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Friday Night Lights

October 19, 2007

Before Friday Night Lights premiered last year, the New York Times ran a review of the series that began simply and got straight to the point: “Lord, is Friday Night Lights good.”

The Times wasn’t alone. Almost every television critic in the country fell in love with NBC’s drama about a Texas high-school football coach (Kyle Chandler), his family, and his team.

Yet Friday Night Lights struggled all season to attract an audience, and the finale aired to less than seven million viewers. To put that in perspective, a hit drama averages at least twice as many. After teetering on the brink of cancellation, the series was unexpectedly (and mercifully) renewed. The third episode of season two premieres on NBC tonight, and the series still faces an uphill battle to bring in new viewers.

If you’ve ever loved and lost a TV show, you know that this problem isn’t unique to Friday Night Lights—critical acclaim is rarely a good predictor of a TV show’s success. Why, though, are some shows unable to attract viewers despite critical praise? And, more importantly, what does this mean for Friday Night Lights?

Comments

Winston wrote:

I love football. I hate this show. The problem I have with "Friday Night Lights" is that in spite of its good acting, it really is a show about high school and nothing else. Critical acclaim and cinimatogaraphy aside, I find nothing appealing about it in the least. I watched the pilot and wasn't impressed but I gave it several more chances before I gave up. I didn't care about the characters or the story lines surrounding them and since I'm not one to watch a program because it's the only thing on, I have never tuned back in. It's just another 90210 knock-off set in Texas. NBC just needs to let this one die and I'm probably not alone in my opinions. So I guess let the flaming begin :)

posted at January 22, 2008 08:53 AM

Mike Barnett wrote:

I love football and I love this show. I come from a small town similar to Dillon and can relate to these characters. These characters represent real people more accurately than previous shows with strong coming of age story lines. 'Friday Night Lights' is a well written show and the actors convincingly portray their characters. I just hope that the executives at NBC will continue to put their faith in 'Friday Night Lights' and not prematurely cancel this show like was done with 'Freaks and Geeks' which fans still talk about.

posted at February 5, 2008 02:27 PM

Todd wrote:

I hope this show goes on for many more years. I believe Friday Night Lights is one of the best shows on TV right now.

posted at February 7, 2008 12:49 PM

Kate wrote:

Everything about this show is amazing. I'm sad that I have to wait until the next week to become further entangled in the well written story lines. The acting is absolutely superb, even from the younger actors. I adore Kyle Chandler. You are right Winston... this show is not about football, which makes it that much more enticing.

posted at February 14, 2008 07:06 AM

Dee wrote:

I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!! I look forward to watching Friday Night Lights every single week. I agree that this is definitely one of the best shows on television right now.

posted at February 14, 2008 01:17 PM

Gail wrote:

PLEASE, PLEASE tell us that Friday Night Lights is not cancelled! We love this show and tape it if we cannot watch it when it airs. We are not teachers and are not high school football players. In fact, we're retired grandparents living in Florida!

posted at February 17, 2008 03:52 AM

Patricia wrote:

I too LOVE this show!!!! I hope they give it a chance!!!

posted at February 17, 2008 07:25 PM

kristen wrote:

Please don't cancel Friday Night Lights!! It's the best show!

If you give me one more reality show, I might puke!

posted at February 19, 2008 04:00 PM

anne wrote:

I LOVE THIS SHOW!!! seriously why are they getting rid of it. there is real talent and great story lines. I'm so sad that i'm about to cry!

posted at February 23, 2008 05:14 PM

Paula Smith wrote:

I'm hoping (as is my husband) that Friday Night Lights has not disappeared! Tell us it isn't gone!

posted at February 24, 2008 02:09 PM

Payton wrote:

I absolutely love this show. The writting is fenomenal and the acting is perfect. I think this show is brillian because this is one of few shows that actually shows what teenagers go through daily in high school. I hope Friday Night Lights comes through because I will miss this show dearly.

posted at February 24, 2008 04:37 PM

Gina T wrote:

Friday Night Lights is my FAVORITE show to watch.....I have missed it so much! I have my DVR to automatically record EVERY show. I haven't loved a show like I do this one. My husband and absolutely LOVE this show!!!!!!! I hope it is not going to be permanantly cancelled. (I dont' know what Winston is talking about, because this show is WONDERFUL)

posted at March 6, 2008 01:32 PM

Nancy wrote:

I miss the show so much! I love it! When I missed some of the first season's episodes, I tried to catch them in reruns, but just in case I missed something I put the first season DVD on my Christmas wish list. I curled up to the TV every night until I finished it! I've been hooked ever since! I'll be 55 this month and the show brings back so many memories of the hurdles I faced as a teenager, as well as the challenges of raising teenagers today. It also points out that even when you think you have a perfect marriage (like Eric and Tammy), it takes lots of work and compromise to make it last. Don't take my show away, please.

posted at March 14, 2008 09:25 AM

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