NBC is gearing up to revamp its Thursday night lineup. It was announced that there will be shows leaving, moving, and returning as they attempt to reclaim Thursday nights, and fill other holes in the schedule. Upon hearing the news, I could not be happier, sort of.....
First up is Joey. The low-rated Friends spin-off is being taken off the schedule. Now, my, admittedly quick, web scouring has not turned up anything saying that it has been canceled, just "removed" or "taken off" the schedule. Some sources have been quoted as saying that it could be back on in March, but in a different time slot. Perhaps on Tuesdays.
I can't say that this surprises me, but this show has been mediocre to poor at best. I stopped watching it earlier this year, it was the weak link in a crowded time slot as I also watch Alias, Smallville, and the occasional episode of Everybody Hates Chris (which I should watch more of, it is fantastic). Those shows, plus Survivor, make this a tough time slot to get an audience in, and when you have been so disappointing you aren't going to get the viewers. I will admit that I have an affinity for the Joey character, but I also think he was one of the least likely to be able to carry a show alone. It is kind of like a Kramer show, great character, but it is a supporting role and one not suited for the lead. Maybe if and when it returns on another night it will find an audience.
The revamped Thursday lineup will have Will & Grace moving into the 8:00 slot that was evacuated by Joey. This is a move that has no effect on me, as I couldn't care less for this show. Actually, I am surprised that it has lasted as long as it has, I recall critics panning it when it first debuted.
Following that will be debuting sitcom Four Kings starring Seth Green. This show centers on 4 longtime friends who share an apartment and their crazy antics. Hmmm, where have I seen something like this before? I like Green, so I may give it a shot, but the commercials don't really impress me all that much.
Next in the 9-10:00 slots are two shows changing nights. First, at 9:00 is the new hit My Name is Earl. I admit, I have been sucked in by the charms of Jason Lee's Earl and Ethan Suplee's Randy, as they try to right Earl's past wrongs. This show has not yet failed to elicit a chuckle from me. It is moving from its current Tuesday at 9:00 slot to help draw viewer's to NBC's once mighty Thursday comedy lineup. Not sure if it will work, but I, for one, will be tuning in (or taping) it. Taking up residence in the 9:30 will be Earl tag along The Office. I am glad to see this staying on the air. I am not sure what the ratings have been like for this series, but I love it. It is smart, clever, and a unique vision on the sitcom landscape. Not to mention a worthy adaptation of the British series.
Article comments
1 - Joanie
Will and Grace is already pushing their luck in the 8:30PM slot. 9pm is the earliest it should be on, unless, of course, they're planning on toning down some of the jokes (which I highly doubt).
Scrubs, followed by My Name is Earl on Thursday would be a good move. Then Will and Grace. But, nobody asked me, even though I AM a programming genius.
Sigh.
2 - -E
Thanks for posting this. I had been wondering where Scrubs was and was getting a bit worried. I've had to watch my DVDs of the first two seasons to satisfy my hunger for Zach Braff.
3 - Eric Berlin
I'm pretty much in agreement with you through and through, Chris. The Office and Earl are both bright young comedy stars, so I think in that sense this is a strong move by NBC. I actually like catching those shows on Tuesday night, but oh well, at least they're still on the air. Will & Grace is strong with the female demo (I'm guessing), or at least it was when it was a ratings darling.
Nice report, Chris!
4 - Chris Beaumont
You know, I wouldn't mind a lineup of: Joey, Earl, Scrubs, Office. That would probably make the best lineup of comedy, at least for NBC, IMHO. I think Fox has a good SUnday night lineup, except for War at Home. UPN has a top comedy too with Everybody Hates Chris.
5 - Eric Berlin
Everybody Hates Chris is a family comedy that's actually funny, which is enormously rare nowadays. The acting on that show is great... which is really behind the success of the other new comedies as well. Dwight on The Office and Randy on Earl are worth the price of admission, often for their facial expressions alone.
6 - Michael J. West
Well, with Alias moving to Wednesdays at 10 for the rest of its final season, I suppose I can freely watch my guilty pleasure of The O.C. and not have to worry about what's going on on the other networks...assuming, of course, that Will & Grace continues with its "Look! It's Celebrity Guest Star #644!" formula rather than attempting to be funny.
But bravo for the My Name is Earl move! It's the best hope NBC has for reclaiming Thursdays.
7 - Chris Beaumont
Is the Alias move permanent? I thought it was only temporary while Invasion goes on hiatus.
8 - Michael J. West
I don't know...I kinda thought J.J. Abrams insisted upon it, being that the Lost/Alias one-two punch did so great last season. And, of course, being that now J.J.'s got clout.
9 - Mark Sahm
That move works great for me, I hope ABC keeps it that way. Lost and Alias are the only two shows I watch every week. At least, until Jack Bauer and 24 returns... *in Kiefer growl* The virus has been released!