Question: I was wondering if you could tell me what happened to the wonderful Creature Comforts? After a few episodes, it just disappeared. It was still listed in TV Guide, but no luck when I tuned in to watch. What happened? Also, what are your thoughts on the new and improved Tommy Gavin (Rescue Me's Denis Leary)? Personally, I find his new attitude refreshing — not to say that I didn't love the old version, but I think it is great that they are showing him changing for the better after all that has happened to him, instead of having him head down that other, dark road taken by so many other shows.
Answer: First, Creature Comforts. This droll animated comedy wasn't a good fit on CBS' broad Monday lineup, even in summer, so it was unfortunately pulled, and that move happened after we'd gone to press with our listings (sadly, not a unique occurrence, and not our fault). As for Tommy Gavin, I think the fact that he's getting more in touch with his feminine side — and desperately trying
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CBS has pulled the Aardman-animated Creature Comforts from its schedule effective immediately, says Futon Critic, and for the time being, at least, will fill the Mondays-at-8 slot with even more repeats of The New Adventures of Old Christine.After premiering to 6.3 million total viewers, Creature Comforts most recently was sampled by 4.66 and, just this past Monday, 4.3 million people.Talk about your clay achin'!
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Question: Wanted to drop a brief line and say thanks for the continued excellence of the column. I know many of your questions focus on the business aspect of the television industry, and that's often impossible to ignore. But this summer I hope everyone can just step back, reminisce about some of the great moments of the past TV year — especially since we won't get to see them again in reruns, compliments of that pesky business side of the industry. Creature Comforts on CBS is a great show to think about in that sense. I can't imagine it making a pile of money, but I chuckle my way through the whole thing and appreciate the 30 minutes of clever attitude adjustment. (After watching the segment on art, I may never think of "prints" the same way again!) Keep the faith and thanks for your great work and recommendations. I really think you've turned viewers on to some great TV over the years, and you deserve a ton of credit.
Answer: Thanks for the encouragement, and I appreciate the
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Question: I watched the first episode of Creature Comforts Monday night and found it hilarious! I can't believe that they have it on at 8 pm, though, since some of the references were pretty adult-oriented. I'm just curious what you thought about the show. Also, is it only a summer show or something the network will be bringing back if the ratings are good enough?
Answer: I liked it as well, as I noted in my review column recently. I liked it when it was a British series, and I find it just as funny with American voices coming out of those animal bodies. That said, it's a peculiar little show that I can't imagine CBS sees as anything more than an experiment for the off-season. The initial numbers were OK (better than I expected, actually), but we'll have to see if it develops into something that has a longer shelf life, which would be a nice surprise ...
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