Biz News: Economy Not Lousy Enough to Save Ex List

I am seriously delighted that T:TSCC got a back nine pickup. This season has totally rocked, I really enjoyed last season but this season is at least twice as good. They've got some very interesting (IMO) storylines going, and the cancellation rumors had me in a pretty bad mood.

Syfyportal had a follow-up article to the The Hollywood Reporter one you linked to, I can't tell if it has any new info or insight, but here's a link:

http://www.syfyportal.com/news425507.html

I don't quite see how Knight Rider got a full season pickup, although in fairness I haven't been watching it (not even one episode). Mr. Shara Says that it is silly and formulaic but that the most recent episode had a shred of interesting stuff going on - the first one that wasn't totally laughable. I asked him why the heck he was bothering with it, if it was so totally inane. His response? Cool cars and hot chicks in bikinis. So I guess its got something going for it. . .

Even though most shows aren't doing nearly as well as they were expected to, there are plenty of quality shows around and I'm glad to see things getting a chance to build momentum. Saves me the trouble of having to rant about the cancellations. My hypothesis is that after the election there will be a measurable contingent of TV viewers who will be looking for something other than election coverage/cable news commentary to watch, and that network shows will see at least a marginal uptick in ratings starting the week or so after the election. I'm curious to see if that will be the case.

Yes! Strive mediocrity! Wait to go networks.

I'd argue that it is a lack of replacement programming that is the main factor in the lack of cancellations this season, but regardless...

Yes, as poorly as some of the freshmen & sophomore shows are doing this year, CBS's new lineup is doing relatively well - except for Ex-List (and to a lesser degree, Gary Unmarried). I'm not surprised it got the ax.

On the other hand, I do expect ABC (and possibly NBC) to announce some cancellations towards the end of November. Simply put, they need to get the replacements up and running before the March sweeps, and if these shows are still walking zombies in January, it will be difficult to get new ad campaigns and audiences settled in time.

In Zombie-related subject matter, enjoy that Pushing Daisies tomorrow!

And re: Obama's ad buy. I said it in half-jest before, but now I think it's the actual case: the Obama campaign has successfully spent their Brewster's Millions: they've burned through enough excess cash on hand with their network buys, Xbox buys, etc. that they are down to the maximum allowed to be carried over to the reelection campaign, and thus no longer need to look for places (ABC) to spend their money.

It doesn't say so explicitly, but am I to believe that they're also continuing Heroes? Can't they save the cheerleader from herself, so that they can save the (TV) world? It keeps me holding on by a thread, and I'd really appreciate NBC just cutting the thread for me. (I just can't let go... every week there's a sliver of hope that it will turn out as a good show after all. Hasn't Andy DuFrane taught us anything?)

Wow -- Obama doing his part to save Pushing Daisies? Yet another reason to vote for the man....