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« Roush Dispatch
NBC's New "Must-Tee-Hee" Thursday Strategy
Finally, NBC is giving us what we've been asking for: a two-hour block of cutting-edge network comedy on Thursday. Just like in the old days, except in this new lineup, which kicks in November 30, there are no howling dogs like The Single Guy, Union Square, Veronica's Closet, etc.
Here's the new lineup: My Name Is Earl, The Office, Scrubs and 30 Rock. Could it get any better than that?
Well, I suppose it would be better if the competition were a little less brutal for Scrubs than Grey's Anatomy on ABC and CSI on CBS. This is, however, classic and aggressive counterprogramming. There's little chance Scrubs will do better than a distant third—for one thing, Grey's many weeks is as sexy and funny a hospital farce as the wacky, giddy Scrubs. But this lineup sends a strong signal that NBC is serious about Thursdays, a night the network used to own on the strength of its signature comedies. Or should I say NBC is being seriously funny, to borrow CBS's catch-phrase for its own comedy block on Mondays (which up to now was the best consecutive two hours of comedy during the week, by default).
NBC's new, improved Thursday gets an early start the week before Thanksgiving, when “super-sized” 40-minute episodes of Earl, Office and 30 Rock air on November 16. Then, the week after Thanksgiving, NBC relaunches a comedy night that may not live up to the ratings glories that defined the network for two decades, from the explosion of The Cosby Show in 1984 to the final curtain of Friends in 2004. But it will do. It will have to do.
(The odd show out, as it was when it was introduced earlier this month, is the buddy comedy Twenty Good Years. NBC's press release says the Wednesday time period currently occupied by 30 Rock and Twenty Good Years, which was not even mentioned in the release, will be filled with a variety of specials. Given last week's corporate announcement that NBC is turning away from scripted comedies and dramas at 8 pm/ET, expect a reality or game show before long. No doubt another edition of either Deal or No Deal or 1 vs 100. But let's leave the griping about that eventuality for another day. For now, let's be glad NBC is, for once, doing the right thing. Our only question: What took them so long?)
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Oct 25, 2006 2:56 PM
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For me, the most exciting two things about this post were 1) it was from you, Matt -- you rock!; and 2) a 40 minute The Office episode, very awesome!
Thanks for the post!
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Oct 25, 2006 3:26 PM
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The two things for me are: 1)I'll finally be done with the stupid briefcase show (there was nothing else to watch; not into CSI or Grey's) and 2)Scrubs is back early!!!
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Oct 25, 2006 4:02 PM
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Thanks, Matt, for keeping us updated. This is great news although, you're correct, the competition is fierce (O.C.?).
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Oct 25, 2006 4:19 PM
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HURRAY! That's great news! I can't wait. Those shows are great, and they are in an order that keeps it fresh. I'm ready to laugh on Thursdays!!!
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Oct 25, 2006 4:44 PM
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So thrilled to see Scrubs come back before 2007, and to have Earl, The Office, and Scrubs all on the same night finally is awesome. I cannot wait!
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Oct 25, 2006 4:44 PM
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Wow. These shows may not get the ratings of previous NBC "Must See TV" Thursday night comedy lineups, but this is the first time I actually like all four of the shows. Next to picking up "Heroes," this is the first smart move NBC has made in a while.
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Oct 25, 2006 9:12 PM
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I am as excited as you are. This is phenomenal news! I will now have to record Supernatural because I will never miss Scrubs - no matter where it is or when it is. I am so glad we don't have to wait!
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Oct 26, 2006 2:23 AM
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Glad to see trigger-happy NBC do something right. I just hope they stick with it.
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Oct 26, 2006 9:26 AM
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As much as I love seeing Scrubs back before 2007, I can't help but be a little annoyed that it's not a stronger show to help 30 Rock out against ABC & CBS. But since I don't watch Grey's Anatomy nor CSI, I'll be able to watch the comedies.
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Oct 26, 2006 10:52 AM
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I understand this move but it means I have to give up 30 rock. I find 30 rock has its amusing moments...most notably any involving Alec Baldwin(the poker thing was hilarious and his lesbian setup!).
Unfortunately I TiVo Grey's and it takes priority over 30 rock even if its been lacking lately. I'm hoping they show reruns of 30 rock on say Saturdays(ala Kidnapped)..otherwise I'll probably miss it. Oh well...I don't see why nbc would throw 30 rock on at the end @ 9:30. I bet it winds up doing worse in that slot.
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Oct 26, 2006 12:53 PM
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This is a great line up for Thurs. Night. They should have done this from the beginning. I for one love the comedy lineup for Thursday. Back when the lineups were first given someone had written a blog here about the lineup on Thursday and if I remember correctly it was exactly this. Could it be NBC listen to the fans? No, couldn't be.
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Oct 26, 2006 1:33 PM
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nyactor, from what I understand you'll be able to catch the rebroadcast of Grey's at 8pm on Fridays, with ABC pulling a "Emily's Reasons Why Not" on Extreme Makover. The nets really have itchy trigger fingers lately.
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Oct 26, 2006 1:35 PM
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I was going into Scrubs withdrawl!
I hope that NBC advertises the heck out of this on more places then just NBC cause if its not being watched who will know about the switch?
Comedy blocks rule!
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Oct 26, 2006 1:53 PM
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Finally! Scrubs is getting a spot where it should have been all along! I just wish it wasn't up against Grey's - but that's why I have 2 TIVOs and a VCR... with all the good shows being up against each other these days, it's the only way to see what's good and have something to watch on the nights when shows are on that I don't care about.
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Oct 26, 2006 2:30 PM
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