Support NeoGAF

[Cornballer]

Veep and Silicon Valley unsurprisingly renewed for S7 and S5, respectively.

 

[Santiako]

Veep and Silicon Valley unsurprisingly renewed for S7 and S5, respectively.

Great. I hope they get the team back to the white house somehow because this season isn't really working for me.

 

[torre_avenue]

It was totally "Still Star-Crossed."

If Shonda Rhimes has her way, the violent delights of Shakespeare’s famous doomed affair will really never end. But judging by the pilot of Still Star-Crossed, an adaptation of Melinda Taub’s novel that imagines the aftermath of Romeo and Juliet’s deaths, Shondaland’s latest product is neither soapy romance nor gut-wrenching tragedy, but a sluggish, stilted mess.

The premiere — the only episode screened for critics — takes too long to pose these questions. Instead, it treats Rosaline’s plight as a frivolous subplot while the events of the play’s final act dominate the episode. Once Romeo and Juliet do die (you knew that was coming), the drama instills a whiplash-inducing shift from telling the Bard’s tale to spinning a new one — with flashbacks, just for added complication. Add an invented mystery involving Lady Capulet tending to Count Paris (Torrance Coombs), and even Shakespeare’s biggest devotees will be confused.

 

[spindoctor]

Great. I hope they get the team back to the white house somehow because this season isn't really working for me.

Definitely agree with that sentiment.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

Veep and Silicon Valley unsurprisingly renewed for S7 and S5, respectively.

Next season of Silicon Valley should be its last (or this season, since TJ Miller isn't coming back next year and he's far and away the best character). Veep should have ended last season.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

'Timeless' Lawsuit Quietly Disappears

Onza Partners sued NBC, Sony and co-creators Eric Kripke and Shawn Ryan in September, claiming its principal, Gonzalo Sagardia, was in talks to create an American version of El Ministero de Tiempo, the story of a three-person government team who travels in time to change the past. Onza claims negotiations stopped abruptly and the network announced Timeless shortly thereafter.

The suit survived a motion to dismiss in February and had been set for trial early next year, but that future was averted this week. The parties filed a joint stipulation for dismissal with prejudice on Wednesday, which means the legal fight is over — unless someone really does travel back in time to change events.

 

[berzeli]

It was totally "Still Star-Crossed."

So it's still in the running to be the Ausiello blind item then.
The Variety review is also not positive:

The show has all the earnest energy — and stilted moments —you’d expect to find in a high-school play, albeit one with a uniformly swoon-worthy cast and an exceptional budget for candles and corsets. This new drama also recalls “Of Kings and Prophets,” a short-lived ABC program that premiered around the same time last year, during the annual spring/early summer TV yard sale, when the broadcast networks trot out whatever shows didn’t merit a slot on the schedule until very late in the season.

'Timeless' Lawsuit Quietly Disappears

SHOCKING NEWS.
(but like, since that weird renewal anything is possible tbh. maybe they'll sue again in time for season 2)

 

[Patryn]

SHOCKING NEWS.
(but like, since that weird renewal anything is possible tbh. maybe they'll sue again in time for season 2)

It was dismissed with prejudice. There's no way that lawsuit is coming back.

 

[firehawk12]

'Timeless' Lawsuit Quietly Disappears

When it says the "parties", that implies both sides came to an agreement and probably settled?

 

[Rhaknar]

Ryan Reynolds ruined Silicon Valley

 

[Joni]

'Timeless' Lawsuit Quietly Disappears

So that could have saved the show looking at the timing. The risk of the lawsuit disappearing could certainly help.

 

[Voras]

Note that the most logical extrapolation from this would be "wait, why revive a 25 year old series that was impenetrable the first time around if no one cares?" and I don't have an answer to that either.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/twin-peaks-2017-season-3-premiere-ratings-episode-1-and-2-live-streaming-on-demand-showtime-a7752716.html

it looks as if the weight of viewership fell on Showtime's on-demand services, with Deadline also reporting the network saw the single biggest day and weekend of signups ever for its streaming service, Showtime Anytime and Showtime On Demand.

I think it's a bit more complicated than "no one cares". A lot of networks have realized how important streaming is and are focusing on those numbers as well. It's the reason that Halt and Catch Fire has gotten three seasons and is renewed for a fourth despite its low ratings. They are counting on it doing well on streaming once it's all finished.

TV has changed so much in recent years that ratings alone, especially on a premium cable network, aren't always the end all.

 

[TVexperto]

So that could have saved the show looking at the timing. The risk of the lawsuit disappearing could certainly help.

So why? They didnt settle? I thought its going to trial next year?

 

[Joni]

So why? They didnt settle? I thought its going to trial next year?

Lawsuit was dismissed this week. NBC and Sony must have known that at time of renewal. So it could have played a role.

 

[Danthrax]

Taking away morningbus' chance to be snarky =P http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/the-sked-thursday-network-scorecard-5-25-2017.html

That's a lotta Rs in a row.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

Deadline - Hopes For Underground Fade As Decision Looms

While the praised drama has not been canceled, its future on the upstart cable network looks bleak. Official decision is expected next week.

BET, Hulu, who has Underground streaming rights, and OWN had been mentioned as obvious possibilities at the time, and I hear BET came close to a deal for the drama, before it came apart. At around the same time, the Viacom network took in two hip-hop-themed scripted series from sibling VH1, The Breaks and Hit the Floor, which were relocated as part of the program migrations at the realigned Viacom cable group.

I hear most avenues outside of WGN America have now been exhausted though the studio is still having conversations and is planning one final push in the coming week or so.

 

[Stumpokapow]

It's a bit unusual to me that they'd shop it as a "black drama" (i.e. by attempting to sell it to spaces that primarily make content targeted at African-Americans) as opposed to a prestige drama for all audiences, but I suppose they know their audience demographics better than I do.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

The premiere of Showtime's Twin Peaks revival drew 619,000 viewers in Live+3, up 113,000 from the soft Live+same day linear viewership of 506,000.

The linear viewership for the reboot's debut was edged by the streaming one, with the total for the two-part premiere at 1.7 million across platforms, including streaming and on demand, up from the 450,000 viewers across streaming and On Demand who watched on premiere day.

The linear L+3 lift was tiny, but the amount of people who have streamed the show is pretty good.

Also,

Twin Peaks has the highest percentage of streaming viewership of any Showtime original series to-date, and the most streaming viewers ever for an original series debut, the network says.

via Deadline

 

[berzeli]

There was a shot in the (totally necessary) Dirty Dancing remake in which one of the main characters loads his bags in the back of a pick-up truck. And the rides off on a motorcycle.

Cancel all broadcast networks.

Well someone had to ruin my fun with things like "context" and "reason".

Broadcast networks are renewed, enjoy your Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark remake coming next summer only on ABC.

 

[morningbus]

There was a shot in the (totally necessary) Dirty Dancing remake in which one of the main characters loads his bags in the back of a pick-up truck. And the rides off on a motorcycle.

Cancel all broadcast networks.

In the clip his friend said he would "drive down Saturday morning," bringing the bags with him.

I mean, that whole scene it's goofy as shit but it makes a sense.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

There was a shot in the (totally necessary) Dirty Dancing remake in which one of the main characters loads his bags in the back of a pick-up truck. And the rides off on a motorcycle.

Cancel all broadcast networks.

LMAO

EDIT: oh

 

[berzeli]

In the clip his friend said he would "drive down Saturday morning," bringing the bags with him.

I mean, that whole scene it's goofy as shit but it makes a sense.

Boooo.
Don't make me watch the things I want to make fun of. :'(

 

[Grizzlyjin]

I wonder if ABC is going to keep going for these musicals. NBC kinda needs it more, and they've gotten better at the production.

 

[Linkura]

There was a shot in the (totally necessary) Dirty Dancing remake in which one of the main characters loads his bags in the back of a pick-up truck. And the rides off on a motorcycle.

Cancel all broadcast networks.

Well someone had to ruin my fun with things like "context" and "reason".

 

[Stumpokapow]

Craig Ferguson apparently confirmed on his radio show on Sirius XM that Join or Die was cancelled, but didn't give any details. He sounds generally fed up with television. As above, I'm reasonably certain it got cancelled because History pulled the season finale, which would have aired in June 2016. The episode was "History's Biggest Douchebag", and had Donald Trump as a candidate for the honour. They filmed the episode, it just didn't air. And this cancellation occurred despite the fact that they had already claimed to order episodes for a second season. My guess would be that Craig fought for the episode to air, History said no, and Craig quit, ending the show.

 

[morningbus]

Craig Ferguson apparently confirmed on his radio show on Sirius XM that Join or Die was cancelled, but didn't give any details. He sounds generally fed up with television. As above, I'm reasonably certain it got cancelled because History pulled the season finale, which would have aired in June 2016, was "History's Biggest Douchebag", and had Donald Trump as a candidate for the honour. They filmed the episode, it just didn't air. And this cancellation occurred despite the fact that they had already claimed to order episodes for a second season. My guess would be that Craig fought for the episode to air, History said no, and Craig quit, ending the show.

I wonder if the fallout from that is contractually keeping him from doing television for a while, too.

I do wonder how sweet a gig a SirusXM radio show is, though.

 

[Stumpokapow]

Is there a dog version of toxoplasma gondii because these positive reviews of Downward Dog are indefensible? Not only is the premise awful, not only is it poorly crafted, but the writing is cloying and unearned. It's a one note show designed to make your heart swell and break, and it doesn't accomplish that.

On the plus side, I do think it's better than Imaginary Mary.

 

[Grizzlyjin]

Join, or Die was pretty decent for a panel show. There are 1 bajillion of them right now and they all cycle through the same comedians, but Ferguson's opening monologues made his a cut above.

 

[Chitown B]

Veep and Silicon Valley unsurprisingly renewed for S7 and S5, respectively.

This is the most surprising thing I've read since I saw Trump made another dumb statement.

 

[berzeli]

Ausiello blind item watch:

We still have top contenders Inhumans (yes I'm aware of that it might not be that one because of its shooting schedule, you don't need to post that) and Midnight, Texas in the running.

 

[Joni]

Still, Star Crossed was better.

 

[VanWinkle]

Any renewal news for Trial and Error yet?

 

[El Topo]

44% on Metacritic? So at least it's better than Iron Fist.

 

[Aiii]

Any renewal news for Trial and Error yet?

Renewed.

 

[Fuzzy]

Still, Star Crossed was better.

Cute.

 

[Jason Frost]

Still, Star Crossed was better.

It ended on a cliffhanger if I remember right.

 

[VanWinkle]

Renewed.

Wooo! Thanks!

 

[Joni]

Interesting. TVLine wrote a middling 'review' on Still Star-Crossed. He didn't even give it a bad or a good grade, just said it felt like set-up and would reserve his judgement. That doesn't sound like a so terrible it makes Ishtar look good show.

 

[Grizzlyjin]

Interesting. TVLine wrote a middling 'review' on Still Star-Crossed. He didn't even give it a bad or a good grade, just said it felt like set-up and would reserve his judgement. That doesn't sound like a so terrible it makes Ishtar look good show.

Hmm, so maybe Midnight, TX? I haven't seen anything about that one.

 

[Cornballer]

Underground canceled at WGN but Sony still trying to find a home for it elsewhere.

 

[berzeli]

‘Underground' Canceled By WGN America After 2 Seasons

WGN America is officially out of the original scripted series business. As expected, the cable network today cancelled acclaimed drama Underground after two seasons. It follows the recent cancellation of fellow drama Outsiders as WGN America is changing its programming course, while its parent Tribune is preparing for its acquisition by Sinclair.

Don't fret there is some extreme corporate bullshit for the reasoning:

”As WGN America evolves and broadens the scope and scale of its portfolio of series, we recently announced that resources will be reallocated to a new strategy to increase our relevance within the rapidly changing television landscape. This move is designed to deliver additional value for our advertising and distribution partners and offer viewers more original content across our air," Tribune Media President and CEO Peter Kern said. ”Despite Underground being a terrific and important series, it no longer fits with our new direction and we have reached the difficult decision not to renew it for a third season. We are tremendously proud of this landmark series that captured the zeitgeist and made an impact on television in a way never before seen on the medium. We thank the incomparable creators Misha Green and Joe Pokaski and the great John Legend, along with the talented creative team and cast who brought the unsung American heroes of the Underground Railroad to life. We are grateful to the loyal fans of Underground and our partners at Sony Pictures Television. It is our hope that this remarkable show finds another home and continues its stories of courage, determination and freedom."

I'm sure that the very conservative bent to Sinclair Broadcasting sure as hell didn't help Underground's fate.

edit: beaten by Cornballer but I had details & corporate nonsense dammit.

Also about the finding a new home:

At the time of WGNA's cancellation of fellow sophomore drama Outsiders in April, Sony Pictures TV, which produces both series, exposed Underground to other networks in hope of finding a new home as the writing was already on the wall at WGNA as Tribune was preparing itself for a sale. BET, OWN and Hulu, who has Underground streaming rights, had been mentioned as obvious possibilities at the time and were all approached. I hear BET came close to a deal for the drama, about a key event in African American history, before the Viacom cable network pulled out.

While most avenues outside of WGN America had been exhausted, Sony TV was planning one final push this week, with OWN reportedly still in the mix, and Hulu still interested in being involved. However, I hear the show's big price tag could be an issue in finding a new network home.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

we recently announced that resources will be reallocated to a new strategy to increase our relevance within the rapidly changing television landscape.

Focusing on cheap shit and reruns as a way of increasing relevance in Peak TV??

This move is designed [...] to offer viewers more original content across our air

????

Despite Underground being a terrific and important series, it no longer fits with our new direction and we have reached the difficult decision not to renew it for a third season. We are tremendously proud of this landmark series that captured the zeitgeist and made an impact on television in a way never before seen on the medium.

Underground is a terrific and important landmark series that captured the zeitgeist and made an impact on television in a way never before seen on the medium

it no longer fits with our new direction

our strategy to increase our relevance within the rapidly changing television landscape

?????????????

 

[berzeli]

btw I decided to solve the blind item; it's The Orville.

Now firstly lets deal with the "it's not a drama" Fox says "THE ORVILLE is a one-hour science fiction series", not comedy, and if we take a look at the Knowledge Graph in the google search (which uses the world's most reliable source, Wikipedia):

I decided to scour the candidates and any potential connection to Ishtar, and here is Seth Macfarlane in an interview with NYT

And the jig is up! Because no one's first movie is Ishtar. In fact It's the fourth film of Elaine May's to brief career. And can you guess whose fourth live action project is coming up? Just look at the mounting evidence:

And the final nail in the coffin for The Orville:
Elaine May directing a film:

Seth Macfarlane directing a film:

Just look at the similarities in body language.

This is all 100% irrefutable evidence that The Orville is the blind item.

(oh, and is this a bad time for me to defend Ishtar? Because, you know, let's defend Ishtar.)

 

[Grizzlyjin]

berzeli
The Batman of TV, not TV's Batman

Haha, honestly I wouldn't discount it. Seth whiffed really hard with A Million Ways to Die in the West. And it looked kinda pricey for a Fox sitcom that at best will attract a niche audience.

Oh, and I'm salty about this WGN nonsense. They were doing a decent job with their originals. When A&E jumped outta the game I didn't care cause Bates Motel was ending and that's all they had. But even the shlocky garbage from WGN (Salem!) was highly entertaining

 

[RatskyWatsky]

btw I decided to solve the blind item; it's The Orville.

Now firstly lets deal with the "it's not a drama" Fox says "THE ORVILLE is a one-hour science fiction series", not comedy, and if we take a look at the Knowledge Graph in the google search (which uses the world's most reliable source, Wikipedia):

I decided to scour the candidates and any potential connection to Ishtar, and here is Seth Macfarlane in an interview with NYT

And the jig is up! Because no one's first movie is Ishtar. In fact It's the fourth film of Elaine May's to brief career. And can you guess whose fourth live action project is coming up? Just look at the mounting evidence:

And the final nail in the coffin for The Orville:
Elaine May directing a film:

Seth Macfarlane directing a film:

Just look at the similarities in body language.

This is all 100% irrefutable evidence that The Orville is the blind item.

(oh, and is this a bad time for me to defend Ishtar? Because, you know, let's defend Ishtar.)

smh you could have watched like half of Twin Peaks in the time it took to put this together

p r i o r i t i e s

 

[firehawk12]

Orville looks like it cost less than a cheap looking show like The Expanse or any of those SyFy shows. lol

If that's a financial disaster, then TV really is doomed.

 

[Dedication Through Light]

Didnt realize Underground was that BIG that it would become a top trending thing in the USA on twitter tonight.

 

[morningbus]

berzeli
This man is a pawn.

 

[berzeli]

Jesus that thread title. (though it should be WGN)

smh you could have watched like half of Twin Peaks in the time it took to put this together

p r i o r i t i e s

Let me make my mediocre jokes in peace you monster. :'(

Don't remind me of how much TV I should be watching.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

lol the thread title

Don't remind me of how much TV I should be watching.

it is my primary function