Tag Archives: NBC

Chevy Chase exits ‘Community’

News, Television, , , ,

On Wednesday news broke that Pierce Hawthorne dropped out of Greendale Community College for good. Chevy Chase, who plays the bumbling, bigoted former CEO of a Moist Towelette company, will no longer take part in the NBC sitcom Community effective immediately. The actor and the show “are parting ways by mutual agreement,” according to Deadline. The site also reports that as of Wednesday only one or two episodes of the thirteen that comprise the long-delayed season 4 have yet to be filmed so Chase’s character will in fact appear in most of the upcoming episodes. Additionally, episodes were shot out of order; though Chase won’t appear in some episodes leading up to the season finale, he will (likely) be present in the May capper which has already been shot and wrapped.

If you’ve been following the tumultuous news coming out of Community even before series creator Dan Harmon was ousted this news shouldn’t really come as a total surprise. Prior to Harmon’s exit, there was a very public beef between the showrunner and Chevy Chase involving a nasty voicemail left by Chase. With Harmon out of the picture, just last month Chase went on a tirade in the middle of production vocally sharing his displeasure of the way his character was being portrayed; the N-word was tossed around on a set that includes two African American stars. In between there have been numerous reports of Chase storming off the set, and he has made it known that he’s not a fan of the TV sitcom in general. All in all, Chase’s exit was inevitable.

With the series creator and one of the show’s main stars out of the picture, can Community survive past a fourth season. We’ll see how it performs when it finally returns to NBC’s schedule February 7 at 8PM. Harmon had fun with Pierce Hawthorne and he made a formidable antagonist last season, but perhaps the character has run its course and the show will be better off without a hot-headed presence around. With a strong ensemble cast led by Joel McHale, the prospect of six seasons and a movie still lies ahead methinks.

ABC grants full season order to ‘Nashville’, cancels ‘Last Resort’ & ‘666 Park Avenue’; NBC picks up ‘Chicago Fire’; CBS cancels ‘Partners’; and other order updates

News, Television, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As we start to approach midseason, broadcast networks take a close look at the ratings and decide whether or not to keep the new shows they introduced earlier this fall. In addition to reporting the latest pickups and cancellations, I will take a grander look at the status of each network’s programs to give you an idea as to what is likely to stay and go before the new year rolls around.

ABC: On Monday, ABC picked up the Connie Britton-Hayden Panettiere country music drama Nashville. This serialized soap had a ton of buzz going into the pilot and word of mouth helped this show perform to respectable ratings; leading up to its back-nine order it was averaging 9.4 million viewers and a 3.2 in adults 18-49.

PREVIOUS: The Alphabet is still sitting on new dramas Last Resort and 666 Park Avenue as ratings continue to bottom-out for the submarine and supernatural thrillers. Ratings are not good for either shows. This week Last Resort drew a 1.3 in adults 18-49 (a series low) and 666 saw that same number in its most recent outing. While Last Resort continues to fluctuate, it appears as though 666 has found the bottom since this is the second consecutive week it scored a 1.3 in the coveted demo. Insiders bet that ABC will likely renew Last Resort and dump 666 when all is said and done, but with ratings so neck-and-neck, it’s a tough call at the moment.

UPDATE: As I was putting together this post, news broke that ABC has cancelled both Last Resort and 666 Park Avenue. That 1.3 demo ratings must’ve really spooked the execs at top and gave them no choice but to let the Colorado and Drake go. It’s sad, really. Both of these shows were refreshingly ambitious in their storytelling. Fans will likely be vocal about this somber news because over the course of the last few weeks both shows managed to get ahead creatively and their potential to grow into truly memorable series jumped significantly. The acting on Last Resort (a show from The Chicago Code creator  Shawn Ryan who just can’t catch a break) is superb led by Andre Braugher and Scott Speedman. In 666, the enigmatic Rachael Taylor only just ventured down the rabbit hole. I tip my hat to ABC for giving these serialized dramas wrapped in mystery and intrigue a shot in its schedule; it’s unfortunate that neither of them managed to retain an audience. They will sorely be missed.

Now here’s a sprinkle of good news on top of all this: ABC will allow both series to finish out their respective 13-episode runs; whether or not this gives the writers and producers enough time to properly wrap some things up remains to be seen. Also, ABC is not letting go of these show entirely just yet; the network has the option to revive them next season, but without a back-nine order now this is likely a formality and you shouldn’t hold your breath.

Elsewhere, The Neighbors miraculously received a pickup and the new Reba McEntire sitcom Malibu Country dropped significantly after opening to huge ratings a couple weeks back; ABC recently ordered three additional scripts.

NBC: Last Thursday, NBC gave a back-nine order to the Dick Wolfe drama Chicago Fire. Though the procedural didn’t have much buzz a the get-go, it managed to reach 8 million viewers on average and a decent 2.4 rating in the adults 18-49 demo leading up to its pickup. NBC’s other new drama Revolution was picked up over a month ago and continues to be a strong performer for the network.

Elsewhere on the Peacock, comedies Go On and The New Normal were also granted full season orders. Animal Practice has been cancelled, and multi-cam comedy Guys with Kids is still alive. Though it has been sitting on the fence ratings-wise (it attracted 3.8 million viewers and a 1.3 demo in its last two installments), this week NBC has shown a spark of faith by ordering an additional four scripts increasing the Jimmy Fallon-produced comedy episode count from 13 to 17. It’s not a back-nine order, but it’s certainly good news for fans of the show. Whether or not the network decides bring the season’s episode count up to the typical 22 remains to be seen.

CBS: Today, CBS cancelled the David Krumholtz-Michael Urie comedy Partners after six episodes. Though it averaged 6.5 million viewers and a 2.4/6 in adults 18-49, in its most recent outing it sunk to 5.6 million viewers and a 1.8. With ratings giants like The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men on its schedule, Partners is obviously a weak link for the network and did not perform up to its high standards. The show has been pulled from the schedule effective immediately and CBS comedy repeats will air in its Monday at 9:30PM slot starting next week. Though the sitcom was packed to the brim with gay jokes, I enjoyed engaging in the excellent rapport between stars Krumholz and Urie and I will sorely miss seeing the stunning Sophia Bush on a weekly basis. Also cancelled by CBS earlier this season was Made in Jersey.

CBS dramas fared better this season as the network picked up the Sherlock Homles-inspired Elementary and the Dennis Quaid-Michael Chiklis period drama Vegas. This week the network played around with these series’ episode orders: Elementary has gained an additional two episodes bringing its grand season 1 total to 24 and Vegas is losing one so its debut season will consist of 21 episodes.

FOX: Nothing new to report here. Comedies The Mindy Project and Ben And Kate were given “full season orders;” Mindy will run 24 episodes and Kate 19. The Mob Doctor continues to practice, for now.

The CW: Over at The CW, Arrow and Beauty and the Beast have been given the back-nine. Emily Owens, M.D. is still awaiting its fate.

‘SNL’ parodies ‘Homeland’ with over-exaggeration and spot-on impersonation

Hilarity, Television, Video, , , , , ,

It was only a matter of time before Saturday Night Live produced a sketch parodying the uber-popular Showtime series Homeland. Anne Hathaway proved that she’s got what it takes to over-exaggerate Claire Danes’ “crazy” Carrie Matheson, Bill Hader can add yet another spot-on impersonation to his list with his subtle portrayal of Mandy Patinkin’s Saul Berenson, and Taran Killam has the look and just the right sized mouth to pull off a believable Nicholas Brody; Kenan served as David Estes and Nasim popped in at the end for a brief but effective poke at Brody’s annoying daughter Dana. From the re-creation of the opening credits sequence to Carrie’s obsession with corkboards and her quivering chin, SNL did a stand-up job parodying the show that’s on everyone’s DVRs. Though they had the opportunity to do so much more with it (where was Saul’s ruler and peanut butter…anyone?), it’s an instant classic in my book.

‘Community’ news flash: Star tweets it returns February 7 at 8PM [Update: NBC confirms]

News, Television, , ,

Just moments ago Community star Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted the show’s new air date.

“Guys, Community officially has an airdate: Thursday, February 7th at 8pm!”

She then took the following string of words to form a sentence right out of our mouths.

“February 7th is October 19th! Who knew?!”

This all sounds very promising, but I won’t jump for joy until the National Broadcasting Company confirms it.

Update: It’s official. Community returns February 7 at 8PM, falling back into its plum Thursday night at 8PM timeslot to kick off the network’s night of comedies. It replaces 30 Rock which will have completed its final 13 episode run. The wait just got even longer, but wouldn’t you rather the show air on Thursdays instead of “graveyard” Fridays? Rewatch the recent Troy & Abed clip to lift your spirits. And then mark your calendars!

‘Up All Night’ receives five more episodes, switching from single to multi-cam later this season

News, Television, , , , ,

If you’re a fan of the Christina Applegate/Will Arnett/Maya Rudolph sitcom Up All Night, I’ve got some interesting news to share with you. First good news that’s easy to swallow: NBC has ordered an additional five episodes, extending the show’s season 2 run to 16 episodes total. And now it gets interesting.

After the show’s 11th episode airs this December, it will go on a three month extended hiatus to undergo a major change. When it returns in the spring, the season’s remaining five episodes will be shot in multi-cam format in front of a live studio audience. In other words, the show is completely transforming the way it is shot and delivered by ditching its original single-camera format. Yes, for a show to undergo such dramatic shift in its second season on air is a very occurrence. But it’s being done, says executive producer Lorne Michaels per Deadline, “to infuse the show with more energy.”

What’s the difference between single and multi-cam shows? It’s best to think of it in terms of current programming. Right now Up All Night plays like other single-cam comedies such as Modern Family and New Girl. Once it switches over, the vibe will change and it will play like CBS’ stable of multi-cam hits such as The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men. What you’ll notice right off the bat, though, is a very audible laugh track since it will be shot in front of a live audience. Plus the limited amount of sets might feel more constructed.

Here’s what NBC entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt had to say on the subject: “We know what the multi-camera audience does for the live episodes of 30 Rock, plus after seeing both Maya [Rudolph] and Christina [Applegate] do SNL within the past few months, we knew we had the kind of performers — Will Arnett included — who love the reaction from a live audience. We think we can make a seamless tradition to the new format. Also, we’re committed to the multi-camera form and this will give us another show to consider for next season in this new format.”

As a fan of the show since the last season’s pilot, I’m not so enthused about this abrupt decision to change up the format. Season 1 had its ups and downs creatively, but I’ve felt that creator Emily Spivey (or new showrunner Tucker Cawley) really turned things around this season by firing Ava from her talkshow and focusing more on the family at home. Ratings aren’t dismal this year, but they aren’t great either; most recently it scored a 1.4 rating in the all-important adults 18-49 demo. I guess Michaels and Greenblatt talked Spivey/Cawley into turning the show inside out and seeing where things go from there. It’s possible that the show was on the brink of cancellation and this is NBC’s way of pardoning it. It’ll be an interesting experiment to follow next year, that is a fact.

Up All Night airs Thursday nights at 8:30PM on NBC. There are only five single-cam episodes left.

‘Office’ spin-off ‘The Farm’ starring Rainn Wilson is a no-go at NBC

News, Television, , , , , ,

Well darn. Looks like we’ll really have to say goodbye to The Office and all its characters this May when the series comes to an end. NBC has decided not to go forward with an Office spin-off called The Farm which was going to follow Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute on his beet farm running a bed & breakfast with his family. Wilson and Office executive producer and star Paul Lieberstein shared excitement at the potential for such a spin-off for the character earlier this year. But alas, the idea has been scraped. Wilson tweeted, “NBC has passed on moving forward with The Farm TV show. Had a blast making the pilot – onwards & upwards!”

As previously reported, a future episode of The Office serves as a back-door pilot for The Farm and takes place at Schrute Farms. The network still plans on airing the episode later this year, so at least we’ll all get a glimpse of where things might have headed.

TV reminder: NBC airing Bryan Fuller’s ‘Munsters’ reboot ‘Mockingbird Lane’ as Halloween special tonight at 8PM [Update: The ratings are in…]

News, Television, Video, , , , , , , , , ,

If you were anticipating the bold Munsters reboot from Bryan Fuller, I have some bad news to report. NBC has decided not to go ahead with making the series. However, the network will air the pilot that was shot. The Peacock did not specifically state why they ultimately decided to pass on the show; instead the network’s Entertainment President Jennifer Salke released the following statement:

“This exciting new take on a memorable series will definitely blow out conventional wisdom and create its own legacy. Teaming this new show with a terrifying episode of Grimm makes the perfect pre-Halloween fright-fest.”

Mockingbird Lane stars Jerry O’Connell as Herman Munster, Portia de Rossi as his wife Lily, Mason Cook as their son Eddie, Eddie Izzard as Grandpa, and Charity Wakefield as Marilyn.

Tune into tonight at 9PM to catch an hour-long glimpse into Bryan Fuller’s imaginative, contemporary take on the classic 1960s sitcom. Rumor has it that if it does well in the ratings NBC may opt to pick it up for next season, but by planting it on a Friday night (aka where most shows go to die) I don’t see that happening. With Mockingbird Lane off his plate, the Pushing Daisies creator is now focusing solely on his upcoming midseason drama for NBC Hannibal.

Watch a trailer after the break.

Update: The ratings are in and they look like this. The pilot Halloween special drew 5.4 million viewers and scored a 1.5/5 rating in adults 18-49. Not too shabby. But is it enough for NBC to continue production on more scripts that have already been written? Don’t hold your breath. Continue reading TV reminder: NBC airing Bryan Fuller’s ‘Munsters’ reboot ‘Mockingbird Lane’ as Halloween special tonight at 8PM [Update: The ratings are in…] →

TV clip: ‘Community’ reminds us why we miss the show so much

Hilarity, Television, Video, ,

If you thought the ousting of creator Dan Harmon was going to severely affect Community, let this brand spankin’ new clip produced exclusively for the Internetz to quell your fears. The cult comedy was supposed to return to NBC’s schedule today, October 19, but the network recently decided to keep it off the air and on the bench for a while longer. The Peacock even had the chance to replace a recently cancelled show with it, but they passed on the opportunity and instead turned to Whitney. To explain the scheduling mess, we turn to a special segment of “Troy & Abed in the Morning” featuring the titular hosts and the entire cast of Community in full form here.

October 19 isn’t just a date, it’s a state of mind…

NBC cancels ‘Animal Practice’, ‘Whitney’ to replace it in November

News, Television, , , , , , , , , , ,

Today NBC cancelled the Justin Kirk/Crystal the Monkey comedy Animal Practice due to poor ratings. The Peacock did everything it could to promote the series, including airing a special preview during the Olympics this summer. That effort fared well for the Matthew Perry sitcom Go On, but for Practice it couldn’t do the trick. The most recent episode wrangled 3.8 million viewers scoring a low 1.0 rating in adults 18-49. Five episodes have aired, and NBC will show three more. Come Wednesday, November 14, Whitney will fill the vacant spot at 8PM. Community fans will sneer at this scheduling move, but it makes sense for the network; both Whitney and its soon-to-be lead out Guys with Kids are multi-camera shows so they go well together, stylistically at least. Community remains on the bench for the time being. And Guys with Kids is safe for now, having most recently attracted 4.3 million viewers and a 1.4 demo rating.

Animal Practice is the second show to get the axe this fall. Last week CBS cancelled legal drama Made in Jersey after only two episodes had aired; the premiere attracted 7.7 million viewers with a 1.1 demo rating and then things dropped in its second outing to 5.8 million viewers with a dismal 0.8 rating. Starting November 2 Undercover Boss takes over CBS’ Friday night at 8PM slot.

[Via EW]

NBC delays the return of ‘Community’ & ‘Whitney’

News, Television, , , , , , ,

Greendale Community College was supposed to open its doors for a Dan Harmon-less fourth season next Friday, October 19. Today NBC released a statement saying the network is delaying the return of Community and its Friday night companion Whitney.

Given the success we’ve had for the past four weeks – including winning the first week of the season in A18-49 – we’ve decided to continue to concentrate our promotional strength on our new NBC shows that are scheduled Monday through Wednesday and have therefore decided to hold COMMUNITY and WHITNEY from their previously announced premieres of October 19th. Without having to launch these comedies on Friday at this time, we can keep our promotion focused on earlier in the week — plus we will have both comedies in our back pocket if we need to make any schedule changes on those nights.  When we have a better idea of viewing patterns in the next few weeks, we will announce new season premieres of WHITNEY and COMMUNITY.

Let’s extrapolate. First, NBC is prioritizing the promotion of its current fall comedies Go On, The New Normal, Animal Practice, and Guys with Kids. Second, they are acknowledging the possibility that some of their new comedies (namely Animal Practice and Guys with Kids) may not make it much longer. If one or both of these relatively low rated shows, Community and/or Whitney could ditch the Friday graveyard and call Wednesday night a comfortable home. Time will tell, fellow Human Beings.

[Via Deadline]

NBC grants full season orders to ‘Revolution’, ‘Go On’ & ‘The New Normal’

News, Television, , , , , , ,

If you’ve been glued to the intriguing drama Revolution and eccentric but heartfelt comedies Go On and The New Normal, it’s time to celebrate because NBC has granted these three new series full season orders! This means these selected shows will fill out their premiere seasons with new episodes that will run into spring.

NBC Entertainment President Jennifer Salke released the following statement.

“We’re impressed with the imagination and creative direction of the entire team on Revolution, not to mention the immediately strong response we got from the audience. Ordering the full season of this show is a pleasure. Thanks to J.J. Abrams, Erik Kripke, Jon Favreau, and everyone at Bad Robot and Warner Bros. Television for their dedication to making a truly unique series. And I personally love to escape into a world where there is no power, the phone doesn’t ring, and the pace of life slows down — if only for one hour a week!”

“We’re also very proud of our new comedy block of Go On and The New Normal. In partnering with Matthew Perry for Go On, creator Scott Silveri has created a comedy with a highly original voice that deftly combines humor and emotion. And Ryan Murphy and Ali Adler have created a truly unique family in The New Normal that is reflective of the changing dynamics of the world we live in. These shows are both welcome additions to our new lineup!”

If you’re into the ratings numbers, Revolution is averaging 3.6/9 in adults 18-49 and 9.8 million viewers (it’s also been noted as the fall’s strongest DVR performer thus far); Go On is averaging 3.2/9 in the demo and 8.6 million viewers; and The New Normal is averaging 2.2/6 in the demo and 6.0 million viewers.

The network is on a roll this week. In addition to granting the aforementioned FSOs, the Peacock was named the “winner of premiere week” averaging the highest share ratio in the coveted adults 18-49 demographic; they received a 2.9 and that’s up a solid 12% from last fall. The network can thank programming like Revolution, The Voice, and Sunday Night Football for the prize. In total viewers, however, NBC trails CBS and ABC averaging 8.2 million viewers (but that’s up 9% from last fall).

The fates of other new comedies Animal Practice and Guys with Kids hang in the balance. New drama Chicago Fire debuts next week.

Revolution airs Monday nights at 10. Go On and The New Normal air Tuesday nights at 9 and 9:30, respectively.

[Via Deadline; EW 1, 2]

Kick off the final season of ‘The Office’ with this (emotional) retrospective

Hilarity, Television, Video, , , ,

Tonight (9/20) NBC kicks off the final season of The Office at 9PM. After what will be nine seasons of ups and downs in terms of sheer laughs and creative direction, Dunder Mifflin will close its doors for good this May. Before you sit down and watch tonight’s season premiere, watch this admittedly emotional retrospective that highlights some of the best, most memorable moments from the wacky, longrunning mockumentary. We miss you Michael Scott.

Tonight’s NBC lineup also includes the Up All Night (8:30PM) and Parks and Rec (9:30PM) season premieres, and they are preceded by an SNL Weekend Update Thursday special (8PM).