Back in February, when CBS announced a bunch of renewals for next season as well as which shows would be back with new shows this season, one that was in limbo was The Unit. That led to many emails and questions about the Dennis Haysbert drama and whether CBS was going to stick with the military drama. It's with some hope that I tell you that things are looking up.Chicago Tribune's Maureen Ryan reported that while the decision has yet to be made, and won't be made for a few more weeks, Shawn Ryan, The Unit's executive producer, is "pretty optimistic." He and his staff of writers have presented an outline for the fourth season explaining where the storylines will be going and how it'll play out. CBS's reaction was very positive. Ryan said things couldn't have gone any better. That's great news for the fans of The Unit who feel like they've been twisting in the wind waiting for word about the show.
Ryan acknowledged that the obstacles in The Unit's way has been the time slot on Tuesday nights. They've been losing out to Dancing with the Stars and House, two dynamic hits that are grabbing most of the viewers and chalking up Nielsen wins. CBS, naturally, wants to be number one, not number three or four.
Also, The Unit is not a CBS owned product. That means it comes to DVDs and syndication, they're not making any money on the deal. That means they have less interest in the long term success of the show. See how it works?
CBS will be announcing their plans in mid-May and we'll have out answer then about The Unit. According to Ryan, "I'm confident that on a creative level and a ratings level the show deserves to return, and I expect it will return, but stranger things have happened in Hollywood and I will wait for official word before popping any champagne," Ryan said. So will we, Shawn, so will we.
Five other TV shows where Sarah Palin should appear
Brought To You By ... - VIDEOS
Giveaway Monday: How I Met Your Mother season three DVD
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-24-2008 @ 1:00PM
nattyff said...
I love these show!!!, pleaaaaseeeeee, they deserved another season!!!
Reply
4-24-2008 @ 1:03PM
MERVE-THE-PERVE said...
If the Can Barely Stand (CBS) network is going to start dicking us all around with this show like they did with Jericho, then I wish they would let the Ryan's start shopping this awesome show around right now to a network that knows what a great show it is and will have faith in it. Once this show gets cancelled I am done with cbs!
Reply
4-28-2008 @ 4:23PM
onthecake said...
I 100% agree. Jericho was the first shot but if this does not return I am done with CBS. Big Brother gets renewed and we are still sitting here waiting for news on this show? Glad to see the "shrink your IQ" shows are still hitting the mark!
4-24-2008 @ 2:12PM
Will said...
Yay! I really hope they bring this show back. It's the show I miss the most right now.
Reply
4-25-2008 @ 9:01AM
eric f. said...
That's exciting news...just hope we aren't disappointed.
Reply
5-05-2008 @ 10:14AM
ketielynn said...
This is one of my favorite shows. What a great cast and story lines. I was shocked to hear there was even a question on whether or not to bring it back. It is hard for me to wrap my mind around more stupid reality shows and less quality shows like this one. Bring the boys back!!
Reply
5-11-2008 @ 3:15PM
Phil said...
This show is even better than the CSI shows which have become so predictable! Reality shows are a joke anymore. I think I will follow suit with everyone else in that if this show is cancelled I will be done with CBS.... again!
Reply
5-14-2008 @ 4:01PM
K.C. said...
I am tired to following the Nielson ratings and the some what monopoly they hold on some decent shows. The demographics they monitor and use to base their decision seems to be slightly ambiguous, since shows like Shark, The Unit, etc are always on the chopping block because of staged reality shows.
Reply
5-14-2008 @ 6:57PM
MELISSA said...
I REALLY HOPE THIS SHOW RETURNS. I DO NOT LIKE REALITY SHOWS. I WATCH SHOWS FOR ENTERTAINMENT VALUE. I COULD CARELESS WHO GOING TO MARRY WHO OR DANCE WITH WHO OR GET WHAT RECORDING CONTRACT AND IF SOMEONE WANTS TO BE A REAL SURVIVER JOIN THE MILITARY.
Reply
5-14-2008 @ 9:55PM
trucker fred said...
BRING BACK the UNIT.. this is one of only three shows I even bother to watch on TV My wife even watches the show and enjoys it,please bring it back
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 11:34PM
Xavier said...
I was in Special Forces for 10 solid years, and say that the Unit, is the most realistic show that has even come close to what we used to do in the teams!!!
CBS would be fools not to bring that show back, my buddies and I are DONE with CBS if the Unit is not coming back.
Screw Reality shows, they're freaking boring, people are sick and tired of reality shows.
Reply
5-26-2008 @ 2:36AM
Dottie said...
I am so excited The Unit is coming back. Aside from Dennis Haysbert, who is so HOT, I cannot imagine CBS junking a show written by David Mamet, one of the great playwrights of this century. It is well written, well cast, and very exciting and realistic. I always say it is a special forces version of McGyver!! I understand they are moving it to Sunday nights which is great. Now I am only disappointed that they aren't giving CANE a second chance to see if it catches on.
Reply
5-28-2008 @ 11:31AM
Dave said...
The unit is my favorite show on TV right now. My wife and I do also watch shows like survivor and american idol, but there is nothing better for entertainment value than The Unit! KEEP IT ON THE AIR!
Reply
6-14-2008 @ 12:40AM
Anthony said...
http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/21/did-you-make-an-engadget-comment-avatar-yet/
6-02-2008 @ 11:29AM
Veronica said...
My husband and I love the show and believe that it deserves a prime time slot. If there can be 20 different forensics show that capture Americas attention I think having the Unit on would break up the monotonous of reality tv and forensics show.
Reply
6-02-2008 @ 7:29PM
JE BREEDEN said...
USED TO WATCH YOUR SHOW AND ENJOYED THE CHARACTERS AND STORY LINE VERY MUCH. HOWEVER, THE PHOTOGRAPHY--THE JERK AND MOVE TYPE REALLY SUCKS--AND MADE ME HAVE MOTION SICKNESS. IF THE SHOW COMES BACK--LOSE THE CAMERA PERSON AND HAVE THE FILMING MORE STEADY. I'M SURE I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO GETS TURNED OFF WITH THE "NEW" REALITY FILMING OR WHATEVER YOU ARE TRYING TO DO.
JEBREEDEN
Reply
6-11-2008 @ 2:42AM
Marie said...
The Unit is the BEST show to come along in a VERY long time!!!! I, too, could CARE LESS about "Reality T.V"!!! What I care about about is the RETURN of this WONDERFUL show!!! PLEASE bring it back!!
Reply