Fall Shows So Far

Posted on Thu, Oct. 19, 2006

McCollum: While `Studio 60' lags, `ER' gets its groove back

By Charlie McCollum
Mercury News

Some random notes, a couple of thoughts and a rumor or two from the world of
TV:

• I still think ``Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip'' is one of the smartest
series out there, but I'm beginning to understand why even longtime fans of

Obveeus...

...and ER will shine as long as Grey's Anatomy stays where it is. if ABC
reshuffled their lineup, Er would take a hit.

writer Aaron Sorkin's work are bailing on this, his new show. (``Studio''
has lost 40 percent of its audience since its premiere Sept. 18.)

The comedy-drama about life in the world of network TV (10 p.m. Mondays,
Chs. 8, 11) simply doesn't have the intellectual underpinning of Sorkin's
``The West Wing.'' The character relationships aren't as engaging as the
ones on his ``Sports Night,'' although the on-again, off-again romance
involving writer Matt Albie (Matthew Perry) and comedian Harriet Hayes
(Sarah Paulson) comes close. And it's hard to get worked up about such
inside-baseball issues as affiliate relations and audience retention.

I'll continue to watch for the great cast and the sharp dialogue. But I'm
certainly not going to be riled if other viewers opt out.

Anthony D. Langford...

You know, I like the show, but it's not a 'must see' for me, meaning
that I don't make a point to watch right away (though usually recorded)
like I do with Heroes, Ugly Betty, the L&O's or the Desperate
Housewives/Brother and Sisters combo. I have all the episodes archived,
but I'm not rushing to the tv to watch.

• Much to the surprise of just about everyone -- including the suits at NBC

Anthony D. Langford...

I agree, especially since GA reruns won't play well and CSI will take
over the slot then. Besides, CSI has a much longer shelf life than GA

Obveeus...

One big reason that GA reruns won't play as well later on is that they will
have already been shown twice. Right now, GA reruns are trying to hold up
Men In Trees on Fridays.

does. Admittedly however, I'm not a fan of either show.

Anthony D. Langford...

I like Men in Trees (though like S60, it's not a must see). I'm glad
it's doing well, but I think it would do much, much better after GA.

Obveeus...

Time for ABC to put Men In Trees on Thursday night after Grey's Anatomy.
Time for NBC to put Studio 60 on Thursday night before ER.
Eventually, all the good shows will be on Thursday night...as is tradition.

Anthony D. Langford...

Not me. I didn't think it had a chance. After the first episode, which
I was dazzled by, I said that 'great show, but it'll never last'. Glad
I was wrong.

Anthony D. Langford...

``Medium''

Anthony D. Langford...

I still say Medium should be on Mondays after Heroes.

Anthony D. Langford...

This is a shame. I guess A&E prefers their endless stream of bad
reality shows. I remember when this network used to be good.