With the last Super Bowl, CBS wavered back and forth for a long time over just which show to air in the coveted slot before finally settling on Criminal Minds. Fox is trying to avoid all the speculation and hand-wringing by announcing already that their hit medical drama will get the nod. It's a safe choice, but I'm not sure it's the smartest one. Is there really anything to be gained by putting House there? It's already the number one scripted show on television. That post Super Bowl boost might be put to better use giving it to a new show, or one that is still growing. My pick would be Bones. This season saw its ratings grow to the point that it is on the verge of being a top 20 show. The added exposure could push it over the top.
There is one caveat with that idea though. If the slot were to go to Bones, they would have to be sure to not make the same mistake that Criminal Minds did. Their post Super Bowl episode was far too dark and gorey. Bones certainly has the occasional cringe inducing moment, but they also have a good sense of fun when they go for the laugh. Given enough lead time, they could make the perfect showcase episode for the spot. Really though, as long as it isn't Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader, I'm ok with it either way.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-18-2007 @ 12:10PM
David said...
I agree this is a dumb move, but it's Fox so who is shocked? Normally you put a show up that is new or to grow the base larger, House isn't in need of either.
I think Bones or a new show would be much better.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:12PM
Walt said...
Yes, putting on HOUSE is definitely a good move. At this point, it's not so much about making HOUSE a bigger hit, it's about the carryover from the Super Bowl in ad dollars.
I'm sure we'll eventually hear that the ad dollars for that episode of HOUSE is the highest that show has charged ad folks to date.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:40PM
David said...
It's about $$$$, short- and long-term. In the short-term, you take a show with already spectacular ratings, and add-in a Super Bowl audience, and you can sell the ad blocks for a mint. Long-term, if you can maintain or increase the show's ratings, you can continue to increase the charge for ad buys for the show.
It's a smart move, Brett.
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5-19-2007 @ 3:36PM
AJ said...
HOUSE is not the highest rated scripted show. For the season average it is 3rd, if not for its post AI slot it wouldn't be there. It gains viewers when AI comes on, FOX is trying to keep those extra viewers for the fall.
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5-18-2007 @ 1:12PM
Chris Shifty said...
The Sarah Connor Chronicles would be perfect to air after the Super Bowl. Yes it might not appeal to the large audience but the Super Bowl will be a much better lead in than an episode of Family Guy. There would still be enough guys who would wait and watch the premiere of the show. The show will air on Sundays as well.
Or even any of the new comedies that Fox announced for this season would be great. Bones too would get more people interested in it. Fox should be looking to strengthen its entire schedule not making its number one scripted show have an extra 15 million viewers for one night. Sometimes you wonder how these people in television get their jobs.
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5-18-2007 @ 3:32PM
Lisa said...
The Simpsons had a episode in the post-Superbowl timeslot a couple years ago, but it's already a hit. Kudos when Friends, Malcolm in the Middle, Alias and Grey's Anatomy got the slot. Sometimes it's used to boost a new show and sometimes it's not.
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5-18-2007 @ 3:56PM
jake said...
the STUPIDEST move since CBS scheduled Criminal Minds instead of How I met your mother after the super bowl -- look how that did -- I think ratings even dropped. why in the world would they decide to show House -- it is a top rated show -- I would have gone for 24 or the sarah chronicles -- not a show that already has american idol as its lead in. Stupid, stupid, stupid@!!!!
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