November 06 2008
Dollhouse premiering on Friday, February 13.
So says the FoxBroadcasting account on Twitter, but offers no other details. Edit: The Hollywood Reporter says Terminator will be joining it.
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Individual posts are copyright their respective authors
This is a non-profit, unofficial website, not affiliated with Mutant Enemy, Inc., 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers or UPN.

cabri | November 06, 15:55 CET
Umm...A Friday premiere? What happened to Fox not killing this show? I'm quite upset right now.
marvelknight616 | November 06, 15:55 CET
It's "Firefly" all over again! Friday the 13th. WTF?
Nebula1400 | November 06, 15:57 CET
impalergeneral | November 06, 16:00 CET
frak
Eric_Curtis | November 06, 16:03 CET
AnotherFireflyfan | November 06, 16:06 CET
Benton | November 06, 16:07 CET
I remain calm, with a 80% slight chance of rain.
QuoterGal | November 06, 16:07 CET
reebchan | November 06, 16:08 CET
More accurately (and I'm going to do this because I hate it when AICN gets credited when it isn't their work), AICN says that Hollywood Reporter is reporting this.
@theonetruebix | November 06, 16:08 CET
Jackal | November 06, 16:09 CET
I was slightly freaking when I read it.
[ edited by EvilElecBlanket on 2008-11-07 01:16 ]
Eric_Curtis | November 06, 16:14 CET
A very unhappy one at that several years ago.
Really not thrilled with this news.
What the hell is going on??
Chris inVirginia | November 06, 16:15 CET
But seriously, there's a limit to how calm I can be about this show.
Knuckleball | November 06, 16:21 CET
cabri | November 06, 16:23 CET
Why wouldn't they go for a Super Bowl premiere or something?
foreverwes | November 06, 16:23 CET
[ edited by gossi on 2008-11-07 03:54 ]
gossi | November 06, 16:28 CET
Oh, and to foreverwes, NBC has the Super Bowl next year. Besides, when other networks try to premiere a new show after a Super Bowl, that doesn't always mean permanent success. Ask Jay Leno, who was on a cop show that had great post-game ratings that didn't last.
[ edited by impalergeneral on 2008-11-07 01:31 ]
impalergeneral | November 06, 16:28 CET
Likewithpie | November 06, 16:30 CET
"Dr, Horrible 2.0" may come sooner than we want.
Nebula1400 | November 06, 16:36 CET
dark_tyler | November 06, 16:38 CET
NG: Yes. It really is this thing of executives loving the smell of their own urine and urinating on things. And then more execs come in, and they urinate. And then the next round. By the end, they have this thing which just smells like pee, and nobody likes it.
JW: There's really no better way to put it.
TIME, 9/25/05, Interview Neil Gaiman & Joss Whedon
QuoterGal | November 06, 16:39 CET
Although there is an element of "Fool me once ..." at play here. And I don't care that the regime has changed. It's still FOX.
Joss needs to strike up a deal with HBO or Showtime (both of which will at least give you one heavily promoted season) ... or just stick to the Net altogether.
rbt | November 06, 16:39 CET
jlp | November 06, 16:42 CET
[ edited by marvelknight616 on 2008-11-07 01:43 ]
marvelknight616 | November 06, 16:42 CET
Last time I oozed pessimism, I was told that the actions I was basing my opinions on were done by the 'old' FOX.
This looks like there's plenty of old still in the new FOX.
Damn. Ugh.
:( I know that there are many, many reasons behind why a certain network is the one that aires Joss's shows, but why does it always have to be FOX? Sci-fi Channel, Joss. Not FOX. You'll have a bigger budget on FOX, and a larger audience (and make more money), but is that worth the heartache of having show after show sabotaged before it even begins?
What was so different about Buffy that it stuck?
VeryVeryCrowded | November 06, 16:42 CET
crazygolfa | November 06, 16:43 CET
[ edited by Sunfire on 2008-11-07 01:44 ]
Sunfire | November 06, 16:43 CET
NotaViking | November 06, 16:43 CET
Leaf | November 06, 16:44 CET
It was made to be iconic. And it was aired on a fledgling network. In 1997.
marvelknight616 | November 06, 16:44 CET
Read something recently that networks like CBS have realized that Friday night just can't get the same numbers as other nights and keeps lower performing shows on the schedule. Will Fox do the same? I don't see any chance that this will be a breakout hit on Friday night. Or even a decent hit.
danregal | November 06, 16:48 CET
I was so hoping for January. Now I won't even get to see it on a real tv.
dreamlogic | November 06, 16:49 CET
Now, I'm not sure it will make a difference.
Lioness | November 06, 16:50 CET
[ edited by KingofCretins on 2008-11-07 01:52 ]
KingofCretins | November 06, 16:52 CET
It's getting to the point where I don't even wanna watch it!
BTW, the prospects for this show over time have oddly mirrored the financial market (down big again today).
jam2 | November 06, 16:55 CET
@theonetruebix | November 06, 16:56 CET
And that's very painful and awkward with glasses on. Excuse me while I try to clean and bend them back into a reasonable shape for wearing.
And b!x, BSG is on at ten so theoretically, this could be a three hour block of awesome before it all comes crashing down. (BSG hopefully on the highest note as I expect it will, only Lost has the potential to end half as well as BSG probably will)
[ edited by The Xan Man on 2008-11-07 01:59 ]
The Xan Man | November 06, 16:57 CET
floofypooh | November 06, 16:57 CET
danregal | November 06, 16:58 CET
PaulfromSunnydale | November 06, 17:01 CET
onthedrift | November 06, 17:03 CET
kalia | November 06, 17:04 CET
As AICN points out...
The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. (1993)
MANTIS (1994)
Strange Luck (1995)
Sliders (1996)
Millennium (1996)
The Visitor (1997)
Harsh Realm (1999)
Freakylinks (2000)
Dark Angel (2000)
The Lone Gunmen (2001)
John Doe (2003)
Firefly (2003)
I really don't think Dollhouse is going to make it anymore.
Hopefully Dr. Horrible continues to do well and Joss can continue to explore the web medium with new series there, without any execs getting in his way.
Matt_Fabb | November 06, 17:05 CET
Gorp. (That's the sound we're making).
Here's my radical FOX identity pitch I made here the other day: "The Quality Drama network".
[ edited by gossi on 2008-11-07 02:07 ]
gossi | November 06, 17:06 CET
Look, I'm going to take FOX's side for a minute (not a popular stance, I know; call me Captain Hammer, Corporate Tool if you must, but hear me out). They have a bottom line, and they have to protect it. "Prestige programs," which get better buzz than ratings, are not something most networks can afford more than one of, in these days of large numbers of channels. I'm sure they're just looking out for what's in the best interests of the network. Dollhouse just may not appeal to the demographic they want...and I want it to be understood that I don't mean anything negative or derogatory, unlike some people who have said similar things in the past. Different strokes, and all that.
Having said that, I will now officially wonder why Joss would continue working in mainstream television. Bottom line or no, it's gotta hurt to see his shows cancelled without being given much of a chance. Note to Joss: Go to SciFi or USA, and make some quirky yet smart shows that will last for a decade. Or start making films fulltime, either studio or independent. Or continue to work on the Internet, making little projects with big ambitions that bring in a ton of views. Or make series programs, and sell them straight to the fans, via DVD sets. You give them the general premise, they pre-order the set at $29.95 per copy, and then they get their copy. How much would a full season of Firefly or a similar show cost? $60 million, give or take? So sell 2 million sets, and you're in business. And you can make whatever you want. No networks. No suits. No restrictions. Just you, a computer, some blank paper, and whatever dreams you can bring to life.
[ETA: And you know that you have enough fans to sell 2 million sets of anything.]
[ edited by BAFfler on 2008-11-07 02:14 ]
BAFfler | November 06, 17:08 CET
ricetxpeaches | November 06, 17:10 CET
witch_kat | November 06, 17:11 CET
I'm pretty sure the original link here, to an official FOX source, was the confirmation from FOX. ;)
@theonetruebix | November 06, 17:12 CET
:(
edit: Yes, what BAFfler said.
[ edited by dark_tyler on 2008-11-07 02:13 ]
dark_tyler | November 06, 17:12 CET
cabri | November 06, 17:18 CET
[ edited by ricetxpeaches on 2008-11-07 02:22 ]
ricetxpeaches | November 06, 17:19 CET
BAFfler, could not agree more. I have to admit that I couldn't understand why Joss would risk yet another heartache by involving one of the networks in his plans for creating quality television. Okay, so there is apparently a new regime at FOX that is (was) more open to giving genre shows a chance but why take the risk when you have wonderful series like Battlestar Galactica, Burn Notice, Eureka, Dexter and so on thriving on the likes of SciFi, Showtime and USA.
Joss, please stop punishing yourself like this and go to a channel that will really appreciate what you do. You deserve a hell of a lot more respect and freedom than you seem to be getting at FOX. Again!
Highlander | November 06, 17:20 CET
NYPinTA | November 06, 17:22 CET
Wait, I think there's a flaw in that argument somewhere...
Anyway, I'm just a bit disappointed it's not being packaged with 24 any more. Just cos, y'know, I like 24.
daylight | November 06, 17:25 CET
BAFfler | November 06, 17:26 CET
So, out of interest (and hoping that it hasn't already been mentioned further up the thread) what is going to be paired with 24 now? If both Terminator and Dollhouse are being
killed offshown on Friday does that mean they already have a better option for Monday?Highlander | November 06, 17:30 CET
crossoverman | November 06, 17:30 CET
Of course it isn't cancelled yet and I really hope that it defies the odds and gets good enough ratings to be renewed.
Leaf | November 06, 17:32 CET
DigificWriter | November 06, 17:35 CET
I have remained calm.
I have been annoyed with people who continue to pre-sadden themselves for the "obvious doomed nature" of Dollhouse.
Today, I join them.
bknick | November 06, 17:36 CET
You're right. Good job they seem to be totally onboard with what Joss wants to do with Dollhouse then.
Wait... Damn! ;)
Highlander | November 06, 17:38 CET
Weeeelllll.
I was kinda determined to come in here and say "don't panic". Then I read gossi's post.
I'm certainly more pessimistic now. Then again: Joss did say he was kinda, totally, in love with the show again. So despite the executives urinating all over it, it apareantly still doesn't smell to Joss. Unless he's just trying to make us feel better. Which I think he wasn't.
Now, considering the fact that FOX is still under new management and that T:SCC has not yet been cancelled, when, really, with 'old Fox' it would've been canned a while back, I am still hopefull this show might succeed. If they accept that shows in a Friday night slot perform less than others, they might keep it on. Certainly given their experiences with the amount of DVD's sold from Joss properties. Although I'm not quite sure that the revenues from DVD sales go to the budgets of the people making the programming decissions, so they might not care after all.
All in all, much still depends on how well Dollhouse ends up doing. If it gets decent ratings for friday night and if the production costs are not too big, compared to what they're getting in return, new-Fox might decide to keep it on if the numbers aren't stellar. Then again: it still might suck as a show and go on the be highly succesfull. There's no telling untill Dollhouse actually starts airing.
But all in all, friday night slot? Bad news. Still, I don't think we should panic too much, even if the reasons do justify it more than previously, given these circumstances. If, after all, we, the core audience for this show in terms of loyal viewing, are ready to throw in the towel, I'm not sure 'regular Joe' will want to invest their time in it. Ofcourse, as we have discussed before, we also do not need to overestimate our influence (or that of the internet in general). But all in all: this still has the chance of becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Which would suck.
GVH | November 06, 17:38 CET
sunshineguinn | November 06, 17:38 CET
Wyndam_ | November 06, 17:42 CET
Monday Jan 19th
8/7c House moves to its new night
9/8c 24 moves to its regular timeslot
Other than AI, I think these are Fox's two biggest shows, and they're putting them on the same night? What sense does that make? It was my understanding that ideally you pair a new show with a strong performer to encourage viewership. Putting both the big boys on the same night defies logic.
pillboxed | November 06, 17:44 CET
The worst thing about all of this is what Gossi says. If the show were cancelled but managed to be great for 13 episodes I'd still be fairly happy. But the thought of it turning into a giant Agent Ballard hitting things with music scene infuriates me.
[ edited by Let Down on 2008-11-07 02:47 ]
Let Down | November 06, 17:45 CET
If Dollhouse finds a big audience, it will last. But Friday night? Come on, FOX. Oh, by the way, you also might want to tell people working on the show before you post it on Twitter to stop them finding out on Whedonesque. That'd be nice.
Let Down, I do not mean that's the entire show. Seriously. Dollhouse is, I believe, a good idea and may be a great show. It's just this whole idea of action for the sake of action kinda doesn't lead to the best product.
[ edited by gossi on 2008-11-07 02:49 ]
gossi | November 06, 17:46 CET
WheelsOfJoy | November 06, 17:48 CET
Nerds are home on Friday nights, I guess is how the thinking goes?
TeddyKGB | November 06, 17:48 CET
buffywrestling | November 06, 17:50 CET
GVH | November 06, 17:50 CET
Hell, I'm home every night.
@theonetruebix | November 06, 17:51 CET
GVH | November 06, 17:52 CET
Oh wait, me too.
NYPinTA | November 06, 17:52 CET
Nothing a studio--er, network has any real hope for debuts on Fridays. It's death for TV, with a random success now and again.
EDIT: I changed studio to network, as I'm used to talking movies moreso. Funny how little things remind you how much of a nerd you are (a proud nerd, though).
[ edited by Dhoffryn on 2008-11-07 02:55 ]
Dhoffryn | November 06, 17:53 CET
Edit: Thanks for the confirmation, Gossi
[ edited by Let Down on 2008-11-07 02:54 ]
Let Down | November 06, 17:54 CET
jlp | November 06, 17:54 CET
That's just unreal. What a fluster-cuck.
Eric_Curtis | November 06, 17:55 CET
Ningjing | November 06, 17:56 CET
here.
pillboxed | November 06, 17:56 CET
With DVRs and net streaming maybe Fox think those viewers will make up for the live-sit-at-home viewers?
They've kept the faith and supported TSCC, which old Fox would have kicked to the kerb months ago, so why would they not support Dollhouse if it gets less than stellar "Live" ratings?
zz9 | November 06, 17:56 CET
Man, I'm seething with anger right now.
Let Down | November 06, 17:57 CET
@theonetruebix | November 06, 17:57 CET
If Terminator and Dollhouse are able to perform solidly for being on Friday nights, they may consider it worth keeping and consider that a decent two-hour sci-fi block to have.
Or think about it this way: if the show premiered with 24 on Mondays and got so-so ratings, it definitely would have been in trouble. But if it premieres with Terminator on Fridays and gets so-so ratings (which Terminator already gets and still got a full season), they may consider it a strong enough two-hour block worth keeping for Fridays.
Just trying to stay positive :)
Greenwood | November 06, 17:59 CET
Nothing a studio has any real hope for debuts on Fridays. It's death for TV, with a random success now and again.
What are you, Dhoffryn - the devil? ;-P
I'm sorry this doesn't bother me as much as it seems to bother everyone else. Joss has built up amazing karma, gained legions of new fans with Dr. Horrible, has a great premise and a gorgeous star. It'll find its way.
TeddyKGB | November 06, 17:59 CET
Man. Now I feel guilty for posting the news even though I had nothing to do with it. Oy. That's just effed up.
@theonetruebix | November 06, 18:06 CET
Dhoffryn | November 06, 18:08 CET
Let Down | November 06, 18:08 CET
Well, the Sepinwall piece that pillboxed links suggests as a third of three possibilities that perhaps they
That said, he also then says he's not optimistic that this is the case.
[ edited by theonetruebix on 2008-11-07 03:14 ]
@theonetruebix | November 06, 18:13 CET
I'm going back to bed as it's now, what, 2am. Somebody wake me up when they've mind wiped all of this, yes?
gossi | November 06, 18:14 CET
On the positive side, we get Summer and Dollhouse on the same night and will soon have 13 amazing episodes of television on DVD. Hopefully in 2011 we'll get the movie.
hitnrun017 | November 06, 18:16 CET
Let Down | November 06, 18:18 CET
ricetxpeaches | November 06, 18:19 CET
I knew my whole sceptism (or whatever. It's late.) about FOX wasn't unjustified.
Yeah, sadly if I have the money I will still buy the DVD. XD
I just saw the new trailer recently. It wasn't bad. Kinda cool.
Off course, I could try and be optimistic here. XD It might not all go to hell, but please, that's so not me. I'm far too pessimistic. lol.
[ edited by druzilla on 2008-11-07 03:22 ]
druzilla | November 06, 18:19 CET
IcedFlame | November 06, 18:29 CET
Why does this feel like I'm being pooped on?
cordelia_chaser | November 06, 18:30 CET
Braeden Fireheart | November 06, 18:31 CET
Barclay | November 06, 18:32 CET
Edited for spelling, and then again to say oops, it was Castle not Dollhouse that was lowered to 10 eps.
[ edited by danregal on 2008-11-07 03:33 ]
[ edited by danregal on 2008-11-07 23:53 ]
danregal | November 06, 18:33 CET
While he spoke glowingly of the original pilot script he read, he apparently isn't bowled over by the first two Dollhouse episodes, which he says he's seen.
pillboxed | November 06, 18:33 CET
Heh. Someone call Mary Parent.
@theonetruebix | November 06, 18:34 CET
Hell, I'm home every night.
"I'm always home. I'm uncool!"
jam2 | November 06, 18:38 CET
As some level-headed folks have already theorized, FOX could be moving T:SCC to Fridays so that it won't be competing against the multitude of other shows on Monday nights, and pairing Dollhouse with it could help both shows keep/build an audience under less ratings scrutiny.
And heck, if they advertise this right, with the Friday the 13th premeire, this could be a really good thing for Dollhouse.
Yep. Delusionally optimistic. That's me.
kasadilla | November 06, 18:40 CET
Actually, to be quite honest, I'm more worried about the Paul Ballard beating people up to music for an hour than I am about the risk of cancellation. But that's just me, I guess.
I'll be back with comments of panic and cursing the suits once it becomes abundantly clear that the steady, glimmering stream of fox urine has truly hit the fan.
Or, suits willing, I'll be back to sanity and calm once it seems plausible that it won't.
No offense to gossi, but I so hope gossi is full of sh*t.
GreatMuppetyOdin | November 06, 18:40 CET
ShanshuBugaboo | November 06, 18:42 CET
If anyone can bring audience to Friday nights, Joss can.
Besides, pretty much every other night of the week is crowded. Weren't we freaking out over Monday nights' crowdedness just a few weeks ago?
Although I must admit, these people do have a sick sense of humour.
[ edited by Effulgent on 2008-11-07 06:12 ]
Effulgent | November 06, 18:46 CET
pat32082 | November 06, 18:51 CET
Unfortunately for this context, gossi is full of internet magics and Whedon knowledge. So yeah, this is bad.
Sunfire | November 06, 18:51 CET
Let Down | November 06, 18:55 CET
I'm just an idiot from Liverpool.
gossi | November 06, 18:56 CET
Lioness | November 06, 18:58 CET
Litwall | November 06, 18:59 CET
John, Paul, George, and Ringossi.
@theonetruebix | November 06, 19:08 CET
NYPinTA | November 06, 19:15 CET
buffywrestling | November 06, 19:28 CET
Frankly, I'm wondering if "acton" is all that successful on network television in general. Outside of 24 itself, which arguably works precisely because of it's real-time structure which no one else could duplicate without being seen as stealing, are there even any all that many examples of successful network action shows in recent times?
@theonetruebix | November 06, 19:29 CET
ETA: I supposed Knight Rider is action-y, but that's an epic fail for NBC. Serves 'em right.
[ edited by cabri on 2008-11-07 04:38 ]
cabri | November 06, 19:37 CET
I'm trying not to overreact to this news. I don't want to look stupid. But it's hard to overreact to this, isn't it? This is just...this is absolutely horrible news.
Okay, if the show gets canceled. All right. That's completely awful, but all right. If it turns out to be not that good? Fuck-a-doodle-doo.
Joss is an amazing artist who has never made something I disliked. And judging from what I've heard, it sounds like if it's going to suck, it might be because of FOX interference (I say "might" because I know that Joss is not infallible).
I went from having an average day to having a pile-of-shit day. Fuck.
UnpluggedCrazy | November 06, 19:40 CET
As far as why Joss 'choose' Fox to make Dollhouse for, I assume it's mainly because the show was written for Eliza and she has a contract with Fox only.
spiralout9 | November 06, 19:46 CET
While it wasn't classic, it was still very good. This proves the man may have questionable taste.
Either that, or I'm grasping at straws.
UnpluggedCrazy | November 06, 19:48 CET
Maratanos | November 06, 19:54 CET
The Operative | November 06, 20:00 CET
For me, I'm already watching/taping several shows on Friday nights, including Dr. Who at 9 pm!! For Western Canadians, BSG is on at 7 pm, if the schedule is the same as before their hiatus.
I don't know what to say, I have so been looking forward to a new Joss show where I would be in on it with other fans from the beginning. (I watched Firefly from the beginning but was not online then.) Whatever happens and for however long it is on the air (I'll keep my fingers crossed for several seasons), I will be watching. Keep in mind that if you decide not to watch and wait for the DVD, Fox will be justified in cancelling it due to low numbers - and I don't think we can just assume that there will be DVDs. After all, we're still waiting for ones for The Inside and Drive!
I think my panic meter is orange sienna at the moment.
samatwitch | November 06, 20:03 CET
WTF. Not only that, they give him crap for not posting with his usual witty and honest style. Kinda hard to do that if he isn't the one that posted the news.
Edit: Unless they think bix is Joss.
[ edited by NYPinTA on 2008-11-07 05:07 ]
NYPinTA | November 06, 20:06 CET
deadbessie | November 06, 20:06 CET
@theonetruebix | November 06, 20:08 CET
Sunfire | November 06, 20:10 CET
Other positive thoughts: Cabin in the Woods, Servant Girl, Dr Horrible DVD
Let Down | November 06, 20:11 CET
@theonetruebix | November 06, 20:11 CET
Would Joss have even gone back to Fox if not for the chance to work with Eliza? I'm a bit ignorant about how talent deals work (plus from "shiny new" land and too lazy to check the archives), so does anyone know what sort of deals each of them has with Fox? Ie, if (and not "when" - I'm happy being a pessimistic optimist) Dollhouse is not that breakaway hit we all hope for, does that mean Eliza has the chance to develop another show with them? Or, gulp, that Joss is required to do more for that F(-ing) network?
tac_tics | November 06, 20:12 CET
NYPinTA | November 06, 20:16 CET
I believe Eliza is signed on to Fox exclusively. Not sure for how long, though
Let Down | November 06, 20:16 CET
The Operative | November 06, 20:20 CET
The article also says that episodes six and seven have been having major production problems, according to an "anonymous source."
?
UnpluggedCrazy | November 06, 20:21 CET
More analysis when they get to Friday itself, but I don't want to reproduce half their article here. Click through.
@theonetruebix | November 06, 20:22 CET
(Of course Angel was cancelled on my birthday, so the world has a lot to make up to me... but this could be a step in the right direction.)
Haunt | November 06, 20:28 CET
UnpluggedCrazy | November 06, 20:29 CET
@theonetruebix | November 06, 20:31 CET
(Also, an aside: is Fox News a separate channel?)
Let Down | November 06, 20:32 CET
As the guy with "questionable taste" that you're insulting, I thought I'd respond your insulting remark. Comparing Dollhouse and last week's episode of The Office (and make no mistake it WAS weak) is like comparing apples and oranges. I read Dollhouse's pilot script last year and absolutely loved it. (My early review of the script validates that.) The finished product--both versions of the pilot and the second completed episode--did not live up to the expectations that I had about the series. While I've been a huge Joss fan for years, Dollhouse sadly isn't his best work. And FOX putting it on a Friday night doesn't bode well for the longevity of the series.
Jace at Televisionary | November 06, 20:34 CET
It's been over five years since a Joss show was on the air. I'll schedule my Fridays around Dollhouse. I trust you guys to do the same. If hardcore fans start opting out before the show even starts, you're killing it yourself. Get a clue.
Sabbrielle | November 06, 20:34 CET
Aviva | November 06, 20:34 CET
Or I’m really grasping.
Eric_Curtis | November 06, 20:35 CET
BTW, to nit pick the LA Times blurb again, no one actually said, "It's Firefly all over again!" And Firefly has only been mentioned about 5 times in this thread, most in passing. Someone did say they 'hoped it wasn't Firefly all over again', which is close, but not an "outcry" or the same thing at all really.
PS I don't see anyone opting out of watching Dollhouse, no matter what day it's on.
NYPinTA | November 06, 20:36 CET
I've become agnostic on this point. While I really have no opinion on the anonymous reports of trouble inside the production (I mean, how are we supposed to verify any of that?), the tradition in television does seem to be that Friday is where you put things to die.
But the Zap2It and IGN arguments are interesting, especially Daniel's (of Zap2It) take that from FOX's perspective, this actually, in a sense, balances their schedule across all five weeknights, which would be a plus for them, if it works.
[ edited by theonetruebix on 2008-11-07 05:42 ]
@theonetruebix | November 06, 20:41 CET
I will try to remain hopeful. The initial anger has worn off a bit.
ShanshuBugaboo | November 06, 20:44 CET
Friday the 13th! Who does that!?! Fox does that.
Likewithpie | November 06, 20:48 CET
Well, they can just leave their TV on the right channel and go out. And then watch it later. I don't think people are bad Joss fans for deciding to go out on Friday night
Let Down | November 06, 20:49 CET
archon | November 06, 20:51 CET
jnr616 | November 06, 20:53 CET
buffywrestling | November 06, 20:58 CET
When I posted it, I thought about tacking "I'm grasping at straws, aren't I?" to the end, so maybe that'll give you more of an idea about my intent.
UnpluggedCrazy | November 06, 21:01 CET
One thing, I thought it was starting in January. Now I have to wait another month!! Bah, I say!!!
Scaniano | November 06, 21:06 CET
Aviva | November 06, 21:08 CET
I'm starting to wish we hadn't known anything about the show, or the creative process, until it was on the air. I've been through way too many emotions about something I haven't even had the chance to get emotionally attached to yet.
Do the networks have factor in internet viewings, or is it all about actual TV screens? Because pretty much anything I watch, I watch online--and I can't be the only one. People may not stay home on Fridays to watch the show, but if they're keeping up with it on hulu, that should count for something . . . shouldn't it?
erendis | November 06, 21:10 CET
Ghalev | November 06, 21:10 CET
@theonetruebix | November 06, 21:11 CET
Let Down | November 06, 21:16 CET
cabri | November 06, 21:16 CET
:::hehehehehehehe:::
You're right, bix. That did lighten the mood.
BAFfler | November 06, 21:20 CET
JadeHand | November 06, 21:21 CET
UnpluggedCrazy | November 06, 21:22 CET
See me? I'm mellow. I'm like Oz, man, cool. No panic here. I'll watch (Or record if I won't be home) every episode of both shows we get, and then, when I have money again, I'll buy the DVDs of previous seasons to enjoy again and again. Like I am right now with Firefly.
I'm not going to write off a show just because of the night it's on - I'll watch it no matter where it airs, as long as I feel it's worth watching. When the pilot episode airs, I'll tune in. If I'm intrigued enough, I'll watch the next episode. If it keeps my interest, I'm there for the duration, be it 10, 13 or 48 episodes, or 5 years.
ShadowQuest | November 06, 21:33 CET
ETA Cats is a great musical.
[ edited by Pointy on 2008-11-07 06:40 ]
Pointy | November 06, 21:34 CET
Just as a bizarre aside, if you do a Google image search for my full name you get one, single, result. And that's a picture of Joss.
Weird.
zz9 | November 06, 21:45 CET
flak | November 06, 21:48 CET
Why does any major network try to corner itself into a niche like that? I mean I can understand that if they were a speciality channel(really the Action Channel), but for a major network channel? I mean I can understand grouping two similar genre shows together on one night to try to hook in the audience, but beyond that what's the point? If they have a good show on a certain night, it doesn't matter to me what they are playing other nights and if it mixes together.
Unless you are one of the families being monitored by Nielsen, then really it doesn't matter if you watch it on an actual tv screen as it won't affect the ratings of the show. As for how much networks consider Hulu in their decisions, unfortunately I don't think it does. I could be wrong and that this has changed more, but it's my understanding that it's a separate part of the company that is pulling in that additional revenue and the network's main concern is ratings, as that's how that part of the business makes money.
[ edited by Matt_Fabb on 2008-11-07 06:53 ]
Matt_Fabb | November 06, 21:52 CET
zz9: Could you give us your full name, so we may verify this astonishing result? And also, could you send along your SSN and driver's license number (with car tags, if possible)? Why? Oh, no reason... :::devilish grin:::
BAFfler | November 06, 21:53 CET
I know, I know. New regime. But still.
sumogrip | November 06, 21:58 CET
(I also have a Canadian SIN, but that's a whole other story...)
zz9 | November 06, 22:02 CET
ria | November 06, 22:04 CET
Do you know what your Canadian SIN is?
MAL
Aw, hell. I'm a fan of all 1.3 million issued per year.
@theonetruebix | November 06, 22:07 CET
Not as cool as zz9's situation, though.
(Damn you, zz9!)
Oh, and bix: EPIC WIN.
UnpluggedCrazy | November 06, 22:10 CET
Letter-writing campaign? Pencils to FOX execs?
Ooh, DOLLS to FOX execs?!
Who's with me?
kasadilla | November 06, 22:11 CET
zz9 | November 06, 22:13 CET
UnpluggedCrazy | November 06, 22:16 CET
Ooh, DOLLS to FOX execs?!
If one of my dreams ever does come true, and I become a showrunner. I'm going to make sure I have one character that loves eggs just for this reason. They wouldn't dare cancel the show. Muhahahahahaha
Eric_Curtis | November 06, 22:19 CET
electricspacegirl | November 06, 22:28 CET
At first.. my gothic imp inside was all giddy with Joss on a Friday the 13th.. and then my brain kicked in and said "oh fuck, Dollhouse will be on Fridays."
panic. panic. PANIC.
We have to do something. Petitions. Banners. Signs. Human Advertisements. We need to get another network to buy the show. We need to do something. Neeeds more Joss.
we also need to save terminator. needs more summer.
[ edited by almost cookies on 2008-11-07 07:38 ]
| November 06, 22:38 CET
kasadilla | November 06, 22:46 CET
cabri | November 06, 22:49 CET
Genre show are struggling on Monday nights, and that's a fact. Even Heroes isn't looking too good despite 8-9 million viewers every week. A show that costs $4M an episode is expected to do better. What chance does a freshman show stand?
Friday nights do have a potential. Ghost Whisperer is the highest rated speculative show, and it runs on Friday nights. Last year, Moonlight wasn't doing too poorly, either, gathering 7-9 million, although of course it wasn't good enough for CBS.
And there are a lot of things that are different now from what they were 7 years ago. Let's just wait and see.
Effulgent | November 06, 23:09 CET
Simon | November 06, 23:17 CET
I'm counting on it to do well, but even I wouldn't stay in on a Friday just to watch TV.
jaxn | November 06, 23:24 CET
Just hopes Joss doesn't have time to read Whedonesque today, watching your show being declared DOA before they have seen a single episode by the people who really, really like you must be a serious downer.
If I worked for Fox marketing I'd work very hard to spin Fridays away from the 'graveyard of shows' to the 'time for Cult shows', TSCC, Dollhouse, BSG (on Sci-fi) seems like a great lineup to me.
Simon, you don't really believe Fox keeps track of that date do you ?
[ edited by jpr on 2008-11-07 08:30 ]
jpr | November 06, 23:26 CET
I keep trying to think of ways to promote it this way that don't actually conflict with the fact that we're dealing with two entirely different corporate entities. It might take fan-based guerilla marketing, although personally I'd ditch the "cult" part.
The problem, of course, with trying to do it as a fan thing is that it doesn't have the reach of, say, an actual ad on TV for the line-up. Heh.
(In part I keep trying to think about this because when Joss first started saying that Dollhouse was morally gray, I kept saying that FOX should find a way to promote it as "what you should watch when BSG is gone".)
[ edited by theonetruebix on 2008-11-07 08:33 ]
@theonetruebix | November 06, 23:31 CET
No but I do. And I bet journalists will find it an interesting talking point for their Dollhouse articles.
Simon | November 06, 23:32 CET
Anyways, I still have hope that it will succeed.
crazygolfa | November 06, 23:32 CET
| November 06, 23:33 CET
Sci-fi Friday have been used before but it does lock out all the people frowning at the sci-fi label, how about 'Imagination Friday' ? or 'Terminate your week with Echo and Six' ?
Simon, now that you have given them the idea sure they will.
[ edited by jpr on 2008-11-07 09:08 ]
jpr | November 06, 23:49 CET
[ edited by ria on 2008-11-07 09:09 ]
ria | November 07, 00:04 CET
Do people really do this? Put channels on while waiting for the show that's going to be on an hour later? I just leave the TV off until it's time for what I intend to be watching.
@theonetruebix | November 07, 00:09 CET
Couldn't agree more. That's exactly how I see the possible future of Buffy the animated series, unless it would be much more easy (how much can an animated series cost ?) !
For Dollhouse, I can't say I am very much surprised, but I believe we need to hear what Joss ahs to say on that matter.
Léo | November 07, 00:13 CET
[ edited by ria on 2008-11-07 09:27 ]
ria | November 07, 00:17 CET
IrrationaliTV | November 07, 00:34 CET
adastra | November 07, 01:04 CET
Guys, what are you doing? The only people who have already dismissed this series as a failure are you yourselves.
And please don't forget that this blog is the Joss-centric page focussed by internet journalists. We're spreading the Joss-love, but when we panic, we're spreading that as well. What do you want to read on their pages tomorrow - "Whedon core fanbase dismisses Dollhouse as a failure"?
Me myself, as I'm not even in the US, will have to wait even longer to view my dollhousy goodness. I hope we'll even be getting it here in Germany. You're all playing a part in that, remember. :)
Is Friday good? Of course not. But if it lowers the bar of what DH has to perform, I'm with it. Is Friday the death-slot-of-doom? Well, we'll see, won't we? Cause nothing is over until it's over. Firefly & Serenity should have taught us that lesson a while ago.
As a final note: Sorry for the rant. It's nothing personal. I just can't stand it when people get all whiny about something that hasn't even happend yet.
It's still in our hands!
[ edited by Harridan on 2008-11-07 14:14 ]
Harridan | November 07, 01:05 CET
I wouldn't pay a nickel for art-by-corporation. Good TV shows are realized by a great gang of people - but they are inspired and helmed essentially by one. It's Joss' stories - he and his writers - I'm interested in, and whether we get that or Crappy Committee Art is entirely out of our hands.
I'm just gonna hope that Joss will prevail.
QuoterGal | November 07, 01:30 CET
cleveland | November 07, 01:39 CET
The hard-core Whedon fans are not an acceptable network tv audience. That's just fantasy. Dollhouse needs promotion and a good timeslot to get more viewers, and it looks like it's not going to get it.
And what QuoterGal said.
dreamlogic | November 07, 01:51 CET
gossi | November 07, 01:52 CET
On one hand, I'm thinking the whole "Doom, doom, doom!" thing that a lot of others are, and am getting very worried about this. (Friday the 13th just seems so omen-y...)
On the other hand, it's really not in Fox's interests to kill a show before it's aired, and before they know whether it's going to be a success, right? Their goal is to make money, and killing a show they've spent money on without giving it a chance seems a little... pointless. And the idea of airing Dollhouse in a less competitive timeslot so it has a chance of being watched rather than ignored for it's competition does make some sense.
I'm curious... In the US does recording a show and watching it later count towards ratings, or is it only if people watch the show live?
snowinhell | November 07, 01:56 CET
I have no doubt that TTSCC is a good pair for Dollhouse, but why stick a new show in a death time slot, with a show that's been also in some ways struggling. Instead they're sticking the 24 and House powerhouses together, instead of using them as potential lead-ins or night-pair for shows that need it the most.
Yes, the current Friday night line-up is not that competitive, but there's a reason why networks don't schedule many things on Fridays. Not that a sense that we'll get an uber sci-fi combo night is not interesting, with TTSCC and Dollhouse on Fox, and the final episodes of BSG on SciFi Channel.
As much as I was trying to support the positions of nuFox, it's getting harder and harder to get this through and how they're not trying to sucker punch Whedon fans once again, this announcement does not help at all. Will we once again see it suffer under the hands of weird pre-emption, or because there are sports?
I'm very weary about it. And I thought that the week started bad, not it's just more weird.
Numfar PTB | November 07, 01:57 CET
gossi | November 07, 01:58 CET
Maybe a lot of superstitious people will be staying home on Friday the 13th and watching tv...'cause nothing bad can happen to you if you just stay home and watch tv.
I know, silly. But you never know?
(See above re: grasping straws)
ShanshuBugaboo | November 07, 01:59 CET
Uhm, Numfar, Fringe has been incredibly successful for FOX.
For some reason I got the impression that they were expecting more from it. Read that somewhere, don't remember where.
But heh, sorry. I was just ranting. All better now after writing the post above.
[ edited by Numfar PTB on 2008-11-07 11:07 ]
Numfar PTB | November 07, 02:07 CET
gossi | November 07, 02:13 CET
Friday nights on Fox didn't spell early death for a little show called The X-Files. Yes, it's a different media world now, but I would argue that it's different in a way that gives a Friday night show a much better chance of succeeding. Going out on Friday night? Just record it (virtually everyone has some method of recording shows, which was not true back in the early X-files days).
I'd also point to Ghost Whisperer and Numbers, both still solid after what .... three of four seasons? So a whole lot of people obviously watch/record shows on Friday night. And both of the shows I mentioned are reaching a point where all but the most hardcore fans are starting to get bored and may just be looking for someting new, on Friday nights.
I also think the "lower ratings expectations on Friday nights" could be a plus (and hopefully save T:TSCC as well). I've been really concerned about the competition on Monday nights, and the fact that Dollhouse and 24 seem like a really bad match.
This isn't Firefly. No football, and still no indication of the total lack of support that Firefly suffered.
Have to agree with Harridan ....
There's a great pic of Obama on AlterNet , with a photo-shopped caption that reads:
"Everybody chill the fuck out, I've got this". ;-)
Shey | November 07, 02:13 CET
Saje SMASH !!
In the US does recording a show and watching it later count towards ratings, or is it only if people watch the show live?
It counts, they have what's called a "Live" rating (people who watched it when broadcast), then a "Live+SD" (people who watched it live AND people that recorded it but watched it on the Same Day) and then a "Live+7" (everyone that watched it either live or within 7 days of it airing).
Bloody buggering shite. It's not necessarily the end of the world of course, Zap2it's comments make sense and it might well be that Fox are trying for a sort of Sci-Fi Friday idea (it worked really well for Sci-Fi, at its height, with the Stargates leading into BSG, they were getting the best ratings they'd ever had) but it's really hard not to see it as negative news.
Really clutching at straws, maybe they're experimenting with what amounts to straight to DVR TV ? Cos if you're gonna try it, the sci-fi crowd is the one to try it on since a) they tend to follow shows wherever they go and b) i'd bet they tend to have DVRs more often than average.
Saje | November 07, 02:14 CET
[ edited by UnpluggedCrazy on 2008-11-07 11:15 ]
UnpluggedCrazy | November 07, 02:14 CET
(disclaimer: I'm only an amateur observer of all this, and could be wildly wrong)
jlp | November 07, 02:37 CET
I discovered Firefly after the fact, and it remains one of my favourite shoes ever. The fact that there are only 15 episodes and then a movie doesn't diminish from it. Sure there are hints of stories that never got to play out, but in my mind it feels like a story that was meant to be that length, even if that's an afterthought.
On the converse, there are some US shows which are given 22 episodes a year, and just don't really know what to do with it. You get lots of filler episodes, or the story dramatically shifts half way through.
If Dollhouse does OK in its timeslot and gets a second season I will be happy. If it doesn't, but I still really like it, I'm not going to worry because it will always be around for me to enjoy. I trust Joss to have kept his 13 episodes tight and for each moment to tell a poignant thematic story.
[ edited by flugufrelsarinn on 2008-11-07 12:02 ]
flugufrelsarinn | November 07, 02:38 CET
Though it is good to think that no matter what we're going to get 13 hours of Joss TV. (Someone said upthread that it had been reduced to 10? Anyone know where that came from?)
Aside: it's Friday night and I actually am at home, though I do have an exam tomorrow morning to study for
Let Down | November 07, 02:46 CET
The difference is, all UK TV shows (without exception AFAIK) are completed ahead of being broadcast so the station plays them and that's that. And there's less money involved usually.
Also - and this is something the licence fee naysayers seem to forget IMO - we have a major non-commercial TV station to reign in the worst excesses of advert driven TV. Or in other words, there's a balance over how long adverts can be on ITV and how ratings driven the entire system can become just because one corporation exists that (on paper at least) doesn't have to worry solely about popular success for each and every show it airs. In fact, the BBC is almost mandated to produce some shows that won't be popular (in the sense that they have broad appeal).
Saje | November 07, 02:52 CET
What's wrong with FOX?
Please Joss, for our (and your) health, stop making shows for FOX.
You belong to HBO, Showtime, AMC...
Angel TheVampire | November 07, 03:07 CET
"And please don't forget that this blog is the Joss-centric page focussed by internet journalists. We're spreading the Joss-love, but when we panic, we're spreading that as well."
We don't know what will happen. It doesn't look good, but maybe Fox won't expect as much of the show as if it was on monday night.
Now if you really think they're killing the show, you can go protest at Fox offices (i can't, i'm not in the US)... but i think the clever thing to do would be to stay positive... Joss and his crew are still working on the show, imagine how depressing it would be for them to read all this.
Nico-Angel | November 07, 03:21 CET
flugufrelsarinn | November 07, 03:24 CET
And just think how silly all these discussions will prove to be in February when Dollhouse is a big hit show (says the born and bred contrarian) :)
jpr | November 07, 03:40 CET
I'm not sure how true that is. Look at Shakespeare - very popular today and not too bad artistically. I know we Whedon fans like to think about how cultured and sophisticated we are but Joss's stuff has a real popular element and doesn't tend to slouch on the fight scenes and sex appeal. I think his stuff really could break out and become huge which is why I'm disappointed that he seems to have resigned himself to not being the big movie director he wanted to be, and why I'm pissed off about what appears to be happening to Dollhouse.
[ edited by Let Down on 2008-11-07 12:42 ]
Let Down | November 07, 03:41 CET
One GOOD thing about a Friday the 13th premiere is that none of us are going to forget when it's coming. I know I'd have had a hard time remembering some random date in the middle of January, and now we can go tell all our friends about it, and chances are they'll remember the date too.
Sarrava | November 07, 03:51 CET
flugufrelsarinn | November 07, 03:53 CET
Look at Shakespeare - very popular today and not too bad artistically.
I'm not sure how true that is ;). Imagine if Shakespeare's plays were televised on Fox (as they appear on the page) and needed around 10 million viewers a week to continue. Do you think they'd make the ratings grade ? Got my doubts.
(though he was definitely popular in his day)
I do think though that we arguably don't know if Joss' stuff has popular appeal since his shows either haven't been given a fair chance (shown out of order, pre-empted etc. as in the case of 'Firefly') or appeared on smaller networks with less market penetration (BtVS and 'Angel').
What the heck did gossi originally post???
Been wondering that myself ;).
Saje | November 07, 03:58 CET
"I'm not sure how true that is ;). Imagine if Shakespeare's plays were televised on Fox (as they appear on the page) and needed around 10 million viewers a week to continue. Do you think they'd make the ratings grade ? Got my doubts."
Well, I'm not sure how useful that analogy is ;) Shakespeare's plays might not attract 10 million viewers in modern day America. But if TV existed in Shakespeare's time (and most people had access to it) would Shakespear's plays be watched by a number of people proportionate to 10 million people in modern US? I can't answer that question although I suspect it would attract a pretty huge number of people
Let Down | November 07, 04:15 CET
I completely agree, in his day Old Billy Shakes would've had, like, a 40 share or something (and not just because people would be fascinated by the funny flashing box with little people inside ;).
Saje | November 07, 04:20 CET
Let Down | November 07, 04:24 CET
Saje | November 07, 04:27 CET
At this rate, I'd rather the CW took over the show or something. It's not the best network. HBO or Showtime would be better, but even CW would give this show a decent time slot and the chance to prove itself over 2 or 3 seasons.
This is a bizarre death trick. They're creating the show and getting the rights to it, and then almost self-awarely trying to stifle it as if they want the 'cult hit' DVD sales from around the world where it never got to air. Let's face it, Firefly made Fox undeservedly very rich for the amount they let it do. I get that the economy of television is changing (advertisers being very, very difficult to negotiate with and fussy about ratings) but this is beyond stupid.
Showtime just renewed Dexter for 2 seasons at the same time. Ratings are OK, not stellar, but the reviews are strong and the production turnover I'd imagine is healthy. Why can't Fox just take a page from that book? I wish a better network had this show. I mean, Showtime even let Queer as Folk run for 5 years despite the fact that it's expensive to shoot outdoors or in fancy club sets as much as they did.
I have no idea what to say, only I hope beyond hope that this show is allowed to deliver everything Joss is promising it will. The creators of Futurama were right in "Bender's Big Score", the Fox Network really are just the most horrific executive manwhores the world has ever known.
Liam Mars | November 07, 05:05 CET
Saje | November 07, 05:16 CET
A part of me just wonders if this is Fox giving Joss the finger.
NuVanessa | November 07, 05:28 CET
Numfar PTB | November 07, 05:34 CET
vr5cran | November 07, 06:24 CET
NuVanessa | November 07, 06:26 CET
I'll admit I'm disappointed, I had actually hoped for an 'American Idol' lead in or some other guarantee of success, because even though BSG did well on Fridays, I'm afraid they only "did well for cable/Sci-fi channel" I don't think they ever got the numbers a network expects to get. Never-the-less I want to believe that the awesomeness that is Eliza & Joss creating magic on TV will over-come all obstacles (can you say: 'Yes We Can!?'.... okay, yeah... maybe I'm being silly).
embers | November 07, 07:26 CET
JadeHand | November 07, 07:29 CET
All I can say is that if they are going to schedule it on such a "challenging" night then they're gonna need something better than that lame-assed trailer. I've been salivating about the project since it was announced and that trailer was just plain confusing and well, boring. Not to mention, something I'd completely ignore If I didn't already know what it really was.
I mean, man! Here is the only two minutes Fox has to peak a viewer's interest amidst the barrage of entertainment options and they come up with that?! And yes, I know the trailer thread was two days ago, but that along with the Friday thing now as well...*sigh*.
I don't know how the trailer thing works production wise (who's responsible etc.), but if I were Joss I'd be spending some serious time trying to make a couple of the best two minute movies ever. Think of it as a challenge. Make Friday destination T.V. for at least one night. Ya got three months to make 'em all salivate. And we know he can do that.
Take what you're given and sell it, sell it, sell it.
BreathesStory | November 07, 07:37 CET
True but then you have to look at how many they could have got on Sci-Fi. It's like comparing Buffy's ratings with A N Other show on Fox - The WB had around half the affiliates that Fox had, so it's not really right to say its ratings couldn't compete, maybe they could have given the same number of potential viewers (which is why 'Firefly' was cancelled with ratings that, IIRC, beat BtVS on its best day).
Saje | November 07, 07:47 CET
Not true. Firefly's highest ever rating was something like a 4.2, for the premiere; it then consistently did about 2.0-2.5 for the rest of its run. Buffy, I believe, generally averaged somewhere between 4.0-5.0 circa S3, before cable superstation WGN stopped carrying WB programming, thus drastically cutting the WB's national audience reach.
[ edited by jlp on 2008-11-07 17:13 ]
jlp | November 07, 08:12 CET
Whatever happened to the 24-pairing? Living outside the US, I wouldn't have gotten anything out of Dollhouse being a lead-in to 24, but it sure would keep the ratings up. Now we're stuck with Friday, the-time-slot-of-death? Oh well, let's just hope they'll move it to Mondays if the ratings are good.
As long as this doesn't turn into Firefly all over again. That would be bad. Really, really bad...
Xyron | November 07, 08:19 CET
Dollhouse on Friday?!? With fuck*ng Terminator?!?
I can't believe it. This show is dead.
Ricardo L. | November 07, 08:40 CET
It is possible that the show might now have less pressure to get huge ratings than it would have paired with 24 on Monday for example. Granted I'm as frustrated by this news as anyone else here, but I'm trying to see the possible silver lining.
The fact that they just recently extended TSCC episode order when in the past, that show would have been long cancelled by now, does not convince me that now all of a sudden, they're trying to kill it. Both TSCC and Dollhouse are not going to have an easy time of it, but I'm not ready to sign the death notice for either of them just yet.
SteveJ2008 | November 07, 09:09 CET
chazman | November 07, 09:15 CET
Thank you, SteveJ2008.
It's becoming harder to stay optimistic when so many of us are throwing in the towel already. We ought to be showing FOX and the skeptical TV critics, etc. out there that we're behind Joss, we're behind his vision, and we're behind his show.
Stay optimistic! It's going to be on the air, and that is a feat in of itself these days. What happens to it after that is at least partially up to us, the fans, to watch it, spread the word, and help keep it on the air.
kasadilla | November 07, 09:18 CET
"Fox is revamping its midseason schedule, shifting shows and timeslots. Fringe, the network’s most successful new fall series, will get another major push from the network, which is moving the show to Tuesdays following American Idol starting Jan. 20. Also getting an American Idol bump is new series Lie To Me, which will premiere after Idol on Wednesdays beginning Jan. 21. House is being moved to Monday nights at 8 p.m. starting Jan. 19, leading into the new season of 24 at 9 p.m. Bones is shifting to Thursdays at 8 p.m. beginning Jan. 15, leading into new episodes of Kitchen Nightmares and later Hell’s Kitchen, starting Jan. 29. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles is being shifted to Fridays at 8 p.m. starting Feb. 13, followed by Joss Whedon’s new series Dollhouse at 9 p.m."
Am I mistaken or isn't Fringe already on Tuesday nights at 9pm. So wouldn't that mean of all the shows mentioned that are currently airing Fringe is the only one keeping it's timeslot.
[ edited by RavenU on 2008-11-07 19:25 ]
RavenU | November 07, 09:23 CET
Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner | November 07, 09:28 CET
As for narrative shows with elaborate premises that need patience and nurturing... the Friday night slot is dead soil. Everybody knows this!
Fox is obviously locked into a failed programming strategy. They have no one to blame but themselves when they lose money investing in brilliant creators such as Whedon. When handled correctly, Whedon always brings in positive returns.
Hjermsted | November 07, 09:31 CET
Oops, mea wronga (that's Latin, honest ;). Although 'Firefly' never dropped below 2.4 and averaged about 2.9 (at just over a million households per point) but yeah, even in season 4 Buffy was getting about a 4.1 (that'll probably be fewer households per point but not enough to make a big difference) so what I said simply wasn't true (as it turns out), ta for the correction ;).
The point stands though I think i.e. 4.1 million (or even 5 or 6 million) will still get you cancelled on Fox BUT we've no way of knowing if e.g. Buffy would only have got 4.1 million if it aired on Fox so Joss' shows may not be as niche as we think.
It's becoming harder to stay optimistic when so many of us are throwing in the towel already. We ought to be showing FOX and the skeptical TV critics, etc. out there that we're behind Joss, we're behind his vision, and we're behind his show.
Not many of the linked articles (on this thread or others) talk much about Whedonesque and that's because the critics already have an opinion about what the schedule change means, regardless of what we say on here. And I hope no-one here's throwing in the towel in the sense of refusing to watch the show (or at least, not the folks that can make a difference i.e. Nielsen participating US viewers) or no longer spreading the word but at the same time, there comes a point where optimism tips over the line into denial.
Saje | November 07, 09:38 CET
There is a bit of groupthink going on here; the worry is infecting others and is being amplified. I'd caution caution, you know; the show has not yet aired, we don't know if it will be successful or not, and something has to be put on Friday nights. Americans now have vastly different viewing patterns than they did even 4 years ago; there are many more options for drawing your attention- TV, cable, internet, rental movies, downlaodable movies, streaming movies, feeds, twitter, etc. So this simple move does not indicate a failure. I am more worried by the constant tinkering than I am the scheduling. Joss is o very busy, but perhaps he needs to be on set to help with the showrunning; perhaps not. I was never convinced that Fox was the best way for Joss to go, but he is so creative and so mercurial and so verbal that his excitement at being able to work with Eliza might have colored what he is doing, given that this show fell together in what semed just weeks once it was pitched. But until there is a negative reality to deal with, I am just going to wait and watch when it comes on. And I'll assess whether I like the show and go from there.
Dana5140 | November 07, 10:00 CET
1. Monday and Thursday are very competitive -- what will perform best in those situations?
2. 24 is returning after a long absence -- what would be the best way to give it a good audience?
3. Fringe is, so far, the best performing new show. How do you keep that up?
4. Terminator is not doing well in ratings (see #1) -- is there a way to give it more breathing room?
5. What would be the best position for Dollhouse? As a lead-in to a long-absent show in a competitive timeslot? As a follow-up to AI (do AI viewers have much in common with expected Dollhouse viewers)?
6. House is your highest rating scripted show. Bones is your second. Can they be used to leverage a night?
Look at what FOX has done with the schedule:
1. Use House and Bones to lead off the most difficult nights.
2. Pair Terminator (the fourth highest rating scripted show) with Dollhouse (most likely to have a niche audience -- also an audience that will have the most in common with T:SCC) on a much less competitive night than they originally would have been on (Friday rather than Monday).
3. Give Fringe and Lie to Me the AI lead-in. That will help to keep Fringe's momentum, and Lie to Me (being a procedural) shouldn't struggle too much with keeping the AI crowd.
4. 24 gets the House lead-in. 24 is an established show, so it doesn't need the AI boost as much as Fringe or Lie to Me (or, granted, Dollhouse) would need, though it still needs a better lead-in than Dollhouse would have given it.
Looking at it from the perspective of the network trying to balance ALL their shows and leverage them as best they can, I'm not sure I can come up with a better schedule. Would I prefer to see Dollhouse get a more juicy timeslot? Sure. But I can't really blame the network for setting the schedule as they did.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I can tell you where I'll be on Friday, February 13th. I'll count my chickens after they hatch, thank you very much.
JMaloney | November 07, 10:02 CET
As someone upthread said, it's not over 'til it's over.
hacksaway | November 07, 10:04 CET
IrrationaliTV | November 07, 10:25 CET
Septimus | November 07, 10:30 CET
GimpyD | November 07, 10:30 CET
[ edited by Dana5140 on 2008-11-07 19:51 ]
Dana5140 | November 07, 10:51 CET
@theonetruebix | November 07, 10:52 CET
One is 1) is Joss' Dollhouse being fiddled with by execs in a way that waters down, alters or f.u. his vision and his work? Is he getting those "notes" that say "obscure" or "too hard to understand" or, ya know, "why are there horses in space?" Is he having to bend the show into a pretzel to try and respond to their notes while trying to maintain the show's integrity?
The second is - does moving the show to its new Friday slot signify a) Fox's lack of backing for the show and/or b) thus condemning it to a slow, obscure death? Or is it giving it a better chance at surviving?
Obviously, all of these are matters of concern, and have been the subject of rumor and speculation. I think it's important to make a distinction between these various aspects when exhorting folks to either keep their chins up or panic now.
Myself, the major warning bell that's being rung is about the studio failing to understand what the show was about -not getting Joss' and Eliza's intentions - and if they are now trying to run Dollhouse through some confining template they think will make it sell (at a time when they as execs of the entertainment business in major flux can't even begin to assess what viewers want).
I don't understand the way TV works in terms of timeslots and day-of-the-week placement, and what leads in and what follows - I don't know how any of that stuff works. It may be that the new timeslot works better, or that it's the kiss of death. I don't know, and it's possible that no one knows how it will operate in its new placement.
But I do know something about art, and how it needs to express an integrated vision - it doesn't work as patchwork, and as I've mentioned, building something by committee results in some very odd shaped and unpleasing horses-as-camels.
This is what worries me, and I dunno if I'll get any resolution until the show airs and I can see if they've left the life that Joss, Eliza and Company breathed into it when they originally started creating.
"I'd rather have a show that a hundred people need to see than a thousand people like to see." - Joss, TV Guide interview, some time in the past decade
QuoterGal | November 07, 11:08 CET
You know, I'm starting to feel like I'm the one in the wrong here. I've never been someone to be overly optimistic about things that I see going wrong but on the other hand I'm not usually a quitter either. FOX is FOX, no matter who is calling the shots it's still a network and a business and those in charge will do what is best for themselves, not what makes me happy. This I am well aware of and so why am I letting myself feel disappointed here? There was always a good chance something like this would happen.
However, the fact is that there are certain positives about this move. I am starting to truly believe that the 8pm Monday slot may have killed Dollhouse anyway. It certainly didn't help Terminator thrive and that show had a movie franchise to help it's chances. If it still couldn't pull an audience then what hope did Dollhouse have?
Okay, no doubt about it. This Friday slot isn't a positive as such but maybe it's not the negative I thought it was either. Maybe it could give Dollhouse the chance it needs to grow a modest but large enough audience to keep FOX happy. An audience that in the Monday slot wouldn't have been remotely good enough but in the Friday television dead zone might just be what they were looking for.
We've been positive up to this point. We may as well keep it up until the axe finally and officially comes down because if not we share the blame of Dollhouse's demise, I'd say.
Highlander | November 07, 11:15 CET
This might be a good opportunity for FOX to take an earlier gossi suggestion and put the first episode out online before the February 13 premier date, so there's something to buzz about other than "WTF is happening?"
At this point, I'd argue the only way out of the trap of growing "WTF" buzz is transparency: Let us see the first episode and talk about the work itself, not the production questions.
[ edited by theonetruebix on 2008-11-07 20:22 ]
@theonetruebix | November 07, 11:20 CET
MediocreJoe | November 07, 11:28 CET
As an aspiring writer, I do agree that there needs to be someone with overall control over the artistic vision and decisions relating to it.
But -- and this is a big but -- the feedback of others can really help a writer figure out what isn't working, what isn't clear, what's getting confusing. And that seems to be one of the main complaints people were having about the Dollhouse pilot: people were finding it confusing to follow, and pilots are generally a challenge to follow at the best of times with new characters, new situations, and, for sci-fi, a whole new world. I know that we'd be willing to rewatch it and try to figure things out, but Fox do need an audience bigger than just us, and the general population could easily choose to stop watching when they start getting confused. I don't like the idea of Fox meddling, but, that said, since they're the ones paying for the show, they probably have a right to have an opinion.
That said, I really hope they don't screw with Joss's vision too much, because I trust Joss a whole lot more than I trust them.
snowinhell | November 07, 11:51 CET
I was kinda freaking out at the time...
[ edited by Rikardo on 2008-11-07 21:05 ]
Ricardo L. | November 07, 12:05 CET
skeezycheeses | November 07, 12:18 CET
@theonetruebix | November 07, 12:45 CET
I dunno, that'd depress the premiere numbers which might have a pretty negative effect in a snowballing "It's as good as cancelled anyway, why bother ?" stylee. Maybe the first act though (or first ten minutes or whatever) ?
Myself, the major warning bell that's being rung is about the studio failing to understand what the show was about -not getting Joss' and Eliza's intentions - and if they are now trying to run Dollhouse through some confining template they think will make it sell (at a time when they as execs of the entertainment business in major flux can't even begin to assess what viewers want).
Then you should probably rest easy QuoterGal because that hasn't really changed since yesterday as far as I can tell - the production issues were there before and don't seem to have changed substantially. If the Friday slot genuinely doesn't worry you at all then you've really got nothing more to worry about than you had two days ago or last week. Yay, happy weekend ;).
Saje | November 07, 12:46 CET
@theonetruebix | November 07, 12:55 CET
NotaViking | November 07, 13:05 CET
In my mind, they could do it as an event ...
Yeah, something like that might work better, some sort of focused effort directed mainly at fans to settle nerves and hopefully generate some legitimate (positive) buzz. Don't get me wrong, if we could guarantee that every report of the premiere's numbers included a caveat about how it'd been available online previously and so there was no cause for panic then i'd say go for it but all it takes is for the ball to start rolling in the wrong direction and suddenly we have "Troubled Whedon Production Doesn't Rock the House" or "Is Whedon's New House Built on Sand ?" or whatever.
Not really sure about that G4 article though I appreciate the attempt to spin it in a good light - in what way is T:TSCC a "big hitter" ? Surely it's got too many of its own troubles to be an effective "prop" ?
[ edited by Saje on 2008-11-07 22:07 ]
Saje | November 07, 13:06 CET
ETA: this comment was in response to the idea of putting the first ep online for an event like time limit of a day or a weekend as proposed by gossi and bix. (Cuz guess what, bix is gossi too. Shhh! Don't tell.)
[ edited by NYPinTA on 2008-11-07 22:10 ]
NYPinTA | November 07, 13:09 CET
Alright, not the news I wanted today, but since 13 is my favorite number, and it occurs on Friday the 13th... I'm thinking an awesome promotion push. Something like, "The Horror of Not Knowing Thyself" or something. You know, can kill bad guys, speak languages, rescue babies, but if you woke up one day (Friday 13th), and honestly didn't know who you are, would you still be you (lead in to Echo & her self-discovery & retaining of soul). I like that take.
QUESTION: Does Dollhouse still get the limited commercial air time???
Or did that go when it was moved to Fridays?
I kind of don't know why Dollhouse isn't leading in Fringe. Okay, American Idol, but that can be placed anywhere.
Thanks!
korkster | November 07, 13:09 CET
@theonetruebix | November 07, 13:09 CET
hacksaway | November 07, 13:18 CET
QuoterGal | November 07, 13:22 CET
Do they need some folks in their PR Dept at Fox? Cuz I'm available. (There is on the job training, right?)
[ edited by NYPinTA on 2008-11-07 22:24 ]
NYPinTA | November 07, 13:23 CET
Dana5140 | November 07, 13:23 CET
Well, you know, apparently not. ;)
ETA that this really does, to some extent, demonstrate that while they might want to exploit the fandom (for example, to make the fans build the official website without any sort of compensation for doing so), they really don't seem to actually understand fandom.
Anyone inside FOX's PR department who actually understood such things would have noticed right away that moving the show to Fridays was going to freak out the fans. Anyone who actually understood PR in the age of an Internet-connected fandom would have gotten out in front of that somehow.
Whatever else any of this does or does not mean for the show, it's certainly re-proved to me that while FOX is trying to use Internet fandom, it certaintly doesn't understand it in the least.
[ edited by theonetruebix on 2008-11-07 22:36 ]
@theonetruebix | November 07, 13:29 CET
I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that it does.
snowinhell | November 07, 13:35 CET
@theonetruebix | November 07, 13:37 CET
First, every feeling I felt, has been voiced in the comments above. Which I completely expected. I knew our little room would be raising cane from this development.
Anyhoo, after catching my breath, my thoughts turned towards Joss and what he must be feeling right about now. Know he must be disappointed. So, lets give him a good hearty cheer. We know the backwards thought process of network television execitives, don't we now?
Madhatter | November 07, 13:41 CET
Cheers QG. That was illuminating. And not in the good way.
Maybe it's just a corporate snafu, maybe someone was meant to get out in front of it and screwed up. If it's simple human error then they should probably fix it as soon as but hey, stuff like that happens, we're all human. But if this is exactly how they expected/intended it to go down then it's either monumentally lacking in foresight/understanding OR it's running under the banner of "All publicity is good publicity" (cos I think it's safe to say it's garnering more attention than a standard "It's on Wednesday" press release would) OR it's a deliberate torpedo (that seems like a slim possibility but still a real one).
Saje | November 07, 13:56 CET
Let me just say that though I am very disappointed with how things are turning out, and am extremely concerned that FOX might be ruining the show content-wise (that's more important to me than ratings), I am still eagerly anticipating Dollhouse and nothing short of death could stop me from watching it every week no matter how long it lasts.
Love ya, Joss!
UnpluggedCrazy | November 07, 14:28 CET
Btw...neat thing about being able to watch the show online (if they do 'track' these sorts of things) is all it takes is 10 seconds worth of mouse clicks to be 'watching' an episode: right before you goto bed; before your morning constitutional; as you're walking out the door to goto work or run an errand. Unless they also track IP addresses (which, if needs be, can also be easily be spoofed), with just a few mouse-clicks a day, I can make myself look like I'm a couple dozen different folk watching these shows online each week. Get enough folk doing this same thing, even if they're broadcast on a Friday, and these shows can be made to look like they are more popular then they are. This will, in turn, convince FOX to keep them on longer...hopefully long enough for others to fight.
[ edited by mangydog on 2008-11-07 23:44 ]
mangydog | November 07, 14:43 CET
Spacegirl3200 | November 07, 14:43 CET
Saje | November 07, 14:59 CET
Thanks for checking on the RemoteFree thing, snowinhell & bix.
But seriously, though. Promotions & PR definitely need some revamping.
Saje ;p
Personally I'd go for some Rocky Road. Not because it's a ROCKY road, but because there's marshmellows in it. And nuts. And it's yummy.
...
Maybe I should think about brownies instead. Yeah, Joss is enjoying some nice warm brownies that are chewy but not-too-chewy that have strawberries hidden inside (possibly rhubarb as well).
OR, he could be having a conversation in "mew" with his cat. Like I did. Went on for 20 minutes & it was hilarious. Thinking about that makes me feel all fuzzy inside again.
korkster | November 07, 15:14 CET
Does anyone know where I can find some good pics of the Fox executives who did this? I want my voodoo dolls to be absolutely authentic so that the right people hurt when I start sticking very large pins in them!
[ edited by Giles'chainsawchick on 2008-11-08 00:30 ]
Giles'chainsawchick | November 07, 15:30 CET
WilliamTheB | November 07, 15:55 CET
F=6
O=6
X=6
Yup, Fox=666. Coincidence? I think not.
EdnaMae | November 07, 17:00 CET
OMG! FOX is 9. I should have known.
@theonetruebix | November 07, 17:10 CET
There's only 15 weeks left until we surely get to see more humor, pathos and raw emotion on our TV screens than we've seen for, well, years. Let's take it and be grateful, and to hell with what anyone else thinks, says or does.
(My personal Whedon Alert Meter has been medically regulated to stay at 'Rainbow', with a slight sprinkling of fairy dust.)
missb | November 07, 17:40 CET
[ edited by kazzmere on 2008-11-08 04:10 ]
kazzmere | November 07, 17:53 CET
Still I am compelled to comment:
I so cannot wait for FOX Friday sci-fi/shows we need an excuse to cancel night. Honestly this show was announced over a year ago which I have been following keenly with optimism and here we are with 3 months still to go and this is how they have treated it in the time before it even goes on the air. Is there even anything left to do with it before it comes out besides out right kill it? Would it kill someone at FOX to grow some back bone and support the show and artist they initially had enough faith in to put pen to paper to produce a tv show together! I hope Mr. Whedon's kitchen counter is not made of granite or anything too hard because it seems likely he will be slamming his creative noggin against it going why?! Why?!
Furthermore I believe a little outrage is in order. I love the optimism and it has its place but it should not be the sole concept of these forums. It’s obvious we care when we become out raged and frustrated and come together over it as the multiple hundred postings on this thread have shown we do. Half the fun of visiting these forums for me is losing my mind and reading peoples posts to calm me down with reasons I had not thought of and once again enrage me with other angles I had not considered. I think it is far better to be called anything over being called passionless when it comes to Mr. Whedon and his work.
silent knight | November 07, 17:55 CET
CowboyCliche | November 07, 18:06 CET
NYPinTA | November 07, 18:50 CET
There is a thin line between love and hate.
I love the works of Joss and Tim, even if they just play off of the ideas of others. I miss creativity.
Joss...... and Tim... abandon the networks. they are....nothing.
Adopt the Marillion view....Ask your fans to order your stuff before you make it, create the beauty you are accustomed to making and ship it out to those who place their faith in you.
[ edited by JadeHand on 2008-11-08 15:04 ]
JadeHand | November 07, 19:11 CET
This is only my view of of the stupidity that is Fox. I'm still looking forward to seeing whatever does get aired of Dollhouse. I have no social life. I am home most Friday nights. But I do wish they'd treat our guy and his work with the respect it deserves.
Sarrava | November 07, 19:30 CET
(They also includes another good reason for Dollhouse to not be on Wednesday, though they don't explicitly say so: it'd be competing directly with LOST which is scheduled at 9:00 on that night. Also, in other news, they mention that Life has gotten a full season order, so YAY!)
JMaloney | November 07, 19:37 CET
UnpluggedCrazy | November 07, 20:05 CET
This is actually understandable. But where the problem lies is that FOX should have known this was the case and, frankly, not given Joss the greenlight in the firstplace. Now they are trying to minimise the mistake they made.
13 episodes on DVD is still better than nothing, remember that.
Beren77 | November 07, 22:37 CET
Ricardo L. | November 08, 03:47 CET
dark_tyler | November 08, 07:30 CET
dzr | November 08, 08:06 CET
And then they made Amy do the laugh-track thing, they didn't pick up Ryan's show, they forgot about 'Virtuality', 'Fringe' turned out to be a bore, and Joss, well, he got ReFireflied.
Amazing.
dark_tyler | November 08, 10:25 CET
Great idea I had right now. Do you think its possible to reprogram Fox executives and imprint new memories and a fanatic love for Dollhouse?!? Wouldn't it be great?!?
Ricardo L. | November 08, 10:35 CET
Because there are millions and millions of people out there who watch TV for different reasons than we do. Its a simple fact. They work hard all day, have kids pestering them at night... they dont have unlimited time to watch TV, and when they do, they want something simple and familiar. Its just a fact of life. I hate the fact that it affects me and MY viewing but its just the way it is.
CSI, Law and Order... as much as I HATE these shows, they RATE fantastically for a reason. They are (sigh) standalone and (sigh) have that chase thing, to put it one way.
Dont get me wrong please. I wish all TV was Joss-quality TV. But im also realistic. Its understandable FOX want a show that will appeal to the masses. They want to make money.
I say this because i KNOW and LOVE people that are in my life for whom a joss show is just too much for them to be able to take. They arent able to guarentee week-in week-out viewing. The have young kids. They are exhausted every night. I want to yell at them WATCH THIS SHOW but sometimes life gets in the way. Yes, one day im sure they could get the DVD and watch a few epiodes each weekend, or one night a week, and they would enjoy it. But life is more complicated than we might think from our own perspective.
Im just trying to say I understand both sides of the story. Our side, AND Fox. And as I said in my post, perhaps the problem here lies in the fact that it was greenlit in the first place. I just wish someone at like HBO or SciFi would make a Joss show. Then they could afford more leeway in the ratings department.
Two little edits. You say "if it debuted after American Idol..." but I would say the demographic that watches that show (which had *some* value in perhaps its first 2 seasons but now is just a money spinning joke) is the exact opposite of the demographic that wants indepth character driven drama. To be honest Id rather not have the teen idiots watching (ok well I would like the ratings boost :D). Secondly im not saying Dollhouse couldnt draw 9 million viewers. Im just saying that IF it doesnt, then FOX stand to lose a lot of money. So there is another side to the story than just Boo FOX. (Boo Fox btw...)
[ edited by Beren77 on 2008-11-09 00:55 ]
[ edited by Beren77 on 2008-11-09 05:40 ]
Beren77 | November 08, 15:49 CET
The fact is that I've had my doubts about this series going longer than a season since I first heard about it. Not because I doubt Joss or Eliza. In fact I don't have a single doubt about the show itself. From all I've heard I think I will love it and that it will likely be incredible television. My doubt came from it airing on FOX. I just had a gut feeling that no matter how much we wanted to believe in "New FOX" the reality was that a Joss Whedon show was just too complicated an idea for it to survive on that network.
Don't get me wrong. I stand by what I said further up and truly think that the Friday slot might be a blessing in disguise. I also think that we should do all we can to help the show be a hit. I just can't pretend that I think FOX was the right place for a Joss show to end up. Such a shame that Eliza is tied to them or they could have taken Dollhouse to a channel that would realise they had struck gold and let Joss do his thing.
Highlander | November 08, 17:35 CET
BUT at least we DO have a confirmed air date and 13 eps if worst comes to worst...SIGH.
buffyfanatic18 | November 09, 15:28 CET
This time, I'm going to defend viewers of those shows, since I am one. I don't watch Law & Order any more, in any of its incarnations, but I did for a long time, just as I did CSI and I still watch CSI: Miami. I also watch Bones, Life, Numb3rs and Criminal Minds.
Why, if I'm such a Joss fan, do I watch these shows? For two main reasons: I've always liked puzzles and logic, and watching these shows and seeing how the people on them put together their clues and evidence is fascinating to me and for all these shows, I like the characters and their interactions with each other.
One of the things I like best about Joss's shows is how he always creates a family out of the characters. So do all the shows I mentioned above. In the case of Numb3rs, it is a literal family, but the other shows also have very close-knit colleagues who would go to the mat for any of their co-workers/friends, and often do. These people have lives and loves and grow and change over the seasons and that's what I enjoy watching.
Would I rather watch a Joss show than any of those I mentioned? Of course. I'd rather watch an episode of Buffy than just about anything that's on TV right now, but I do enjoy other things as well. It's like people (even friends) who are astounded that I can be such an avid football and hockey fan and still enjoy the xymphony and opera. They aren't mutually exclusive.
On the other hand, there are a lot of people on this board who rave about Dexter and Mad Men, some of whom are good friends of mine. I watched an episode of each of them and they both left me cold. I could not identify with any of the characters - or even really like them - but that doesn't mean I think any less of my friends for watching those shows. While I don't understand the appeal of some of the reality shows on TV, I know intelligent people who love them. And if Fox does so well with American Idol that they can afford to gamble - at least on a short-term basis - with a 'strange' premise such as Dollhouse, I say more power to them.
Sorry for the rant. I'm actually looking forward to seeing Dollhouse on February 13th. It will be so good to have Joss back on the small screen, whether the series lasts a few episodes or a few hundred. I'd prefer the latter, of course. :)
samatwitch | November 10, 05:15 CET
I even enjoy a little reality television. Big fan of American Idol and The X Factor, not to mention the UK version of Big Brother. The majority of reality tv leaves me kinda cold but that isn't to say that it's all bad.
I do prefer the more complex and arc-heavy shows like Lost, BSG, Dexter and obviously Joss' stuff. I don't think watching procedurals or reality television makes you a lesser viewer as such (or if it does then clearly I'm a lesser viewer too) but there is certainly a greater need for keeping the brain active when watching a series that demands your concentration, which is the kind of show that I crave. I don't want to always have the answers laid out on a plate for me. I don't want a show that doesn't keep me guessing. I like to be kept in the dark and to be allowed to try and theorize about what is going on week after week. That's one of the reasons that Lost has never let me down. It's my dream show for never knowing what is happening! ;)
Like I said though, there is a time, place and audience for all kinds of television show, as it should be.
Highlander | November 10, 05:30 CET
I'm kind of upset that you think I am looking down on viewers of these shows. That's simply not true at all. The opposite is in fact true, as I mentioned my my post, some of my closest friends watch the shows you mentioned and my mum is obsessed with procedurals. I was actually sticking up for these shows, in the face of the anti-fox sentiments in this thread.
My perspective is that when I was younger I did in fact look down on shows which did not expect much of the viewer, which did not place any emphasis on long term plot and/or character development. Shows like the ones you mentioned (although substitute equivalent 90's shows) I felt were not really worth my time to watch. And I felt kind of sorry for those people that watched them and didn't watch the more interesting shows like Buffy, or The X-Files or similar shows. I felt they were missing out.
But my perspective has now changed, and I have come to learn that lots of people get lots of enjoyment out of these shows, for many and various reasons. Some, like you mentioned, like the puzzle elements and working out mysteries and so on. Others, like I mentioned, and like my good friends, found escapism and relaxation in the shows, not requiring too much thought, being able to watch without studying. I realised that people are different and have different needs out of television.
So my post was just trying to say that I understand that many people don't have the time, or the energy, or whatever - to watch a show like Buffy. And that Fox want a show that would be accessible to as many demographics as possible. So they are doing all they can to satisfy all sides. Even Joss, to an extent, respects and understands this, as many posts by him have indicated.
So please don't accuse me of thinking that viewers of these shows are 'lesser'. Its simply not true at all.
Small edit: Yes I did happen to call American Idol viewers 'Teen Idiots'(I apologise Highlander) and that was a slight overreaction. I'm sure it is still enjoyable to see the contestants journeys and so on, as I did when it was a new show and it had social impact and relevance. I just cant see myself sitting through it again year after year... I expect i would see the same thing just with different faces. But there is that large chunk of (as research of voting habits indicate) teenage girls who have it as part of their social lives that vote and vote keep the show alive because it makes money. If it were just the 'interested observes' who find it fun to watch it progress watching (and for the most part NOT voting) then the show would have been axed years ago. To me, I have filed the show under 'I have better things to do with my time' but I guess, if it makes people happy then more power to them. I am sorry for being slightly hypocritical. I guess in the end I will kind of look down on some people for some things, I guess everyone will, but its now a much reduced list, and definately doesnt include the 'interested observer' American Idol viewer, just the vote 100 times viewer. And I stand by that :D
[ edited by Beren77 on 2008-11-10 15:19 ]
Beren77 | November 10, 05:56 CET
I hope Joss is doing ok right now. :(
[ edited by Rhodey on 2008-11-11 09:34 ]
Rhodey | November 11, 00:34 CET
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