Production of one of the more highly anticipated shows on the NBC schedule, Heroes: Origins, has been put on hold. Apparently, due to fears of a pending writers' strike. Or, maybe not.
According to The Hollywood Reporter the Heroes spin-off will not be receiving its six-episode run, which was to begin in April of 2008. While NBC hasn't officially said that the series is canceled producers have not been given a date when it would be put on the schedule. During the network upfronts held last May it was mentioned that Origins would be spelling its older sibling during a late-season hiatus.
However, that statement was made during the reign of then NBC entertainment president Kevin Reilly at a time of huge popularity for Heroes. Under the administration of Ben Silverman, things aren't as rosy. Over the last few weeks ratings for the superhero series have dropped off considerably. According to some in the television industry this may be the reason why Origins does not have a definite start date.
On the other hand, stories that Heroes: Origins being put on hold due to fears of a writers' strike could be true. If that was the case then this could be the first of many projects lined up by the networks that could be downgraded. If the strike lasts for a long period of time money for these projects could be reallocated to strike-proof fare like news and reality programs.
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Have any questions for Vik Sahay of Chuck? Ask them here!
Mike Henry and Daryl Hall on a Cleveland Show Thanksgiving
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-01-2007 @ 1:37PM
Midnight13 said...
I always felt that "Heroes: Origins" wouldn't be such a great idea. "Heroes" is in its second season! Creating a spin-off this early is going to give fans of "Heroes" an over-dose. Its just as bad as "Heroes" taking a two month hiatus in the middle of the season. I know many networks don't like to show reruns anymore, but if NBC wants to maintain ratings during hiatus they should, also they need to focus on the season danger that they will be facing, don't turn it into some soap with everyone finding love (Hiro, Claire, Peter), thier whole storyline is about them being in love. They now know thier ablities, let them use them. And don't let some lame new show take over mid-season, just show reruns for people who may have missed an episode or just want to re-watch one.
Reply
11-01-2007 @ 2:08PM
ciscoguerrero said...
Honestly, do we really need more 'Heroes' added to the cast? It might have made sense last season, when Sylar was killing one per episode. But now? I need a reference guide to keep track of all these people.
Reply
11-01-2007 @ 2:09PM
tv junkie said...
Good, they need to spend more time focusing on the mothership anyway! the new season has been truly awful.
Reply
11-01-2007 @ 2:10PM
Oreo said...
Can we get one thing clear, it wasn't a real spinoff, more of a miniseries. It's like calling "Razor" a movie when it is just two extra episodes of BSG.
Why can't it be both? Ratings are down, good, and the strike will happen tomorrow. I think they need to fix Heroes, then maybe next year only order 13 episodes and have a shorten season with several "Origins" episodes.
Reply
11-01-2007 @ 3:23PM
MJBUtah said...
John August was set to write and direct one of the Origins episodes and talked about this on his blog, if you want a little more information (but not much).
Reply
11-01-2007 @ 2:53PM
Rogphi said...
Speaking as someone who recently finished watching season One On DVD and Having caught Up on Tivo, I have yet to see what anyone is talking about It kept on going from ;last season, The Show is Briliant and I cant wait for it to continue!
Reply
11-01-2007 @ 3:32PM
Jake said...
I don't know why people think the series has been "awful." Seriously, aside from the black tears twins, the show has been the same - terrific comic style story telling, where the heroes are scattered with thier own stories that will eventually collide.
Good Storylines:
The two overarching story lines of infiltrating the company and the mysterious past of the older heroes are terrific. The Peter memory loss/ mysterious guy in Montreal storyline
HRG/ Haitian infiltration storyline
Micah/Monica storyline
Parkman/Nathan/Suresh storyline,
Elle/Peter storyline
Parkman/Parkman's Dad storyline
Average Storylines:
Hiro in Feudal Japan - only because it excludes Ando.
Claire Storyline - mostly because West is a brat and Claire is too stupid to just tell her dad about him. But it's fun to see her grow as a person from being the insider to being the outsider.
The one Dumb Storyline that everyone is POed about:
Maya and Alejandro - For me, it's their power that is the major letdown. Plus Maya's naivety in trusting Sylar is so stupid. What kind of super power is the black tears? If they were in a justice league situation, they would never be able to use their powers because the would not only kill the bad guys, but the good guys as well. I don't mind seeing new heroes, but their power is dumb. That's why the Monica story is cool, because her power is interesting.
So to my tally, that's only one bad storyline out of the whole bunch. So I just don't understand why people are upset about Heroes. As the last episode indicated, there are some major overarching stories that are going to be awesome.
Reply
11-01-2007 @ 6:03PM
Will said...
Sad sad sad.
Reply
11-01-2007 @ 9:01PM
Cody said...
Maya and Alejandro are there as the Ted Sprague of this season. They'll be the ones that give the power to kill to either Sylar/Peter and the power to heal to the other one. By the end of the season Sylar and Peter will be the Wondertwins.
Reply
11-02-2007 @ 6:11PM
Mel said...
Aww, I was kind of looking forward to Origins. Oh well. I'm sure they're doing what's best for Heroes.
I don't get the ratings dip. Why would you stop watching this show?
I've been loving the season so far. To me, all the new characters are just another fun storyline to watch.
Reply
11-06-2007 @ 7:10PM
Francisco said...
I saw season 1 twice and to be honest the show left the creative aspect open for season 2 to explore and go anywhere with it. That being said they picked an interesting path with introducing new characters, giving more information on former heroes, and leaving a mysterious 4 month gap between season 1 and 2. Peter's memory loss, Hiro and Tekezo, Claire and West, and the the black tear twins are stories that seem irrelavant but i have a feeling there's a huge twist that will eventually connect and collide with the other storylines. Season 1 proved that so i won't judge till season 2 is over.
Origins not being aired is the only disappointment, but hopefully it will eventually be aired. I see Heroes winning multiple Emmy's in the future.
Reply