As I noted last week, these are exciting days for television viewers as season and series finales are being fired at us every night. Meanwhile, every day, a major network unveils its scheduling plans for the upcoming fall season. As Maggie noted over at TiFaux.com, "It's like Christmas, only you don't get to open your presents for four months." General Electric Co.'s (NYSE: GE) NBC was first to report yesterday, and there weren't many surprises. Walt Disney Co.'s (NYSE: DIS) ABC is in focus today, with only a handful of shows still on the bubble.
My stress level begins to build tomorrow when CBS Corp. (NYSE: CBS) makes its upfront decisions known to the world. At issue for me personally is How I Met Your Mother. This ratings-challenged Monday-night comedy that, while it isn't the best thing on television, is unique, quirky, and smart. The five core characters are all strangely likable, from ultra-modern Canadian woman Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders) to suspect Lothario Barney Stinson (the incomparable Neil Patrick Harris). Last night's season (hopefully not series!) finale wrapped up some plots, but left the future wide open. I only hope we get to see more of the gang next year and beyond -- especially since the audience (and the central character) has yet to meet the titular mother!
The CW, the one-year network co-owned by CBS and Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX), shares the spotlight with News Corp.'s (NYSE: NWS) FOX network on Thursday. Here's when my nails really get bitten down to the quick. Veronica Mars, the show about a teenage girl who is a student by day, private investigator by night, has earned a devoted cult following and plenty of critical acclaim in its too-brief three seasons. A central plot that could be contrived or downright silly is absolutely captivating, thanks to the solid writing from creator Rob Thomas and staff and the nuanced acting from Kristen Bell (who plays the title role), Enrico Colantoni as Veronica's father, and a terrific supporting cast. Weekly mysteries are intricate and well-reasoned, while the drama of Veronica's day-to-day life is always interesting. For months, fans of the show have been tugged back and forth with rumors of cancellation. Right now, the program is on life support, but we'll know in 48 hours or so if the network opts for resuscitation. It's currently my favorite drama on the air, and I'd hate to see it meet its end prematurely.
Beth Gaston Moon is an analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-17-2007 @ 10:48AM
Dennis said...
hmmm, I liked your style of narration! keep up the good work
5-17-2007 @ 12:02PM
KingGoonie said...
Um... How I Met Your Mother isn't ratings challenged.. in fact its doing very well and is considered a pretty big success...