ABC 8:00 Dancing with the Stars: The Story So Far
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0 9:00 Dancing with the Stars Results
Viewers: 15.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1 10:00 Body of Proof
Viewers: 9.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
CBS 8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 18.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5 9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 14.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0 10:00 Unforgettable
Viewers: 10.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
NBC 8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0 10:00 Fashion Star
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
On Tuesday night, CBS's trios of dramas were all new. NCIS was down four tenths in viewers but up a tenth in the demo from last week's season low. NCIS: Los Angeles was down 1.4 million viewers but up two tenths in the demo as Dancing with the Stars may have taken away some older viewers. At 10pm, Unforgettable was down eight tenths in viewers and even in the demo. On NBC, The Biggest Loser was down 1.1 million viewers and three tenths in the demo as it took a hit from Dancing. At 10pm, Fashion Star was down eight tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo showing that last week's gain was likely a mirage.
Over on ABC, the first results episode of the new edition of Dancing with the Stars was up from the first results episode of the fall but down from last spring. Overall, not a bad performance since the first night was down more. It helps that it doesn't contend with The Voice on Tuesdays yet. It did help Body of Proof, which was up 2.2 million viewers and six tenths in the demo. This was its best numbers since November 15 (the last time it followed Dancing). This probably isn't enough to reverse its likely fate. On FOX, Raising Hope was even in viewers but down a tenth in the demo to a series low. Leading off a night will not work for this show though a repeat that followed outperformed the yanked I Hate My Teenage Daughter. At 9pm, New Girl was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for another series low. This show needs Glee back as its not ready to anchor yet. Breaking In followed down a tenth in viewers but up a tenth in the demo.
On Monday night, it was Dancing with the Stars vs. The Voice for week two. Dancing was down eight tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week's premiere. That's not a bad drop but a 3.2 demo is pretty low for Dancing. Later on ABC, Castle easily won its time period with Hawaii Five-0 in repeats and it was up four tenths in viewers and even in the demo. On NBC, The Voice was even in viewers but down a tenth in the demo. While a season low, it trounced Dancing in the demo even though it was trounced in total viewers. It skews much younger. At 10pm, Smash was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo for a series low. This may keep dropping but it's already been renewed. FOX aired the final two episodes of the season (and likely series) of Alcatraz. The 8pm episode was pretty much on par with last week while the 9pm episode was down to a series low. This show started strong but faded and is highly unlikely to come back.
FOX 7:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 7:30 The Cleveland Show
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 8:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9 8:30 Bob's Burgers
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0 9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 9:30 American Dad!
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
On Sunday night, ABC saw very similar results to last week. America's Funniest Home Videos was even in viewers but down a tenth in the demo. ABC probably can't do much better in this slot so the long running show isn't going anywhere. At 8pm, Once Upon a Time was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. Desperate Housewives followed and was down two tenths in viewers but even in the demo. Finally, GCB was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. Unless things really go south in the coming weeks, these numbers might be enough to get it at least a midseason renewal. It seems to be stabilizing much better than Pan Am even though its debut wasn't as strong.
CBS did not have a major basketball overrun this week but there was a basketball lead-in so 60 Minutes was up four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. The Amazing Race followed and was down a tenth in viewers and the demo. The Good Wife was next and was up two tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo. The ratings for this show are less important to monitor now that it has been renewed. At 10pm, CSI: Miami was up eight tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week when it started at 10:43pm. I have to think that if it comes down to this and CSI: NY, this is the one that will get renewed.
Over on NBC, Dateline NBC started off the night down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. Harry's Law followed and was up a tenth in viewers but down a tenth in the demo. Now, I've been supporting this show for bucking the whole "demo is the only thing that matters" debate but a 0.8 demo is unacceptable in any world. Shows can skew old and be successful but this is getting ridiculous. At 9pm, Celebrity Apprentice was up two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. FOX's anchor shows were repeats but The Cleveland Show, Bob's Burgers, and American Dad! were all just slightly down from last week when everything was new.
Starring: Amanda Peet, David Walton, Margo Harshman, Joey King, and Jeffrey Tambor
Created by Tad Quill
Written by Tad Quill, Directed by Craig Zisk
Bent is a new romantic sitcom that is focused on the tried and true "will they or won't they" concept. In this show, it centers on an uptight divorcee lawyer Alex (Amanda Peet) who hires a womanizer and recovering gambler Pete (David Walton) as a contractor for her kitchen. Also in the cast is Alex's flirtatious sister (Margo Harshman) and daughter Charlie (Joey King) as well as Pete's father (Jeffrey Tambor).
THE GOOD: There is genuine chemistry between Peet and Walton in this show. Too many sitcoms try to force it but it happened naturally between these two and that is a combination of good writing and natural chemistry. The writing is fast and witty, it reminds me of Mad About You in many ways because both lead actors have good comic timing and a repartee with each other. The show has many funny zingers and the contrast between the two leads, though cliche, works thanks to the actors playing those types quite well.
THE BAD: The problem, which Mad About You sometimes had too, was that the quick and witty pace of the show does not always work with other characters as well as it does with the two leads. Margo Harshman is more annoying than funny as the flirty sister and Jeffrey Tambor seems miscast as he doesn't add much to the show. It falls flat in scenes where Peet and Walton are not interacting with each other. There were also little gaffes like a beer bottle that had lots of foam and then no foam depending on the camera shot. I don't always notice things like that so it had to be a pretty obvious one.
BOTTOM LINE: It's a shame this show debuted dead on arrival in the ratings for NBC because I think it has real potential. The natural chemistry between the two leads is palatable and though the supporting cast isn't strong, the writing seems to be there and those supporting characters could improve over time. Unfortunately it will most likely not have time to try that. I'm not sure why NBC dumped this in March while debuting garbage like Free Agents and Whitney in the fall. Oh well.
On Friday night, shows were new here and there. ABC was all new though. Shark Tank was down two tenths in viewers and the demo. It hovers between a 1.5 and a 1.7 but that should definitely be enough to earn a renewal on Friday nights. At 9pm, Primetime: What Would You Do? was down three tenths in viewers but up a tenth in the demo. 20/20 was down two tenths in viewers but up the same in the demo. On NBC, Who Do You Think You Are? was up half a million viewers but even in the demo at a low 1.0. FOX was all new on Fridays for the first time in a month but saw season lows as Kitchen Nightmares was down four tenths in viewers and the demo while Fringe was down two tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. I know it has a cult audience and it will try to cut its cost but is Fringe really possibly getting a final season after a 0.9 demo?
CBS 8:00 NCAA Basketball March Madness
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 9:21 NCAA Basketball March Madness
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
NBC 8:00 Community
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 8:30 30 Rock
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 9:00 30 Rock
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 9:30 Up All Night
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 10:00 Awake
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
FOX 8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 15.6 million, 18-49 demo: 4.2 9:00 Touch
Viewers: 11.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.3
On Thursday night, American Idol started out the night down four tenths in viewers and the demo for a season low in the demo. A 4.2 is nothing special for the once dominant show. At 9pm, Touch aired a new episode for the first time since its preview episode in January. Though it was down from that, it still posted good numbers and pretty good retention. If it can hang in this area, it is a slam dunk renewal. Even if it drops into the 2s, it's a likely renewal. Over on ABC, Missing was the only new show but it was down a rough 1.8 million viewers and half a demo point. This is a big second week drop after a decent debut so that does not bode well for the series.
NBC had a disastrous night without The Office. At 8pm, Community was down nine tenths in viewers and half a demo point from last week's surprisingly high return. The sad thing is that a 1.7 demo is not horrible for NBC. Two episodes of 30 Rock followed to poor ratings. NBC has some aging comedies that were never mass appeal shows and now are slipping. At 9:30pm, Up All Night was down two tenths in viewers and the demo. What a flop this has been on Thursdays. At 10pm, Awake was down four tenths in viewers and the demo for a series low in the demo. A 1.6 demo may have been enough but a 1.2 demo won't cut it, even on NBC.
This week, NBC announced its second renewal for the fall season in Monday drama Smash. The most anticipated and most heavily promoted new NBC show hasn't done incredible but is pulling numbers better than all of NBC's other dramas. It benefits from having the huge lead-in of The Voice before it but that doesn't matter when NBC is in such dire need of dramas. Through seven episodes, Smash has averaged 7.7 million viewers and a 2.6 demo. Of course some of this is inflated by its 3.8 demo premiere.
Smash joins Grimm and Sunday Night Football as the only official NBC renewals. The Biggest Loser, Celebrity Apprentice, Dateline NBC, Law & Order: SVU, The Office, Parks and Recreation, and The Voice are sure to join it. 30 Rock, Awake, Community, Fashion Star, Harry's Law, Parenthood, Up All Night, and Whitney could go either waywhile Are You There Chelsea?, Bent, and The Firm are likely or certain goners. Still to debut is Betty White's Off Their Rockers and BFFs.
NBC 8:00 Whitney
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 8:30 Are You There, Chelsea?
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 9:00 Bent
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 9:30 Bent
Viewers: 2.4 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8 10:00 Rock Center with Brian Williams
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
FOX 8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 17.2 million, 18-49 demo: 5.1
On Wednesday night, NBC saw some pathetic returns in the 9pm hour. But first, Whitney was up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. Given NBC's troubles, this could actually get renewed at these low numbers. At 8:30pm, Are You There Chelsea? was up six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo as it may have benefited from repeats on ABC. At 9pm was the first two episodes of Bent. It was an instant bomb as it had the lowest debut ever for the big four broadcast networks and then dropped in its second airing. An instant cancellation is warranted but it appears NBC may let all six episodes air since it will only take three weeks. At 10pm, Rock Center with Brian Williams was up four tenths in viewers and the demo. On FOX, American Idol was down 1.2 million viewers and three tenths in the demo.
ABC was all repeats except for Happy Endings which was worse than the last time it followed repeats two weeks ago. Though reports have it getting a third season, the ratings are very poor when it doesn't follow Modern Family. On CBS, Survivor started off the night down a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo despite less competition from ABC. At 9pm though, Criminal Minds rebounded in a big way as it was up seven tenths in viewers and a strong four tenths in the demo from last week's lows. CSI closed out the night down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo.
ABC 8:00 Last Man Standing
Viewers: 7.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9 8:30 Cougar Town
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 9:00 The River
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 10:00 Body of Proof (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
CBS 8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 19.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4 9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 16.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8 10:00 Unforgettable
Viewers: 11.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
NBC 8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3 10:00 Fashion Star
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
FOX 8:00 Raising Hope
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6 8:30 I Hate My Teenage Daughter
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 9:00 New Girl
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7 9:30 Breaking In
Viewers: 2.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
On Tuesday night, CBS was all new with its drama trio. After two weeks of repeats from each show, NCIS was up nine tenths in viewers but down a tenth in the demo for a season low. Daylight Savings strikes again. At 9pm, NCIS: Los Angeles was up three tenths in viewers but down the same in the demo. At 10pm, Unforgettable was up 1.4 million viewers and two tenths in the demo. It did better against Fashion Star than against new dramas on ABC and NBC but it's still probably not enough to warrant a renewal. On NBC, The Biggest Loser was up three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo while week two of Fashion Star was surprisingly up two tenths in viewers and the demo. While it's still low, a week two rise is rare for any new show so this has to be considered a positive.
Elsewhere on ABC, Last Man Standing started off the night down half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo from its last airing for a series low. Daylight Savings was not too kind to this show. It did help its lead-out Cougar Town though as that show was up two tenths in viewers and the demo from last week when it followed a repeat. It's still too low to get renewed but the fourth season factor still makes things a question mark. At 9pm, the season (and most likely series) finale of The River was down a tenth in viewers but up a tenth in the demo. While it is certain to be cancelled by ABC, Netflix is exploring picking it up. I don't see that happening though.
Over on FOX, Raising Hope started off the night down half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo for a series low. This show started off ok at 8pm but it is slipping quickly as the anchor show. At 8:30pm, I Hate My Teenage Daughter was down seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a series low. FOX yanked this show after this showing and benched it to summer which is all but an official cancellation. At 9pm, New Girl was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo for another series low. Yes it keeps dropping, but honestly, it's all by itself on this night. At 9:30pm, Breaking In was down six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. This show is doing worse in many ways than Teenage Daughter. It is completely squandering a decent lead-in.
ABC 8:00 Dancing with the Stars
Viewers: 18.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5 10:00 Castle
Viewers: 11.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
CBS 8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5 8:30 2 Broke Girls
Viewers: 9.4 million, 18-49 demo: 3.5 9:00 Two and a Half Men
Viewers: 11.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.8 9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 9.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1 10:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 9.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
FOX 8:00 House
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 9:00 Alcatraz
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
On Monday night, ABC had the newest edition of Dancing with the Stars. Though it still had nearly 19 million viewers, its demo premiere was only a 3.5 - not bad overall but very low for a premiere of Dancing. The fall premiere, which was down from last year, managed a 4.0 for the premiere. This does not bode well for its continued competition with The Voice and the competition seems to be skewing older and older. At 10pm, Castle benefited from the improved lead-in as it was up 2.4 million viewers and two tenths in the demo, finally climbing out of third place in the demo.
Over on NBC, The Voice was clearly affected by in the increased competition as it was down 2.5 million viewers and six tenths in the demo for season lows. The good news though was it still managed to easily win the demo over Dancing and CBS's comedies. At 10pm, Smash was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a series low. It fell to third in the demo but may be able to crawl back up to second if the Castle bump is temporary.
CBS had an interesting night. The 8pm hour was hurt, possibly by the ABC/NBC combo and Daylight Savings. How I Met Your Mother was down nine tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while 2 Broke Girls was down eight tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo for a series low. It's odd that Girls did not build on Mother in the demo. The 9pm hour did better though as Two and a Half Men and Mike & Molly were both down four tenths in viewers and up two tenths in the demo. At 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo.
On a very crowded night on broadcast TV, FOX was not surprisingly the odd one out. At 8pm, House was down 1.2 million viewers and three tenths in the demo for series lows. Like Desperate Housewives, this show isn't exactly sprinting towards its series finale. At 9pm, Alcatraz was down a tenth in viewers for a series low and even in the demo. These recent numbers have probably sealed its fate.
FOX 7:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0 7:30 The Cleveland Show
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4 8:30 Bob's Burgers
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 9:00 Family Guy
Viewers: 5.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8 9:30 American Dad!
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
On Sunday night, an NCAA Basketball overrun sent CBS's lineup into a 44 minute delay, and as usually happens with overruns, that was good for some shows and bad for others. It was good for 60 Minutes which was up three tenths in viewers and half a demo point. The Amazing Race followed and was down two tenths in viewers and the demo. The Good Wife was down three tenths in viewers and up two tenths in the demo. It has already been renewed though so these ratings are less key to watch. CSI: Miami closed out the night down 2.2 million viewers and three tenths in the demo. Though this isn't a great showing for one of CBS's few bubble shows, it should not really count against it since it didn't start until 10:44pm.
Over on ABC, America's Funniest Home Videos started down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. Daylight Savings has erased the momentum this show was building post-football. At 8pm, Once Upon a Time was down six tenths in viewers for a series low but it held steady in the demo. Desperate Housewives was up six tenths in viewers and also even in the demo. However, at 10pm, GCB slipped a million viewers and three tenths in the demo. After last week's surprising gain in week two, this was a more expected showing. If it can stay at these levels, it is a better demo performer than Pan Am but it can't dip much lower.
On NBC, Dateline NBC started the night up 1.4 million viewers and two tenths in the demo. Maybe it benefited from not having direct competition from 60 Minutes? At 8pm, Harry's Law was down 1.1 million viewers and a tenth in the demo. This is a real interesting quandary for NBC - a 1.0 demo is below any of NBC's already low lineup but no other show outside of The Voice can get 8 million viewers. A strike against it is that it seems to be hurting Celebrity Apprentice which was down seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo.
FOX's animated lineup is not what it used to be. At 7:30pm, The Cleveland Show was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. The Simpsons was up three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo while the best news may have come from Bob's Burgers which was up four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week's season premiere. It may have helped its case if it comes down to Burgers vs. Napoleon Dynamite. At 9pm, Family Guy was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo while American Dad! was dead even in viewers and the demo.
10 TIE. Hawaii Five-0 Theme (Hawaii Five-0, 1968-1980)
So I was worried this was going to happen and it did, I accidentally was left with 11 songs instead of 10 for the top 10. So rather than changing every single list, I'm just making two number tens! Hawaii Five-O has a great intensity to it and it not only became a theme song classic, but a marching band classic as well. Who can resist the pounding drums and thrilling theme. CBS very wisely kept the theme song for the reboot that launched in 2010. It wouldn't be Hawaii Five-0 without it.
10 TIE. St. Elsewhere Theme (St. Elsewhere, 1982-1988)
A classic theme song from the 1980s, St. Elsewhere had a charming feel with its simple theme song. As a medical drama, it didn't have the heart pounding feel of ER's theme song that came later. It was a simpler time and the music reflected the somewhat escapist feel to the medical drama genre. I haven't seen much of St. Elsewhere but I've always wanted to watch more because I love the theme song so much. And that, current broadcast networks, is the power of the theme song. It makes you want to watch a show you may not otherwise.
9. "Home to Emily" (The Bob Newhart Show, 1972-1978)
A great 1970s theme, the "Home to Emily" song depicted just that - Dr. Bob Hartley traveling through Chicago on his way back to his apartment. Unfortunately I couldn't find a video of the actual credits so you'll just have to listen to the song, but that's good enough too. With a great brassy and jazzy theme it reflects urban, sophisticated feel to the show. They don't make theme songs like this anymore.
8. "My Generation" (American Dreams, 2002-2005)
A vastly underrated drama of the 2000s had a sensational theme song as well. The song was written in 2002 by Emerson Hart but is perfect for a show set in the 1960s. From its sound to its lyrics, this song may as well have been written by a folk singer in the 60s. It captures the nostalgia that the show so perfectly captured. I'll say it once again, we need to get seasons 2 & 3 of this show on DVD!!
7. Happy Days Theme (Happy Days, 1974-1985)
Another nostalgic show, this one even started with an authentic theme song as "Rock Around the Clock" was the theme for the first two years. While that fit the show's early years, it became a broader, sillier sitcom and needed a new theme song to match the feel. It was perfectly matched with the feel-good theme that became forever associated with the show. If this song doesn't put you in a good mood, then you are empty inside.
6. Friday Night Lights Theme (Friday Night Lights, 2006-2011)
The last really great drama theme song to debut on network television, in my opinion, was this one.This is one of those songs that just fits the show perfectly. How do you create a song that captures small-town football in Texas? Well somehow it was done perfectly. The theme, just like the show, pulls at the heartstrings and just couldn't be more perfect for the fantastic show that follows. The credits rolling through Dillon, TX help immensely too but unfortunately I couldn't get a video with the credits. So just enjoy the song, it's enough.
5. Hill Street Blues Theme (Hill Street Blues, 1981-1987)
Another heart tugging drama theme song, Hill Street Blues is one of the simpler theme songs on the list, a piano driven tune that doesn't do anything too crazy. But who can listen to those first few notes as the police car rolls out of the station and not become interested in TV's greatest cop drama of all time. I don't really know what it is about this song that makes it so good, but it is widely considered to be one of the best themes of all time, and I would agree.
4. The West Wing Theme (The West Wing, 1999-2006)
W.G. Snuffy Walden is a master theme song composer having done Roseanne and Friday Night Lights from this list among many other classics including Thirtysomething and My So-Called Life. But this is his best work. There could not be a more presidential sounding theme than this one. I mean, they could have played "Hail to the Chief" or The Star Spangled Banner as a theme and I don't think it would have sounded as presidential. The regal feel to the song gave the show an air of sophistication that it already had through its writing and acting. It's a classy song for a classy show.
3. "I'll Be There for You" (Friends, 1994-2004)
Perhaps you've heard this theme song before? Arguably, the biggest hit theme song of all time, it was part of a phenomenon that Friends created in the mid 1990s. As everyone had Rachel's haircut and was tuning in to NBC Thursday nights, this was on the radio everywhere. It has held up well over time too and continues to be forever linked to the show. I mean, who wouldn't want a show about friends to have a theme song called "I'll Be There for You." I never get tired of Friends and I never get tired of this song.
2. "Love is All Around" (Mary Tyler Moore, 1970-1977)
It's no secret that Mary Tyler Moore is my all-time favorite show and I almost put the theme song at #1 too, it was very very close. Just because it's at #2 doesn't make it any less special. As I've said many times on this list, the very best theme songs are forever linked with their show.And how many times do you hear "who can turn the world on with her smile?" or "you're gonna make it after all" when Mary Tyler Moore is brought up. It is uplifting and it is classic. Add in the colorful names moving at the beginning and the hat toss at the end, and it's pretty much perfect.
1. "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" (Cheers, 1982-1993)
How could this not be #1 on the list? I've talked many times about songs that are perfectly fit to their show and this might be the best example of all. Cheers was all about a family of friends in a comfortable place, the classy bar of Cheers. When things are going bad in the rest of the world, we all want someplace we can go where "everybody knows our name" and that's what made this theme song so accessible, so identifiable, and so special. It is the best TV theme song of all time and probably always will be.
Starring: Ashley Judd, Sean Bean, Cliff Curtis, Adriano Giannini, Nick Eversman
Created by Gregory Poirier
Written by Gregory Poirier, Directed by Stephen Shill
Missing is a new thriller from ABC that is in many ways the TV version of the hit 2008 Liam Neeson movie Taken. In this escapist action drama, retired CIA agent Becca Winstone (Ashley Judd) heads to Europe to find her son, Michael (Nick Eversman), who vanished while studying in an Architecture program. Other characters include CIA Agent Dax Miller (Cliff Curtis) and a confidante and former friend in Europe, Giancarlo (Adriano Giannini). Sean Bean is also listed in the main cast as Winstone's husband but his character presumably died 10 years ago in a car bomb that Michael witnessed as the opening few minutes showed us, but he apparently is still part of the story, whether in flashbacks or in real life.
THE GOOD: Missing is an interesting show that is trying to do more than Taken did (and it needs to since it's a weekly series). The dramatic opening was good and the back story that was introduced and will surely be revisited added a complex layer to the otherwise limited story. As is usually the case with spy thriller movies, the Europe setting always adds to the fun. Is there any show or movie of this type that doesn't have the European sirens in it? The pilot also ended nicely on a cliffhanger as the story was starting to unfold into a bigger mystery.
THE BAD: Though the plot is escapist and fun, the performances are nothing special. Ashley Judd is decent as the lead but it's not a thrilling performance from her. None of the other characters were fascinating either. A show like this doesn't need to have great character development but they can't be totally blah. It also felt like there were one too many fight scenes and they were always very predictable in terms of when they were coming and what the outcome would be. Though the show had some very intense moments, there were also parts where it dragged which leads me to question if the premise is too thin.
BOTTOM LINE: This reminds me in some ways of NBC's Undercovers last year. I want to like a show like this because I love the setting and the escapist feel of it. But I also left the pilot feeling mixed on what I thought of it. If they can keep the story interesting enough, I'll probably stick with it. But if the story can't keep up, the performances are not enough to keep me interested. So I guess it's a wait and see for me with Missing. It's hard to live up to Taken though.
Starring: Kiefer Sutherland, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Mazouz, and Danny Glover
Created by Tim Kring
Written by Tim Kring, Directed by Francis Lawrence
Touch is an interesting new supernatural drama on FOX starring one of FOX's biggest stars from the early 2000s, Kiefer Sutherland. In this show, Sutherland plays Martin Bohm, a former journalist whose wife was killed on September 11th and whose son, Jake (David Mazouz), is mute. In the pilot, Martin Bohm discovers that his son is trying to communicate with him through numbers and tell him about something that is going to happen. Rounding out the cast is social worker Clea (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Danny Glover as Professor Arthur Teller, who specializes in childrens' unique gifts.
THE GOOD: Top to bottom, this is a very interesting show. It was absolutely fascinating the way every story that seemed hard to connect fit perfectly. To use the idea of a cell phone traveling around the world and affecting so many people could be really contrived but this show made it work perfectly. What made this show great was how many complex elements there were to the story. The pilot had several different situations with the phone yet there was also the overarching story of Martin and Jake and several back stories introduced. With other shows, I may have criticized that for being too much in the pilot but the story was so perfectly crafted here, it worked. Keifer Sutherland is excellent in the lead role and David Mazouz is fascinating in the role of Jake. There are so many emotional dynamics but they were all strong and believable.
THE BAD: There is very little that I didn't like about the pilot. I do wonder if each episode will be able to be as well crafted as this one. If not, the plots could get convoluted or contrived. I'm also not 100% sold on the 9/11 tie-in but they decided to go that route with the back story so we'll see where it goes. Still, those are nitpicky complaints. It was a great pilot.
BOTTOM LINE: This is yet another pilot this season (like Smash, Revenge, Awake, and Once Upon a Time) that is trying to do something no other show is. In this case, FOX has a rich emotional drama that can be a great character-driven show. They just need to nurture it as such and craft their weekly stories well. There is a ton of potential here, I hope it lives up to it.
On the heels of CBS renewing 15 shows, NBC has renewed its first scripted series in Grimm. Who would have thought when NBC released its fall schedule last May and the supernatural Grimm was plopped down on a sleepy Friday timeslot that this would unfold? More people thought the show would be the first cancelled show by NBC than the first renewed. But that's what happens when an entire drama lineup tanks and a Friday drama overperforms. Though its ratings are nothing spectacular (average of 5.4 million viewers, 1.6 demo), that is good for Friday AND for NBC. They may be tempted to move it to another night but it hasn't shown a ton of promise when given a chance on Thursdays with repeats or one original episode.
NBC has a lot to figure out as most of their lineup is in disarray but The Voice, The Biggest Loser, Celebrity Apprentice, Dateline NBC, Law & Order: SVU, The Office, Parenthood, Parks and Recreation, and Smash are likely or certain to be renewed. 30 Rock, Awake, Community, Fear Factor, Harry's Law, The Sing Off, Up All Night, Whitney, and Who Do You Think You Are? are on the bubble, while Are You There Chelsea?, Fashion Star, The Firm, Rock Center, and Who's Still Standing are likely goners. Yet to debut this season is Bent, Betty White's Off Their Rockers, and Best Friends Forever.
On Wednesday, CBS broke the drought of renewals for next season by picking up a whopping 15 shows. None were huge surprises, here is the rundown of pickups.
Perhaps the most surprising renewal (but still not that surprising) came from The Good Wife. The Sunday night drama has always been one of CBS's lowest rated dramas but it is easily the most critically acclaimed show on the network and the most critically acclaimed drama on broadcast television. It is also entering its all-important fourth season for syndication and it has lots of upscale viewers. So even though it does not match up to many of CBS's procedurals in ratings, this was a no-brainer renewal. The question is, will it stay on Sundays?
Two CBS comedies - 2 Broke Girls and Mike & Molly were also renewed, joining How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory, which are in the midst of a multi-year pickup. 2 Broke Girls is the 2011-2012 season's biggest new hit and has really taken off on Monday nights. CBS is no doubt hoping it will turn into an anchor show in the near future but they would be wise to give it one more year to grow in a non-anchor slot. Mike & Molly was also renewed for a third season. Though its ratings are not as strong as some CBS sitcoms, it has a very steady audience and it features Emmy Award winner and Oscar nominated Melissa McCarthy.
Another freshman renewal was given to Person of Interest. The Thursday drama had the tall order of replacing CSI in a slot it had held for a decade. Though it got off to a slow start (finishing fourth in the demo in the time period), it has grown over the course of the season, hitting series highs in January and again in March. It has managed to find a bigger and bigger audience which is rare for a freshman show. Though CBS is likely considering two hours of comedy on Thursday, they should really keep Person of Interest at 9pm as it is taking off nicely.
A slew of veteran procedural dramas were also renewed - top drama NCIS for season 10, its spinoff NCIS: Los Angeles as well as The Mentalist for season 4, Wednesday staple Criminal Minds for season 8, elder statesman CSI for season 13, and Hawaii Five-0 and Blue Bloods for season 3. Nothing is surprising here and most will probably keep their current timeslots though NCIS: Los Angeles and The Mentalist could be on the move.
CBS also picked up four unscripted series - The Amazing Race for a 21st edition, Undercover Boss for season 3, 60 Minutes for an impressive 44th season, and 48 Hours Mystery for a 26th season. All of these are also not surprising. Race continues to thrive on Sundays, Boss has really improved CBS's Friday 8pm slot, and 60 Minutes and 48 Hours Mystery have run forever. These join the already renewed Survivor in the unscripted families.
Conspicuously missing from the list was Two and a Half Men which did not get picked up since Ashton Kutcher has not committed to another season. I would be absolutely shocked though if Kutcher does not re-sign. This show will get a pickup, the details just aren't worked out. More on the bubble without announcements are CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, A Gifted Man, Rob, Rules of Engagement, and Unforgettable. Of those, CSI: Miami and the comedies probably have the best chance. A Gifted Man is all but officially dead and CSI: NY and Unforgettable should consider themselves in serious jeopardy. Still to debut is cop show NYC-22.
CBS 8:00 NCAA Basketball March Madness
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 10:00 NCAA Basketball March Madness
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
NBC 8:00 Community
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2 8:30 30 Rock
Viewers: 4.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0 9:00 The Office
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4 9:30 Up All Night
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7 10:00 Awake
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
FOX 8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 16.0 million, 18-49 demo: 4.6 9:00 Touch (Repeat)
Viewers: 8.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
On Thursday night, ABC started off with the premiere of the Ashley Judd drama Missing. Airing in a slot that has been challenging for ABC, Missing managed to attract a nice total viewer count but it skewed quite old. Still, if it were to stay close to these levels, ABC would take it in a notoriously difficult slot. All in all, this was a good debut at a tough time of year. At 9pm, Grey's Anatomy was up half a million viewers but down a tenth in the demo from its last new airing for a season low. At 10pm, Private Practice was up six tenths in viewers and even in the demo from its last airing. Over on FOX, American Idol was down 1.3 million viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week while an encore of the pilot of Touch was on par with recent episodes of The Finder. Next week is the real test for Touch.
NBC started off with the return of Community and it surprisingly posted an easy season high and came in second in the demo in its time period. Fans were upset that it was on hiatus and they showed their loyalty by tuning in and helping its case for a season four. It didn't hurt that The Big Bang Theory wasn't on. At 8:30pm, 30 Rock was up six tenths in viewers and also a strong six tenths in the demo from last week's 8pm episode, also hitting a season high. At 9pm, The Office was even in viewers and down two tenths in the demo. So yes, you read that right, it was only a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo ahead of Community. Time to put this show out of its misery. At 9:30pm, Up All Night was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. This show is hurting its chances for renewal with each passing week. At 10pm, Awake stabilized in week three as it was up eight tenths in viewers and even in the demo. It's low but possibly passable for NBC at these levels.
Hosted by Elle Macpherson
Judges: Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, John Varvatos
Created by Rick Ringbakk
Fashion Star is a new reality competition from NBC that is basically American Idol for fashion. Wannabe designers compete to win a fashion line with America's top retailers. There are several little details as there always are with these shows. In each show, the "judges" serve as mentors while the retail stores make offers. Contestants can be eliminated if they don't receive an offer but the mentors can save one contestant each week. Sounds more complicated than it needs to be, right? Another element is that viewers can purchase the products the very next day.
THE GOOD: I don't know... I guess if you enjoy fashion this might be interesting to you. It feels like a show that should be on Bravo or E! so it could probably have those types of fans. One interesting part I found was the buyers. I thought they had much more insight than the mentors and they certainly had business in mind first. It was nice to see some people who weren't overly complementary as they couldn't be because they are part of a business. In some ways, that allows this competition to be more cutthroat than it may otherwise have been.
THE BAD: I am not a fashion person so this was a difficult pilot to get through. It may not please all fashion people but it certainly won't attract non-fashion people. The back stories and features that are barely tolerable in a show like American Idol and The Voice were completely dull here and the fashion show could not hold my interest the way a performance can. The mentors didn't seem to have much insight and Elle MacPherson was dull as host. So yeah, not much for fashion people and nothing for non-fashion people.
BOTTOM LINE: So will this show be more like American Idol or more like America's Next Great Restaurant? There's nothing terrible here but it's just not something needed on TV. There's too many shows in this vein and making it fashion-centered instead of music-centered only made in drag more and the theatrics that always accompany reality shows seemed awfully shallow here. We'll see if it can find its niche on broadcast TV but, let's face it, if it even belongs on TV, it should be cable.
NBC 8:00 Whitney
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 8:30 Are You There, Chelsea?
Viewers: 2.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 9:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7 10:00 Rock Center with Brian Williams
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
FOX 8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 18.4 million, 18-49 demo: 5.4
On Wednesday night, ABC's comedy lineup was back to new episodes but saw several declines. At 8pm, The Middle was down 1.3 million viewers and a big half a demo point for a season low. Perhaps some can be blamed on daylight savings but this was disappointing. At 8:30pm, Suburgatory was down seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a series low. Its retention was way better this week though. At 9pm, Modern Family was down a million viewers and three tenths in the demo for a season low while Happy Endings was up eight tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo from last week when it was following all repeats. A "Revenge for Real" special did very little at 10pm.
On CBS, Survivor was down two tenths in viewers and the demo but a 3.0 demo against more competition and with Daylight Savings is not bad at all. At 9pm, Criminal Minds was down 1.1 million viewers and three tenths in the demo for a series low. This is a surprisingly bad showing for a show that is almost always consistent regardless of time of year or competition. At 10pm, CSI was up four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. It outperformed Minds in viewers and tied it in the demo which is a very strong showing for the veteran drama.
On FOX, American Idol was down three tenths in viewers and the demo but still did very solidly as it seems to have stabilized after some bad drops. Finally on NBC, Whitney was down three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for series lows. This show has been holding off for dear life on Wednesdays but Daylight Savings may be the final straw. Are You There, Chelsea? was down seven tenths in viewers and a rough four tenths in the demo for series lows. This show needs to be yanked now as it will be a terrible lead-in for new comedy Bent next week. After a Law & Order: SVU repeat, Rock Center with Brian Williams was pathetic and was down nine tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo. A 0.6 demo should not be happening, even for a cheap newsmagazine.
ABC 8:00 Last Man Standing (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 8:30 Cougar Town
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 9:00 The River
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3 10:00 Body of Proof
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
CBS 8:00 NCIS (Repeat)
Viewers: 13.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 11.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9 10:00 Unforgettable (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
NBC 8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 9:30 Fashion Star
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
FOX 8:00 Raising Hope
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8 8:30 I Hate My Teenage Daughter
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4 9:00 New Girl
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8 9:30 Breaking In
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
On Tuesday night, NBC had a new unscripted lineup. At 8pm, The Biggest Loser was up half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo from last week. It should be doing better against very little competition. At 9:30pm was the premiere of Fashion Star. The reality show had a very disappointing debut as the competition was limited and it seemed like a type of show that could get off to a decent start. It will probably be downhill from here so chalk that up as another flop for NBC.
FOX had week two of its all-sitcom lineup and it was down across the board. At 8pm, Raising Hope was down four tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. These are more the type of numbers I was expecting for this show at 8pm. At 8:30pm, I Hate My Teenage Daughter was down a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo. FOX announced that it will not air after American Idol as planned on Wednesdays in April and will instead be shelved until summer which is basically an unofficial cancellation. At 9pm, New Girl was down three tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. While a series low, it is being asked a lot to anchor a lineup as a young show when it's surrounded by duds. At 9:30pm, Breaking In was down two tenths in viewers and the demo. Looks like it will be cancelled... again.
ABC was barely competitive with its troubled Tuesday lineup. After a repeat of Last Man Standing, Cougar Town was down a tenth in viewers and the demo for another series low. ABC should not be renewing this show, it still can't find any sort of audience and the demo is falling apart. At 9pm, The River was down a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo for series lows. There's no way this is coming back. Finally at 10pm, Body of Proof was up seven tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. This show will get one final chance airing after the much stronger Dancing with the Stars Results lead-in but it seems to be an unlikely renewal as well.
