Upfront Week, Day Four: The CW is All About Young Women

The CW unveiled its 2009-2010 season programming branding it as “TV to Talk About,” providing culturally, current and quality programs their viewers don’t want to miss. The network is committed to being the top destination for young women seeking entertainment. Thus, The CW will no longer be supporting the few remaining ethnically skewed sitcoms on their schedule that were part of the networks’ UPN heritage.

In an effort to find new shows that flow seamlessly with the established shows, The CW will be adding three new dramas to its slate and eliminating its Sunday night schedule. After the MRC programs flopped early in the 2008/2009 season, The CW has decided to give Sunday back to the affiliates.

The CW’s signature show duo of Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill will continue to anchor the Monday night lineup. Gossip Girl will air at 8PM and One Tree Hill will follow at 9PM. Perhaps surprising is The CW’s decision not to pick up the Gossip Girl spinoff, but apparently the concept failed to generate significant buzz after a “backdoor pilot” episode aired two weeks ago. Gossip Girl is as much about buzz as it is about ratings, so this is a disappointment for the network.

Tuesdays will consist of the remakes of two 1990’s hit shows. 90210, which is returning for a second season, will be the lead-in for the new drama, Melrose Place. Viewers will follow the lives of 20-something year olds that live in an elegant building on Melrose in Los Angeles. Similar to 90210, Melrose Place will feature actors from the original series. Potentially, this can bring in a dual audience; the young women the network is targeting as well as fans of the original show. This has been the case with 90210, which skews older than similarly themed shows like Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill.

Wednesday nights will be devoted to fashion with the return of Tyra Banks-produced America’s Next Top Model and the Ashton Kutcher-produced The Beautiful Life. Top Model will have a twist this upcoming season, as for the first time, the participating models will include those that are 5’7 tall and under. The CW is hoping this stunt will breathe life back into the show, which is experiencing deteriorating ratings. Building on the popularity of Top Model, The Beautiful Life will explore the world of modeling and the cut throat competition it entails.

With Monday through Wednesday packed with drama, Thursday nights will have a bit of mystery. The CW will be replacing its Thursday 8PM slot with the new vampire drama, The Vampire Diaries, pairing it with Supernatural, which airs at 9PM. Based on the best-selling series of books, this new show centers on two brothers who are battling over a girl’s soul and the souls of the people from the small town where they live.

Friday completes the lineup with Smallville airing at 8PM and encore episodes of America’s Next Top Model at 9PM. This signals waning support for Smallville, as Friday night is the only night without a strong theme to keep the audience tuned in for the entire programming block.

Fall 2009

Melrose Place: Tuesday 9PM-10PM / Drama
CBS Television Studios
Executive Producers: Todd Slavkin, Darren Swimmer, Davis Guggenheim
Director: Davis Guggenheim

Cast: Laura Leighton, Shaun Sipos, Thomas Calabro, Katie Cassidy, Colin Egglesfield, Stephanie Jacobsen, Michael Rady, Jessica Lucas, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz
Summary: In an elegant Spanish-style apartment building in the trendy Melrose neighborhood of Los Angeles, a diverse group of 20-somethings have formed a close-knit surrogate family.

The Beautiful Life: Wednesday 9PM-10PM / Drama

Katalyst Films in association with CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. TelevisionExecutive Producers: Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke, Mike Kelley and Carol Barbee
Director: Christian Duguay
Cast: Sara Paxton, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Mischa Barton, Dusan Dukic, Elle Macpherson, Ashley Madekwe, Nico Tortorella, Jordan Woolley, Corbin Bleu
Summary: The life of a high-fashion model appears glamorous and sexy, but as every new model quickly learns, behind the beautiful facade is a world of insecurity and cutthroat competition.

The Vampire Diaries: Thursday 8PM-9PM / Drama

Alloy Entertainment and Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios
Executive Producer: Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec, Leslie Morgenstein, Bob Levy
Director: Marcos Siega
Cast: Nina Dobrev, Steven R. McQueen, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder
Summary: Based on the best-selling series of books, this new show centers on two brothers who are battling over a girl’s soul and the souls of the people from the small town where they live.

Mid-Season

Parental Discretion Advised: Drama

Mojo Films in association with CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television
Executive Producers: Liz Tigelaar, Gary Fleder
Cast: Britt Robertson, Kristoffer Polaha, Shiri Appleby, Kerr Smith
Summary: This drama centers on a teenage girl who is in search of her biological parents in hopes of being emancipated. Once reunited with them she discovers that being with them is the life that she wants.

The CW’s FALL 2009 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
*New Programs in UPPER CASE

MONDAY

8:00 – 9:00 PM – Gossip Girl
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM – One Tree Hill

TUESDAY

8:00 – 9:00 PM – 90210
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM – MELROSE PLACE

WEDNESDAY

8:00 – 9:00 PM – America’s Next Top Model
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM – THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE

THURSDAY

8:00 – 9:00 PM – THE VAMPIRE DIARIES
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Supernatural

FRIDAY

8:00 – 9:00 PM – Smallville
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM – America’s Next Top Model Encore

Upfront Week, Day Three: CBS Sticks with Continuity

CBS believes that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” CBS debuted their 2009/2010 season today, and even the new programs evoke a sense of déjà vu. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing for CBS, who ranks 2nd in A18-49 (1st before American Idol returned), and 1st in all older skewing demos and total households this season. CBS is especially strong in comedies and procedurals and the network is using their existing popular programs to promote four new shows in the fall.

Building on a strong comedic foundation, CBS is debuting only one sitcom this season. Accidentally On Purpose is leading out of How I Met Your Mother and into CBS' (as well as all of primetime’s) number one comedy, Two and a Half Men. While clearly a plum slot, this female skewing comedy seems like an odd fit to lead into Two and a Half Men (and for the comedy block in general). It may have been better paired on Wednesday with Old Christine in which Gary Unmarried could have moved to the more guy-skewing Monday night comedy block.

If one is good, two must be better, thought CBS with the introduction of the NCIS spin-off: NCIS: Los Angeles. NCIS: LA will debut with a lead in from NCIS, and benefit from those NCIS fans (and there are a lot of them). Not only does this program expand on one of the network's highest rated shows, but it has an A-list cast which may recruit a new audience as well. A new law-themed drama, The Good Wife, rounds out the evening. While not a perfect match for the NCIS franchise, the show should get good sampling because on Tuesdays in 4th quarter, CBS is going to the only network not airing reality. This works well for CBS, because it is the night with two new programs; for the most part the schedule remains the same from this season.

Wednesdays will remain untouched from last year, and Thursdays will see The Mentalist paired with CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The continuity is positive.

On Fridays, CBS will air Medium, acquired from NBC this week. While NBC struggled to find a home for this program on many different nights of the week, CBS is pairing this with The Ghost Whisperer. Medium is perennially on the bubble, but with some dedication and a strong lead-in, the show may show signs of life yet.

The last new program is Three Rivers, airing on Sundays after The Amazing Race. Although The Amazing Race is a critically acclaimed show, the program's ratings have been sliding as it ages. Not only will Three Rivers not have the benefit of a strong lead-in, but it will go up against ABC's Desperate Housewives, which is consistently one of the top rated programs of the week.

Overall, CBS is in a good position for the fall. All things considered, the minor scheduling critiques pale in comparison to the challenges other networks face.

Fall 2009

Accidentally on Purpose: Monday 8:30-9PM / Comedy
Bermanbaum, in association with CBS Paramount
Executive Producer:s Lloyd Braun, Gail Berman, Gene Stein, Claudia Lonow
Director: Pamela Fryman
Cast: Jenna Elfman, Grant Show, Jon Foster, Ashley Jensen, Lennon Parham, Nicolas Wright
Summary: This comedy centers on a San Francisco newspaper film critic Billie (Jenna Elfman) who has a fling with a younger man and finds herself "accidentally" with child. She then must deal with the unconventional family that comes from her actions.

NCIS: Los Angeles: Tuesday 9-10PM / Drama
CBS Paramount Network Television
Executive Producer: Shane Brennan (NCIS)
Cast: Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, Louise Lombard, Daniela Ruah, Peter Cambor
Summary: From the executive producers of hit series NCIS comes a new crime drama that follows the deep undercover division of the Los Angeles-based OSP – Office of Special Projects. OSP is a division of NCIS that is charged with apprehending dangerous and elusive criminals that pose a threat to the nation’s security. Assuming false identities and utilizing, this team of highly trained agents exposes the country’s most dangerous and elusive criminals.

The Good Wife: Tuesday 10-11PM / Drama
CBS Paramount Network Television, in association with Scott Free Productions
Executive Producers: Robert and Michelle King, Dee Johnson, Tony Scott, Ridley Scott, David Zucker
Cast: Julianna Margulies, Chris Noth, Josh Charles, Christine Baranski, Matt Czuchry, Graham Phillips, Makenzie Vega
Summary: Julianna Margulies returns to series television in this drama about a woman who takes charge of her life for the first time in years when her high-profile husband is imprisoned in the wake of a humiliating scandal. Suddenly alone, Alicia Follick (Margulies) trades in her identity as the good wife, returning to the work force and a legal career she had left behind long ago.

Three Rivers: Sunday 9:00-10PM / Drama
CBS Paramount Network Television, in association with Deuce Three Productions
Executive Producers: Carol Barbee, Curtis Hanson, Carol Fenelon
Cast: Alex O’Loughlin, Katherine Moennig, Daniel Henney, Christopher J. Hanke, Julia Ormond, Justina Machado
Summary: A medical drama that gets inside the emotionally complex lives of organ donors, recipients and surgeons at the preeminent transplant hospital in the country where every moment counts. However, dealing with donor families in their darkest hours and managing fears and concerns of apprehensive recipients takes much more than just a sharp scalpel.

Mid-Season

The Bridge: Drama
E1 Entertainment, 990 Multi Media Entertainment Company and Jonsworth Productions in association with CTV and CBS Television Studios
Executive Producers: Craig Bromell, Adam J. Shully, Laszlo Barna, Alan Di Fiore, Robert Wertheimer
Cast: Aaron Douglas, Paul Popowich, Frank Cassini, Inga Cadranel, Theresa Joy, Michael Murphy, Ona Grauer
Summary: A drama about a tough and dedicated police officer, Frank Leo (Aaron Douglas), who is voted to become the police union’s dynamic leader.

Miami Trauma: Drama
Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Warner Brothers Television Distribution
Executive Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Jeffrey Lieber, Jonathan Littman
Cast: Jeremy Northam, Lana Parilla, Elisabeth Harnois, Omar Gooding
Summary: This drama is about a team of expert surgeons who work at one of the premiere trauma facilities in the country, where only patients with life threatened injuries are treated. Every day is against the clock and these dedicated men and women quickly learn that unpredictability is the norm and no two days will ever be the same.

Arranged Marriage: Reality
Magical Elves Inc.
Executive Producers: Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth
Summary: This program is a series that brings the tradition of arranged marriages, which is still practiced successfully by many cultures throughout the world, to the U.S., where it is virtually an inconceivable option for most single Americans.

Undercover Boss: Reality
Studio Lambert, LTD.
Executive Producers: Stephen Lambert, Stef Wagstaffe
Summary: A reality series that follows high level corporate executives as they slip anonymously into the lowest level jobs within their companies. Once undercover, they’ll get their hands dirty on the front lines of their company to find out what their employees really think of them and how smoothly their companies can really run.


CBS FALL 2009 SCHEDULE
*New Programs in UPPER CASE

MONDAY
8:00 – 8:30 PM – How I Met Your Mother
8:30 PM – 9:00 PM – ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE
9:00 PM – 9:30 PM – Two and a Half Men
9:30 PM – 10:00 PM – The Big Bang Theory
10:00 – 11:00 PM – CSI: Miami

TUESDAY
8:00 – 9:00 PM – NCIS
9:00 - 10:00 PM – NCIS: LOS ANGELES
10:00 – 11:00 PM – THE GOOD WIFE

WEDNESDAY
8:00 – 8:30 PM – The New Adventures of Old Christine
8:30 – 9:00 PM – Gary Unmarried
9:00 – 10:00 PM – Criminal Minds
10:00 – 11:00 PM – CSI: NY

THURSDAY
8:00 – 9:00 PM – Survivor
9:00 – 10:00 PM – CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
10:00 – 11:00 PM – The Mentalist

FRIDAY
8:00 – 9:00 PM – Ghost Whisperer
9:00 – 10:00 PM - MEDIUM
10:00 – 11:00PM – Numb3rs

SATURDAY
8:00 – 9:00 PM – Crimetime Saturday
9:00 – 10:00 PM – Crimetime Saturday
10:00 – 11:00 PM – 48 Hours Mystery

SUNDAY
7:00 – 8:00 PM – 60 Minutes
8:00 – 9:00 PM – Amazing Race
9:00 – 10:00 PM – THREE RIVERS
10:00 – 11:00 PM – Cold Case

ESPN Continues to Invest

From the Nokia Theater in New York City on Tuesday, ESPN presented Sportscenter: Upfront Edition, detailing the network’s current state and its initiatives moving forward throughout 2009 and 2010. The network focused four main ideas: 1. Best Available Screen Viewing, 2. Insight Driven Innovation and Technology, 3. Content and Advertising, 4. The New Male Consumer. All of these tied back into ESPN’s increased investment in live events and original content, delivering their viewers more games, more screens and more opportunities for sponsors to reach sports fans on the network.

While TV’s primetime is in the evening, ESPN’s digital strategy is that daytime is the primetime of the Internet, coinciding with the workday, and weekends are the primetime for mobile platforms, when more viewers are on the go. ESPN hopes to reach more viewers through the best screen the consumer has available to them at any given time of day.

In addition to more screens, ESPN will focus on their network strength with the addition of more sports. The biggest announcement revolves around the network’s coverage of the 2010 World Cup, from June 11th to July 11th in South Africa. In addition to delivering all 64 matches in HD, the World Cup will receive the largest marketing build-up in ESPN history. Overall coverage will include dedicated live SportsCenter shows, as well as programming online and on mobile devices, incorporating multiple languages to reach a global audience. Despite the loss of UEFA games to the FOX Soccer Network, ESPN retains the rights to World Cup coverage through 2014 and will look to use the tournament as a vehicle to draw in additional viewers.

In an effort to increase its online audience, ESPN has joined with YouTube to anchor the sports category with a new tab on YouTube’s home page, offering pre-roll ads on the video website. Comcast will also help ESPN in the online world with the added distribution of ESPN360 to 41 million homes, helping to build on their existing fan base. As a result of constant viewer and sports fan interaction on ESPN.com, ESPN2 will launch SportsNation on July 4th, a new show where fans have the power to drive programming. ESPN2 is also creating an extension from ESPN Radio, and will simulcast Scott Van Pelt’s radio show beginning July 6th.

With former coach Jon Gruden replacing Tony Kornheiser in the broadcasting booth, Monday Night Football returns to ESPN this fall with a new voice. Free iPhone apps such as Fantasy Football and ESPN Alerts highlight the network’s technology investment, reaching fans before and after Sunday game days. ESPN will kick-off the college football season this year with “College Chaos,” featuring nine consecutive days of NCAA games. The network is also anticipating 2011, when the BCS Championship moves to ESPN. Next year, 1st and 2nd round coverage of the Masters returns to ESPN, while the network will bolster its coverage of the British Open, as previous telecasts on ABC shift to ESPN. In addition, U.S. Open tennis from Flushing Meadows returns to ESPN summer, with the additional online development Love 30, which provides viewers who can’t catch the entire two-week event with rolling highlights of the previous 30 minutes of action.

In addition to live sports events, ESPN is developing more original content in the form of documentaries, which the network has named 30 on 30 in honor of its 30th anniversary. In the image of Spike Lee’s recent Kobe Doing Work, other well-known directors are tackling individual projects focusing on athletes or past events in the sporting world, and are set to run from October 2009 through the end of 2010. ESPN is also continuing Homecoming with Rick Reilly, as the sports writer takes big name athletes back to their roots, showcasing the people and places that helped shaped the athlete they are today.

TBS 09/10

Turner’s “Very Funny” network, TBS, is looking to keep the laughs coming with 500 more hours of original programming this year, including returning hits such as Tyler Perry Programs and My Boys. The network is making an ambitious move this fall in that they are not only competing with broadcast networks in primetime, they are moving into the late night contest as well. George Lopez will debut in November with an hour-long show at 11PM. The talk show will feature typical late night fare such as celebrity interviews, current events and musical acts, but will be more interactive with the audience.

TBS is also premiering its first animated series in 2nd quarter. Although the name sounds deceiving, the network describes Neighbors from Hell as a family comedy about a family from Hell that is sent to Earth to help people avoid heading there.

Announced this morning at The Turner Upfront, the network is also developing three new comedies. TNT is building a foundation with the successful comedies already existing on their schedule and committed to continuing to dedicate themselves to producing more comedies. The Game of Life follows four Pittsburgh friends as they reunite in their early 30’s, only to discover life didn’t turn out quite as planned. Big Tow is an animated comedy that follows the life of a J.D. Biggs, a small town Tennessee single dad and local hero who runs a towing company. Sketch comedy, Wee Hours, employs the talents of the legendary Second City comedy troupe that tell stories of Chicagoans during the wee hours of midnight to 6am.

TruTV 09/10

Recently rebranded, TruTV is a haven for unscripted programs. The network segments their viewers into two types: “Action Seekers” and “Mystery Solvers.” In a new initiative, the network is attempting to create appointment viewing by night around these different viewers. For example, Wednesday will target “Action Seekers” with returning series Black Gold and Most Daring. Sunday will be investigative night and feature the network’s new 4th quarter addition, Declassified: US Special Ops, to target “Mystery Solvers.” The program follows highly trained special operation American military teams who conduct "top secret" missions in the most hostile environments imaginable.

At the Turner Upfront this morning, TruTV announced they are adding more original series. The network has built its audiences and found that young guys respond well to competition, situations with consequences, great characters and comic relief. Based on their findings, the network is programming their new series around this audience. NFL Full Contact gives exclusive access to what really goes on behind the scenes in professional football, from draft to The Super Bowl. Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, centers on Jesse Ventura, as he uncovers the most compelling, modern-day conspiracy theories. Full Throttle is a four-part series that provides an inside look at the world’s largest biker bar. Owner Mike Ballard, bartenders and a full cast of characters race against the clock to serve huge crowds at Ballard’s Full Throttle Saloon in Surgis, SD, during the town’s famed nine-day motorcycle rally.

In addition to their new slate of programming, next year Turner networks are planning on rolling out their “In Context” advertising on their original series. This concept, which is currently only available on the network in movies, places ads directly after content in the program which relates to the product.

TNT 09/10

Turner networks are entering the new season with the slogan, “It’s Time.” TNT, TBS and TruTV are moving forward in this troubling economic time with the idea that the greatest things can happen in the most difficult times. Through this motto, all networks are bringing forward new programs that touch on four ideals: originality, value, diversity and innovation.

TNT is moving forward in this troubling economic period with the idea that the greatest things can happen in the most difficult times. This year, the network is adding even more drama with 100 additional hours of original programming as well as all original programs Monday through Wednesday in primetime. Four new additions will help the network achieve this, with three new dramas and TNT’s first venture into unscripted territory.

The dramas all feature well known talent, but have three very different premises. The first to premiere this June is Hawthorne, a medical drama featuring Jada Pinkett Smith as a recently widowed nurse. In July, the gritty cop drama Dark Blue debuts starring Dylan McDermott. The final drama set to premiere on the network in 09/10 is produced, written and stars Ray Romano. The network describes Men of a Certain Age as a “dramedy” about a group of college buddies who remain friends for a long time after the classes end. TNT’s first reality offering is titled Wedding Day and is described as an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for engaged couples. The network is hoping the program will be a “feel good” show, giving deserving couples the day they always dreamed of.

Just announced this morning at The Turner Upfront, TNT has development plans that include projects from both Steven Spielberg and Steven Bocho. The network is in development with eight new scripted dramas and two unscripted dramas. All these new projects focus on a central theme around great storytellers. The central characters of each of these series all are everyday heroes on a personal journey that the viewer can relate to and have a deep emotional connection with. Alien Invasion Project has been ordered to pilot. This drama is about six months after a worldwide alien invasion; a group of everyday heroes rise up to fight for their survival all while maintaining their humanity in the process. Other new development series includes Class Action, Zapata Texas, Matt Williams Family Drama, Daniel Pyne Noir, Pastor Jazz, Macalister and Proof. Unscripted dramas in development include The Mayo Clinic and Trip of a Lifetime. The Mayo Clinic chronicles the lives of doctors of the Mayo Clinic and their patients. These patients come to this clinic when they are ill and have been told nothing more can be done. Trip of a Lifetime is based on the premise that everyone has a dream or a wish unfulfilled. It brings together extended, disconnected and deserving families.

Upfront Week, Day Two: ABC is In with the New

Going into the 09/10 season, ABC is the most aggressive broadcast network with the most programs in development. Today, the network announced a new fourth quarter lineup packed with new original programs, including a full night of freshman series.

The network is touting the creation of new shows as its top priority, and there is a strong rationale for that. Five years ago the network debuted some of the hottest programs on TV at the time including Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and Lost. Half a decade later one of those programs is entering its final season and the other two, although still consistently among the top ten programs with A18-49, are beginning to age. With ABC ranking third in broadcast primetime among the same demo this season and few new standout programs in the past few years, the network is anxious to find the next round of hit programs.

ABC’s formula moving into next fall is three pronged:
1) Replace future holes in the schedule
2) Compete with other broadcast networks in genres ABC has struggled with
3) Take advantage of the ten o’clock hour in which Jay Leno will air on NBC.

It is evident the network is trying to find a replacement for Lost, which will conclude its sixth and final season next spring. Although not the network’s top ranking program, Lost has provided the network with a fanatic fan base which has made the program the top viewed show on the Web and led to the creation of multiple digital applications. Flash Forward is poised to take over Lost’s audience and ABC has been promoting the transition through teasers which have aired during Lost’s finale and other programs this spring. Both Flash Forward and V, which is set to premiere this spring, have a science fiction angle similar to Lost.

Each of the other big four broadcast networks has a stable comedy lineup; CBS on Monday, NBC on Thursday and FOX on Sunday. With a female skewing fan base, ABC has had a tough time in recent years finding comedies that work for the network. Next season, ABC is making a bold statement with a full block of new comedies featuring well-known talent on Wednesdays from 8-10PM. By airing these programs on Wednesday, ABC may avoid direct competition from well established sit-coms while trying to reclaim the success they once had with family friendly comedies back in their “TGIF” days.

It’s no mistake that ABC is launching two of their new dramas and airing the only returning drama at 10PM. With NBC bringing late night to primetime, broadcast viewers will only have two options for scripted programming in the ten o’clock hour. ABC is hoping this will benefit both The Forgotten and Eastwick while giving Castle new life in its second season.

Looking nightly at ABC’s fall season, Monday is one of few nights that the network is keeping consistent from this past season. Dancing with the Stars will kick off its ninth season in the fall at 8PM. Once the mirror ball trophy is awarded, a new season of The Bachelor will take over the time slot. Airing in the ten o’clock hour is the only returning freshman drama, Castle. Castle performed better than any of the other dramas ABC tried out in the ten o’clock hour during the 2009 mid-season (The Unusuals, Cupid), which were not renewed.

Tuesday night is shaping up to be a battle for reality programs across all networks (FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance, NBC’s Biggest Loser) as ABC will also enter the ring. The new show Shark Tank will premiere this summer after a Who Wants to be a Millionaire 10th Anniversary Special. The reality competition series will then take its place leading into the Dancing with the Stars results show and eventually a Scrubs/Better Off Ted comedy block after Dancing ends. Capping off the night will be ABC’s new procedural drama, The Forgotten.

Wednesday is an entirely new night with the comedy block consisting of Hank featuring Kelsey Grammar, The Middle featuring Patricia Heaton, Modern Family featuring Ed O’Neill and Cougar Town featuring Courtney Cox. Modern Family is shaping up to be the anchor of the comedy block while more family friendly programs air in the eight o’clock hour and the more adult themed Cougar Town takes the latest time-slot in the block. Cougar Town is also the most female-centric of the sit-coms and leads into Eastwick, which the network describes as a cross between a drama and a comedy.

ABC is looking to dominate Thursday night by pairing its most hopeful new drama, Flash Forward, with one of its most successful existing dramas and its spin-off. Without a lead-in, the new drama will have to be strong enough to stand on its own as other programs have struggled in ABC’s Thursday 8PM time-slot. Flash Forward would benefit more at 10PM with a Grey’s Anatomy lead-in, however it is likely the network did not want to break up the Grey’s Anatomy/Private Practice pairing, which has given a new life to Grey’s spin-off.

Friday night features one transplant, Ugly Betty. Ugly Betty’s audience has declined 30% over the past two seasons, which is likely what caused the shift to a lower-rated night of the week. Ugly Betty will be sandwiched between Friday mainstays Supernanny and 20/20.

Saturday Night College Football will dominate the night in the fall. As the BCS Championship will be held at the Rose Bowl this year, the game will air on ABC.

Although all four programs on Sunday night (America’s Funniest Home Videos, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters) have declined consistently throughout the past two years, the schedule is the strongest for the night among A18-49 and Desperate Housewives continues to rank among the top programs overall in broadcast primetime.

With so many new series for the fall, ABC has yet to announce its mid-season schedule, in which new programs Happytown, The Deep End, and V may replace programs that are not performing as hoped.

Fall 2009

Eastwick: Wednesday 10-11PM / Drama

Warner Bros. Television

Executive Producer: Maggie FriedmanDirector: David Nutter

Cast: Rebecca Romijn, Lindsay Price, Jamie Ray Newman, Paul Gross, Sara Rue, Veronica Cartwright, Johann Urb, Jon Bernthal and Ashley Benson
Summary: Three very different women find themselves drawn together by a mysterious man who unleashes unique powers in each of them, and this small New England town will never be the same. The series is based on the popular movie "The Witches of Eastwick" and on the novel of the same title by John Updike.

Flash Forward: Thursday 8-9PM / Drama

ABC Studios

Executive Producer: David S. Goyer, Brannon Braga, Marc Guggenheim, Jessika Goyer, Vince Gerardis, Ralph Vicinanza

Director: David S. Goyer

Cast: Joseph Fiennes, John Cho, Jack Davenport, Sonya Walger, Courtney B. Vance, Brian O'Byrne, Christine Woods, Zachary Knighton and Peyton List
Summary: When a mysterious event causes the entire world to black out, humanity is given a glimpse into its near future, and every man, woman and child is forced to come to grips with whether their destinies can be avoided or fulfilled.

The Forgotten: Tuesday 10-11PM / Drama

Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Warner Bros. Television

Executive Producer: Mark Friedman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman and Danny Cannon
Co-Executive Producer: KristieAnne ReedDirector: Danny Cannon

Cast: Rupert Penry-Jones, Reiko Aylesworth, Michelle Borth, Bob Stephenson, Anthony Carrigan and Rochelle Aytes
Summary: From executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes a crime show in which a team of dedicated amateurs work on cases involving unidentified victims. After the police have given up, this group must first solve the puzzle of the victim's identity in order to then help catch the killer. They work to give the deceased back their names, lest they become - The Forgotten.

Cougar Town: Wednesday 9:30-10PM / Comedy

ABC Studios

Executive Producer: Bill Lawrence, Courteney Cox and David Arquette
Co-Executive Producer: Kevin Biegel

Director: Bill Lawrence

Cast: Courteney Cox, Christa Miller, Busy Philipps, Dan Byrd, Brian Van Holt, Josh Hopkins and Ian Gomez
Summary: Courteney Cox stars as a recently divorced single mother exploring the honest truths about dating and aging in our beauty and youth obsessed culture.

Hank: Wednesday 8-8:30PM / Comedy

Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with McMonkey Inc., Grammnet Productions, Werner Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television

Executive Producer: Tom Werner, Tucker Cawley, Kelsey Grammer and Mike Clements

Director: James Burrows

Cast: Kelsey Grammer, Melinda McGraw, David Koechner, Macey Cruthird and Ryan Wynott
Summary: Kelsey Grammer stars in this timely comedy as Hank Pryor, a titan of industry who suddenly finds himself out of work, almost out of money and around a wife and kids for whom he's never made much time. Despite his recent setbacks, however, Hank is confident he's on the road back to the top. He knows he is destined to return to greatness. And he is just not the greatness he imagines.

The Middle: Wednesday 8:30-9PM / Comedy

Warner Bros. Television

Executive Producer: Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline

Director: Julie Anne Robinson

Cast: Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Eden Sher, Atticus Shaffer and Charlie McDermott
Summary: The Hecks are a middle class family living in the middle of Indiana, just trying to keep their heads above water. Emmy-winner Patricia Heaton stars as a wife and mother of three in a comedy about raising a family and lowering your expectations.

Modern Family: Wednesday 9-9:30PM / Comedy

Twentieth Century Fox Television

Executive Producer: Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd

Director: Jason Winer

Cast: Ed O'Neill, Sofa Vergara, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Sarah Hyland, Rico Rodriguez, Nolan Gould and Ariel Winter
Summary: Today's American families come in all shapes and sizes. Shot from the perspective of an unseen documentary filmmaker, this comedy takes a modern look at the complications that come with being a family in 2009.

Shark Tank: Tuesday 8-9PM / Alternative

Sony Pictures Television

Executive Producer: Mark Burnett

Cast: Barbara Corcoran (Manhattan real estate titan), Kevin Harrington (king of infomercials), Robert Herjavec (technology tycoon), Daymond John (fashion mogul) and Kevin O'Leary (venture capitalist)
Summary: An exciting new reality show that gives budding entrepreneurs the chance to make their dreams come true and become successful and possibly wealthy business people. But the entrepreneurs must first try to convince five tough, multi-millionaire tycoons to part with their own hard-earned cash and give them the funding they need to jumpstart their ideas.

Spring 2010

The Deep End: Drama

Twentieth Century Fox Television

Executive Producer: David Hemingson

Director: Michael Fresco

Cast: Matt Long, Ben Lawson, Tina Majorino, Norbert Leo Butz, Leah Pipes, Billy Zane, Sherri Saum and Clancy Brown
Summary: Each year one of LA's most prestigious law firms recruits four young lawyers from the finest law schools worldwide. The only way for these first-years to survive is to support each othereven as they compete against one another in the cutthroat arena of high-end law. Sex, greed, romance, betrayal it's all part of being a first year associate at Sterling Law.

Happytown: Drama

ABC Studios

Executive Producer: Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec, Scott Rosenberg and Gary Fleder

Director: Gary Fleder

Cast: Geoff Stults, Lauren German, Amy Acker, Dean Winters, John Patrick Amedori, Sarah Gadon, Jay Paulson, Robert Wisdom and Sam Neill
Summary: Haplin, Minnesota, "Happy Town," is approaching almost a decade of peace after being riddled for years by unsolved kidnappings. But in the wake of this small town's first crime in seven years, some dark truths are being revealed about some familiar faces. They say every town has its secrets that doesn't even begin to describe Happy Town.

V: Drama

HDFilms in association with Warner Bros. Television

Executive Producer: Scott Peters, Steve Pearlman and Jace Hall

Director: Yves Simoneau

Cast: Elizabeth Mitchell, Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Lourdes Benedicto, Logan Huffman, Laura Vandervoort, with Morena Baccarin and Scott Wolf
Summary: V is a re-imagining of the 1980's miniseries about the world's first encounter with an alien race in which the aliens call themselves The Visitors, and have a seemingly friendly agenda that may or may not be a cover for something more malevolent.

ABC FALL 2009 SCHEDULE
*New Programs in UPPER CASE

MONDAY

8:00 – 10:00 PM - Dancing with the Stars

10:00 – 11:00 PM - Castle

TUESDAY
8:00 – 9:00 PM – SHARK TANK

9:00 - 10:00 PM - Dancing with the Stars the Results Show

10:00 – 11:00 PM – THE FORGOTTEN

WEDNESDAY

8:00 – 8:30 PM - HANK

8:30 – 9:00 PM – THE MIDDLE

9:00 – 9:30 PM – MODERN FAMILY

9:30 – 10:00 PM – COUGAR TOWN

10:00 – 11:00 PM – EASTWICK

THURSDAY

8:00 – 9:00 PM – FLASH FORWARD

9:00 – 10:00 PM – Grey’s Anatomy

10:00 – 11:00 PM - Private Practice

FRIDAY

8:00 – 9:00 PM - Supernanny

9:00 – 10:00 PM - Ugly Betty

10:00 – 11:00PM - 20/20

SATURDAY

8:00 – 11:00 PM - Saturday Night College Football

SUNDAY

7:00 – 8:00 PM - America's Funniest Home Videos

8:00 – 9:00 PM - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

9:00 – 10:00 PM - Desperate Housewives

10:00 – 11:00 PM - Brothers & Sisters

Upfront Week, Day Two: NBC Redefines Prime

NBC has announced their 2009-2010 schedule, which features a large slate of new programs consisting of four dramas, two comedies, and two unscripted series. For a network eliminating five hours of prime programming with the launch of The Jay Leno Show , the need for this amount of new programs underscores NBC’s position as the 4th ranked network on A18-49 and P12-34.

In a strategic scheduling move, the network will distribute their new series across the week, with established shows rather than creating nights of entirely new programs. NBC is relying on the combination of returning programs, Sunday Night NFL games and the Winter Olympics to help launch their new programs throughout the season.

Like most broadcast networks, NBC will have some programs replaced mid-season. Unlike other networks however, NBC will have the Winter Olympics as a break mid-season, and plans on taking advantage of this opportunity to heavily promote new programs.

NBC’s time period strategy begins in the fall with original episodes of Heroes scheduled to run Monday nights at 8pm prior to the Winter Olympics. Coupled with Heroes is the new program Trauma at 9pm. The network will use the strength of Sunday Night Football and Heroes to help launch the new drama. Post-Olympics, the recently renewed Chuck will replace Heroes, providing a lead-in to Day One, which will be heavily promoted in the Olympics.

Tuesday nights in the fall brings the next iteration of The Biggest Loser, with two-hour airings planned for the start of the new season. The Biggest Loser will be the promotional platform for two new programs, Parenthood (Wed 8pm) prior to the Olympics and Mercy (Wed 8pm) following the Olympics. NBC will also lean on the Winter Games and 90-minute editions of Loser to launch comedy 100 Questions at 9:30pm on Tuesdays, post-Olympics.

With a successful run of SNL specials this past year (largely due to the elections) NBC will kick-off its Thursday night comedy nights in the fall with a multi-episode run of SNL Weekend Update: Thursday at 8pm, followed by sophomore Parks and Recreation at 8:30pm. The Office returns at 9pm, with NBC using the proven comedy as a lead-in to Community at 9:30pm. After potentially building an audience for Community, the network will relocate the freshman series to 8:00pm following the conclusion of SNL, paving the way for the return of 30 Rock at 9:30pm.

For Friday night, NBC has built a crime block featuring Law & Order at 8pm, with sophomore show Southland following at 9pm. Saturdays begin with Dateline NBC at 8pm, with encore episodes of Trauma and Law & Order: SVU following at 9pm and 10pm, respectively. Sunday nights return Football Night in America and Sunday Night Football, with the network using the highly-rated NFL games to support its weekly programming.

NBC is relying heavily on current hits to promote new programs, like most networks. However, with The Jay Leno Show displacing some programs from 10pm to 9pm, NBC is forced to air a couple programs in the 8pm slot, bereft of a lead-in audience. Additionally, NBC missed the mark using the 2008 Beijing Summer Games as a platform for its 2008-2009 season. Traditionally an older and female-skewed viewing event, the Olympics did not generate the audience for the networks new programming this past year, resulting in multiple cancellations and dismal ratings. With more female-skewing content coming to the network this fall (Mercy, Parenthood, 100 Questions), NBC needs to avoid repeating the past with the 2010 Winter Games platform.


FALL 2009
Trauma: Mondays 9:00-10:00pm / Medical Drama
Universal Media Studios, Film 44
Executive Producers: Peter Berg, Sarah Aubrey, Dario Scardapane, Jeffrey Reiner
Director: Jeffrey Reiner
Cast: Derek Luke, Cliff Curtis, Anastasia Griffith, Aimee Garcia, Kevin Rankin, Jamey Sheridan
Summary: An intense, action-packed look at one of the most dangerous medical professions in the world: first responder paramedics.

Parenthood: Wednesdays 8:00-9:00pm/ Family Dramedy
Imagine Entertainment, Universal Media Studios
Executive Producers: Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Jason Katims
Director: Ron Howard
Cast: Peter Krause, Maura Tierney, Craig T. Nelson, Dax Shepard, Bonnie Bedelia, Monica Potter, Erika Christensen, Mae Whitman
Summary: Contemporary re-imagining of the blockbuster film depicts the colorful and imperfect Braverman family - four grown siblings sharing the headaches, heartaches, and joy of being parents.

Community: Thursdays 9:30-10:00pm / Comedy
Krasnoff Foster Entertainment, Harmonious Claptrap, Murray Hill, Sony Pictures Television
Executive Producers: Russ Krasnoff, Dan Harmon, Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Gary Foster
Directors: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo
Cast: Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs , Yvette Nicole Brown, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Chevy Chase
Summary: Focuses on a band of misfits, at the center of which is a fast-talking lawyer whose degree has been revoked, who form a study group and end up learning a lot more about themselves than they do about their course work.

MID-SEASON 2010
Day One: Mondays 9:00-10:00pm / Drama
Universal Media Studios
Executive Producer: Jesse Alexander
Director: Alex Graves
Cast: Adam Campbell, Catherine Dent, Julie Gonzalo, David Lyons, Derek Mio, Carly Pope, Thekla Reuten, Addison Timlin
Summary: Beginning with the immediate aftermath of the cataclysmic event, an eclectic band of survivors strive to rebuild society as they unravel the mysteries of what happened and face their uncertain future.

100 Questions: Tuesdays 9:30-10:00pm / Romantic Comedy
Universal Media Studios, Tagline
Executive Producers: Christopher Moynihan, Ron West, Kelly Kulchak, Michelle Nader
Director: James Burrows
Cast: Sophie Winkleman, Elizabeth Ho, Joy Suprano, Christopher Moynihan, David Walton
Summary: Woman looking to find Mr. Right flashes back through her past as each question from her dating counselor touches on a specific memory or instance she has experienced.

Mercy: Wednesdays 8:00-9:00pm / Medical Drama
Universal Media Studios, Berman/Braun
Executive Producers: Liz Heldens, Gretchen Berg, Aaron Harberts, Gail Berman, Lloyd Braun
Director: Adam Bernstein
Cast: Taylor Schilling, Jamie Lee Kirchner, Michelle Trachtenberg, James Tupper, Diego Klattenhoff, Guillermo Diaz
Summary: Portrays the lives of the staff at Mercy Hospital as seen through the eyes of those who know it best – its nurses.

The Marriage Ref: Sundays 8:00-9:00pm / Reality
Columbus 81 Productions
Executive Producers: Jerry Seinfeld and Ellen Rakieten
Summary: Married life takes center stage as celebrities, comedians and sports stars candidly comment, judge and decide who’s right and who’s wrong in real-life disputes between real-life spouses.

NBC FALL 2009 SCHEDULE
*New programs in UPPER CASE

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM – Heroes
9:00-10:00 PM – TRAUMA
10:00-11:00 PM – THE JAY LENO SHOW

TUESDAY
8:00-10:00 PM – The Biggest Loser
10:00-11:00 PM – THE JAY LENO SHOW

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM – PARENTHOOD
9:00-10:00 PM – Law & Order: SVU
10:00-11:00 PM – THE JAY LENO SHOW

THURSDAY
8:00-8:30 PM – SNL Weekend Update Thursday
8:30-9:00 PM – Parks & Recreation

9:00-9:30 PM – The Office
9:30-10:00 PM – COMMUNITY
10:00-11:00 PM – THE JAY LENO SHOW

FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM – Law & Order
9:00-10:00 PM – Southland

10:00-11:00 PM – THE JAY LENO SHOW

SATURDAY
8:00-9:00 PM – Dateline NBC
9:00-10:00 PM – TRAUMA (encore broadcast)
10:00-11:00 PM – Law & Order: SVU (encore broadcast)

SUNDAY
7:00- 8:20 PM – Football Night in America
8:20-11:00 PM – NBC Sunday Night Football

NBC MID-SEASON 2010 SCHEDULE
(2010 WINTER OLYMPICS preempt regularly scheduled programming from February 12-28, 2010)

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM – Chuck
9:00-10:00 PM – DAY ONE
10:00-11:00 PM – THE JAY LENO SHOW

TUESDAY
8:00-9:30 PM – The Biggest Loser
9:30-10:00 PM – 100 QUESTIONS
10:00-11:00 PM – THE JAY LENO SHOW

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM – MERCY
9:00-10:00 PM – Law & Order: SVU
10:00-11:00 PM – THE JAY LENO SHOW

THURSDAY
8:00-8:30 PM – COMMUNITY
8:30-9:00 PM – Parks & Recreation
9:00-9:30 PM – The Office

9:30-10:00 PM – 30 Rock
10:00-11:00 PM – THE JAY LENO SHOW

FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM – Law & Order
9:00-10:00 PM – Southland
10:00-11:00 PM – THE JAY LENO SHOW

SATURDAY
8:00-9:00 PM – Dateline NBC

9:00-10:00 PM – Southland (encore broadcast)
10:00-11:00 PM – Law & Order: SVU (encore broadcast)

SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM – Dateline NBC
8:00-9:00 PM – THE MARRIAGE REF
9:00-11:00 PM – Celebrity Apprentice

Upfront Week, Day One: FOX Has Stability

FOX kicked off Upfront week today, revealing their new season lineup this afternoon at City Center in New York City. The network’s strategic scheduling this season helped the network achieve stability and maintain consistently strong performances across each night of the week. Overall, FOX ranks number 1 on A18-49 and 1 on P12-34 so far this season on C3 ratings.

Heading into next season, the network is bringing back two high rated sophomore dramas and using established hits to introduce a handful of new shows that FOX hopes will give the network continued momentum this fall.

FOX will continue to program nights by genre, with Monday remaining a night of unscripted dramas, Saturday continuing to air Cops and America’s Most Wanted, and Sunday’s Animation Domination. Following the same format as American Idol, the summer reality program So You Think You Can Dance moves to the fall with its sixth season. Similar to American Idol, FOX wants to use this show to promote and launch new series as it did this season with Lie To Me and Fringe.

After a special preview event leading out of the finale of American Idol, airing Tuesday, May 19th at 9pm, Glee will enter its freshman year this fall, following So You Think You Can Dance. Thursday will become procedural night, FOX-style, with Bones and Fringe. The only night out of place seems to be Friday, paring newcomer Brothers with returning sitcom ‘Til Death, followed by Dollhouse.

With the CW focusing more on youth-oriented dramas and less on ethnic-targeted comedies, perhaps FOX sees an opportunity with Brothers. Dollhouse, consistently over-indexing on time-shifted viewing, will continue to keep a core following but might find it difficult to attract new viewers.

In mid-season, the eighth season of 24 will return to the FOX schedule with a two-night, four-hour premiere as part of a special extended primetime on Sunday, January 17th (9:00-11:00 PM), immediately following the premiere of new-comer Human Target. Both will get a lift as the lead-outs from the NFC Championship game.

Last year, FOX debuted “remote free” TV, where two programs, Dollhouse and Fringe, has fewer ads in each pod, hoping that this would keep audiences tuned in through shorter commercial breaks and increasing recall with less clutter. Alas, this initiative did not live up to expectations, with the average of both programs being an index of 95 for A18-49 live commercial to program viewing. This decreases to an average of 80 to 87 when comparing C3 to P3 (live program viewing plus three days playback).

Still, FOX recognizes the need to keep viewers engaged during commercial breaks, and will be debuting a series of new initiatives, collectively called “Alive Air.” All are designed to keep engagement high during programs or during commercial breaks. Announced at the upfront presentation were:

- Segments featuring characters from Seth McFarlane-created shows (Cleveland Show, Family Guy and American Dad) in a round-table type discussion in commercial pods
- Clips from Seth MacFarlane’s Family Guy Live touring comedy show, also in commercial pods
- An in-program scavenger-hunt contest promoting the 20th anniversary of The Simpsons, with many programs in the FOX line-up containing references to The Simpsons and contest clues
- Gordon Ramsey’s Cookalong Live, where viewers can purchase the ingredients in advance and follow along, culminating in a three-course meal

On Saturday, November 7th at 11pm, Wanda Sykes returns to FOX to host The Wanda Sykes Show. This late-night series will feature Sykes' outspoken comedic perspective on current events along with topical roundtable discussions. As NBC’s Saturday Night Live gained both ratings and critical acclaim this past season, FOX’s similarly-styled MadTV was cancelled. The Wanda Sykes Show signals FOX is looking to take a different direction in late night.

FALL 2009
Glee:Wednesday 9-10PM / Comedy Musical Series
20th Century Fox Television, Ryan Murphy Television
Executive Producers: Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Dante Di Loreto
Co-Executive Producers: Ian Brennan, John Peter Kousakis
Director: Ryan Murphy
Cast: Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Jessalyn Gilsig, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Amber Riley, Mark Salling, Jenna Ushkowitz
Summary: This is a one hour musical comedy that follows an optimistic high school teacher as he tries to transform the Glee Club and inspire a group of ragtag performers to make it to the biggest competition of all: Nationals.

Brothers: Friday 8:00-8:30PM/ Half-Hour Comedy
Sony Pictures Television, Tantamount Studios, Impact Zone Productions, Inc.
Executive Producers: Eric Tannenbaum, Kim Tannenbaum, Mitch Hurwitz, Don Reo
Director: Ted Wass
Cast: Michael Strahan, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, CCH Pounder, Carl Wathers, Colton Dunn
Summary: Mike is a retired NFL player and his wheelchair-bound brother Daryl are brought together with life altering changes.

The Cleveland Show: Sunday 9:30-10PM/ Half-Hour Animated Comedy
20th Century Fox Television
Co-Creators / Executive Producers: Seth MacFarlane, Rich Appel, Mike Henry
Voice Cast: Mike Henry, Sanaa Lathan, Reagan Gomez-Preston, Kevin Michael Richardson
Guest Voices: Arianna Huffington, Jason Sudeikis
Summary: From the creator of Family Guy and American Dad comes a spin-off following the adventures of Peter’s, loveable, slow-talking, African-American neighbor; Cleveland.

Spring 2010

Along with two new programs, FOX welcomes back 24, for a non-stop season. New-comer Past Life follows returning hit, American Idol on Tuesdays, while freshman drama Human Target follows American Idol Results on Wednesdays. A new comedy Sons of Tuscon will debut Sunday’s at 8:30pm in between Simpsons and Family Guy in midseason.

Past Life: Tuesday 9-10PM/ One-Hour Drama
Bonanza Productions Inc., Warner Brothers Television
Executive Producers: David Hudgins, Lou Pitt
Director: Deran Sarafian
Writer: David HudginsCast: Kelli Giddish, Nicholas Bishop, Richard Schiff, Ravi Patel
Summary: From writer David Hudgins (Friday Night Lights) and inspired by the book “The Reincarnationist by M.J. Rose) comes Past Life, a new drama series, about an unlikely pair of past-life detectives who investigate what is happening to you today is the result of who you were before.

Human Target: Wednesday 9-10PM/ One-Hour Drama
Bonanza Productions Inc., Wonderland Sound and Vision, DC Comics, Warner Brothers Television
Executive Producers: Jon Steinberg, McG, Simon West, Brad Kern
Director: Simon WestCast: Mark Valley, Jackie Earle Haley, Chi McBride
Summary: Based on the popular DC Comics graphic novel, Human Target is an action drama centered on Christopher Chance (Mark Valley, Fringe), a unique private contractor/security guard hired to protect. When there is an unusual or imminent threat that can’t be solved through “normal” means of protection, Chance is hired to completely integrate himself into his clients’ lives – to become the human target.

Sons of Tucson: Sunday 8:30-9PM / Half-Hour Comedy
20th Century Fox Television
Executive Producers: Justin Berfield, Jason Felts, Harvey Myman, Todd Holland
Director: Todd Holland
Writers: Tommy Dewey, Greg Bratman
Cast:Tyler Labine, Davis Cleveland, Frank Dolce, Troy Gentile, Natalie Martinez
Summary: In the tradition of Malcolm in the Middle and The Bernie Mac Show, Sons of Tucson is a family comedy about three brothers who hire a charming, wayward schemer to stand in as their father when their real one goes to prison. What begins as a business relationship evolves into something more complex and compelling: a family.

FOX FALL 2009 SCHEDULE
*New programs in UPPER CASE

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM House

9:00-10:00 PM Lie to Me

TUESDAY
8:00-10:00 PM So You Think You Can Dance Performance Show

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM So You Think You Can Dance Results Show

9:00-10:00 PM GLEE

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM Bones

9:00-10:00 PM Fringe

FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM BROTHERS

8:30-9:00 PM 'Til Death

9:00-10:00 PM Dollhouse

SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM Cops

8:30-9:00 PM Cops

9:00-10:00 PM America's Most Wanted

11:00 PM-Midnight THE WANDA SYKES SHOW

SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM The OT (NFL post-game)

8:00-8:30 PM The Simpsons

8:30-9:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW

9:00-9:30 PM Family Guy

9:30-10:00 PM American Dad

FOX MIDSEASON 2010 Schedule

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM House

9:00-10:00 PM 24

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM American Idol Performance Show

9:00-10:00 PM PAST LIFE

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM American Idol Results Show

9:00-10:00 PM HUMAN TARGET (January) / GLEE (spring)

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM Bones

9:00-10:00 PM Fringe

FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM BROTHERS

8:30-9:00 PM 'Til Death

9:00-10:00 PM Dollhouse

SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM Cops

8:30-9:00 PM Cops

9:00-10:00 PM America's Most Wanted

11:00 PM-Midnight THE WANDA SYKES SHOW

SUNDAY
7:00-7:30 PM Animation Domination Encores

7:30-8:00 PM American Dad

8:00-8:30 PM The Simpsons

8:30-9:00 PM SONS OF TUCSON

9:00-9:30 PM Family Guy

9:30-10:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW

A&E 09/10

A&E is celebrating their 25th anniversary by debuting ten new drama series, many of which are unscripted programs featuring celebrities. In addition to these programs that have already received the green light, many pilots are in the works of which the network hopes to approve two dramas soon.

A&E’s only new original drama for the 2009/2010 season (so far) is Cooler Kings. The series follows a cop who is given a chance at redemption after the death of his girlfriend. Five of the network’s series in development are also police-centered, with three focusing on the LAPD (The Lead Sheet, Central Division and The Quickening) and the other two about the NYPD (Night Falls and NY’s Finest). The sixth drama series A&E is developing is yet to be titled and tells the tales of both up and coming criminals pursuing the American dream and the FBI task force who is tracking them down.

Three of A&E’s new unscriped programs explore the lives of celebrities Tony Danza, Steven Seagal and MC Hammer. The network continues their focus on cops with three series that follow real-life crime fighters. Fugitive Chronicles recounts the captures of some of the most dangerous criminals in recent history from the viewpoint of both the hunter and the hunted. The Squad: Prison Police follows trained teams who respond to crimes that take place in jails while Runaway Squad trails detectives who are on a mission to find runaways. Finally, Obsessed follows the success of Intervention and explores patients with extreme anxiety disorders as they are rehabilitated. A&E also has three unscripted series in development which feature Shaquille O’Neal, Bob Saget and Russell Simmons.

In addition to new original series and those in development, A&E is also working with Kevin Costner on a western mini-series about the Civil War.

Biography 09/10

Heading into next season, Biography Channel is continuing their strong commitment to original programming by returning five original series and expanding their primetime programming slate with a new series, four new pilots and three specials. The cable network will continue their programming strategy of focusing on true stories about fascinating people told in a fresh and honest way. In addition to more original programming, Biography Channel is also committed to high definition content. By the end of 2009, 80% of all primetime programming will be in HD.

Returning series will include Shatner’s Raw Nerve, I Survived, Mobsters, 50 new episodes of Biography and eight episodes of Psychic Kids. New for next season is My Rescue which examines the most daring rescues ever caught on tape with interviews with both the victim and the hero. Primetime Confidential takes you behind the scenes to reveal favorite TV classics. My Ghost Story: Hauntings Revealed centers around true and unbelievable stories of the paranormal told by the people who lived through haunting moments. Celebrity Close Calls will center on celebrities who are forced to face their own mortality in a shocking way.

Three specials scheduled for the 2009-2010 season are Chaddyshack: The Inside Story, Jaws: The Inside Story and Tragic Side of Comedy.

Telemundo 09/10

NBC’s Hispanic sister company, renamed recently as Telemundo Communications, describes its programming as being smart and provocative yet traditional. Telemundo, which is now being produced in HD, will mainly focus on airing novelas during its primetime slate while also adding sports, comedy, music and movies into its 2009-2010 schedule.

New novelas include Mas Sabe El Diablo, which will premiere on May 25th in the 8PM timeslot. Premiering July 7th is Niños Ricos, Pobres Padres starring Carmen Villalobos, the lead character from one of Telemundo’s most popular novelas, Sin Senos No Hay Paraiso. Niños Ricos, Pobres Padres will air at 9PM, followed by Victorinos at 10PM, which is set to begin in June. In Lola Calamidades starring Dana Garcia, viewers will follow the story of a woman who feels her beauty is burdened with bad luck, but still manages to find love. Lola is set to debut on August 4th at 7PM.

In 2010, Telemundo will be unveiling the remake of the internationally known novela El Clon. Also premiering are Rosalinda Y El Primitivo, and Reina Del Sur which is based off a book that centers on the world of drug trafficking.

For sports, Telemundo will air Futbol Estelar and Rumbo al Mundial, which will include seven soccer games and ten qualifying games for The World Cup. The network’s specials include Miss Universe 2009 and the Latin Billboard Awards.

NGC 09/10

NGC, the network that features documentaries involving nature, science, history and culture will continue to go wherever the story takes the network heading into next season. These programs will also take viewers to places few have seen. Partially owned by National Geographic (scientific organization), the network has a loyal brand name that viewers trust.

Heading into next season, NGC has many more originals slated for their schedule in addition to the network’s returning series. New series include Fight Science, which teams scientists with military, police and martial arts experts to study the most infamous combat techniques in the world. Border Wars follows the efforts of the U.S. Border Patrol to protect the southern border of the United States. Hooked explores how different cities tackle the art and science of fishing. Ultimate Factories looks inside the most exclusive and specialized factories and find out what it took to build them. From the producer of Locked Up Abroad, comes Breakout, in which law enforcement professionals and escapees tell their tales of escape and capture. Complementing returning series Dog Whisperer and Dogtown is Rescue Ink, in which volunteers of Rescue Ink profile their efforts to fight for animal welfare. Known Universe sheds light on distant galaxies, unfamiliar planets and the darkest corners of outer space. In new series, The Dinosaur Detective, paleontologist Phil Manning uses cutting edge technology to take viewers beyond the bones to uncover what else is left behind in the fossils.

In addition to new and returning series, NGC will air many specials and themed events for next season. One themed event will occur each quarter. Events include American Made, Planet Week, Earth Day and Best of NGC. Since its 2007 launch, Preserve Our Planet has become a platform for expeditions and discoveries in the name of conservation. Adding to this platform will be four new series, Climbing Redwood Giants, Aftermath: Population Overload, How The Earth Made Us and Birth of the Ocean. Great Quests, another special brings the greatest moments of explorers and scientists that travel the globe in search of stories that redefine history and the human experience. For the 2009-2010 season, four new tent-pole events will air that will showcase journeys, adventures and exploration. These are Dinosaurs Decoded, Marco Polo’s Secret Discovery, Stone Age Atlantis and Nero’s Lost Rome.

The History Channel 09/10

This History Channel is continuing its focus on topics men find interesting such as science and technology, both natural and American history and action and adventure. A slew of new programs are set to debut in the 2009/2010 season that are geared around these themes.

This summer, seven new programs will debut on The History Channel. Science and technology are targeted in both Iron Autopsy and That’s Impossible. Iron Autopsy dissects massive structures from the inside out. That’s Impossible explains how futuristic inventions could be possible including time travel, invisibility and remote viewing. The network’s core genre, history, is explored in three new programs in third quarter. Clash of Gods investigates ancient myths of different cultures such as Greek and Egyptian mythology. Viewers get an up close and personal look at various weapons and learn where they came from in Lock and Load. In the original movie, The People Speak, celebrities will bring Americans who altered the course of history to life through their speeches. Action and adventure take center stage in Madhouse, which brings the audience to the race track for the background of Nascar racers’ families. Finally this summer, Marked will examine the most secret societies in remote places around the globe.

Coming up in fourth quarter are five new original programs. Two programs seek to scientifically explain prophesies and mysterious events. Mysteryquest follows in the footsteps of existing program Monsterquest, and seeks to answer many of history’s mysteries (such as the Bermuda Triangle and lost city of Atlantis) through advances in science and technology. The Nostradamus Effect will examine today’s global events and how they relate to prophesies that also line-up with historical happenings. Bringing viewers back in time are World War II in HD and Absolute Tyrants. World War II is the first documentary to show the war as it really was from the perspective of both sides. Absolute Tyrants takes a look back at the most fascinating, iconic, mythic and truly tyrannical leaders. Also premiering this fall is Deep Sea Salvage which follows a family who works together in highly technical jobs of sea salvage and excavation.

New for 2010 are Secrets of Christianity and the tech series, Owner’s Manual. In addition to these new series and returning series are several specials that will run throughout the year such as Woodstock’s 40th Anniversary and Earth 2100.

ION 09/10

Launched in 2006, ION TV, formerly known as PAX TV, is striving to reach a broader audience by integrating original programming along with acquired series and movies into its 2009-2010 lineup. The small, yet growing general entertainment network is branding itself as “Positively Entertaining” and targets A25-54.

ION’s new original programming includes three drama imports from Canada: the thriller, Durham County, the cost guard themed action series, The Guard and the Homeland Security based series, The Border. Durham County is set to premiere in 2009 and centers on Detective Michael Sweeney who returns to the small town he grew up in after his partner is murdered and his wife is diagnosed with breast cancer. Here he confronts his past and develops a deadly rivalry with his new neighbor. Both The Guard and The Border will make their debut after the premiere of Durham. In addition, ION will be producing 12 original films per year with the first Christmas movie set to air in fall of 2009. A new movie will be unveiled each month after that.

Acquired programs for the 2009-2010 season include Reba, Boston Legal, NCIS, Criminal Minds and Ghost Whisperer.

AMC 09/10

Further solidifying AMC as the network that honors great storytelling through its movies, movie franchises and original programming, the network will debut a new tagline "Story Matters Here.” This new branding helps to build a story throughout all platforms of the network.

With the main story of the network all about movies, AMC is relaunching its weekly primetime schedule by creating themed, hosted nights so that each day of the week will appeal to a different and specifically targeted audience. Monday will be female focused and include themes around lifestyle, beauty, food, friendship and family. Tuesday will be known as Cinemania and geared towards an adult audience. Wednesday is Action Pack and will target men. Thursday is all about Opening Night where AMC News will be on red carpets around the world covering the hottest new film releases. Friday will be Event Night and will feature a rotating series of special events. Saturday will be genre specific and dedicated to holiday themes such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and summer. Sunday will be scripted storytelling with AMC Original programming.

AMC Sunday original returning series, Mad Men will be back for Season 3 in 4Q09 and Season 4 in 3Q10. Season 3 of Breaking Bad is scheduled to debut in 2Q10. New for 4Q09 and debuting during November Sweeps, is the AMC original miniseries event The Prisoner. The Prisoner is a reimagining of the 1960s sci-fi series and will star Sir Ian McKellen and Jim Caviezel. In 2010, the network will premiere a new series, Rubicon, which is a political conspiracy thriller that is scheduled to lead into Season 4 of Mad Men. True West will be the network’s first documentary series and will follow the lifestyle of working on a modern farm. This will debut in June 2010.

The network will also continue with their tent pole events. February will be AMC’s Long Live Awards programming stunt that celebrates Oscar nominees and winners and includes coverage of star-studded events and film premieres. The month of May will be focused on heroes, honoring films that feature gutsy roles, culminating in a Memorial Day Movie Marathon. Summer brings AMC’s All-Star Summer, a movie event highlighting the biggest summer blockbusters. October is dedicated to Fearfest, reflecting a broad selection of films from the thriller and horror genre. Holiday in December focuses on the biggest releases planned for the season.

WE 09/10

WE is the destination for women looking to satisfy their curiosity with original real-life stories that entertain, inform and give women something they can talk about. In the 2009/2010 season the network will continue to push the boundaries of what's expected, in the hopes that even more women will find WE to be “Simply Fascinating.”

Last year the network introducer the “I Do-er” who is deeply engaged, enthusiastic, trend smart, an active decision maker and a multi-tasker. This year WE found a subset of women within their panel that was even more passionate, optimistic, resilient and especially, wedding focused. This viewer is now called an “Uber I Do-er.” Based on this "Uber I Do-er", the network will continue to offer branded programming that will captivate their audience throughout the week.

Every Sunday night will be themed WE Go Bridal. The network will continue to air unscripted shows all about bridal content. A new original series, Jilted, will feature wannabe brides giving their boyfriends the ultimatum that it’s now or never. Returning will be Bridezillas, Platinum Weddings, Amazing Wedding Cakes, My Fair Wedding and Rich Bride, Poor Bride. WE TV will also air original wedding specials that focus on everything about the big day and continue with their WE GO Bridal Week, which celebrates an entire week of wedding shows.

WE Reveal programming is comprised of original shows that reveal extraordinary moments in the lives of ordinary women. New series Raising Sextuplets is about Jennifer and Brian Masche, who after two years of struggling to conceive, find themselves with sextuplets. Another new program, Platinum Babies, will introduce viewers to babies and their platinum plated parents who spare no expense on their little bundles of joy. Most Popular will be WE TV’s new game show ultimately deciding which women will be most popular based on probing questions, quick judgment and audience inquisitions. Returning will be Secret Lives of Women.

WE Transform will offer compelling real-life stories of personal change. These programs push the limits of what a person can achieve with the assistance of experts whose passion in life is to help others. One new show will be added to the network’s three returning series, I Want to Save Your Life, Little Miss Perfect and The Locator. You’re Wearing That will give mothers and daughters the ultimate makeover by transforming not only their style but also their relationship with each other.

In addition to the new themed original programming, are the network’s acquired series which include The Golden Girls, 20/20, Ghost Whisperer, Charmed, Girlfriends and 48 Hours on WE.

Also beginning in 2009, a new initiative for the network will be WE Volunteer. WE is hoping to motivate women to become more involved in their communities by connecting them with local charities.

E! 09/10

Moving into the summer and 2009-2010 season, E! is continuing its focus on celebrity entertainment programming by building on the success of previously established reality characters. Beginning in 2Q09 and continuing through the fall, E! will debut three new series, complementing returning programs and the networks lineup of specials. These new series will be supported by a large returning slate of programs for the network, including a new season of Denise Richards: It’s Complicated, multiple True Hollywood Story specials and its various lineup of topical entertainment news programming.

Premiering on June 6th, Kendra follows the life of the former Girls Next Door star Kendra Wilkinson, as she moves out of the Playboy mansion and attempts to make a life on her own. The show will follow Hef’s former girlfriend as she tries to start a career, manage her romantic relationship and make a life for herself surrounded by friends and family. Kourtney and Khloe in Miami revolves around the lives of sisters Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian, as they head to Miami in seek of a fresh start to open a new boutique store. Despite being away from their family for the first time, the sisters quickly find new drama, new relationships and an entirely new social scene. The third of E!’s new series this year is The Lamas Family (WT), which features Shayne, the 23-year-old who most recently won the heart of Matt Grant on ABC’s Bachelor. Combined with brother A.J. and father Lorenzo Lamas, the show follows Hollywood life through the eyes of the Lamas.

MTV Tr3s 09/10

MTV Tr3s celebrates the fusion of American Latino music, culture and lifestyle. Although the network knows that a bilingual Latino audience sets itself apart from English only speakers, MTV Tr3s' programming strategy is to maintain itself as a neutral language channel, while continuing to reflect the Latino culture in an interesting and authentic way.

New original series for the 2009/2010 season include Quiero Mis Quince, a spinoff of My Sweet 16 and Pimpeando a spinoff of Pimp My Ride, both premiering in fourth quarter. Similar to Mis Quince’s format is Quiero Mi Boda!, a new series set to debut in first quarter of 2010 that showcases weddings of young couples that are planned by MTV Tr3s. Premiering in second quarter is Rock Dinner, a weekly series where a lucky fan is chosen to cook a special dinner for their favorite artist on a limited amount of time and budget. Finally, in third quarter will be Isa TKM (Te Quiero Mucho), a young adult novella that combines music, humor and romance as a teenager discovers her first love.

The network also recently debuted several new programs. Now airing Thursdays at 9PM is Entertainment as a Second Language (ESL) with host Carlos Santos. This TRL spinoff is a one-hour bilingual and bi-cultural variety show that features performances from current music artists, music videos, comedic sketches and interviews with movie and television A-list celebrities. Yo! Yo! is an urban music show that plays hip hop and reggeaton music videos and discusses the genre’s lifestyle. On weekdays, MTV Tr3s is dedicating its 6PM and 12PM time periods to the number one Latino music genre sold in the US with The Regional Mexican Show.

Other new upcoming programs on MTV Tr3s include Unscripted, a half hour show where fans can witness what happens to their favorite performers when cameras aren’t rolling. Also, Casados Con Hijos is a Colombian remake of the American sitcom Married with Children which will air Mondays through Fridays at 4PM and 7PM.

MTV Tr3s has also created themed music blocks including Artists Speaking Tr3s, Fresh Music Mondays, Before & After, Chicas Arriba, Top 20, Street Mix, and Videoteca.

Bravo 09/10

Primarily known for reality and competition series, Bravo will be delving into the scripted genre in the 09/10 season. With two scripted series in development, several returning signature series and new programs added to its fall lineup, Bravo is committed keeping viewers “watching what happens.”

Bravo refers to its audience as “Bravo Affluencers” who are passionate about quality in all things. Keeping this in mind, Bravo has focused its programming in five core passion points: fashion, beauty, food, design, and pop culture.

For fashion, Bravo is introducing three competition series. Launch My Line gives creative people the opportunity to design and produce their dream clothing line. The winning designer of each challenge on the new series The Fashion Show gets their design produced for the mass retail market. In The Sew Off, four aspiring designers dress different clients who are each in need of a new look for a special event. The network will also debut a new weekly topical series, Fashionality, which will discuss everything there is to know about style.

Fashion lovers will also get to follow fashion personalities in two programs. The first features internationally known photographer Markus Klinko and his partner model/artist Indrani in Double Exposure. Also Project Runway alumni, Laura Bennet will get her own program with the Laura Bennet Project. In Fashion Academy, viewers will accompany eight amateur designers through a crash course in design by one of New York’s most recognizable fashion icons. Returning series in this genre include The Rachel Zoe Project and Make Me A Supermodel.

Shear Genius will be back for a third season as 12 new participants compete head-to-head, revealing the latest trends in hair. Other beauty focused programs include Tabatha’s Salon Takeover and Jackie’s Gym Takeover. Viewers will follow these two women as they help struggling business owners revamp their facilities.

Bravo is taking the number one food program in cable, Top Chef, to Vegas. The sixth season of Top Chef will be joined by two other cooking series. In Top Chef Masters, participants battle to create the most exquisite food dishes, while Chef Academy follow nine aspiring chefs who are studying under Michelin-starred culinary master Jean-Christophe Novelli.

The obsessive compulsive designer in Flipping Out and the young realtors from Million Dollar Listing will continue to showcase the hottest designs in the real estate market. New design programs coming soon to Bravo are Design Sixx and the competition series American Artist. Sixx will center on married multimillion-dollar designers and how they take on big projects with the help of their family. Artist will capture the determination of competitors trying to become the next great American artist.

In the genre Bravo is known best for, the Real Housewives are taking over new territory in Real Housewives of New Jersey. Also returning for a fifth season are the Real Housewives of Orange County. Bravo plans to air Real Housewives original episodes on Tuesdays in primetime all year round.

In development is Blueprint, a serialized dramedy that follows the lives of two best friends who own New York's hottest architecture and interior design firm. Also being developed is 30 Under 30, which centers around young and influential personalities who have earned a spot on the elusive “30 under 30” list. Viewers will follow these prominent 20-somethings around the New York social scene as they live a glamorous, yet scandalous lifestyle.

Other new series in development include Miami Social, NYC Prep, Dubai Project, Polo Players, I.T. Girls and Social Heights. In addition, Bravo will also be launching Watch What Happens, a live interactive series that debuted online.

Food Network 09/10

Food Network is known for its instructional cooking programming, but lately edgier programs in the evening hours are driving audiences to check out what’s on even after the dinner dishes have been cleared away. Next season, Food Network is adding to its existing slate of primetime programs such as Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Chopped and Dinner: Impossible, with four new series.

The first of Food’s new primetime programs will premiere in July. Eat & Run takes participants on a scavenger hunt through different cities in search of hard-to-find food items. The remaining three new primetime programs have yet to set a debut date. America’s Best Cook is on a hunt to find the best home cook in the country. While this cook may not be the Next Iron Chef or Food Network Star, they will prove their ability to excel in everyday (though not necessarily easy) areas such as pleasing a picky eater or cooking for a sports team. The Fixers will be a version of Kitchen Nightmares for Food, with the Barfly Group coming to the rescue of struggling restaurants. And finally, cupcakes have become the biggest thing in baked goods. Cupcake Wars examines the competition behind cupcake bakeries in LA who are all striving to craft the hottest cakes in the city.

The Food Network is also adding two new non-prime programs for the 09/10 season. In July, viewers will find out if a skater is as skilled in the kitchen as he is on the ice. What Would Brian Boitano Make? challenges the Olympic athlete to create food for a different event in each episode. The yet-to-be scheduled My Life in Food studies the power of food with a look into the lives of people who have been changed by food.

DIY 09/10

DIY aims to provide its audience with confidence while tackling their home-improvement projects, providing expert hosts on each program that give step-by-step instructions, rather than only before and after shots. While this network targets all adults, many new programs for the 09/10 season are geared toward males.

Two new series are set to debut this summer. Against the Grain pushes the boundaries of functionality with barstools made from baseball bats and pool tables converted into dining room tables. Also in 3rd quarter, DIY moves out of the home to give viewers a look at the restoration of Jay Leno’s famed “Last Duesenberg” in Celebrity Rides: Jay's Duesenberg.

The fall brings four new programs to DIY’s line-up. Two of these programs focus more on destruction rather than creation. In Disaster House, the network will build a “Crash Test House” just to destroy it and repair it on a weekly basis. Wreck & Roll follows a different demolition team in each episode as they bring down a structure from start to finish. Ultimate Sportsman’s Lodge is in the tradition of Man Caves, as outdoorsman Chris Dorsey and comedian Jeff Foxworthy work to build the Ultimate Sportsman’s Lodge in Montana. Finally, in the next series of the Yard Crashers franchise, House Crashers features host Josh Temple as he scouts out home improvement stores to ambush an unsuspecting shopper who will get a home renovation.

Fine Living Network 09/10

Moving into its first full year as a Nielsen rated network, Fine Living is debuting a new original program each quarter to keep upscale audiences engaged. The network defines their target as sophisticated and successful adults they call “Chief Family Officers.” Fine Living reaches out to this demographic with a mix of entertainment and lifestyle programs.

Beginning this summer, Pack Your Toothbrush gives a deserving woman the vacation of her dreams as friends and family narrate the good deeds she has done. In 4th quarter, Fine Living will debut Bartender Wars, where New York City bartenders compete with each other to get things out of their customers such as phone numbers or crazy stories. The Love Taxi hits the road in early 2010. In this dating series, women will travel around in a taxi choosing who they will take as their fare to see if there is a love connection. You’re a Tool premieres in 4th Quarter with family and friends surprising a person with an intervention-style attack to notify them that they are a “tool.” The victim will undergo a make-over to make them less “tool-like.” To round out the season, the reality/competition series 20 Year Reunion will launch in 3rd quarter 2010. This show, set in an actual high school, will pair former rivals in challenges such as passing an algebra test or becoming class president. In each episode, a classmate will be expelled.

Comedy Central 09/10

Comedy Central has found continued success reaching young men through their combination of original comedies, stand-up specials and late night fare. Coming off their best year ever in 2008, Comedy Central is looking to build on their achievement with a broader slate of popular stand-up comics, live events and original program development. MTV Networks is also offering up “The Man Block” on Comedy Central and Spike TV, which roadblocks time on Wednesdays at 10pm in both South Park and UFC to increase an advertiser’s reach among the male viewing audience.

Two new programs are slated to premiere next season in “The Man Block” on Comedy Central. In July, Michael and Michael Have Issues features Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter as hosts of their own fictitious sketch show where they wrestle with insecurity and jealously as each constantly attempts to undermine the other. Original series My Secret Girlfriend debuts in October and offers a never-before-seen take on the life of a perennially single ladies’ man and his two lonely best friends.

Comedy Central is also adding a new program to Thursday night in June. Tosh 2.0 is a short-form, talking head show featuring stand-up comedian Daniel Tosh skewering anything and everything on the Internet.

The network will also continue to host comedy specials and events throughout the year. Scheduled for this summer and fall are Roast of Joan Rivers, Greg Giraldo, Stephen Lynch, Nick Swardson, Gabriel Ingles, Bill Engvall and Patton Oswalt.

NBC Infront 09/10

This morning, in Studio 8H at 30 Rock, Zenith was in attendance for NBC’s Infront presentation. While touching on the programming the network has planned for the new season, executives also focused on the strategy they have developed for the struggling broadcast network. For the 2009-2010 season, NBC plans to create a deeper engagement with consumers, positioning brands to “tell your story with ours.” The big event surrounding NBC’s new season is the addition of Jay Leno to primetime, allowing the network to keep the late night talent while cutting back on investments in programming for the 10pm hour. Additional details regarding NBC’s schedule grid, from time slots to cancelled shows, should be revealed within the next few weeks with the blog updated accordingly.

With many new programs adding to their slate of returning series, NBC is planning night by night strategies to build viewer interest throughout the week and help pull the network out of the fourth-place position that it has lived in for much of the current season. For the 2009-2010 season, NBC unveiled a significant lineup of new programming, consisting of six scripted programs – four dramas and two comedies – and three reality series, enabling the network to run all 52 weeks of the year.

The first of four new dramas coming to the network this fall is Parenthood, as Ron Howard takes his movie to the small screen, adapting the film as a one-hour weekly dramedy. Parenthood, headlined by Peter Krause (Six Feet Under) and Maura Tierney (E.R.), focuses on the story of four siblings and the different experiences they encounter while raising their kids. Day One tells the story of a group of people living in the same apartment complex, who were secretly chosen to help the world deal with the global catastrophe that hits the planet. Two medical related dramas also premiere on the network this season. The first, Trauma, deals with the lives of paramedics who are the “first responders” in the streets of San Francisco. With strong female characters, dramedy Mercy visits the medical genre through the eyes of three nurses working together in a hospital. Confirmed returning dramas to NBC next season include Friday Night Lights, Heroes, Law & Order: SVU and Southland.

Two comedies are currently scheduled for NBC’s lineup in the new season. Community, starring Joel McHale (E!’s The Soup) and Chevy Chase, brings viewers to the local community college campus, where the former lawyer (McHale) compiles a study group of misfits. 100 Questions asks and answers questions of a woman looking to find Mr. Right, flashing back through her past as each question from her dating counselor touches on a specific memory or instance she has experienced. Confirmed returning comedies to NBC next season include 30 Rock, Parks & Recreation, SNL Weekend Update Thursday and The Office.

NBC has also developed a few reality series, ranging from funny to inspirational. Jerry Seinfeld returns to NBC as executive producer of The Marriage Ref, as celebrities, comedians and sports stars settle real-life arguments between husbands and wives, from the inane to the outrageous. Breakthrough with Tony Robbins works to transform the lives of ordinary people through tough and emotional challenges, while Who Do You Think You Are? takes celebrities on a journey of self-discovery, revealing inspiring and sometimes tragic stories that are often linked to events in American History. Confirmed returning alternative series to NBC next season include The Biggest Loser and Celebrity Apprentice.

NBC’s preliminary scheduled fall lineup begins as Monday pairs returning series Heroes with one of the new scripted dramas. Tuesday features the newest edition of reality program The Biggest Loser, while Wednesday so far is only set with Law & Order: SVU. Thursday remains the network’s comedy night, confirmed to include at least 30 Rock, Parks & Recreation and anywhere from six to thirteen SNL Weekend Update Thursday specials. Friday is home for the network’s scripted series, but programs have yet to be announced. Monday through Friday will be anchored in the 10pm slot with one hour airings of The Jay Leno Show, as the comic moves his act from late night to primetime. In addition to encore airings on Saturday, new episodes of Dateline will air in primetime, with Saturday Night Live returning during late night. Fall Sundays feature a sports alternative for viewers with NBC’s coverage of the NFL with Sunday Night Football. Moving into first quarter, NBC also becomes host to the 2010 Winter Olympics from Vancouver, again offering a primetime alternative to viewers throughout the month of February.

Please note that this blog will be updated as additional programming and scheduling information is confirmed by the network.

HGTV 09/10

HGTV targets the homeowner (or aspiring homeowner) in all of us with a diverse slate of programs that cater to a variety of demographics including young, city-dwelling apartment owners, those looking to update a home they’ve owned for years and everyone in-between. New programs for the 09/10 season include not only the same lifestyle programs that viewers have grown accustomed to, but also series specifically designed to help homeowners out in a troubled economy.

HGTV has three new programs scheduled to debut this summer, two of which are financially focused. Real Estate Intervention gives viewers a realistic look at the difficulty of selling a home in today’s real estate market. Each of 13 episodes will follow an individual homeowner who is faced with tough decisions to close a deal. House Poor helps families with too much house debt develop a plan to get back on the right path. This summer’s third new addition is Smart Fix, in which a model turned contractor helps homeowners who got in over their heads with home improvement projects.

This fall, HGTV is trying out a new form of reality program with The Duchess. This series examines the home-life of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland and their family, who live in a fairytale castle.

The bulk of HGTV’s new original programs are set to premiere in 1st quarter, 2010 with a variety of shows from a new reality series to a specifically male-targeted program. Designing for the Sexes is a remake of a former HGTV program in which a designer blends the tastes of couples with very different opinions. Dig In is a landscaping program helping homeowners design and execute their “dreamscape.” Splurge and Save is the network’s third money focused program of the season. The design show helps homeowners get the most bang for their buck, no matter what their budget. Armchair Designer is a reality series in which amateur designers are paired with network stars to be a “designer for a day.” Finally, in an attempt to pull in male viewers, Demo Men follows an Orlando-based demolition company as they tackle one tricky job after another.

HGTV is also expanding on their Dream Home and Green Home giveaway specials. Urban Oasis will give viewers the chance to register to win a luxurious home in the heart of a big city. Urban Oasis will provide advertisers the same sponsorship opportunities as Dream Homes in the past.

VH1 & VH1C 09/10

VH1 is getting nostalgic with new programs while still exploring reality programs that have dominated their slate for the past few years. For the 09/10 season, VH1 will connect viewers to three pillars of programming: music, pop culture and, of course, celebrities.

The music and pop culture pillars of programming will attempt to merge the old with the new. New pop culture programs include The Opinionator and The Great Debate, which debuts this summer. The Great Debate features pop culture experts who debate both old and new categories (i.e. American Idol vs. Star Search, The Fonz vs. Urkel, and American Girls Dolls vs. Cabbage Patch Kids). The Opinionator is a pop culture roundtable program.

Music programming will feature returning programs such as Jumpstart and Top 20 Countdown. In addition, the network will air quarterly specials as well as signature events such as Divas, Hip Hop Honors and Rock Honors.

This season, the network’s “celebreality” programs will focus on both stars’ overall lives and their love lives. New reality series on VH1 include Passion of Antonio, in which Antonio Sabato Jr. will look for love. Megan Wants a Millionaire is another new series that focuses on Megan Hausserman, a VH1 reality star many times over, and her quest for love among millionaires. Broke & Famous explores celebrities who have seen better days as they work with a life coach to fix financial problems. These new series will join returning programs I Want to Work for Diddy 2, Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, Brooke Knows Best, Gotti’s Way 2, Tool Academy, Second Chance at Love and I Love Money.

VH1 Classic will continue to feature music videos and concert footage from the 1970s through the mid-1990s. The network's programs include That Metal Show and Behind the Music.

MTV 09/10

The millennial generation is filled with hope for the future and MTV is trying to capture that attitude with its slate of new programming for the upcoming season. New original series will focus directly on the interests of this up and coming generation, including everything from social networking to achieving their wildest dreams before hitting 30.

MTV is refocusing their brand to generate new interest with this audience with several new programs. Many of these programs will debut in 3rd quarter, as the network puts the spotlight back on summertime fun, a favorite time of year for millennials who are out of school. Perhaps the most notable new program will be MTV’s replacement for the recently cancelled TRL. What You’re Watching with Alexa Chung will be a live entertainment show, but the parallels with TRL end there. The after-school timed show features British personality Alexa Chung in a real-time program including celebrity guests, musical performances and the best clips from the web. To make the program interactive for not only the on-camera audience, but also viewers at home, the network has forged partnerships with both Facebook and Twitter.

New primetime programs incorporate both completely original ideas and old-ideas repurposed to target a new generation. Two new reality programs focus on the aspirations of their young audience. The Buried Life follows four young men on a quest to accomplish a list of 100 dreams. As they travel, sometimes attempting the impossible, they challenge others in their path to answer the question, “What do you want to do before you die?” The Stylist is in the same vein as Made and pits four junior assistants at a hot agency up against each other as they fight for a high-profile stylist contract. What sets The Stylist apart from other reality competitions is that there will be no staged challenges or eliminations.

MTV is also adding to its primetime slate with animation and web content. Beevis and Butthead are channeled in the new comedy DJ and the Fro. Just as the cartoon from the 90’s used to comment on music videos, DJ and the Fro work in an office and comment back and forth on hot video clips from the Web. Pranked is another new program that borrows online content. Unlike the Ashton Kutcher series, Pranked has no producers, camera men, or editors. These pranks are just the best of the best of amateur tricks posted on the Internet. And for those sick of celebrating celebrities, Popzilla animates the rich and famous in a silly sketch comedy that pokes fun of current events in Hollywood.

Finally, MTV will be the first network to highlight an up and coming sport. The Ultimate Parkour Challenge dares experts in the sport to get from point A to point B in the quickest way possible, using only their bodies. After three rounds of competition, one athlete will win $10,000.

These programs will join returning series The Hills, Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew, Run’s House and the recent Sunday night additions, Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory and Nitro Circus.

MTV will also be highlighting seasonal events such as Halloween and Spring Break 2010 by featuring specials and programs geared toward these festive times of year.