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Fall TV Winners and Losers
It's week three of the new Fall TV Season. This is right about the time when network executives are figuring out which new shows are making the grade and which shows are failing. This season, most shows are losing an average of at least a million viewers week-to-week and noone has really broken out of the gate. Together with our TV ratings guru, Dan Gomez, I've compiled a look at whether or not your favorite shows are in danger of being on the chopping block.
Monday
"Chuck" - With major buzz surrounding this spy games show thanks to the nerd herd (I say that with love) pre-launch, it was a pretty sure bet it would attract any audience off the bat. It brought in a solid number for an 8pm show it's first week out with 9.2 million viewers but has since lost two million viewers. It's a good companion show to "Heroes" though which may help NBC decide not chuck "Chuck."
"Journeyman" - This time travel show also started out with a decent 9.2 million viewers but has since dropped down to 6.9 million. Both Dan and I hope NBC gives it some time because we like this show. I'm sad to say I think its journey may be over before it every really started though.
"Big Bang Theory" - Surprisingly to me this show actually builds on the audience of "How I Met Your Mother" (which I love) by about a million viewers but it's nowhere near "Two and Half Men's" loyal 13 million audience. My theory is that most likely CBS will give this sitcom the green light for a full season pickup. I mean they brought back the annoying "Rules of Engagement" for goodness sake.
"K-Ville" - The fourth week into the show viewership is down 3.5 million viewers since its' debut to only 5.3 million. Dan says.. K-Ville is definitely struggling. Hopefully FOX will keep it around for the whole season, if only for the people of New Orleans. Fox may cut its losses on this one and it could potentially be the first show to get the ax.
Tuesday
"Cavemen" - Just please put us out of our misery on this one. I hated the pilot, hated the show. Curiousity factor from people who like those stupid Geico commercials gave it a boost its first week out but this week 2 million viewers bailed out. Keep bailing out otherwise I may have to club these men over the head.
"Carpoolers" - As Dan puts it this show is part of "the most excruciating hour on television." I like Jerry O'Connell but let's take him out of the carpool lane and let him hitch a ride on a better show.
"Reaper" - The geek squad (again, I say this with love) told me I had to watch this show about a guy who works for the devil. So, I checked it out and found it to be midly fun. It's a good Tuesday night show and although its numbers have dropped of a little bit since the premiere Dan says its a hit for the CW.
"Cane" - I really liked this pilot and Jimmy Smits as a ruthless sugar cane and rum impresario but Tuesdays at 10pm i'm already off in dreamland. The show has dropped off by two million viewers since its premeire. So, either people aren't sweet on it or they are off in dreamland too.
"Back to You" - The dream team of Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton is turning out to be a nightmare. The show has lost three million viewers since its premiere high of 9.5. I like them both and what's bad about a show set in my hometown of Pittsburgh? Seriously people, tune out of "Cavemen" and turn the channel back to Fox at 8pm on Tuesdays.
Wednesday - This is shaping up to be the hottest night on Television this year!
"Pushing Daisies" - Both Dan and I agree this is by far the most enjoyable new show of the season. As he puts it its a "fairy tale for adults." I loved the pilot (or, pie-lette as they called it) and was so interested to see what the second episode would be like. I was not disappointed. Unfortunately, three million folks bailed this week on the show. Maybe they will come back if Kristen Chenowith promises not to bust out in song again. Love her. Love her voice. Don't think it works in this show. I'll start the campaigning now to keep this show on the air. Emmy awards are in its future.
"Bionic Woman" - Certainly this was the most hyped new show of the season which helped earn it a solid debut. Unfortunately, its ratings are on a downward slide since then. Dan says...It's a good show but the first two episodes have been slow and confusing. Last night's episode is the best so far, thanks to Katie Sackhoff's performance. The show has not lived up to the hype NBC created for it. I think NBC will keep it around for at least the season. Look, if they can give "Joey" two seasons, than they should at least give 'Bionic Woman' the same.
"Private Practice" - Kate Walsh's move to a spin off series seems to have paid off. It's the most watched new show this season. After pulling in 14.4 million viewers the first week out, the show lost some steam and dropped down to 12.4. It held steady this week which pretty much ensures this practice wont be closing anytime soon.
"Dirty Sexy Money" - Yet another show that has lost 2 million viewers since its debut. It's premise is more campy than controversial and personally I think it would have faired better had it taken itself more seriously. Something tells me ABC isnt' ready to wash their hands of this soap just yet.
"Gossip Girl" - With an average of about 2.8 million viewers, this is a hit for the The CW which tracks way lower than the other four networks. It's the first new Fall show to get a full season pickup . It's the most watched show by teens right now which should frighten parents.
"Life" - Another 10pm show. Another trouble spot. I never really had faith this quirky cop drama would ever show a sign of Life. I' m thinking it will most likely make it to mid-season and then be replaced possibly by the Brooke Shields drama, "Lipstick Jungle." Dan says..I liked the pilot but its not a show I'd tune into each week. Its the kind of show you tune into occasionally, if nothing else is on. I agree with you that this "new age Columbo" will probably drop out by midseason.
Thursday
"Big Shots" - With a lead-in like "Grey's Anatomy" and hotties Michael Vartan and Dylan McDermott attached you would think of any show this would have the best shot of success. Think again. It's second week out the show is losing more than half of Grey's audience. With big name talent here, I see a timeslot change in their future before ABC would ever think of pulling the plug. Perhaps, 8pm on Tuesdays? Although Dan thinks people just don't want to see a male "Sex and the City."
Friday
"Moonlight" - OK, so it hasn't taken a huge bite out of Friday nights but that being a tough night anyway holding steady at 8 million viewers, this vampire show is looking to be a great comparison to "Ghost Whisperer." I see a bloody good season pickup in their future.
Of course, if you are looking for a show based in reality, I personally prefer NBC's far better "Friday Night Lights." There is a show that proves that these days a loyal audience may be far better than a huge audience.
Any thoughts on what might be the first casualty of the new season? If you say "Pushing Daisies" i'll send the pie maker after you!
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