Posted by unregistered user at 10/22/07 6:10 p.m.

I must admit, I'm a bit disgusted that 'Private Practice' is going to be around for the entire year. UGH! But the news that excited me was that "The Amazing Race" is returning in just a few weeks. Bring on the Philiminator!

Posted by heroinepretend at 10/22/07 8:25 p.m.

"Viva Laughlin" was by far the dumbest television program to air in recent memory (as opposed to just being bad, like "Carpoolers"). The writing was just awful, and it wasn't even a musical - it was more like karaoke over the Original Cast Recording.

That being said, it was unintentionally hilarious to watch.

Posted by unregistered user at 10/23/07 5:04 a.m.

"ABC is a network that sees its sitcom mistakes through to the bitter end."

Then how does that explain their decision to pull "Emily's Reasons Why Not" after a single airing?

Posted by Melanie McFarland at 10/23/07 1:21 p.m.

I completely forgot about that one.(Gee, wonder why.) But here's my theory on the "Emily" decision, which went down in 2006. For kicks, let's also toss "Jake in Progress" (from 2004-2005) into the discussion, because as you probably don't remember, that also got yanked before its time – and it shared "Emily's" timeslot. No coincidence, that.

I know this comment dwarfs my original post. What, you wanna fight about it?

Here's the short answer, for those who don't want to read the full blabbery: Post-"Emily" ABC is far more likely to demonstrate patience with sitcoms than with dramas because the half-hour genre is still a challenge to every network programmer. For a long time ABC couldn't score a hit drama to save its skin; now it has the opposite problem. It hasn't found a decent comedy franchise since TGIF died; meanwhile, CBS's and NBC's comedies have branded primetime blocks on Mondays and Thursdays. Why? Because they were patient – and in CBS's case, because it was lucky to find an able inheritor to its former Monday night anchor, "Everybody Loves Raymond," in "Two and a Half Men."

Now for the longer explanation: "Emily" and "Jake" were picked up at the beginning of current president of entertainment Stephen McPherson's reign. They also arrived in a time of rapid ascendance for ABC, either in the same year that "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" became surprise hits for the previously ailing network – or in "Emily's" case, shortly after. The arrival of a new head of entertainment tends to be followed by some housecleaning, not to mention a lack of patience for new series that aren't working.

I'll grant you, McPherson was pretty patient with "Jake." When failed to attract any attention in midseason of 2004-2005, ABC tried to re-launch it the following January by pairing it with "Emily." "Jake" had a few critics on its side – including yours truly – but "Emily" was both a critical and a ratings bomb. No new entertainment head wants to have a big fat flop hanging around that early in his or her run. Remember, network executives never, ever want to admit failure. Thus, "Emily" got dissed. "Jake's" second outing also was ignored, so it went too.

Since then ABC's programming folks have had no choice but to be patient for the reason put forth in the short answer. Plus, it's probably loathe to a) leave the equally middling "Carpoolers" without a timeslot companion; b) admit that the ink-stained wretches who beat "Cavemen" into submission (and bullied the producers into removing the tiny bit of funny that was there) won this round, and c) rush whatever not-quite-fully-baked sitcoms or reality series it has on the bench to air. Again, I'm not in the room when these decisions get made. I can only go by what I see and what friendly industry folks whisper in my ear.

Posted by Will in Seattle at 10/23/07 3:00 p.m.

Hmmm. I'm glad they picked up Big Bang Theory - that has grown on me as time has gone by. I'd watch Private Practice if it was in another time slot, but right now I can't, so I don't.

Posted by RadioListings at 10/23/07 4:47 p.m.

I'd be interesting to see the viewing figires for Viva Blackpool and how they compare to those of Viva Laughlin.

Posted by unregistered user at 10/23/07 6:44 p.m.

OK - SO excited to hear about BBT and Pushing Daisies. Both are shows the Husband and I just laugh at! BBT is seriously twisted and goofy...who can't love it!!

Posted by redmondjp at 10/25/07 10:10 a.m.

My wife and I both enjoy BBT and Pushing Daisies as well, and I'm glad to see that they'll be around for the whole season. BBT, like most sitcoms, relies heavily upon stereotypes, but the you-must-be-a-nerd-to-get-it jokes are really funny (I am one). Pushing Daisies is so different from everything else on--it's nice to see a completely new concept with original ideas actually get airtime.

I still can't believe that ABC didn't pick up Will Traveler--that was the best edge-of-your-seat show on since Alias IMO.

Posted by Old_Medic at 10/25/07 3:12 p.m.

Hey Mel,
I find most "comedies" on tv unfunny, juvenile, and almost unwatchable. One exception to this sad state of affairs is Hotel Babylon on BBC America. This is a sharp, funny, and amazingly classy show that deserves more notice. Thankfully it is available On-Demand on Comcast so it can be viewed marathon style and commercial free. What are your thoughts on this show?

Posted by Melanie McFarland at 10/25/07 3:29 p.m.

I too adore "Hotel Babylon." It's brain sherbet. If only American TV could be as entertaining!