According to James Poniewozik, this isn't a done deal or even close to being a done deal, but it is certainly one of the moves that ABC is thinking about: Nightline might move to 10 PM from it's current 11:35 slot.It would certainly be a lot cheaper than running dramas (which are usually the scripted shows the networks have at 10PM), and it could signal a change in the way that networks schedule their shows. This would also mean (in all likelihood) that Jimmy Kimmel Live would move into the 11:35 slot.
I don't know if this is a real possibility or not. It seems to be that ABC might want to keep it at 11:35. After all, there have been many times when the show has beaten The Late Show with David Letterman and times when it has battled The Tonight Show in the ratings.
It's real alternative programming for people who don't want to watch the late-night comics and seems to be doing pretty well. Then again, as a commenter says on Poniewozik's post, ABC's 10PM slot has already seen a lot of news shows like 20/20, Primetime, and Barbara Walters specials, so maybe this wouldn't be such a stretch at all.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-16-2009 @ 7:19PM
Jimmy said...
Or a better idea,
The FCC makes it cheaper to own a broadcast TV station, and limits the amount of stations that one company can own.
The consolidation of stations, unnecessarily high license fees, and allowing a broadcaster to also own cable networks is what's ruining TV, and forcing NBC to "cut costs" by airing Leno.
Also, the incumbent license holder should not be a shoo-in to keep the station.
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6-16-2009 @ 10:00PM
Owloo said...
keep it at 11:35pm where it belongs I don't need ABC-Tv cancelling 5 1hour dramas to make way for a news show like NBC did with Jay Leno
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6-17-2009 @ 1:43AM
Jeff N. said...
And we get closer and closer to seeing scripted TV becoming extinct on the major networks.
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6-17-2009 @ 10:35AM
Vijay said...
Either ABC, or "one of its employees", is reading TV Squad. I made this exact suggestion back in January.
ABC, if you're reading, I'd be happy to make more suggestions!
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6-17-2009 @ 10:35AM
Vijay said...
Oops... Link:
http://www.tvsquad.com/2009/01/29/abc-thinking-of-bumping-nightline-for-kimmel/#c16829109
6-17-2009 @ 3:38PM
Chris Shifty said...
This will probably happen in the future. ABC has struggled at 10PM for years. If they can't capitalize with Leno at 10PM and Dancing with the Stars, meaning ABC cancels 3 of their 4 weekday shows then they should test Nightline out at 10PM. Then ABC could create another late night talk show to air after Jimmy. They save money with an earlier Nightline and then have another late night show to make money.
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6-20-2009 @ 8:49AM
bevo said...
Didn't NBC try this idea a few years ago? Wasn't it call Dateline? Wasn't it terrible? Sure America needed to see truck accidents and car accidents.
Did we mention that there would be lots of accidents? Murders too.
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