Roush on Viva Laughlin, Gossip Girl and Private Practice
Question: Does it seem like the networks this fall are nursing their new shows a little better than in the past few seasons? I know
Viva Laughlin was canceled quickly (oh, well!), but the networks have picked up
Gossip Girl,
Private Practice,
The Big Bang Theory,
Back to You and
Pushing Daisies for full-season orders. None of these are ratings blockbusters, but they have pretty decent followings and good buzz. Do you think the suits are trying something new as ratings, in general, have been down, or do you think that because there have been no major breakthroughs this season, they're being forced to nurse their new shows?
— David M.
Matt Roush: This is a fair observation. I was actually expecting a few more shows to be canceled by now. But given the generally depressed numbers for even hit shows this fall, it makes sense for the networks to let things continue to shake out for a bit as they try to analyze the potential for the new batch of shows, many of which have fallen far below expectations (in quality as well as viewership). This is further complicated by all of the new measurement figures coming in for DVR viewership and the implications of that, as well as the increased push toward distributing shows online. In the short run, it's a good thing for the networks to take some time to see if the new shows are growing creatively as well as developing a following.
Viva Laughlin was pulled as quickly as it was because it failed on all counts. The reviews were awful, the audience was minimal, and I assume the network execs knew the show wasn't going to be able to turn it around. I'm just wondering what's taking them so long to make this call on shows like
Big Shots,
Journeyman,
K-Ville and especially
Cavemen.
