Fresh off the news that my beloved Chuck has been renewed, albeit for a 13 episode pick up with possible cast cuts, I wonder if TV execs are finally taking things like DVRs and online viewing into account. So many TV shows that were thought to be dead in the water are coming back and I’m thrilled. I don’t know if it comes down to lack of anything better to air, actually recognizing quality, or considering the new media or a combination of all three, but I’m thankful.
Some of the shows that are returning, much to the surprise of TV media are Chuck, Dollhouse, my Friday Night Lights (for 2 years!), Better Off Ted, Scrubs…there are even reports that they’re thinking of bringing back Reaper. In that case I’m sure it’s just the network having nothing better to air, it’s the CW after all. But still, that’s the station that canceled my beloved Veronica Mars (no, I will never forgive them) that had more viewers than their current much hyped but not much watched Gossip Girl.
Friday Night Lights, recognized as a quality show with a small audience, gets to stay around thanks to a partnership with Direct TV. They get to air new episodes first while us cable watchers wait impatiently til January to see the show, but you know what? I don’t care as long as it keeps those beloved characters in my life. When Zach appeared in the Grey’s finale, I kept watching him and saying, “My Matt” even though he was playing an army guy who wanted his leg cut off to return to Iraq. So happy!
I think Dollhouse got another 13 episode order, which should give them time to either build a fan base or give us more of a wrap on the story. I enjoyed this show and it got stronger toward the end. I’m interested to see where they’ll take it and I’m glad Joss got a renewal.
Castle is another show being brought back, which thrills me. Ratings had gone down but it’s a quality program with great cast and chemistry. The show left on a pretty good “What’s he going to say?” moment and I’m glad we’ll get answers there as well. That’s the problem, so many shows get cut dead without a proper ending, it just stinks.
I’m usually ready and willing to bash on TV execs for cutting off quality program before it’s time and there are some shows that got the axe this year undeservedly (farewell my Dirty Sexy Money) but more are coming back this year than expected. For that I am grateful. Now if they can only manage to start measuring things like DVR recordings and online viewing, maybe they’ll actually have a feel for what people are watching. I just wanted to celebrate a couple wins this year, cause usually I don’t get em. Thanks TV peeps, I won’t eviscerate you for a month or two at least! 🙂