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The Futon Critic Predicts Roswell's Renewal
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From The Futon Critic: Looking Ahead to Next Season, Part 1: The WB This is the first in a seven part series looking at the networks' fall season plans. While no official statements from the networks will be made until the second week in May when they announce their fall schedules (just in time for the major ad buying season), I think it's time to seriously take at look at each network's highs, lows and areas that can be improved. This week we start with the WB. What we know for sure: Also, we know that "Mission Hill," "Brutally Normal" and "Safe Harbor" are gone. Make no mistake they won't be back. Plus, the WB has no plans on adding a seventh night of programming (no Saturday night WB for now). What we can guess: Now these are all contingent on something huge - the WB (like most nets) has a lot of pilots in the pipe so there could be a new series that dazzles the WB execs enough to exclude or (on the flip side if they're all bad enough) include any of the listed series. But my years of TV journalism experience tells me these are pretty solid calls. Why they'll be back: "Popular" is beating "Felicity" in the ratings. That's a big deal. It airs on Thursday nights and is rated higher than its Sunday night (and more highly promoted) competition. Also the WB seems to have enough faith to air repeats of the series on Monday nights throughout March. "For Your Love" while not on everybody's radar is a solid Friday performer. This show is pretty contingent on what comedy pilots the WB has in the pipe. While not a solid as a call as "Popular" or "Roswell" it should be back. Why they won't be back: "Movie Stars," "Zoe.." and "D.C." are pegged for failure from the start. "Zoe.." despite two relaunches hasn't found an audience. "Movie Stars" was a solid summer performer but to anchor the 9/8c slot on Sunday night during the regular season? Guess again. And as for "D.C." this show has more baggage than any I've seen in recent memory. Originally given a 13 episode order, the WB and exec producer Dick Wolf butted heads enough to cut production at eight episodes and to push it back to summer. Now it seems with a dwindling schedule, the WB needed something to fill up Sunday night due to "Felicity"'s abandonment of the night. I'd be really shocked if all three are still airing in May. Some other things to consider: Mondays: "7th Heaven" and "Roswell" See any real open space for new series? Neither do I. This brings up a lot of questions. The WB had 4 new dramas and 1 new comedy when the season started. Right now they have room for 2 new dramas and 2 new comedies at best. Rarely does a network go in a new season with only 2 new dramas. But then again stranger things have happened. Wrapping it up: |