ABC 2005-2006 show lineup
The network that was once known for pulling its weaker shows too early, before they develop legs and audience, is finally sticking with most of its current lineup. Not only that, ABC is also bringing in plenty of new shows – which is a sign of confidence. Or, perhaps it’s just stubbornness.
First of all, there’s almost no cancellations (besides the obvious) at ABC: 8 Simple Rules – the show died with John Ritter, and any attempts to revive it should have been scrapped back in 2003; Eyes – a private dick hourlong that had no chemistry b/w cast; and Blind Justice – a one-sentence crime gimmick that should have been left on the shelf, at least until cop shows are popular again. The one show that was “on the bubble” – Jake in Progress – is going to be back, and personally, I like that decision. John Stamos has got charisma coming out of his ass. Yes, he knows he’s a pretty boy, but he carries it well. Plus, Wendy Malick, Ian Gomez and Rick Hoffman are a blast next to John, and watching them interact is just plain fun.
Some notable moves: Boston Legal is now on Tuesdays (I guess that frees up my Sunday nights, but creates a conflict with House M.D.); and Alias is going to try existing on its own again – it’s been moved to Thursday nights. Tough time slot, but with good writing they can pull off admirable numbers. Or, the show can simply die against FOX and CBS competition.
The news shows are all over the place, and some of these sound like a one-joke idea. But then again, Lost and Desperate Housewives were introduced the same way, and initially dismissed. With time, half the country tuned in to watch. Here’s what ABC has in store: first, lets look at the sitcoms. Commander-in-Chief, starring Geena Davis and Donald Sutherland (about the first female president); Freddie, about a successful chef, starring Freddie Prince Junior; Hot Properties, about young realtors in love; Crumbs, about two brothers running family business, starring Fred Savage William Devane and Jane Curtin; Emily’s Reasons Why Not, about a book publicist, starring Heather Graham (I guess those appearances on Scrubs have paid off); and Sons & Daughters, a family-based sitcom.
Now, about those dramas: Invasion, about a small town dealing with extraterrestrial body snatchers; The Night Stalker, about a journalist who believes his wife’s murder is a result of unnatural forces. It stars Stuart Townsend, Cotter Smith and Eric Jungman. Also next season ABC is bringing two legal shows – Evidence and In Justice. Cute names, somewhat familiar faces, not an outstanding concept. Finally, What About Brian, a clone of Jake in Progress about a guy who realizes he’s the last one to get hitched in his posse.
Even if only a third of this lineup survives, it’s still not going to change much in my watching habits. ABC has recovered from a very long slump with hits like Alias, Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and Boston Legal. Sure I couldn’t care less about Wisteria lane, and the medical show, but the other three will keep bringing me to the screen at least the nights a week. And that’s impressive.
What are you going to watch on ABC next year?
