Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Nice to see you again, or for the first time

We all know NBC's programming model -- Reveille buys a top-rated show from a South American country, they run it through Babel Fish and Ben Silverman (founder of Reveille and head of NBC - no conflict?) buys it. Well, it appears other networks are embarking on their own versions of creative regurgitation. CBS decided to go fishing in their archives for "new" material. ABC execs simply watch episodes of Siskel and Ebert and decide to make TV shows of flicks that garner Two Thumbs Up.

Is this fiscally responsible? Probably in the short term.
But don't forget that TNT's The Closer pulled 7.9 million viewers last week (which would tie it for 10th place in the network Nielsens). Be careful Messieurs McPherson and Moonves. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but there's a risk to being risk averse.

Here's what you'll get to see again sometime soon:

Hawaii 5-0
CBS

Oh goodie! A cop drama set against the backdrop of people wearing as few clothes as possible. I guess I won't need to watch CSI: Miami anymore. Casting agents can thank me now when I make the obvious suggestion for Jack Lord's role -- Chris Isaak. Or if you want to skew younger, the coif-du-jour is Zak Effron.


Streets of San Francisco
CBS

I can only assume they're going to focus on San Francisco's real problems - homelessness, decaying infrastructure, boom/bust economic cycles and woefully underfunded public transit. However if they're looking to solve violent crime, might I suggest concentrating their efforts east of Van Ness. Since Karl Malden and Michael Douglas are both 96 years old, Stone and Keller will be played by Ed O'Neill and Ben McKenzie.


The Witches of Eastwick
ABC

May I suggest a cast of Rose McGowan, Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano? (Hey look, a Charmed joke. Couldn't see that coming!) But seriously folks, what makes anyone think a show concept that couldn't get off the ground TWICE and is based on a movie from the Reagan administration is gonna work now? Well, I suppose it could air opposite Celebrity Family Feud, in which case it stands a good chance.


Other announced retreads include the Star Wars series, Match Game and the already airing Dave Attell vehicle The Gong Show. Could a remake of The New Adventures of Beans Baxter be far behind?

Forget writing pilots, I'm just gonna buy the rights to everything on Nick-at-Nite.


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

What, no Conan?

Anonymous said...

I hope you're right and that Ben McKenzie is in this. He'd be soo much better than Michael Douglas was in the role.

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