DeathWatch Watch

DeathWatch Watch

Full Order for Studio 60

November 10, 2006

Page 1 | Page 2

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Rumors were swirling that it was about to be cancelled, but NBC today announced a full order for ''Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” The embattled TV show about an embattled TV show has been asked to complete the full 22 episodes of their season.

It’s all about the money, kids.

Critics cite expensive production costs rumored to be anywhere from $2-$7 million dollars per episode. But despite that price tag and the star-studded ensemble cast, "Studio 60" hasn't fulfilled eyeball expectations.

(Let’s be clear, when we say that it doesn’t have a big audience, we’re still talking about 7.7 million people watching on Monday night.)

Now here’s the bottom line: According to AP, the audience for ''Studio 60'' is among prime-time TV's highest concentrations of affluent and college-educated viewers -- those in homes with incomes of $75,000 and up. And that's good for advertisers.

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Comments

Cassidy wrote:

I love this show! I'm so glad it didn't get cancelled. Matthew Perry is excellent in this show and I can't wait to see what's going to happen next!

mablah wrote:

Best new show on TV...right up there with Lost.

Kurt White wrote:

Yes I think its worth the commitment...
Unfortunately its pitted against a very popular show that has a foothold on Monday nights which is limiting its ability to gain a wider audience. Although I am a part of the aforementioned college educated category, I have the Tivo set to record CSI Miami; I enjoy downloading Studio 60 from iTunes and watching live on another set. I think that it is the smartest show on television, however I think that a better time slot should have been chosen for its placement.

Jim wrote:

No

I had high hopes having watched WEST WING faithfully for all but the last year when that show "jumped the shark" with the new presidential race.

This show just isn't the WEST WING and it isn't FRIENDS either. There is nothing wrong with the two main actors, they play their roles well. The Problem is that the story of the STUDIO 60 is not that important as a story. Sorkin goofed when he hired the WEST WING gang for the new roles because you think WEST WING when you see them (the curse of Typecasting).

Collin Hickman wrote:

Studio 60 deserves a chance to find an audience. It is one of the best new shows on TV, and may have the best writing of any new show. The dialogue is excellent, and the cast is amazing. Not since "Arrested Development"(still upset about that one) has a show worked so well.

Phoneman wrote:

No. Studio 60 does not have what it takes, just like 6 Degrees, the Nine, Smith, etc.

Network execs take good shows OFF the air and leave junk on. Plus, there's to many reality and NEWS shows.

Chris M. wrote:

It is most definitely worth the commitment. Sorkin shows need room to grow. The West Wing wasn't an instant hit when it started, and Sports Night was never really given the opportunity to become a hit. You have proved producers and proven actors involved in this. I think Sorkin needs to work some bugs out but it would be silly to invest so much into this and not see where it goes. Besides, I imagine this will do quite well come Award nomination time.

Phyllis wrote:

I'm not in the income bracket specified, but I like this show. Love Matthew Perry.

Mel wrote:

It is a really good show that deserves time to grow. I think it might be on the wrong night with a lead in from heroes. I'm very happy it did not get cancelled.

Mike R wrote:

I tried 3 times because of my sister and the West Wing connection to get into this one. Not able to. When I think about why, the indulgent examination of self centered television types is just not compelling, real or interesting to me.

Jason K wrote:

Yes! This show is the best new drama on TV. Many people tend to knock studio 60 for typecasting as well as lack of humor and crappy story line, but the fact is those viewers are only looking at the surface of the show. Sorkin is a brilliant writer who likes to make people think and this show definately does. With the great dialogue and strong character voices, this show has proven the acting potential of many and the ability to break out of the typecast. Also, the education factor in this show is huge! If anyone is or has taken a film or television history class they will see that every episode relates to something they have learned. Whether it be race issues, writing staff, Vaudville Theatres or just the makings of an entertainment show as a whole. Unlike entourage you get to see the network exec perspectives as well as the inside drama. Even in the last episode one can learn how networks like to spread their investments into other things that can make them even more powerful. All in all this is a great show, and I hope that it picks up viewership and that they at least extend it for a 2nd season to finish out Brad's 2yr contract in the show ;). Out of all the dramas this is the one that I look forward to watching every week because it makes me think and allows me to experience what I am learning in the classroom. I am currently a college student, and find it sad that viewers today are only looking for depressing, action packed, entertainment driven dramas instead of looking for smart ones that actually make you use your brain for once ;) I hope they find a better time slot with Monday Night Football and CSI in the way, and I hope this show continues. Like I said before...I'd be very sad if this show get's the boot.

Donna wrote:

Studio 60 is pure Aaron Sorkin--funny, biting, and oh-so-human. It's flawlessly written, and Sorkin has created one of the most complex relationships on television today in the Harriet/Matt pairing. I love how Sorkin is able to wrap up social commentary in a love story.

While Studio 60 is rapidly becoming my favorite show, it has a big problem: It's way over the heads of average TV viewers. Most of Heartland America (of which I am a part) doesn't understand nor care about the politics of network broadcasting. It's a shame, too, because the people who aren't watching are missing out on Sorkin's wonderful examination of pop culture and what drives it. I've got my fingers crossed it picks up more viewership as the season progresses.

Monk wrote:

ABSOLUTELY this show is worth it!! From someone who doesn't have tivo right now (I refuse to buy a new one and I can't get DirecTv at my new place) I watch that show beginning to end, INCLUDING commercials!!
I wish the networks would figure it out already - funny, intelligent, sharp shows aren't going to have a high audience grab but they will have HUGE influence. Leave this show alone already!

Alyx wrote:

I am so happy NBC is giving this show a chance to find a voice. First of all, the time slot it is in right now is terrible. I see it doing better on Wednesday in Kidnapped's old spot.
Second of all, I believe this show DOES have what it takes. The after-party episode really stuck out in my mind as good television. I can't wait to see more.

Maryann wrote:

Yes, I definitely think the show is worth the commitment. Maybe if they put more programs on the air like this one, then all the rest of the reality and game show garbage will go away. I do think they need to work on a few things though like not mixing the serious with the funny a bit more. But, it's a really smart show.

CFD wrote:

I would have to agree with Jordan McDeere (sp?), to paraphrase - the better the quality of programming, the more people will watch. This IS a good show - a fine ensemble with quality actors in supporting roles as well, crisp writing (most of the time), and at least so far, compelling, compassionate story lines. The ONLY major drawback is in fact the basic premise. No, it's not as fundamentally strong as shows about ER doc's, the White House, or even Jack Bauer and assorted knock-offs. On the other hand, many great shows have been built on weaker foundations (is it just me, or is Seinfeld at the top of this pile?). To anyone who doesn't think this will be a good drama, go back and re-watch the thread with Tom Jeter and his parents. If you don't think it can be funny, go back and watch almost any scene with Matthew Perry. In all honesty, I don't care about network politics or the pressure of producing live television, but I am caring about these characters from top to bottom. My prediction - the show will build a solid audience from a highly sought after demographic, and will run as long as the stars are willing. I'll be watching again tonight.

chrysalis38 wrote:

Oh, bring it on! My husband and I love this show and were very relieved to see it has been picked up for an entire season. I hope it does better in it's new time slot. I think this show is brilliantly written. Funny, intelligent and witty. Thank you NBC!

E M wrote:

I have given this show a good chance. I really liked the West Wing also. This show has a good cast, good writing and all...but it is still lacking something,I don't know what, but it makes me want to go to sleep when I watch it. So I don't watch it anymore.

Lynn wrote:

Yeah!

I like this show. Most of the "new" stuff is crap.

Bob wrote:

Best show currently on TV, so of course it's in trouble. You know they have three "reality" shows in the pipe just waiting to replace this. Typical network TV. If a show makes you think, it must be bad. I'm sure Joe Rogan is waiting by his phone to host a show to replace it.

Rikki wrote:

Given the premise of the show, it would be a bit ironic if it got canceled. Perhaps a well-written smart show scares networks? Thus we are left with the mundane dramas and the over-played sitcom. I would be truly heat broken if my new favorite show were to go into syndication.

Ida Koo wrote:

I love this show! Its got the best writing and cast on TV right now. I'm so glad NBC will stick by it.

Jess wrote:

For those that haven't seen it yet, the last episode (Nevada Day Part 2)is the one that made the whole show worth keeping on the air. AS does it again.....just like The West Wing, he manages to make you both cry and laugh at the same time.

Johnny wrote:

I have to agree with Jess on this one. The last two episodes were well worth the wait to see if they could pull it together. I understand some of the comments about it being a bit disconnected at the start, but that's true of most new shows. I think it has serious potential. Being smart, funny and touching is a rare jewel.

jude wrote:

yes. i love this show. i am so glad to see Matthew Perry back. The only complaint I have , is please turn down the background music. sometimes it gets so loud , i have to turn on the caption.

Julie wrote:

Amen! I love this show. After years of mindless dramadies, here is one finally worth watching. And the findings match what I figured all along: this show is for smart people, who make more money than stupid people and buy more stuff. One loyal viewer of this caliber is worth 3 of the "My Name is Jim" crowd. Another interesting observation was when a friend commented "I think it is supposed to be funny, but I don't know if I should be laughing or not." That pretty much sums up "dry" humor for the general public and is why I love this show!

Stephanie wrote:

Yes - I love the dry and intelligent humor found in this show. Matthew Perry and Amanda Peet among others manage to appeal to the more intellectual crowd. We are pleased to have a prime time show that's smart, funny and not a complete waste of time.

nancy wrote:

Keep it on the air! The humor is great and the show has some substance. It reminds me of Sport Night which didn't make it very long either. I guess if you don't tell people when to laugh, some just can't figure it out!!

roger cox wrote:

no. The show's initial episodes started off strong-- brilliant dialogue, witty, great characters. Then, after about the second episode, it became a little slapstick, the humor became less intelligent, and the characters became people I didn't care about.

mgm wrote:

inever watched until the two part Nevada episode! That was great!

prklug wrote:

Thank goodness someone at NBC has a clue how to handle shows like this. They need aging - they need the word-of-mouth buzz that sharp writing created. Aaron Sorkin and his team are talented, the cast is outstanding, and I think that the viewers appreciate being treated like sentient beings instead of the usual dumb-down-TV we are forcefed.

adam wrote:

I love the show and am happy they plan on keeping it on. THe show will pick up steam after MNF ends and will also pick up buzz as the season continues. If rich people watch it, as the news story implies, companies will pay to advertise on it. Anyone else see the similarity that Sorkin has another show that focuses on a struggling show (Sports Night)that is in turn struggling (canceled after 2 seasons). Hopefully the tv landscape has changed since then and shows like the West Wing, and Lost have incresed the appetite for shows with multiple story lines, and numerous characters.

Good Luck Studio 60!!

Lisa wrote:

Someone from Friends HAS to be in a good show. Finally!!! I've been watching it from the beginning, excellent writing and acting.

melissa wrote:

I look forward to this show every week, unlike some of those so-called comedies out right now. And the writing of Aaron Sorkin is intelligent and witty - definitely over some watchers' heads. I am so glad NBC decided to pick it up! Finally - a smart move by a network for the 2006 season!

sheldon needleman wrote:

TO START OFF!, CONGRATS !! TO THE ENTIRE STAFF,
OF STUDIO SIXTY-FROM THE ENSEMBLE CAST TO THE HIGH
PRODUCTION VALUES. AS I WAS READING THE MANNY DIFFERENT REVIEWS OF THE SHOW,I KEPT WONDERING IF THE EXECS OF THESE SURPERBLY,WITTY,ORIGINAL SHOWS
EVER GET READ,THEY SHOULD,I UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE TO WRITE TO FORTY MILLION MORONS TO HAVE A SUCCESSEFUL SHOW TO WORK,I KNOW I'VE WORKED IN THE FIELD IT WAS VERY PAINFUL TO SIT THRU THESE ALWFUL SHOWS THRU REHERSAL AND NOBODY LAUGHING THE EXECS WERE THE ONLY ONES-DILUTED MINDS-HOPELESS,
CATERING TO THE ADVERTISERS WHO SPEND THE MONEY THEY WONDER WHY NOBODY WATCHES TELEVISON,WELL
ITS SIMPLE EDUCATION IN AMERICA IS IN ITS WORST IN 30 YEARS.I REMEMBER A SILMULAR SMART WRITTEN SHOW
CALLED SAINT ELSE WARE, VERY GOOD SHOW ALSO CANNED ONLY AFTER A FEW SEASONS. SO THE DEMISE IS UNAVOIDABLE,UNTIL AMERICA GETS
EDUMACATED(HA HA LEO FROM THE BOWERY BOYS) WE ARE
GOING DOWN A SPIRAL PATH TO WATER DOWN,HACK WRITTEN,DEMORALISING,REALTY CRAP,LETS BUT IT BLUNTLY,WHEN PARIS AND JENNIFER GETS A SHOW ABOUT
TWO TWENTY SOMETHING (YEA RIGHT) LESEBEANS LIVING WITH THERE ADOPTED ORPHAN,BUCAWA FROM A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY,IM GOING TO THROW MY TIVO OUT,(WHAT YOU THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO SAY MY T.V.,IM NOT THAT CRAZY STILL HAVE CABLE !(HA ,HA )
LIVE LONG AND PROSPER ARRON SORKIN !
IM GOIN TO WATCH ANOTHER EPOSODE OF ANDY AND BARNEY CHOW !

Danny wrote:

We love this show at our house. The writing is just as good, in its own way, as West Wing was over the past seven years. If this one can't make it over some of the trash that continues to run on tv, like stupid game shows and reality shows, I guess we'll just stick to watching dvd movies.

tam mckiionn wrote:

No. Love Matthew Perry......don't like the show! My mind wonders and I keep having to rewind it.
t

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