The four major networks: ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC have each announced plans to add new comedy shows to their schedules for fall 2009; and in some cases, at the cost of standby procedurals.
Fall TV Scheduling
CBS conspicuously opted to cancel their popular procedural Without a Trace, and instead pick up a Jenna Elfman vehicle, Accidentally On Purpose. In doing so, the network hopes to build a powerhouse Monday night comedy block, pairing Elfman’s show with the established hits How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men.
ABC, in order to beef up its comedy schedule, has enlisted former sitcom greats Kelsey Grammar, Ed O’Neill, Courteney Cox and Patricia Heaton to front shows Hank, Modern Family, Cougar Town and The Middle, respectively.
One of the fall’s most buzzed-about comedies, Glee, already aired a premiere episode on Fox. It earned a respectable 9.6 million viewers, and by giving it the summer to generate a following, the network is trying for a hit. Fox will also debut the football-themed Brothers, alongside the returning sitcom ’Til Death.
Fox will also continue its success in adult-oriented cartoons by continuing to produce The Simpsons (now in its 20th season), and Family Guy. When those shows air on Sundays, they will be joined by American Dad, and the Family Guy spin-off, The Cleveland Show.
The most established comedy schedule is found on NBC, which 10 years ago prided itself on shows like Friends and Seinfeld. Now, it’s refilling its comedy block with hit shows like The Office and 30 Rock, as well as newer shows like Community, led by well-known comics Chevy Chase and Joel McHale.
Unlikely Fall Renewals
In May, NBC executives delighted fans and critics by renewing its spy comedy, Chuck. The show, a critical darling, frequently floundered in ratings last year, but the network hopes online buzz will help it transcend to a larger audience.
NBC took a similar leap of faith four years ago, after The Office’s lackluster first season. This year, it also gave the like-minded Parks and Recreation a second chance, after its initial ratings fell short of expectations.
Other networks have followed suit, such as ABC’s eleventh-hour renewal of Scrubs, and its support of the struggling Better off Ted. CBS also supported The New Adventures of Old Christine and Gary Unmarried, despite their flagging ratings and fading critical support.
The Future of Comedies
With the onslaught of new comedies, networks may be trying to reverse what Entertainment Weekly’s Jeff Jensen labeled 2008 as “The Year that TV’s Second Golden Age Ended.” For the last few years, networks quickly killed floundering shows, no matter how fresh or original, and that with the absence of quirky line ups, “Bones clones are in.”
Even though the surge in comedies may not completely nullify that declaration, the networks’ decision to produce lighthearted fare may demonstrate their willingness to risk ratings for creativity. Maybe the “Second Golden Age of Television” isn’t over quite yet, or if it is, the new season might be the start of a new epoch.
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