DeathWatch Watch

Remote Report: Rules, Aliens, Studio 60

February 20, 2007

It turns out that there just might not be a whole lot to say about “The Rules of Engagement” on CBS. DeathWatchers wrote in with a sprinkling of comments – most suggesting that audiences are fairly apathetic to the David Spade/Patrick Warburton sitcom.

One viewer, by the name of Robynne, did write in to tell us that she thought this show was the “Best comedy that’s come around in a long time.” Though we found the comment, at best, generous -- we had to give her props for a strong viewpoint.

We called out to “Aliens in America” in our weekly newsletter. More than anything, we’re hoping that someone writes in and tells us if it’s ever going to make it to air, because we’re incredibly skeptical. The premise is; lonely Wisconsin mom gets Pakistani exchange student to help her achingly lonely son. Comedy (or something) ensues. The CW claimed the show would make it to air sometime during the MidSeason, and we haven’t heard anything about it since. Have you?

And finally, the response to last week’s news that “Studio 60” was pulled from the schedule due to low ratings really set the comment board on fire. Viewers wrote in with their opinions about the show, which ranged from the outright trashing of Aaron Sorkin to a few impassioned cries for emergency meetings to save the show.

Keep watching. We have a lot more to discuss.

Comments

Aaron Johnson wrote:

we like "studio 60"
we like "rules of engagement"
to some humorous extent

but, the cw's latest attempt at trying to attract the audience "aliens in america" what are these people thinking : THE CW NEEDS REHAB

posted at February 20, 2007 07:22 PM

Marion wrote:

I enjoy Rules of Engagement. I agree that their isn't much substance, but it is fluffy and funny. A refreshing change from the gloom and death on so many shows these days. That is probably also why I like Studio 60!

posted at February 20, 2007 08:30 PM

Kyle wrote:

Rules of Engagement sucks. The writing sucks. The only redeeming quality is it's probably not quite as bad as the unwatchable Christine show.

This "Aliens In America" show sounds more like a Drama than sitcom. I noticed it has Dan Byrd who I've seen in the Salem's Lot remake. I wonder if the CW will actually give it a shot.

posted at February 21, 2007 01:48 AM

Rick wrote:

I like both shows, just for the entertainment value. I don't want every show I watch to be deadly serious drama, sometimes you just have to have a few guilty pleasures for absolutely no reason and these two qualify. Is it my imagination or have the studios been learning? It's almost march and they haven't cancelled any new shows yet. Last fall, they already had several notches in their guns by now.

posted at February 22, 2007 07:16 PM

Tina wrote:

I can't believe NBC is cancelling Studio 60 without giving it a chance to build an announce. Please give word of mouth a chance to build a following. I'm so sick of reality TV and blood and guts that I've taken to watching golf, fihing and cooking shows. They are more entertaining and at least I learn something, instead of loosing brain cells. Besides I miss West Wing.

posted at February 23, 2007 07:38 AM

Aaron Johnson wrote:

i just targeted "the black donnellys" for a possible cancellation, if for some reason that the black donnellys cannot fullfill the same audience value as heroes
then studio 60 will be back on the air
in which is a good thing for studio 60,in my opinion
so my theory is, how can we convince people
that "the black donellys does not fit on the monday lineup?

posted at February 23, 2007 07:10 PM

Bob Henderson wrote:

What can be done to convince the idiots that are in control of NBC to put Studio 60 back on the air? Just when I think that intelligent writing and sharp acting have a place on public television, it gets jerked. The powers that be are just not into building a program. Instant gratification is overrated.

posted at February 26, 2007 07:17 PM

JANIS wrote:

I am sick to death of the banal drivel masquerading as quality television. Just this once, why not leave an intelligently crafted show. Why not let the audience buzz bring the show along? If the networks had practiced programmus interruptus, we would never have had MASH for so many years. Sometimes, we need to just allow the intelligentsia have something to look forward to on network TV and force the rest of America's television viewers to think for a change.

posted at February 26, 2007 10:24 PM

Lissa wrote:

Please bring Studio 60 back!!!! We love it. I think it is the best show on this season. Yes, I love heroes too (by the way, who's great idea was it to put it up against 24 this season) but I absolutely love Studio 60. Yes, they had a couple of iffy weeks. I think the last episode was stronger than the previous one (or two) but it's the kind of show you get addicted to!

I'm Tivoing The Black Donnelly's tonight, but I don't think it will replace Studio 60 for me.

posted at February 26, 2007 10:56 PM

Valerie wrote:

Wow, I don't think I can do tv without Matthew Perry. I love this show and it sucks that the demo they care about it 18-49. I happen to be 53 and haven't missed an episode. Don't forget about us, we're the ones that can pay for cable and high def tv's and watch this stuff!!!

posted at February 27, 2007 08:36 AM

Martie wrote:

Studio 60 could be a great show. But Amanda Peet MUST go! She is the worst actress I've seen in some time. Otherwise, it was beginning to come together, just when they pulled it. If NBC would give it some time, I believe it could become a hit ala "The West Wing".

posted at February 27, 2007 11:06 AM

Dan wrote:

Studio 60 was maybe too self-conscious in commenting on the red blue cultural divide. It frequently did insult the red state values and the preachy tone was wearing. My wife gave up on it after three episodes. I passed it by after half of the John Goodman two-part episode. It just wasn't working. I still love Matthew Perry. Perry's love story and the working relationship with his creative partner were the two best parts of the show. This just wasn't enough to overcome the excessive weight of the rest of the sermon.

posted at February 27, 2007 02:29 PM

Jeff wrote:

Please bring Studio 60 back!!!! Every show can't be a reality show or blood and guts. Variety is good and Studio 60 is a great show with a lot of diversity. It will build an audience if given a chance. Anyone remember how Cheers was almost cancelled several times over the first couple of years? This show has a great cast and brilliant writing.

posted at February 27, 2007 04:07 PM

Jeannie wrote:

The West Wing was my favorite show. I was devistated when it ended. Until Studio 60 appeared and proved to be even better. I don't care if The "Stupid Donnelly's" gets great ratings, I will never watch it! If network cares about only about ratings, then I will boycot NBC.

posted at March 3, 2007 01:48 PM

Beth wrote:

We LOVE the show, am alittle excited to see who will get pregnant first. I hope to see it next year.

posted at March 6, 2007 08:12 AM

Michael wrote:

Hi,

I really love "The Rules of Engagement", it is funny as heck, I hope to see it around for years to come!!!

"Studio 60 on the SunSet Strip" sucks/sucked big time, I only watched 1 episode of it.

“Aliens in America” is not a very good name for a show, if you think about it really hard, but I have not seen it yet, so my opinion is not all that yet.

American Sucky Idol still sucks, lol.

Thank you,
Michael

posted at March 8, 2007 12:12 AM

Missy wrote:

I don't understand red or blue lines, or the thrill of blood and guts, but I do understand witty conversations on TV shows like Studio 60. Have watched (DVR) every episode since the beginning, and enjoyed it all. The ratings game is archaic and has to go! Something different than crass comedy needs to be given a chance to build a following. Wake Up Networks!

posted at March 8, 2007 06:35 PM

jennifer wrote:

I loved studio 60 and never missed an episode, I think that it is one of the only shows on TV that starts to address real issues in a fictional way (Now Orleans musicians, etc.) Please bring it back!!

posted at March 12, 2007 10:46 PM

Mike wrote:

Studio 60 was the best show on television and just a car chase and terrorist plot away from living down to NBC's expectations for network TV. Network executives are idiots.

posted at March 13, 2007 08:12 AM

Mel wrote:

We never watched Rules of Engagement since we already TIVO two things in that timeslot. But last week I watched a couple of episodes online and it was funny, funnier the further along you got. Like The Class, it has some beginning bumps but grows on you if you give it a chance. They are going to have to find a better timeslot for it though if it's going to survive - that or push for three tuner DVRs!

posted at March 15, 2007 04:20 PM

Pam wrote:

I really liked Studio 60 and hope the powers that be will come to their senses and bring it back. Wake up NBC-

posted at March 15, 2007 08:01 PM

d Man 180 wrote:

Studio 60 was the best show on television. The characters are amazing. The only downside is that a lot of people miss the jokes because the plot line moves so fast. Bottom line: Either you love the show or dont get it, no in between

posted at March 16, 2007 11:17 AM

Sara wrote:

I am going through Studio 60 withdrawls. There is nothing else on network television that holds my interest through the first commercial break. I'm going back to my DVD's until NBC brings back this amazing show.

posted at March 20, 2007 07:46 PM

Gary wrote:

Studio 60: Brilliantly conceived and still finding it's way....Cancellation: Short-sighted and spineless.

posted at March 27, 2007 11:43 AM

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