In This Section
TV Guide Spotlight
Also on TVGuide.com
|
« Ausiello Report
Blind Item: Beloved Comedy on the Bubble
This week's blind item is so depressing, you may want to shield your eyes. It concerns a comedy series that enjoys a cult following, tons of buzz and heaps of critical praise. Unfortunately, the laffer in question lacks support where it counts the most: at the very network that airs it. You see, an influential suit at the net thinks the show is about as funny as a root canal, and is flummoxed by its appeal. He/she proved this by passing the laffer over for a major promotion earlier this season — a sleight that left members of the media (yours truly included) scratching their heads. Basically, said big shot would be more than happy to permanently clear it from the sked, and the program's modest ratings may be just the excuse he/she needs. There's just one problem: Because the knee-slapper isn't perceived as a "bubble show," there are no fan campaigns being organized to help save it. In other words, there's a very real chance this endangered series could be put out to pasture in May with nary a postcard mailed or petition signed. And I can't think of anything less funny than that. So, any guesses? I hate to say it, but this show's very future probably depends on you figuring it out.
|
|
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:00 PM
|
|
My wild guess is Scrubs.
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:00 PM
|
|
What I find funny is that if M. Aussiello really wanted this show saved, he would tell us the show so that we could fight for it instead of using this as a blind item and therefore keep us guessing for weeks.
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:03 PM
|
NO GUESSING NEEDED!!! ITS TOTALLY SCRUBS!!!! AHHHHHH!!!
NBC has treated the show horribly over the last few years - holding off season premieres until really random times, giving it basically no advertising at all, etc. I am actually watched a tivo-d episode as we speak!!! WE'VE GOT TO SAVE SCRUBS!!!
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:05 PM
|
|
My thought exactly, kabut31. It has to be Scrubs.
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:07 PM
|
Mike,
If it's either The Office or How I Met Your Mother, you've got to tell us so that we can start campaigning.
Come on, Mike, spill. (Or at least give us some better clues)
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:08 PM
|
|
I say Scrubs.
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:11 PM
|
Scrubs seems too obvious, I am worried that it is perhaps 30 Rock or HIMYM?
I think The Office is probably safe because they seem to be doing a lot of promotion for it now - the extended episodes, producers cuts, next weeks special HR focused shows hosted by Paul aka Toby
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:12 PM
|
|
In terms of "major promotion", the only sitcom I can think about that fits that is "How I Met Your Mother" and how it didn't get the post-superbowl slot. Frankly, HIMYM creatively this season hasn't been great so I can't say I'd be very disappointed.
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:14 PM
|
Scrubs is safe. The head of programming at ABC has made it clear that if NBC cancels it, ABC will snap it up (it's produced by ABC). Although I believe I heard Bill Lawrence say it's only got one more year left in it anyway. 
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:15 PM
|
I thought Scrubs at first, but Michael says that this show isn't on the "bubble". Considering the way NBC treats Scrubs, I wouldn't be so surpised if it was canceled. I think it's a show like HIMYM that seems safe.
I really hope he reveals this one soon, so we can start campaigns.
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:16 PM
|
|
It's How I Met Your Mother. "Passed up for a major promotion" is referring to the fact that it could've aired after the Super Bowl, but CBS put on a "Criminal Minds" instead. I really hope I'm wrong, but the promotion clue is what got me.
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:16 PM
|
|
What about The Office? My mom also thinks it is unfunny (though I (usually) disagree). It's definitely not a comedy for the masses. It was once on the bubble but has gained viewership the past few seasons which may have perplexed (or vexed) the suit.
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:19 PM
|
|
I am still trying to resign myself to the loss of The Class. If the stupid CBS powers-that-be cancel HIMYM as well, I am out. Done. Finished. They won't have me to kick around any more. SERIOUSLY?!?!?!? Two and a Half Men is still on and they are going to cancel the only comedies on that damn network with an ounce of intelligence?!?!? Insanity.
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:22 PM
|
|
I agree with kabut31 as well...as much as I love Ausiello, these blind items are really getting to me. Just tell us which show we're supposed to save!!
|
|
Mar 21, 2007 4:22 PM
|
|
|
