No, this isn't some programming move to get rid of reality shows (though I think it's worth exploring). It's actually a strategy in case there's a strike in Hollywood.
And that strike is looking more and more like it might become a reality. It sounds like hyperbole, I know, but the two sides are really far apart, and we're closer to a strike than we've ever been. Writers want more money for DVD sales and other forms of media. At one point they were going to work under their old deal until the end of this season, but now things have changed. The networks have been stockpiling on scripts and orders for reality shows just in case.
And NBC is adding a twist: they're thinking about adding the UK version of The Office and HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm. Hey, how about reruns of Burn Notice while you're at it? Bring some shows over from USA and Sci-Fi?
Don't worry, if there's a strike, TV Squad writers will not be involved. You'll still be able to come here and get your daily dose of news, reviews, previews, interviews and all other things that end in "ews."
The Upfronts: FOX
Carter Bays of How I Met Your Mother: The TV Squad Interview
The Upfronts: CBS
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-11-2007 @ 7:30PM
Oreo said...
Sadly come strike time we won't have any reviEWs. ;)
And I still say bring game shows back! Good ones! Press Your Luck, Match Game, Card Shark.
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10-11-2007 @ 8:06PM
Jeff N. said...
TV executives should be wary. Once America tunes out during the strike not will everyone comes back.
Very foolish move to let the strike happen in my opinion.
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10-11-2007 @ 8:52PM
Danny Edwards said...
It isn't the first writer's strike and it won't be the last. The industry bounced back from the last one in 1988.
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10-11-2007 @ 10:14PM
lucyfan62 said...
Hey, maybe they'll dust off some old scripts and revive some classic TV shows like they did with MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE during the last strike. They used the old scripts and made a new show! It would be cool to see some classic game shows revived and played in prime time like in the 50s. Bring back WHAT'S MY LINE, I'VE GOT A SECRET and TO TELL THE TRUTH! PASSWORD is coming back, so why not???
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10-11-2007 @ 11:29PM
No1Dad said...
Good. The US version is pretty good but the UK original is beyond great. It's beyond compare.
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10-12-2007 @ 1:05AM
JayCaesar said...
curb your enthusiasm on nbc?? have the nbc execs seen this show? they would have to bleep out suzies character lol
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10-12-2007 @ 1:11AM
Kenban said...
There are a lot of good British TV shows that the networks could try in prime time. I hope that the networks are willing to go beyond the office. Fox could run the original Kitchen Nightmare. I think shows like Robin Hood could really do well and they are currently airing the second season so there will soon be 26 episodes that could be shown. It will be interesting seeing what the networks will try to fill the gaps in their schedules if the strike happens.
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10-12-2007 @ 3:31AM
Harry said...
I know of a little show called Battlestar Galactica that NBC/Universal already owns. Give that show some much-deserved exposure.
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10-12-2007 @ 10:27AM
Cincinnati Mike said...
I don't know, LucyFan...
One reason the early Star Trek: Next Gen sucked so hard was the strike that forced Roddenberry to dust off really bad TOS-reject scripts.
But your scenario is probably unavoidable!
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10-12-2007 @ 11:15AM
Josh said...
I've always wanted to check out the UK Office. I'd love to see that aired on NBC.
I also wish they'd air some episodes of The 4400 if this happens. You know, as much as I love my shows, a strike would be a really interesting thing to watch, and a chance to see cable and foreign shows aired on network TV. It'd be kinda cool.
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10-12-2007 @ 12:07PM
Dwayne Conyers said...
I agree with the idea of bringing Galactica to network television. But I also think that (as a writer) the industry should give a few extra pennies and not be such hardcases...
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10-12-2007 @ 12:14PM
Oreo said...
I agree, from what I have seen writers want to get money from their DVDs. They wrote the shows, it's their show, and yet they make no money from the DVD sales? That doesn't seem right to me.
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10-12-2007 @ 1:03PM
kevjohn said...
This strike might be the best thing that could have happened to us TV viewers. We'll finally get some quality programming on-air for a change. Old shows > new shows. I mean, how many current shows are better than "Curb" or the original "Office"? Or would you rather just keep watching "Cavemen"?
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