell) trying to convince a stressed-out Claire (Julie Bowen) to go take a trip to a day spa. Sweet, no? Well, the real reason behind this push for a “me day” is because the couple won a spa day at a charity auction, and the girt certificate is set to expire the following day. Being the, err, thrifty man that he is, Phil doesn't want the certificate to go to waste, or as he puts it “if you don't use [it] then all of our money goes to charity!” Unbeknownst to Claire, Phil decides to take the certificate and treat himself to a day at the spa, while she feverishly runs around the city looking for a sweater for Haley (Sarah Hyland) to replace the one that litter sister Alex (Ariel Winter) ripped while leaving for her cello lesson. With the help of the women he meets at the spa, Phil is finally starting to realize that the way he deals with Claire is counterproductive, and that instead of criticizing, he should be supportive. When he finally puts this new realization to the test, the look that can only be described as shock mixed with relief on Claire's face is priceless.
          Meanwhile, Cam (Eric Stonestreet) is trying to condition baby Lily to recognize “adoption” as a positive concept, so when she comes to the realization that her two fathers aren't Vietnamese (or, you know, able to produce children) she won't be encumbered with sadness over the fact. So, thanks to an idea inspired by an episode of Oprah, Cam begins to use the word clap positively while saying the word, and tries to get Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) to follow suit. Cam then decides to take some of Lily's adoption papers and other mementos and write a children's book for her, and while doing so discovers that Lily's name is officially “Lily Tucker Pritchett”, meaning that Cam's last name is legally her middle name. Cam, admittedly a little dramatic, jumps to the conclusion that Mitchell purposely made a mistake on the adoption forms, which later turns out to be the truth. A series of flashbacks reveals that Cam was very nervous about adoption, and Mitchell made the decision to give Lily his last name only, for fear that Cam would change his mind about wanting a child. Cam is unable to forgive Mitchell, until a reading of the first draft of “Two Monkey's and a Panda” illicits a clap from baby Lily upon hearing the word adoption. 
          In the eldest Pritchett's household, death seems to be the topic of discussion. After attending a funeral, Jay (Ed O'Neill) has decided that he wants to make arrangements for he and Gloria, so that the rest of the family won't be inundated with the duties. So, they take a trip to look at “two primo cemetery plots”. Of course, Jay failed to mention they were actually in a crypt, and not in an actual grave. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal, but Gloria is convinced that “God can not find [them] in these drawers!” Jay soon realizes that the chances of the two being buried together are slim, as Gloria is likely to remarry after his death. It takes a talk with the wise-beyond-his-years Manny (Rico Rodriguez) to make him see that he can't be so easily replaced. He makes the choice to be cremated, and leave his ashes with Gloria, so they'll never be apart, and also to drive any new man is her life crazy, but let's focus on the good intentions.
          Overall solid episode, however the omission of the Dunphy's youngest Luke (Nolan Gould) was actually rather pronounced, as he provides much of the show's broader comic relief. Obviously though, laughs were still abundant even in one of the season's weaker episodes.

TONIGHT'S TV SCHEDULE: Tuesday, March 1

8PM – Glee (FOX) – After weathering a sophomore slump, Glee seems to have returned to form since the over-the-top Superbowl outing. While still not up to the quality of the terrific first half of Season 1, the sheer fact that the music is finally taking a backseat to plot is a clearcut sign that the writers have heard the recent criticism, and are actually listening to what the critics and fans have been saying. If the last two weeks are any indication, tonight's episode should be another above par outing for the series, as long as they can keep the increasingly grating Sue under control (love Jane Lynch, love the character, but would there really be no repercussions for a teacher that repeatedly throws students into lockers?).

9PM – Raising Hope (FOX) – Arguably the best live-action sitcom to come out of FOX in about a decade (since the late, great Malcolm in the Middle debuted in 2000) this freshman hit comes from the creator of another fantastic series, My Name is Earl, Greg Garcia. First things first, no one does white trash like Garcia, who can take a group of people one might normally avoid, and make them seem like people you'd wanna have a drink with. Son and new father Jimmy is trying to raise his daughter, born from an ill-fated “date” with a serial killer, with the help of mother Virginia (perpetual scene-stealer Martha Plimpton) and father Burt (Garret Dillahunt). Namesake Hope, an adorable baby girl, is just along for the ride as the adults finally start to grow up themselves. Not enough to convince you to tune in? I have two words: Cloris Leachman.

9:30PM – TiVo Catch Up!