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Showing posts from January, 2012

RATINGS RECAP: 1/30/12

ABC 8:00 The Bachelor Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6 10:00 Castle (Repeat) Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 CBS 8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat) Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5 8:30 2 Broke Girls (Repeat) Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7 9:00 Two and a Half Men (Repeat) Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0 9:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat) Viewers: 8.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3 10:00 Hawaii Five-0 (Repeat) Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 NBC 8:00 Who's Still Standing? Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 9:00 Fear Factor (Repeat) Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 10:00 Rock Center with Brian Williams Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 FOX 8:00 House Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9 9:00 Alcatraz Viewers: 8.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8 On Monday night, FOX's lineup remained on top but was down some from last week against limited competition. How will it do next week when NBC is stronger and CBS is all new w...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/29/12

ABC 7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9 8:00 Once Upon a Time Viewers: 10.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5 9:00 Movie: A Smile As Big as the Moon Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 CBS 7:00 60 Minutes Viewers: 11.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 8:00 Undercover Boss Viewers: 13.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0 9:00 The Good Wife Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2 10:00 CSI: Miami Viewers: 10.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3 NBC 7:00 NFL Pro Bowl Viewers: 12.5 million, 18-49 demo: 4.3 FOX 7:00 Bob's Burgers (Repeat) Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7 7:30 The Cleveland Show Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 8:00 The Simpsons Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4 8:30 Napoleon Dynamite Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 9:00 Family Guy Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1 9:30 American Dad! Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4 On Sunday night, CBS was all new starting with 60 Minutes which was up a strong 3.3 mi...

WEEKEND REWIND: Top 50 Theme Songs #40-#31

Here's the next batch of my Top 50 Theme Songs! For #50-#41, click here ! 40. The Donna Reed Show Theme ( The Donna Reed Show, 1958-1966) No other theme song better captured the innocent and sweet era of sitcoms that The Donna Reed Show is from. With a pleasant, orchestral number, the theme song was as squeaky clean as the show itself. The song and accompanying credits reflect a bygone era as the housewife in pearls readies everybody for their day. There were many shows in this category in the 50s but none had a theme song that matched the genre as well. 39. Mission: Impossible Theme ( Mission: Impossible, 1966-1973) One of the most famous theme songs, the Mission: Impossible theme delivered intensity and suspense that the show would follow up with. It has been redone many times by the remade series in the 80s, the hit movie franchise starring Tom Cruise, and countless marching bands. This is why shows today need to invest in quality theme songs because that famous theme ...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/28/12

ABC 8:00 Wipeout (Repeat) Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 9:00 Movie: Blades of Glory Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9 CBS 8:00 Rules of Engagement (Repeat) Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6 8:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat) Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 9:00 CSI (Repeat) Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 10:00 48 Hours Mystery Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 NBC 8:00 Harry's Law (Repeat) Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4 9:00 US Figure Skating Championships Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6 FOX 8:00 UFC Fight Night Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4

GOOD WEEK/BAD WEEK: Week 19

GOOD WEEK: FOX DRAMAS FOX is having a run of good luck lately with its dramas after things were looking somewhat dire in the fall. In the last two weeks, Alcatraz saw strong debut and then displayed a strong week two hold, a sneak preview of Touch delivered one of the best series premieres for a drama this season, The Finder has gone up in the ratings for each of its first three weeks after a dismal start, and House returned to some of its best numbers of the season after a long hiatus. Even Fringe was up a hair on Friday night. The only show this might be bad news for is Terra Nova , which is on-the-fence for renewal and would benefit from other dramas failing. BAD NEWS: NBC'S "HAPPY HOUR" It seems like beating a dead horse to put NBC in this category every week, but let's face it, they are having troubles in every direction. One of the more glaring problems is Wednesday night where its 8pm hour of multicamera comedies - Whitney and Are You There, Chelsea? - are ...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/27/12

ABC   8:00 Shark Tank Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do? Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 10:00 20/20 Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 CBS 8:00 A Gifted Man (Repeat) Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 9:00 CSI: NY (Repeat) Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 10:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat) Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 NBC 8:00 Chuck Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 9:00 Chuck Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 10:00 Dateline NBC Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 FOX 8:00 Kitchen Nightmares Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 9:00 Fringe Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 On Friday night, ABC had another successful outing with its unscripted lineup. At 8pm, Shark Tank was down nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from its season premiere last week. Will this show be negatively affected when fellow unscripters Who Do You Think You Are? and Undercover Boss join the 8p...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/26/12

ABC 8:00 Wipeout (Repeat) Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 9:00 Grey's Anatomy (Repeat) Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 10:00 Private Practice (Repeat) Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 CBS 8:00 The Big Bang Theory Viewers: 16.1 million, 18-49 demo: 5.5 8:30 Rob Viewers: 11.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5 9:00 Person of Interest (Repeat) Viewers: 10.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 10:00 The Mentalist (Repeat) Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9   NBC 8:00 30 Rock Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 8:30 Parks and Recreation Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 9:00 30 Rock Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9 9:30 Up All Night (Repeat) Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 10:00 The Firm Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 FOX 8:00 American Idol Viewers: 17.1 million, 18-49 demo: 5.5 9:00 The Finder Viewers: 8.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8 On Thursday night, the mammoth that is The Big Bang Theory was at it again, posting new Thursday h...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/25/12

ABC 8:00 The Middle (Repeat) Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 8:30 Suburgatory (Repeat) Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 9:00 Modern Family (Repeat) Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5 9:30 Happy Endings (Repeat) Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 10:00 Revenge (Repeat) Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9 CBS 8:00 Criminal Minds (Repeat) Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8 9:00 Criminal Minds Viewers: 13.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.7 10:00 CSI Viewers: 14.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4 NBC 8:00 Whitney Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 8:30 Are You There, Chelsea? Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 9:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat) Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat) Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 FOX 8:00 American Idol Viewers: 19.7 million, 18-49 demo: 6.5 9:00 Touch Viewers: 12.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9 On Wednesday night, FOX was all new starting with American Idol which was down...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/24/12

ABC 8:00 Last Man Standing (Repeat) Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 8:30 Last Man Standing (Repeat) Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 9:00 State of the Union/Republican Response N/A 10:30 Modern Family (Repeat) Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9 CBS 8:00 NCIS (Repeat) Viewers: 12.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 9:00 State of the Union/Republican Response N/A 10:30 The Big Bang Theory (Repeat) Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 NBC 8:00 The Biggest Loser Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 9:00 State of the Union/Republican Response N/A 10:30 State of the Union Analysis Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 FOX 8:00 American Idol (Repeat) Viewers: 9.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4 9:00 State of the Union/Republican Response N/A  

RATINGS RECAP: 1/23/12

ABC 8:00 The Bachelor Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7 10:00 Castle Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 CBS 8:00 How I Met Your Mother (Repeat) Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3 8:30 2 Broke Girls (Repeat) Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6 9:00 Two and a Half Men (Repeat) Viewers: 9.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9 9:30 Mike & Molly (Repeat) Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4 10:00 Hawaii Five-0 (Repeat) Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 NBC 8:00 Who's Still Standing? Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 9:00 Rock Center Special: Republican Debate Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 FOX 8:00 House Viewers: 8.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1 9:00 Alcatraz Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0 On Monday night, FOX was on top thanks to good performances from a veteran and new drama. At 8pm, House was new for the first time since November 28 and it was up 1.4 million viewers and half a demo point from that date. In fact, it posted its bes...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/22/12

ABC 7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 8:00 Once Upon a Time Viewers: 9.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2 9:00 Desperate Housewives Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6 10:00 Pan Am Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 CBS 7:00 60 Minutes Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 8:00 Undercover Boss Viewers: 9.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3 9:00 The Good Wife (Repeat) Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 10:00 CSI: Miami (Repeat) Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 NBC 7:00 Dateline NBC (Repeat) Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 9:00 Prime Suspect Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 10:00 Prime Suspect Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7 FOX   7:00 NFC Championship Game Viewers: 57.6 million, 18-49 demo: 21.4 On Sunday night, FOX absolutely crushed the competition with ridiculous numbers for the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers-Giants overtime tilt was up 2.7 million viewers and 1.7 demo points from the AFC Ch...

WEEKEND REWIND: Top 50 Theme Songs #50-41

I am starting a new topic for the Weekend Rewind - my all time favorite theme songs. This week, check out #50-#41. Please keep in mind that I eliminated shows that used songs that were not made famous by the series (such as The Wonder Years or Parenthood ). Here we go! 50. Hey Arnold! Theme Song ( Hey Arnold, 1996-2004) Hey Arnold wasn't quite like any other cartoon from the heyday of Nicktoons back in the mid 1990s. It had an edge to it that was exemplified in the jazzy, street smart theme song. Jazzy themes are always a good way to go and this is one of the best. The wacky street gang that Arnold marches along with and Helga's incessant "Hey Arnold" served as a great intro to a classic Nicktoon. "Move it football head!" 49. Petticoat Junction Theme ( Petticoat Junction , 1963-1970) The relaxing, less crazed of the two Hooterville shows also had the better theme song despite Green Acres ' theme being much more famous. Mixing the sounds of the ...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/21/12

ABC   8:00 Movie: Over the Hedge Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 10:00 Castle (Repeat) Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 CBS 8:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat) Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5 9:00 48 Hours Mystery Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 10:00 48 Hours Mystery Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 NBC 8:00 Betty White's 90th Birthday Special Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9 9:30 Betty White's Off Their Rockers (Repeat) Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat) Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9 FOX 8:00 Cops Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 8:30 Cops Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 9:00 Terra Nova (Repeat) Viewers: 1.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4

RATINGS RECAP: 1/20/12

ABC   8:00 Shark Tank Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do? Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 10:00 20/20 Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8 CBS 8:00 A Gifted Man (Repeat) Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 9:00 CSI: NY (Repeat) Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 10:00 Blue Bloods (Repeat) Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 NBC 8:00 Chuck Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 9:00 Grimm Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8 10:00 Dateline NBC Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 FOX 8:00 Kitchen Nightmares Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 9:00 Fringe Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 On Friday night, ABC had good news from season premieres of two unscripted shows - both Shark Tank and Primetime: What Would You Do? delivered solid premiere numbers and Shark Tank , specifically, did very well for 8pm. For what is likely cheap programming, ABC will certainly take numbers like these for Friday ni...

GOOD WEEK/BAD WEEK: Week 18

GOOD WEEK: "ALCATRAZ" FOX has been in trouble with their dramas - House is aging and could be in its final season. Fringe is as good as gone. Terra Nova had lukewarm ratings while The Finder has been a bust. Only Bones has been reliable and that's on hiatus. But they got good news on Monday night with the series premiere of spooky Alcatraz . The new series delivered 10.1 million viewers and a strong 3.3 demo but the best news was that it held up well across two hours and two different episodes. While it's too soon to call it a hit, it was a very promising start and reviews have been good. FOX could certainly use a strong new drama. BAD WEEK: NBC When the competition increases, NBC just wilts. Aside from positive ratings from Betty White Night, NBC is in dire straits right now. Parenthood, Law & Order: SVU, and Harry's Law are hitting new lows. The comedy hour on Wednesday looks like a bust after steep week two drops. The Thursday comedies outside of The O...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/19/12

ABC 8:00 Wipeout Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8 9:00 Grey's Anatomy Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5 10:00 Private Practice Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 CBS 8:00 The Big Bang Theory Viewers: 15.8 million, 18-49 demo: 5.3 8:30 Rob Viewers: 11.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5 9:00 Person of Interest Viewers: 14.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2 10:00 The Mentalist Viewers: 14.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0 NBC 8:00 30 Rock Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 8:30 Parks and Recreation Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9 9:00 The Office Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0 9:30 Up All Night Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9 10:00 The Firm Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9 FOX 8:00 American Idol Viewers: 18.0 million, 18-49 demo: 5.7 9:00 The Finder Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2 On Thursday night, FOX aired night two of the new season of American Idol . While it still beat all other broadcast network shows (except in the 8pm h...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/18/12

ABC 8:00 The Middle Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5 8:30 Suburgatory Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5 9:00 Modern Family Viewers: 11.9 million, 18-49 demo: 5.1 9:30 Happy Endings Viewers: 6.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9 10:00 Revenge Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5 CBS 8:00 NCIS (Repeat) Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 9:00 Criminal Minds Viewers: 13.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2 10:00 CSI Viewers: 12.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8 NBC 8:00 Whitney Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 8:30 Are You There, Chelsea? Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 9:00 Harry's Law Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 10:00 Law & Order: SVU Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8 FOX 8:00 American Idol Viewers: 21.9 million, 18-49 demo: 7.4 Hurricane American Idol returned to the broadcast networks on Wednesday night, causing havoc on the rest of the night. Though Idol experienced its biggest year-to-year drop ever for premieres, I wouldn't p...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/17/12

ABC 8:00 Last Man Standing Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6 8:30 Last Man Standing (Repeat) Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0 9:00 Celebrity Wife Swap Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 10:00 Body of Proof Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 CBS 8:00 NCIS (Repeat) Viewers: 13.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2 9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat) Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 10:00 Unforgettable (Repeat) Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 NBC 8:00 The Biggest Loser Viewers: 6.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3 10:00 Parenthood Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 FOX 8:00 Glee Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1 9:00 New Girl Viewers: 7.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4 9:30 Raising Hope Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3 On Tuesday night, FOX's comedy lineup returned pretty strong in their first new airings since December 13. At 8pm, Glee was up four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. This show doesn't seem to be ebbing as quickly at ...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/16/12

ABC 8:00 The Bachelor Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4 10:00 Castle Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2 CBS 8:00 How I Met Your Mother Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4 8:30 2 Broke Girls Viewers: 11.4 million, 18-49 demo: 4.6 9:00 Two and a Half Men Viewers: 13.0 million, 18-49 demo: 4.6 9:30 Mike & Molly Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.8 10:00 Hawaii Five-0 Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8 NBC 8:00 Betty White's 90th Birthday Celebration Viewers: 13.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7 9:30 Betty White's Off Their Rockers Viewers: 12.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6 10:00 Rock Center with Brian Williams Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 FOX 8:00 Alcatraz Viewers: 10.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3 Despite a strong debut for a new series on FOX and better than usual numbers for NBC, CBS still ruled the roost on Monday night. How I Met Your Mother was the biggest mover as it was even in viewers but up a big half a demo point. At 8:30pm, ...

RATINGS RECAP: 1/15/12

ABC 7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 8:00 Once Upon a Time Viewers: 9.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3 9:00 Desperate Housewives Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7 10:00 Pan Am Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 CBS 7:00 60 Minutes Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 8:00 Undercover Boss Viewers: 11.6 million, 18-49 dmo: 3.0 9:00 The Good Wife Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0 10:00 CSI: Miami (Repeat) Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 NBC 7:00 Golden Globe Arrivals Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 8:00 Golden Globe Awards Viewers: 16.9 million, 18-49 demo: 5.0 FOX 7:00 NFL Playoffs/Postgame Viewers: 45.1 million, 18-49 demo: 15.8 8:10 The Simpsons Viewers: 11.5 million, 18-49 demo: 5.4 8:40 Napoleon Dynamite Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4 9:10 Family Guy Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 4.4 9:40 Napoleon Dynamite Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3 On Sunday night, NBC aired the...

PILOT REVIEW: Alcatraz

ALCATRAZ Starring: Sarah Jones, Jorge Garcia, Jonny Coyne, Parminder Nagra, Santiago Cabrera, Jason Butler Harner, with Robert Forster, and Sam Neill Created by Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, and Bryan Wynbrandt Written by Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt, and Elizabeth Sarnoff, Directed by Danny Cannon Alcatraz is a new drama from JJ Abrams that puts a twist on the historical event of famed prison Alcatraz's closing. The show begins with the explanation from government agent Emerson Hauser (Sam Neill) that all the prisoners were transferred when Alcatraz closed in 1963, though that is not what really happened. In actuality, they disappeared and are only now beginning to come back, as youthful as they were in 1963. Joining Hauser is a San Francisco police detective Rebecca Madsen (Sarah Jones), whose grandfather was an inmate that she came face to face with. She also enlists Dr. Diego Soto (Jorge Garcia), an Alcatraz expert, to help her. The show flips back and for...