We now have all the networks' schedules. The end of upfronts week always feels pretty anti-climactic. After all, we have to wait until at least the end of the summer to see any of these shows. This year, because of the WB-UPN merger and CBS's unusually strong 2005 crop, we're seeing fewer pilots than we've seen in recent years, so there's even less than usual reason to be excited. Meanwhile, this season is ending, gradually, contributing to that feeling of "Oh, crap. What do I do for the next three months?"
The CW upfront was this morning. I haven't seen any accounts of it yet, but I'm curious about the presentation. Are they really just going for the 18-34-year-olds? Is that why they cancelled Everwood and kept One Tree Hill?
The schedule looks decent. Yes, 7th Heaven is back. Whatever. It's paired with Runaway, starring Donnie Wahlberg as a fugitive on the run with his entire family. Tuesday is the dream night for a lot of viewers: Gilmore Girls followed by Veronica Mars. Wednesdays . . . the One Tree Hill pick-up actually makes a little sense: I can see how it might look like a good match for Beauty and the Geek and Top Model. Thursday is intact: Smallville followed by Supernatural. The Winchester brothers may have a tough time against Grey's Anatomy and that's probably good news for the rest of us: if they're desperate, maybe they will take their shirts off occasionally. Friday is wrestling. Sunday is Everybody Hates Chris and a bunch of sitcoms that sound vaguely familiar. It's not clear where they're going to stick Reba.
Fox is this afternoon, but their press release is available now. None of their new shows look that interesting. I bet The O.C. doesn't make it through the season. The Kevin Williamson drama isn't due until mid-season and keeps on changing titles. -- Pete
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