NBC 2006-2007 schedule - No "Surface"

[Bierboy]

NBC today announced its 06-07 schedule (http://www.thefutoncritic.com/pr.aspx?id=20060515nbc01) and it looks like either "Surface" has been canceled or shelved until mid-year (my speculation).

[Guindalf]

I thought it was decided some time ago that this show would not re-surface (sorry).

Was anyone actually watching it? It lost me very early on and I usually love this kind of show.

[ScottE22]

That's too bad! I was actually liking that show!

Hopefully someone more "in the know" will chime in with details...

[Bierboy]

I thought it was decided some time ago that this show would not re-surface (sorry)...Not officially that I was aware of. And the FutonCritic doesn't list it as cancelled. NBC billed the last show this year as the "season finale" and they sure left a lot of questons unanswered. I was hoping it'd be back at least to resolve how it left off.

[dswallow]

According to this it was likely getting cancelled: http://www.thefutoncritic.com/newswire.aspx?id=7156

[ScottE22]

Studio 60 on the Sunest Strip has a cast I like, but I think it needs a better name...

Kidnapped sounds intriguing but how long can you really milk "a high-stakes, serialized thriller about a teenaged boy's kidnapping"?

[mrpantstm]

Definitly looking forward to "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and "30 Rock". Wonder how NBC and Sorkin will play this time around. I like Tina Fey and hopefully her show will be good although it might be one of the casualities.

"Heroes" looks interesting although it sounds a bit like "The 4400".

[dswallow]

Wow... we're down to one show on NBC that I watch.

And maybe 2 shows of all the new ones that look like I might try.

[mrpantstm]

Kidnapped sounds intriguing but how long can you really milk "a high-stakes, serialized thriller about a teenaged boy's kidnapping"?

About as long as they can milk a Prison Break or a Heist on Rodeo drive. :p

[LoadStar]

ER gets the "all original episodes" treatment, leading to a cliffhanger in December, to make room for "The Black Donnellys." Interesting, to say the least. I actually like the "all original episodes" treatment - no worries about having to try and keep up with episodes interspersed with half a million repeats... but could this be yet another indicator that NBC is finally getting ready to let ER go?

[dtle]

Next year... no "Surface", no "Invasion", no "Threshold".

I guess the networks can't ride the "Lost" sci-fi bandwagon.

[LoadStar]

Next year... no "Surface", no "Invasion", no "Threshold".

I guess the networks can't ride the "Lost" sci-fi bandwagon.

I dunno about that... NBC has a new series, "Heroes," that falls into this general sci-fi-ish category...
"HEROES" -- The epic drama "Heroes" chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. As a total eclipse casts it shadow across the globe, viewers follow a genetics professor (Sendhil Ramamurthy, "Blind Guy Driving") in India whose father's disappearance leads him to uncover a secret theory -- there are people with super powers living among us. A young dreamer (Milo Ventimiglia, "The Bedford Diaries") tries to convince his politician brother (Adrian Pasdar, "Judging Amy") that he can fly. A high school cheerleader (Hayden Panettiere, "Ice Princess") learns that she is totally indestructible. A Las Vegas stripper (Ali Larter, "Final Destination"), struggling to make ends meet to support her young son (Noah Gray-Cabey, "My Wife & Kids"), uncovers that her mirror image has a secret. A prison inmate (Leonard Roberts, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") mysteriously finds himself waking up outside of his cell. A gifted artist (Santiago Cabrera, "Empire"), whose drug addiction is destroying his life and the relationship with his girlfriend (Tawny Cypress, "Third Watch"), can paint the future. A down-on-his-luck beat cop (Greg Grunberg, "Alias") can hear people's thoughts, including the secrets of a captured terrorist. In Japan, a young man (Masi Oka, "Scrubs") develops a way to stop time through sheer will power. Their ultimate destiny is nothing less than saving the world. "Heroes" is executive produced by creator/writer Tim Kring ("Crossing Jordan), Dennis Hammer ("Crossing Jordan") and David Semel ("House"), who also directed the pilot. The drama is from NBC Universal Television Studio.

[DougF]

Glad to see Scrubs will be back. I enjoyed Surface. Too bad it's apparently not coming back.

[ScottE22]

About as long as they can milk a Prison Break or a Heist on Rodeo drive. :p

Touche'

:D

[cmontyburns]

Glad to see Scrubs will be back.

Agreed, although it again gets the "sometime later in the season" treatment.

[Dmon4u]

For those that want to see the schedule without checking the link, above:

Monday
8:00 p.m. Deal or No Deal
9:00 p.m. HEROES
10:00 p.m. Medium

Tuesday
8:00 p.m. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
9:00 p.m. KIDNAPPED
10:00 p.m. Law & Order: SVU

Wednesday
8:00 p.m. The Biggest Loser
9:00 p.m. 20 GOOD YEARS
9:30 p.m. 30 ROCK
10:00 p.m. Law & Order

Thursday
8:00 p.m. My Name Is Earl (new time)
8:30 p.m. The Office (new time)
9:00 p.m. STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP
10:00 p.m. ER (THE BLACK DONNELLYS in midseason)

Friday
8:00 p.m. Deal or No Deal
9:00 p.m. Las Vegas
10:00 p.m. Law & order: Criminal Intent (new day and time)

Saturday
8:00 p.m. Dateline
9:00 p.m. Drama series encores.
10:00 p.m. Drama series encores.

Sunday
7:00 p.m. FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA
8:00 p.m. SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Sunday After Football Season
7:00 p.m. Dateline
8:00 p.m. AMERICA’S GOT TALENT
9:00 p.m. The Apprentice 6 (only one edition next season)
10:00 p.m. RAINES

[mrpantstm]

Agreed, although it again gets the "sometime later in the season" treatment.

While I'm happy this was picked up, I agree the later in the season is really harmful to the show. To me, it seems like NBC doesn't see Scrubs as a starter but won't let it go to CBS (or ABC, can't remember which). Truly weak.

[ebonovic]

I guess this puts a kobosh on Battlestar Gallatica moving to NBC :( (I would have really liked to see first runs in HD, instead of being 6 months shifted)

It also looks like that is another dagger in "Commander N Chief"; I was hoping to see either CBS or NBC pick it up..

[LoadStar]

I guess this puts a kobosh on Battlestar Gallatica moving to NBC :( (I would have really liked to see first runs in HD, instead of being 6 months shifted)

It also looks like that is another dagger in "Commander N Chief"; I was hoping to see either CBS or NBC pick it up..

I didn't think either were even serious considerations. I've not heard ANYTHING about the latter, and the former was, I thought, just wishful thinking on the part of BSG fans.

[zuko3984]

NBC today announced its 06-07 schedule (http://www.thefutoncritic.com/pr.aspx?id=20060515nbc01) and it looks like either "Surface" has been canceled or shelved until mid-year (my speculation).

Surface isn't coming back next season unless another network picks it up which is unlikely. Networks very rarely if ever actually announce a cancellation of a show, they don't like to admit failure. and they never announce any cancellations at there upfront presentation, the upfronts are where they want to highlight there accomplishments and look to the bright future that they hope to have. If a show is not mentioned in the upfront presentation it is not coming back except in very rare cases and i don't think surface has the fan following to make a miracle like that happen. If it was coming back mid year it would have been in the press release like they mentioned with scrubs. I liked surface also and an sort of annoyed but what can you do.

[dswallow]

[...] but what can you do.
Read books.

[Guindalf]

I dunno about that... NBC has a new series, "Heroes," that falls into this general sci-fi-ish category...

As long as one of them is not named "Hogan", it may be watchable! (Sounds a little 4400ish though).

[ebonovic]

The "Commander" piece was more of a speculation on my part.
An award winning show, that got "toyed" with in the lineup and put on too long of a hiatus...

I was hoping it would become the next "JAG".. (aka kicked out by it original network, then lived a long life on another)

[5thcrewman]

Read books.
I'll go download some now.

[mwhip]

Anyone notice how quietly "Joey" got cancelled? :up: :D

[Lee L]

I wonder if they will even run teh rest of this seasons order over the summer?

[Chapper1]

Of the new shows, I will be looking at watching Studio 60, 30 Rock, 20 Good Years.

I am aslo glad to see that ER will be running virtually rerun free this season. It is painful to have 3 weeks between new episodes of any sow. I wished more shows did the condensing of the seasons...

[mwhip]

20 Good Years looks great...Lithgow and Tambor together? This is a great pairing.

[ZeoTiVo]

What a weak way out of poor marketing and program scheduling. Anything intelligent was cancelled (save for Earl and Office)

SNL people doing shows about a late night comedy show. What is next Katey Couric in a perky drama about a morning Show.

then a run at comedies while keeping the dramas you had.

Did not see anything I would set a season pass on - would rather manually record a few first from the guide. I do not see much inspiration from NBC.

[PRMan]

My wife and I liked Three Wishes. That was a cool show. Too bad it was on Friday nights when many families are doing the football/cheerleading thing.

Would NBC even recognize a good show if it hit them over the head? And if they recognized it, would they schedule it properly?

They are lost right now.

[WinBear]

Even though "Friday Night Lights" is about my hometown, I don't think I can stomach it. The town's all-consuming obsession with football was the worst aspect of growing up there.

[GerryGag]

Of the new shows, I will be looking at watching Studio 60, 30 Rock, 20 Good Years.
Man, lots of shows with numbers in the titles...60, 30, 20. Not to mention returning series like 24, 60 minutes, Numb3rs (does that one count?) :D

[mwhip]

My wife and I liked Three Wishes. That was a cool show. Too bad it was on Friday nights when many families are doing the football/cheerleading thing.

Would NBC even recognize a good show if it hit them over the head? And if they recognized it, would they schedule it properly?

They are lost right now.

Considering that the rumors I saw were that they were going to put Friday Night Lights on Friday nights when that target audience was actually out doing what the show was about was just plain stupid. Glad they came to their senses and put it on Tuesdays.

[jlb]

Earl at 8.....against Survivor and OC or is that on at 9)......yikes.....how to get the WAF for a 3rd Tivo........

[Inundated]

SNL people doing shows about a late night comedy show. What is next Katey Couric in a perky drama about a morning Show.

No. CBS will schedule her in a sitcom about a perky morning show host turned news anchor.


:D

[JYoung]

Anyone notice how quietly "Joey" got cancelled? :up: :D


Not surprising.
Joey was a miserable failure.

I wonder if NBC is trying to kill Criminal Intent though.
When you consider that both Trial By Jury and Conviction bombed in the Friday at 10 slot, it's an interesting move.

[cmontyburns]

While I'm happy this was picked up, I agree the later in the season is really harmful to the show. To me, it seems like NBC doesn't see Scrubs as a starter but won't let it go to CBS (or ABC, can't remember which). Truly weak.

It remains to be seen how NBC will juggle their lineup at midseason, once the returns are in on some of the new shows and once football ends, but for now I'm assuming they are bringing Scrubs back to sacrifice against American Idol on Tuesdays again. Not that I watch AI; I want more people to watch Scrubs. Bah.

[DougF]

CNN.com article: http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/15/new.season.ap/index.html


NBC is canceling the failed "Friends" spinoff "Joey," the sci-fi drama "Surface" and producer Dick Wolf's show about youthful prosecutors, "Convicted."

[Rob Helmerichs]

I wonder if NBC is trying to kill Criminal Intent though.
When you consider that both Trial By Jury and Conviction bombed in the Friday at 10 slot, it's an interesting move.
On the other hand, SVU thrived there for several years...

[tivogurl]

Why is Crossing Jordan missing from the schedule? And who was the idiot scheduling Heroes against 24? Oh well, another sci-fi show down the drain.

[LoadStar]

Why is Crossing Jordan missing from the schedule? And who was the idiot scheduling Heroes against 24? Oh well, another sci-fi show down the drain.

Crossing Jordan is another "fan-favorite series returning later this season," like Scrubs.

[Guindalf]

Anyone notice how quietly "Joey" got cancelled? :up: :D

It wasn't that quietly around here! Anyway, it got cancelled because it was crap and more to the point, no-one watched it!

I heard a while ago (and I'm sure someone will post a link) that the original six were being paid something like $20m each for four one-hour Friends specials.

[cmontyburns]

I heard a while ago (and I'm sure someone will post a link) that the original six were being paid something like $20m each for four one-hour Friends specials.

A common rumor, which gets debunked each time it comes up.

[osterber]

Apparently, I was the only person who liked Conviction, E-Ring, Four Kings, or Joey.

-Rick

[ScottE22]

Apparently, I was the only person who liked Conviction, E-Ring, Four Kings, or Joey.

-Rick

I liked Joey, too. It wasn't Friends, but it was watchable! Now we'll never know if he ends up with Alex!

[Lee L]

I actually did not mind Joey. It was not as good as freinds, but it had its moments.

I liked Four Kings.

[jking]

I wish they would just move Surface to Sci-Fi. That's where it belonged anyway.

[DougF]

tv.com lists eight unaired episodes of Joey. I wonder if NBC will show them this summer?

[dimented]

Yea, I really liked Four Kings as well. Wish it hadn't got cancelled.

[ebonovic]

Apparently, I was the only person who liked Conviction, E-Ring, Four Kings, or Joey.

-Rick


Never got around to Conviction and didn't "Grab on to Four Kings"

But E-Ring was my 2nd highest priority on the HR10-250 and Joey was a staple to that I thought got a LOT better this season...

[ebonovic]

IMHO... If they follow the same "rules" they follow today, 10-15 years ago.

A vast majority of the "all-time great" series would have been nuked.

Nieslen (and other rating systems) and the fact we have so many channels that produce NEW primetime series content....

[Z-Todd]

Apparently, I was the only person who liked Conviction, E-Ring, Four Kings, or Joey.

-Rick

Nope, you are not the only one. I was loyal to every (new) episode of those 4 shows.

But with E-Ring, I saw the writing on the wall. Deal or no Deal just killed that show (and Surface too).

BURN IN HELL NBC !!!

[BriGuy20]

Not much on my want-to-watch list.

I AM glad that Earl and Office are moving to 8 on Thursday. Frees up my schedule to watch CSI, though I'll probably have a Series 3 by then so it may not matter as much.

Only other shows that I'd be interested in (besides football) are Medium, Apprentice, and (depending on other schedules) maybe an occasional Law & Order/SVU (not a Criminal Intent fan).

Looks like Apprentice is moving to another tied-to-the-railroad slot (vs. Desperate Housewives). I think the only ratings juggernaut they HAVEN'T scheduled it against is American Idol. Thankfully, CNBC reruns it weekly.

[jerrymc]

What a weak way out of poor marketing and program scheduling. Anything intelligent was cancelled (save for Earl and Office)

SNL people doing shows about a late night comedy show. What is next Katey Couric in a perky drama about a morning Show.

then a run at comedies while keeping the dramas you had.

Did not see anything I would set a season pass on - would rather manually record a few first from the guide. I do not see much inspiration from NBC.

I tried to watch Earl for about 5 episodes. Office lasted about 1-1/2 shows with me. I find it amazing that anyone would use the word "intelligent" in referring to either. (No offense ZeoTivo, "to each his own" as they say...)

However I do agree with your assessment of NBC. In our house, FOX and CBS make up 90% of our TV watching.

-Jerry

[mwhip]

I tried to watch Earl for about 5 episodes. Office lasted about 1-1/2 shows with me. I find it amazing that anyone would use the word "intelligent" in referring to either. (No offense ZeoTivo, "to each his own" as they say...)

However I do agree with your assessment of NBC. In our house, FOX and CBS make up 90% of our TV watching.

-Jerry

Please tell me that the 90% does not involve Survivor, American Idol or Amazing Race. Because those are truly the shows that are not intelligent. Not saying they are bad shows I just do not view any reality TV as "intelligent". Now I watch my share but in my priorities well written scripted shows are always at they top of my list and reality TV is filler when I have nothing else to watch. Like summer when BB comes around.

[cwoody222]

Compared to crap like Ameridan Dad, The War at Home, The New Adventures of Old Christine, 99% of sitcoms on the WB and UPN, Freddie, and the list goes on...

Earl and Office are VERY "intelligent" comedies.

And darn good and funny, too.

[Mike10]

So whats hapenning with Deal or no Deal

[Bierboy]

So whats hapenning with Deal or no Deal
Mondays & Fridays at 8/7.

[Lee L]

Please tell me that the 90% does not involve Survivor, American Idol or Amazing Race. Because those are truly the shows that are not intelligent. Not saying they are bad shows I just do not view any reality TV as "intelligent". Now I watch my share but in my priorities well written scripted shows are always at they top of my list and reality TV is filler when I have nothing else to watch. Like summer when BB comes around.

Funny, I watch Survivor and The Amazing Race and find Earl and The Office (both the american and UK versions ) hilarious.

I actually think that Amazing Race probably comes as close to Intelligent reality shows out there as it is certainly a notch above many of those shows.

[marksman]

I am interested in the Aaron Sorkin show, also interested in the Lorne Michaels/Tina Fey show if for no other reason Alec Baldwin will be in his first series. Should be interesting.

[DanaMac223]

Apparently, I was the only person who liked Conviction, E-Ring, Four Kings, or Joey.

-Rick

I like Conviction. Its too bad it didn't make the cut. At least it got more air time than most.

[Neenahboy]

Please tell me that the 90% does not involve Survivor, American Idol or Amazing Race. Because those are truly the shows that are not intelligent.

:eek: :mad:

Bite your tongue!

[Michael S]

Next year... no "Surface", no "Invasion", no "Threshold".

I guess the networks can't ride the "Lost" sci-fi bandwagon.


Well Supernatural could still be around.

Also that show Raines starring Jeff Goldbolum. Is that suppose to be a rip off of Monk? They sound the same.

[Uncle Briggs]

Apparently, I was the only person who liked Conviction, E-Ring, Four Kings, or Joey.

-RickI liked Four Kings

[Uncle Briggs]

I tried to watch Earl for about 5 episodes. Office lasted about 1-1/2 shows with me. I find it amazing that anyone would use the word "intelligent" in referring to either. (No offense ZeoTivo, "to each his own" as they say...)

However I do agree with your assessment of NBC. In our house, FOX and CBS make up 90% of our TV watching.

-JerryI love Earl, I tried to like The Office but found it to be mean spirited.

[cwoody222]

Nothing in this lineup really grabs me.

I'll give Heroes a try but I know it'll bomb. Sci-Fi on NBC? Will never last.

The Black Donnellys sounds interesting as does Kidnapped. But nothing makes me say "Wow! I can't wait for that one!"

I'm glad they didn't break up the Earl/Office combo on Thursdays.

[marksman]

Not surprising.
Joey was a miserable failure.

I wonder if NBC is trying to kill Criminal Intent though.
When you consider that both Trial By Jury and Conviction bombed in the Friday at 10 slot, it's an interesting move.

Yeah that was my thought too... I had heard rumors earlier that it was potentially being considered for cancellation.. Which is too bad because even with the dual cast I still like the show, probably over the other two, most of the time.

I know SVU started on Fridays and was able to turn that into a move to a real time slot. I just can't believe this is anything but bad news for Criminal Intent. If they want to get rid of it, no matter what it pulls in they can justify it. I just don't seem them going in 3 years, yeah lets put it on Thursday night.

[marksman]

I love Earl, I tried to like The Office but found it to be mean spirited.

I find that characterization extremely interesting.... I can see how one might see that at first, but it is actually anything but mean-spirited in practice... The characters are actually very believable and connected in a fairly real way, beyond what you see in most sitcoms.

[JYoung]

I love Earl, I tried to like The Office but found it to be mean spirited.


And Four Kings wasn't mean spirited?

[IJustLikeTivo]

The real question is how many times will Andy Richtor completely suck before people stop giving him new shows?

[IJustLikeTivo]

Apparently, I was the only person who liked Conviction, E-Ring, Four Kings, or Joey.

-Rick

Not completely, I liked Conviction, Hated E-ring ( beyone unrealistic, made 24 looks like gospel), hated Four kings ( no chemistry at all ) and like Joey, especially Andrea Anders ( as apparently did Matt LeBlanc!)

And why , for the love of mike, does ER need a freaking cliffhanger? What's up with that?

[mwhip]

The real question is how many times will Andy Richtor completely suck before people stop giving him new shows?


Come on!!! Andy Richter Controls the Universe was one of the 10 best comedies of the last 10 years. IMHO

[newsposter]

my wife wont be happy no fear factor...i'll have to dig up some bugs and eat them every tuesday at 8pm to placate her.

[newsposter]

Apparently, I was the only person who liked Conviction, E-Ring,

-Rick

nope me too....

does that original ER thing mean all new sept to december with no repeats?

Stinks about conviction. Was a nice filler with a different take on the court thing.



Nieslen (and other rating systems) and the fact we have so many channels that produce NEW primetime series content.... If so many channels is the problem then i say we start shutting them down! When there were only a handful of channels we all had to watch :)


Well Supernatural could still be around.
.

It better be! can't stand more cancelations of my shows. The impala is on the stands right now getting straightened out I hear

[dr_mal]

If so many channels is the problem then i say we start shutting them down! When there were only a handful of channels we all had to watch :)

Hey if a la carte picks up traction, that just might happen!

[DevdogAZ]

I liked Joey. Knew it wouldn't get renewed, but hope they'll air the remaining eps this summer.

I'm really excited about Studio 60. Sorkin is my favorite TV writer of all time and I really like Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford. However, I'm afraid for the success of this show since it's against CSI and Grey's Anatomy (and probably The O.C.).

The Office is an extremely intelligent show. Not quite as intelligent as "Arrested Development" but probably the next most intelligent of any comedy I can remember. It's jokes are subtle, and the humor is often awkward and uncomfortable, but it's definitley intelligent.

I really liked Andy Richter Controls the Universe and I've seen the pilot of Andy Barker, P.I. It's too bad that it didn't make the fall schedule, but it did need a little retooling to be ready for prime time. I liked it, but it probably wouldn't have lasted long in the form I saw it.

[Guindalf]

Studio 60 has a chance with the "smart set". I would think that all of us that are lamenting the loss of Sports Night are thinking that this is what SN should have been - an hour-long dramady!

Vive la TiVo!

[hawk4hire]

Ok so what happened to Crossing Jordan. I liked that show too... Dang NBC... the cancel E-Ring, Crossing Jordan, oo yes I forgot - this is the Same network that cancelled JAG after one season.

[GerryGag]

Ok so what happened to Crossing Jordan. I liked that show too... Dang NBC... the cancel E-Ring, Crossing Jordan, oo yes I forgot - this is the Same network that cancelled JAG after one season.
Mentioned in both this thread and the article in the initial post..."Crossing Jordan is another 'fan-favorite series returning later this season,' like Scrubs." It's just not on the Fall schedule.

[hawk4hire]

LOL Zeo... "perky drama"... I think the networks have lost creativity.

[hawk4hire]

Thanx GerryG... I missed that.

[LoadStar]

Studio 60 has a chance with the "smart set". I would think that all of us that are lamenting the loss of Sports Night are thinking that this is what SN should have been - an hour-long dramady!

Vive la TiVo!

Agreed. I'm fairly excited by the possibility of recapturing even a glimmer of what Sports Night was. I'll be tuning in.

[newsposter]

no fear factor either

[madscientist]

Studio 60 has a chance with the "smart set". I would think that all of us that are lamenting the loss of Sports Night are thinking that this is what SN should have been - an hour-long dramady!I dunno... I liked SN as a 30 minute show. I think if it had been an hour the writing would have been much sloppier and maybe less "smart" (as in, they have time to get in their own way and spell everything out).

On the other hand 60 mins hasn't hurt other "smart" shows like VM, etc. You still have to watch them very closely.

Ah SN. We hardly knew ye. I went through a withdrawal phase after it was canceled where I TiVo'd and watched every episode at least twice. Sad, really.