The announcement that The WB and UPN would merge and become one new network, The CW, created a stir amongst the Inside Pulse TV writers. It sure is an unusual situation for two networks do merge and five IP TV writers started an email discussion to explore issues related to this merge and what it could mean for next yea’s fall schedule. The writers who participated were: Matthew Romanada (aka Romo), Kevin Wong, Josh Clinton, Patrick Gilchrest and Craig Russell. Here is what transpired below:
Romo: While I have heard some naysayers I am actually excited about the new CW or whatever they end up calling it. I like a few shows on both UPN and The WB, combined I think they stand a better chance than they do apart. The WB has a growing lineup of youth-themed dramas, whereas UPN has a couple popular solid comedies (Everybody Hates Chris, Reba), a popular reality show (America’s Top Model), a great youth-themed drama (Veronica Mars) and are known as the network that appeals best to minorities (mainly African-Americans and Latinos). I think the different strengths of the networks could be combined to make a more well-rounded network and get rid of some of the crap on each network.
Josh: I would have to agree with Romo on the fact that combining the two networks could produce “quality” shows on The CW every night of the week. There is a bunch of crap on both networks, though, and crap + crap = crap! So I don’t know if the few shows that are actually good on both networks can save The CW or make it worth watching. I will watch ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, but not much else. I still think it’s a good idea for UPN and the WB to combine their networks, but they will still be the “little guy” in my book. They will still be #5 behind ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. Now if The CW can produce quality new shows like they have in the past..then they could have something in a few years. But nothing to “compete with” right now just because they joined forces.
Craig: I think it’s a step in the right direction. What CW does programming-wise over the next three years or so will dictate whether it was worth it. It’s funny, I was kicking myself when I first read the news of the merger. In my mid-season review, I talked about how little progress the WB and UPN has made, and how weak their schedules were. I should have suggested joining forces right then and there. As Les Moonves said, “it’s a programmer’s dream”. Both networks have a handful of quality shows that can at least be the framework for a potential contender a few years down the road. It all starts with the product, though.
Kevin: First off, “The CW” makes sense from a corporate perspective – short for Columbia-Warner, it reflects the ownership from both sides. Also from the business side – will the ratings for this new network improve? We’ve all heard about how the “500 channel cable universe” has siphoned off ratings from the broadcast networks, so should ratings for The CW go up, down or will it stay the same? As for the shows, Josh has a good point. There’s a lot of crap on both of the weblets, so my hope is that there’s less of it come Sept 2006. Still,they’ve already got a decent stable of shows, and it’ll be interesting to see how they decide to schedule them. And how does this affect shows ordered for pliot season? IIRC, WB was high on “Aquaman” (a.k.a. Arthur Curry, Surfer Dude) but how will the ex-UPNers react to the idea?
Craig: Reba is the WB, by the way
Craig: here’s the shows i would keep:
WB: Beauty and the Geek, Everwood, Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill, Related, Smallville, Supernatural, What I Like About You
UPN: Everybody Hates Chris, Friday Night Smackdown!, Girlfriends, Top Model, Veronica Mars
I also attached a rough draft of what their programming schedule might look like. it leaves a few openings for new shows and mid-season replacements. Editors Note: see bottom of page
Kevin: Is CW doing weekends though? Because if they’re not, they’ve only got about 3 hours left to fill. Plus, you left out Reba. Not my cup of tea, but you have to figure that they’ll milk that for at least another season or two.
Craig: My understanding is that they were. Saturdays really don’t count anymore, so I doubt they’ll put any original, first-aired programming there. Maybe repeats of shows. I’m leaving out Reba because if they are truly looking for the younger crowd, Reba just doesn’t fit. Plus, they need to be looking towards the future, and Reba certainly won’t be a part of it.
Patrick: Actually, Reba is the only reason I watch the WB at all. I’m glad this was brought up (because even if no did, I was going to do it anyway) but Reba is a good, solid family show in an age where people are trying to find that kind of thing. I hear all the time people wondering “Where is there a quality sitcom that I can sit down with my family and watch without having to be bombarded with sexual innuendo?” Reba is the answer: it deals with difficult topics like divorce, teen pregnancy, and alcoholism without getting nasty. You can sit down with your kids and watch it and not have to worry about monitoring the content. Plus, the cast has a lot of chemistry with each other, and they genuinely like each other outside of the set, and it shows. Reba teaches the lesson that no matter what life throws at you, you can overcome it with the help of your family, and one of the things I’m looking forward to with this merger is hopefully seeing Reba get its footing. I’ve always been curious as to what would happen with it if it was on one of the major networks: I think it would get the attention it deserves, but can’t get because the WB on its own has always been weak.
I agree with the notion of this new CW network growing to become a fifth major network, so we’d have NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, and CW. And you may say that CW can’t gain its footing, but for the longest time, did anyone believe that CBS would become as powerful as it is today or that NBC would degenerate so much? I think this merger will prove interesting for all the shows, but I also have a personal investment in watching Reba, which is already strong on its own, but will hopefully get a larger viewer ship.
Romo: Craig I liked the programming grid, even if I am unsure about some aspects of it. I think the two big questions the CW has to ask itself is:
1) Do we show new programming on Sundays? (as someone pointed out Saturdays are dead)
2) Do we show programming in the 10 p.m. slots?
With the merger of two networks they could have the material to fill those slots. Then again Fox has still not gone to 10 p.m. programming and it’s been around a lot longer. About Reba I think it’s a keeper, it’s done well ratings wise, even if I would never watch it myself. My sister, she is under 30, and loves the show. Not much of a market research poll but I think Reba can still fit into the CW’s mandate.
Patrick: Let me do my best to give my two cents on those questions you just posed.
1) Do we show new programming on Sundays? (as someone pointed out Saturdays are dead)
I agree with the idea Saturdays are dead, but Sundays are a completely different story. ABC in particular has a strong Sunday night line-up with Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy. I think if this network wants to expand and try to gain its foothold, it’s going to need to experiment with different ideas, and one of those is trying to form a solid Sunday line-up. So, yes, absolutely, new programming on Sundays.
2) Do we show programming in the 10 p.m. slots?
Yes, as long as it is programming that is definitely geared towards an older audience. The 10 PM slots should ideally be used for programming geared towards an older demographic.
Craig: an interesting point regarding Fox not using the 10pm timeslot. I’m not sure that ever occurred to me. I always wondered how they filled so many programming hours with so few quality shows. that said, here’s a quick rundown of the four networks hours of programming…
ABC – 17
CBS – 19
Fox – 13
NBC — 18
Kevin: When you think about it, Reba’s always been a fit in the WB’s strategy. Yes, it’s not a show for “the kids”, but it’s family friendly, and that ties right in with One Tree Hill, Everwood, Gilmore Girls, etc.But Craig seems to have looked at things from the UPN point of view. At UPN, none of the shows are aimed at that “family friendly” market. They try hard to market to the 18-30 market, with shows like Smackdown, South Beach, and Top Model. From that point of view, the loss of Reba would make sense. So the question I have is – What IS The CW’s mandate? I think we all know that the first year will be a mish-mash of shows, but what direction will the network try to take?
Romo: Kevin is mostly like right that its the second season of the CW that will decide where it goes from here. There first season will most likely be an attempt to compromise and give equal treatment to shows from both networks so it doesn’t appear that one network is swallowing the other. Interesting news I just read that the Aquaman pilot is still a go but some other WB pilot, cant remember the name, has been quashed.
Josh: Okay. I think The CW will keep ‘Reba’ this year. Why? Because it’s a popular show and it was named one of the top ten “family” shows of 2005. Even though, I don’t believe in “family” shows anymore. I wrote about that last year. However, it does well in the ratings and thus the new network will keep it. For the first year, they will keep any show that does well right now in the ratings. That will include ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, ‘Smallville’, ‘Veronica Mars’, ‘America’s Next Top Model’, ‘Beauty and the Geek’, ‘Reba’, ‘Gilmore Girls’, ‘Everwood, and ‘WWE Smackdown’.
Should the network program on Sundays? Yes, as ABC shows it can be done. However, they would have to compete with them on that day, which is hard for ANY network to do. They would need to put out something different.
Should the network program the 10 p.m. timeslot? I would say no. FOX doesn’t do it and neither should The CW. Why? Because it would cut down on the amount of crap on the new network. They just don’t have enough quality shows right now to program the 10 p.m. slot. They would still have a few slots left to “try” and see if they can create some new, hit shows. But not a lot of room to move, therefore not any room to put out crap. Now the question is whether they should keep the hit shows on the same day they are on or move them to a new day to “spread the wealth”? They will have to move some shows, but for the most part I think they should keep the shows on the same days. So here is how my schedule would like like:
Sunday – ‘Reba’, New Shows
Monday – ‘Veronica Mars’, ‘Everwood’
Tuesday – ‘Gilmore Girls’, ‘Supernatural’
Wednesday – ‘Beauty and the Geek’/’America’s Next Top Model’, ‘One Tree Hill’
Thursday – ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, ‘Smallville’
Friday – ‘WWE Friday Night Smackdown’
Romo: I think its time to get nasty, no not to each other but to the CW. We have all reaped praise here and there on the potential of the networks. But let’s take Craig and Josh’s suggestions and see what shows should stay and go.
I personally think One Tree Hill should be gone. If the CW can’t improve on that with something new in the fall then they have serious problems. I’m glad 7th Heaven is a goner, its time has past.
I think that Gilmore Girls, Smallville and Everwood have maybe 1-2 years life left in them. So there are spots for new shows if they can prove worthy could easily knock off these shows. The CW needs to be willing to cut a moderately successful show if something else better comes along. Hey I was mad when Joan of Arcadia was cut but its replacement Ghost Whisperer is doing WAY better in the ratings from what I’ve heard. Sure I will never watch that show but the American public seems to prefer it to what was offered before.
While they are at it steal Arrested Development from Fox, put it in a package with Everybody Hates Chris and make a solid hour of comedy.
Craig: One thing some of you aren’t taking into account is the big picture. Sure, the new network will want to keep most of its top rated programs, but it won’t keep all of them. Part of the point of this merger is turning over a new leaf. I think you have to consider the possibility of a lower rated show, like Related or What I Like About You, returning. They’re going to need a replacement for Gilmore Girls sooner than later, and a show like Related could be it.
Before the merger, chances were pretty good that next year’s seventh season of Gilmore Girls would be its last. The creators, the Palladinos, are already working on another show. And next year would be a good time to go out – with Lorelai (probably) married, and Rory graduating college.
My point, in closing, is that CW should be building their network around Veronica Mars, Everybody Hates Chris and Beauty and the Geek. Gilmore Girls and Reba most likely won’t be around if and/or when this network finally enjoys its day in the sun…
Patrick: 7th Heaven being out of the picture may be the best thing to happen to the CW. I agree with the rest that the first year will be one of compromise between the two networks, but ultimately, it will need to create its own identity if it stands a chance at being a legitimate major network.
Therefore, along those lines, I agree that One Tree Hill should be eliminated. Overall, in terms of drama, the WB has always been geared more towards a teenage demographic. They will do better without 7th Heaven, and One Tree Hill isn’t necessary when they will have Gilmore Girls and Smallville to satsify the need for some form of drama.
The issue of Arrested Development is interesting: it would be extremely ironic if the CW did pick it up and then it got more of a footing than it did on Fox. While I will never watch it myself, it could be a gamble that could potentially pay off for the new network, because the show has had a lot of publicity recently, and while that hasn’t changed the ratings, it could give the new network a footing to stand on, and maybe increase viewership a little bit. I could be wrong, but it would be interesting to observe.
Patrick: I hate to keep being the Reba ambassador, but I think the show has always been undervalued, and I think it’s being underestimated in terms of its staying power. I think you’re underestimating the influence of Reba McEntire herself, even beyond the quality of the show. She has a loyal, core following of fans, who after this many years, aren’t going to leave her now. They will follow her to the new network and beyond, so the ratings will stay up. The show has a lot more staying power than I think people realize. I do agree with Craig along the lines that the CW needs to turn over a new leaf, but he’s picking the wrong shows. Beauty and the Geek? It’s more of a cult hit than anything.
What I see happening is, after the first year, the CW will try to develop some new programming, while keeping its BIGGEST hits. If I had to pick some shows that will probably be in that group, I would have to choose Everybody Hates Chris, Smallville, Everwood, and Reba.
Romo: I do agree replacements for Gilmore Girls needs to be found, not if Related or any other other crop of shows on either network can do it. I will stand up for Beauty and the Geek. The best thing programming wise it offers the CW is flexibility. It only airs what like 13 episodes a year? So its a great mid-season replacement for a failed show. You can just plop it in the lineup to fill a void left by a failed show. I dont think you really need to “save a slot” in the lineup for B&G, you could rotate it with Top Model when its not on air.
Kevin: Well, to be perfectly honest, there’s only been two shows on WB that I’ve enjoyed, ever. Gilmore Girls (on DVD, mind you) and Superstar USA. And I’m not even sure which WB show uses “I don’t Wanna Be” as it’s theme song. So if all WB shows were to suddenly disappear, I won’t lose any sleep over it. But if nothing else gets tossed out the window, I hope The CW stops using the phrase “fresh episode”. Does a new episode have some sort of shelf life that we’re not aware of? Do they have to toss it if it’s not used within 2 weeks?
On the UPN side, there’s about a 75% show turnover anyways, so being nasty/snarky about UPN shows is pretty pointless. I expect Chris, Top Model, Veronica Mars, and
As for new shows, we know that Aquaman is coming. Warner, for whatever reason, is pretty high on the show, so we can expect this to get a reasonable push. Arrested Development would be a good pickup, but realistically speaking, it’s probably not gonna happen. There was a time when The WB picked up the discards from other networks, but since The CW is looking to put it’s own stamp on things, and AD seems to have a shelf life of 13 episodes a season, it’s best left to Showtime to prove Fox wrong.
Kevin: You’re probably right in that we’re undervaluing Reba, but it’s at the point where the producers have to be looking at the cost/benefit of making new episodes vs picking up residuals from syndication. Given the family-friendliness of the show, there’s a lot of money to be made there and you’d have the benefit of not having to pay the actors $x/episode.
Patrick: But how much is that worth compared to getting good ratings? This was Reba’s first year in syndication, and even though it’s on the same network, I think it’s doing very well. My only point is that I seriously doubt it’s going to CancellationLand anytime soon.
Romo: Superstar US, that show was awesome!!
While I back Reba staying I didn’t think about the syndication money. That sure helps it stick around. Also DVD sales, since Wong brought up how he watches G Girls on DVD. I wonder how the other shows are doing on DVD sales and if this will impact the CW keeping them around?
Kevin: Given the ratings and the lower ad money that would come with it I’d guess that DVD sales are pretty important in the overall scheme of things.
Patrick: I didn’t think about that, either, but in terms of Reba, seasons 1 and 2 are currently out on DVD, and season 3 is slated for April. I know Smallville is on DVD, but I don’t know how many seasons have been released because that’s not a show I follow.
Craig: no offense against Reba, but we must move on to another topic…
Josh: Okay..I don’t see them cancelling a hit show right off the bat. Why? Because they want to carry over that show’s fans to the new network. That includes ‘One Tree Hill’. I admit it..I watched this show. I haven’t in awhile, but I know for a fact that fans of ‘Dawson’s Creek’ watched ‘One Tree Hill’. I don’t know how good the show is now, but it had potential. Now could it be cancelled in a year..yep. Now I agree that few UPN shows will make it to the new network. At least only a few should make it. The good ones like ‘Veronica Mars’, ‘WWE Smackdown’, ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, and ‘America’s Next Top Model’. That’s it! I think they could cancel ‘Supernatural’. That may upset some people, but it could be dropped. I agree with everyone that they need to look to the future as well. But if the network fails from the start, then they won’t have a future. Yes..I know. CBS sucked at first and look at it now? But The CW is not CBS or NBC or ABC and it probably never will be. The key is developing new shows, but not too many. Everyone knows that only a few new shows on the MAJOR networks make it past the first year and become hit shows. The same goes for The CW, except they have less room to move. I think they could develop a new reality show or a game show.
Yeah..people may not like them, but if it’s an interesting show..people will watch it. And that’s the bottom line.
Final Thoughts
Craig: i think this network has the potential to make a dent. it’s not like the other networks have a surplus of quality programming. start with your strengths, and build from there. Veronica Mars and Gilmore Girls are as good as anything on television. Everwood is a very well written family drama. Top Model and Beauty and the Geek are two of the stronger reality shows. then go from there. make a better teenage soap than The O.C. has become. come up with better comedies, maybe something a little left-of-the-dial (like Parker Lewis). find and cultivate good writers/writing teams like the Palladinos. it should be interesting to watch over the next few years…
Kevin: My hope: The CW provides us with a viable fifth broadcast network. With most cable channels now firmly entrenched in genres, a strong fifth network will force the other four networks to continue the trend towards airing a diverse and interesting variety of shows – even if some of them fail.
My fear: Petty corporate politics (This IS CBS and Warner, after all) and poor show selection kill this venture before it gets started.
Josh: My final thoughts on The CW. I hope they take the quality shows they have and build on them. They continue with their “hit” shows, but look to life after them. The key to that is building and creating new shows from the start. We know they can do it. UPN did it with ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, ‘Veronica Mars’, and ‘America’s Next Top Model’. The WB did it with ‘Beauty and the Geek’, ‘Gilmore Girls’, and ‘Smallville’. They must also select the right shows as Kevin said. If the two networks play politics and want shows on the new network that suck, then The CW will suck. They can become the fifth major network. It will be hard, but it can be done in a few years. Can they compete with CBS and ABC and NBC for the top network? Doubtful, but they could pass up FOX for #4. Only time will tell with The CW.
Patrick: My final thoughts on the CW: I think that this is going to be an interesting new endeavor, and I’m looking forward to see this unfold. All eyes will be on this network next season, but I think it can succeed. As it has been mentioned before, by myself and others, I think the CW has the chance to become a fifth major network in the ratings game. At first, we will see a slew of combined hit programming from both former networks, such as Smallville, Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars, Everybody Hates Chris, Reba, America’s Next Top Model, and others. Already, this is a dynamic and diverse group of shows, and each one brings something different to the table. I agree with the notion that they will also start to develop their own programming, and if they go out and search as hard as they can for the best new programs, from all the different genres of drama, comedy, and reality, then I think this network has a great shot at becoming a player. Only time will tell, and I’m looking forward to watching it all happen.
Romo: The last thought I have about the whole merger is that in a world with 500 channels leading to a dilution of quality programing that the merger should help out greatly. It should mean less crap on TV and a better overall network. I don’t think they are ready to take any of the top four. Fox only become big time when it invested in buying rights to broadcast football and baseball. I don’t think The CW will be getting into that market anytime soon. But hopefully it can deliver 4-5 good dramas and 2-3 good comedies a year.
Editors Note: This below is Craig Russell’s tentative grid for The CW
| Monday | Tuesday | Wedneday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 PM | The Beauty & The Geek | Gilmore Girls | What I Like About You Related |
| 9 PM | Supernatural | Veronica Mars | America’s Top Model |
| Thursday | Friday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 PM | Smallville | Friday Night Smackdown | Everybody Hates Chris Girlfriends |
| 9 PM | Everwood | ||
| 10 PM | One Tree Hill |
