NBC Keeps Knight Rider's Motor Running
Justin Bruening, Knight Rider
A couple weeks ago, NBC ordered more scripts for Knight Rider. Now, the Peacock has ordered the back nine episodes, making Rider the fourth freshman show to receive a full-season pickup this year behind Fringe, 90210 and The Mentalist.
The order also marks the first back-nine pickup for any of NBC's new shows. (Returning spy comedy/thriller Chuck was given a full order before the season began.)
The pickup wasn't unexpected after the network ordered the additional scripts, but it wasn't a forgone conclusion either. Though the update of the 1980s program saw strong numbers in its TV-movie/backdoor pilot outing in February, the new series came out of the gate with middling numbers. In successive weeks, however, Knight Rider has rather steadily added to its audience, most recently delivering 7.66 million viewes.
Now, NBC will at least let KITT cross the first-season finish line. Do you think NBC made the right choice, or should KITT have been sent back to the garage?