Zap2it Fall TV Preview 2008: NBC's New Shows
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Introduction
In this year of the remake, no network is remakier than NBC. Two of its four new scripted series, "Kath & Kim" and "Knight Rider," are based on other TV shows, and a third, "Crusoe," is based on a classic novel.
Network co-chairman Ben Silverman made his bones as a producer on remakes ("The Office," "Ugly Betty"), so in that light NBC's strategy isn't a surprise. He's also said that pre-sold concepts may be better able to break through in a fragmented market. There's probably something to that -- just look at the movie business -- but name recognition alone isn't enough. It didn't help "Bionic Woman," which faded badly after a strong opening last fall.
On the plus side for NBC, people seem to be excited about "Heroes" again, the "Law & Order" franchise remains solid and the network has two of the best comedies on TV in "The Office" and "30 Rock." We'll see if that's enough to bring the network back into the ratings race.
- Rick Porter
Network co-chairman Ben Silverman made his bones as a producer on remakes ("The Office," "Ugly Betty"), so in that light NBC's strategy isn't a surprise. He's also said that pre-sold concepts may be better able to break through in a fragmented market. There's probably something to that -- just look at the movie business -- but name recognition alone isn't enough. It didn't help "Bionic Woman," which faded badly after a strong opening last fall.
On the plus side for NBC, people seem to be excited about "Heroes" again, the "Law & Order" franchise remains solid and the network has two of the best comedies on TV in "The Office" and "30 Rock." We'll see if that's enough to bring the network back into the ratings race.
- Rick Porter
