We beat up NBC a lot here on Warming Glow, but it’s ONLY BECAUSE THEY DESERVE IT. Yesterday, they announced the changes to their mid-season schedule, and even though the network has been the big winner so far this season in the 18-49 demographic, those changes are a reminder of why the network has struggled for so many years. Why is NBC winning so far this season? Three shows: The Voice, Revolution, and Sunday Night Football. How do they extend their momentum into the winter? Uh, Betty White’s Off Their Rockers?
Here’s a quick look at the changes:
SERIES PREMIERES:
— New Drama “Deception” (Formerly “Infamous”) January 7
— New Comedy “1600 Penn” January 10
— New Relationship Series “Ready for Love” from Eva Longoria March 31
RETURNS:
— “The Voice” Begins Fourth Cycle March 25/26
— “Revolution” Returns March 25
— “The Biggest Loser” Returns January 6/7 with Jillian Michaels
— “Smash” Returns February 5 with Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson
— “Community” Returns February 7
–“The Celebrity Apprentice” Debuts March 3
— “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” Comes Back January 8
So, the good news, as Josh announced yesterday, is that Community will return in February. The bad news is nearly everything else. Community returns because there will be no more 30 Rock, while Parks and Recreation moves to the 8:30 slot. 1600 Penn, which will replace Up All Night while it is converted into a multi-cam sitcom, airs at 9:30, after The Office. I’ve actually seen 1600 Penn and, honestly, the pilot was OK, thanks to Josh Gad (the show also stars Bill Pullman as the President and Jenna Elfman as the new step-mom dealing with a daughter that hates her).
Meanwhile, all the other changes are reminders of why NBC sucks: Celebrity Apprentice and Eva Longoria’s dating show will replace Sunday Night Football, while Betty White’s Off Their Rockers will fill The Voice void on Tuesdays until March. Their one new hit, Revolution, will go on a three-month hiatus, and their huge money-maker, The Voice, will air a second cycle the Spring, ensuring that The Voice fatigue sets in as soon as possible. Oh, and Parenthood will end to make room for Smash on Tuesdays. Sarcastic Joy.
I don’t know much about the show replacing Revolution for three months, but it is a nighttime soap, and apparently, NBC thinks that if they can just find the right name for the show, it will be a hit. It was originally Notorious, then Infamous, and now it’s going by the title Deception. It stars Victor Garber.
Here’s a clip from 1600 Penn.
