Big Shots Neutered in Favor of Warmed-over Privates

Michael Vartan, Dylan McDermott and Joshua Malina in Big Shots by Sam Jones/ABC

At a time when the networks have been almost wasteful airing new episodes during this après-sweeps stretch, ABC has elected to pull Big Shots and its three remaining episodes effective immediately, this just days before Charisma was to (finally, finally) make her splashy debut. In place of Vartan, McDermott et al, the network for the remainder of 2007 will air Private Practice repeats in the post-Grey's time slot. Cutting-edge notion there, programming a spin-off adjacent to the original show.

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Dec 11, 2007 9:28 AM

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Sigh. One more hour to read a book.
Posted by GarrickS Dec 11, 2007 9:43 AM Report Abuse

I don't watch Big Shots, but how strange that they'd make this decision given the current status of the TV season. You'd think all networks would be angling to air as many hours of new shows as possible since they have no idea when they'll get any more.
Posted by Dianora Dec 11, 2007 9:52 AM Report Abuse

This show never was worthy of the talent it attracted, in particular Michael Vartan. I hope he'll choose a better project next time. And ABC ought to be thumped upside the head for wasting such a great time slot on a bad show. If they'd put "Dirty Sexy Money" here, I am convinced that series would be a hit by now.
Posted by MiniMarie Dec 11, 2007 10:11 AM Report Abuse

I'm so glad they have plenty of new shows to keep the 3 episodes from airing. They are brilliant people! They could have aired the 3 remaining episodes THEN started putting reruns of Private Practice in the slot.
Posted by Mannie_Annie Dec 11, 2007 11:28 AM Report Abuse

If the past three TV seasons have taught me anything, it is to never, ever second-guess ABC's programming department. A strange math and logic exist there. - MWM
Posted by TV Guide News Dec 11, 2007 11:50 AM Report Abuse

Ok, I know I am in the minority, but I did like this show. How to describe this... It was a show that I wasn't necessarily excited about each week, but after I watched it, I was glad I did. It would have been nice to see the Charisma episodes. : (
Posted by katzen Dec 11, 2007 12:22 PM Report Abuse

I absolutely love Big Shots and it's a crying shame what ABC has done to assure that it fails.
Posted by iluvparis Dec 11, 2007 1:42 PM Report Abuse

Given that I'm ridiculously smitten with Michael Vartan, I tried watching two episodes of this show only to switch to something else after 30 minutes each time. But I put it back on the DVR schedule to see Charisma Carpenter, lame show or not. Sigh. Strange time to pull it, ABC.
Posted by herm0sa2 Dec 11, 2007 1:59 PM Report Abuse

And ABC ought to be thumped upside the head for wasting such a great time slot on a bad show. If they'd put "Dirty Sexy Money" here, I am convinced that series would be a hit by now.

I disagree there MiniMarie. The timeslot following shows with huge followings such as Grey's Anatomy or Lost hardly guarantee a big hit. In fact it has shown to be just the opposite. Most shows do poorly following those shows. No one's really sure why, but many think that the fans are so devoted that they shut tv off and head for the computer immediately. It's why last year Lost went back to the 10pm timeslot. Nothing could follow it.

Posted by Carrie0930

Dec 11, 2007 2:16 PM

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Well this just stinks....I knew this was coming but I thought I'd get my last 3 episodes before ABC yanked it. I don't understand why ABC would choose reruns over 3 new episodes even if the ratings are poor. I doubt reruns of Practice will do much better. I will miss this show. My hubby and I both really enjoyed it.
Posted by PrisonBreaker Dec 11, 2007 2:24 PM Report Abuse

I was really looking forward to seeing Charisma on my TV again. They've pushed her debut back so many times and now there's a chance we won't get to see her at all. The scene at ABC.com looks like it would have been a great appearance.
Posted by iola516 Dec 11, 2007 3:10 PM Report Abuse

I think everybody is reading this wrong. This doesn't mean Big Shots is canceled (yet). Rather, ABC is delaying airing these episodes until after the holidays...which makes sense because I don't know why the networks are airing so many new episodes of their shows this month.
Posted by jonk1982 Dec 11, 2007 3:57 PM Report Abuse

That sucks! I personally enjoyed Big Shots for what it was....Entertainment! I loved the chemistry between the male characters and I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE MICHAEL VARTAN! How stupid to not air the remaining episodes in favor of the idiotic Private Practice! Another reason for me not to watch THAT stupid show!
Posted by lellyred Dec 11, 2007 4:10 PM Report Abuse

Boy, those episodes must really REALLY suck.
Posted by NoirCat Dec 11, 2007 4:27 PM Report Abuse

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