I’ve already missed one prediction. Fox canceled several shows yesterday. I expected The Chicago Code, Human Target, Lie to Me and Traffic Light to be canceled.
However, I thought Breaking In would be renewed. It wasn’t. Put a new comedy in the Tuesday 9:30 p.m. slot instead of Breaking In. Today is a new day though. All times listed are Eastern/Pacific.
8 p.m.
ABC: New Drama
CBS: The Big Bang Theory/New Comedy
CW: The Vampire Diaries
Fox: X-Factor
NBC: Parks and Recreation/Community
The Vampire Diaries is CW’s most-popular show. It’ll say in its current time slot. X-Factor will slide into the hour currently filled by American Idol during winter and spring. ABC’s My Generation flopped fast last year. Wipeout did well in the fall but struggled against American Idol. ABC should air a drama that’s not about vampires here.
CBS began a Thursday comedy block this year after failing to successfully launch a second block on Wednesdays last decade. The Big Bang Theory is one of the strongest sitcoms airing today. There is talk about returning it to Monday to help the suddenly sagging lineup but I think it’ll stay here. A new comedy will go at 8:30 to replace Shit My Dad Says, which will be canceled. NBC’s long-standing “Must See TV” comedy night will keep the same four comedies but shift the order slightly.
9 p.m.
ABC: Gray’s Anatomy
CBS: The Mentalist
CW: New Drama
Fox: New Drama
NBC: The Office/30 Rock
The CW is debating about what to do with current time slot holder, Nikita. I believe Nikita will be renewed but moved to Friday to replace Smallville, which is retiring this year. That way, The Vampire Diaries can serve as a lead-in to a more compatible show. Along the same line, Bones–the Fox incumbent here–will also shift to strengthen Fox’s toughest night and create a cushy spot behind X-Factor for a new show.
Gray’s Anatomy remains one of ABC’s flagship shows. It won’t move. The Mentalist has done well for CBS in the Thursday 10 spot but the original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation needs to move from here. A year ago, two extra comedies might have gone here. Now, TM gets the marquee position. NBC will work one more year with its two strongest comedies. Whether The Office can succeed now that lead Steve Carell has left remains to be seen.
10 p.m.
ABC: Private Practice
CBS: New Drama
NBC: New Drama
Some people think Private Practice, a spinoff of Gray’s Anatomy, should no longer air directly after its “big sister.” However, PP debuted on Wednesday in 2007. After a season-and-a-half, the ratings were poor. The show was moved behind GA to save it. PP won’t do well away from this spot.
CBS needs a strong drama to replace The Mentalist, one of the most-popular 10 p.m. shows currently on the air. TM will be the lead-in though so that’ll help. NBC’s Thursday 10 p.m. slot traditionally goes to its best drama. Attempts to replace legendary programs like Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law and ER with The Jay Leno Show, The Marriage Ref and comedies have failed in recent years. NBC needs to position its strongest new show here.