Every season we evaluate the upcoming television programming. This year there are 26 new shows (14 comedies, 11 dramas and one reality). As a whole, we were underwhelmed by the new shows, but a few stood out as winners likely to get renewals:
- Blacklist (Mondays at 10/9c on NBC) – Suspense-filled show stars James Spader and has excellent lead-in support with The Voice.
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC) – From the people who brought us The Avengers, this show should get excellent sampling and settle in with the fanboy crowd.
- Super Fun Night (Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC) – This show stars Rebel Wilson who already has a loyal following and gets the cushy time slot after Modern Family.
As for the losers:
- Ironside (Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC) – Blair Underwood stars in this remake of the Raymond Burr drama. Recent remakes (see Knight Rider, Bionic Woman and Prime Suspect) have not fared well on NBC.
- Back in the Game (Wednesdays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC) – Maggie Lawson and James Caan star in this Bad News Bears-like comedy that strikes out on laughs.
- Lucky 7 (Tuesdays at 10/9c on ABC) – The drama follows a group of lottery winners and the good and the bad that go along with winning. It will be lucky if it is not canceled early.
Some trends this year we also noted:
- Kings of Comedy Return – Robin Williams, Michael J. Fox and Sean Hayes are coming back to do TV sitcoms.
- Spinoffs Abound – Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (Once Upon a Time), Chicago PD (Chicago Fire), Junior MasterChef (MasterChef) and The Originals (Vampire Diaries)
- Limited Run Series – Taking a cue from cable, many series have a much shorter season (15 or fewer episodes). The series could possibly run their course or be renewed if they are hits. Some examples are Hostages, Betrayal, Dracula, and Sleepy Hollow.
When we estimate ratings for new shows, we take into account several factors like time period, lead-in/lead-out programming, similar shows, and competition on the other networks. When we buy, we mix in some new programming with established programming. If it is a hit, then we really deliver.