Every Time I Use 'Canceled' and 'Studio 60' in a Headline, My Hits on Google Head Off the Charts!

In honor of the above headline -- sorry to be so crassly self-serving and needy, by the way -- I give you the very latest about NBC's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," aka The Show Whose Fate Will Determine The Future Of Western Civilization -- or at least, you know, that of the True Believers (you know who you are).

A rumor had been going around (imagine that -- a rumor on the Internet!) that after having gone back into production earlier this month on episodes 17 through 22, the show had ceased production and the plug finally, irrevocably pulled. WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! (Imagine it -- an inaccurate rumor on the Internet!) I got the scoop this very afternoon from Lesley Cerwin, the NBC publicist assigned to the show, and she confirmed that production on episode 19 was scheduled to be completed today and work on episode 20 commenced on Thursday.

So yes, it appears that at least the full season complement of shows will make it into the can for Aaron Sorkin's noble but low-rated hour. But all of you "Save Studio 60" cyber sites and blogs, take note: it is now highly unlikely the show will be brought back this spring. The more probable scenario (strictly my conjecture): it will come back in originals over the summer as something of a "bell lap" final farewell.

Don't hold your breath for the show's second-season renewal. That probably ain't happening. Networks typically reserve that stuff for shows that don't bleed millions of dollars, being as they are in the profit business and all. I don't mean to belittle "Studio 60" supporters, as it is an intelligent and worthy piece of television, but the era of petitions making a difference in rescuing a series from the chopping block has long since passed, I'm afraid. This here petition, for example, boasts nearly 17,000 cyber signatures, but unless at least 500 of the signers reside in Nielsen homes I don't really see it turning the tide.

Now remember: this is NOT official. It's just my blubbering into the cyber ether. Or as I like to say, positively certain, as I am never wrong -- except, well, you know, a lot of the time.

Comments

[Ariel]

Geez Louise, just cancel this freaking show already. (NO offense, but I'm sick of hearing about it.) Having to read about it is only slightly less boring than the show itself. Talk about "DIS-Appointment Television." Zzzzzzzzz....

[thawtful]

It may be bleeding cash but TBD's ratings were worse so wasn't that bleeding even more?

Maybe NBC and Warner Bros will wise up on how to make a monetary deal on a drama series in the 21st century - can you say product placement? Online ad revenue? ITunes?

[flippet]

You know, I've got to agree with Ariel, here. If you're going to cancel it, THEN CANCEL THE DAMN THING ALREADY! I mean, I personally don't want it cancelled, but what *is* the point of dragging it out like this? What are they waiting for?

That's a serious question, by the way. What *are* they waiting for?

I mean, we knew that West Wing was 'cancelled' and not returning for another season long before the end of the last season. 'Cancelled' can mean either 'you're never seeing more eps', or simply 'it's not coming back next season'. I think we're all expecting the latter. So why no announcement? If there really is no hope, why not just say so? Officially, of course, not just Joe Blow on that there internet-thingy.

[The Big Sis]

Well heck, I guess I'm in the minority but I kinda like the show. It's fast-paced, funny and tackles some interesting issues (censorship for instance?).

I guess my only complaint would be that as much as I like the witty, rat-ta-tat-tat dialogue, it sometimes seems kind of forced because NOBODY could possibly have such consistantly edgy, intelligent, wryly amusing, well-timed comebacks to every single question or statement uttered by anyone!

I just wish I was as hip and cool as those guys think they are.

[vanessa macsherry]

love, love, love this show. the lack of interesting television has been depressingly elevated since the inception of reality tv. please keep studio 60 for seasons to come!
v.

[TVSeriesFinale.com]

Even those who absolutely love this show I think will agree that it's not as good as it could be. It certainly doesn't live up to the brilliance that was expected from Aaron Sorkin based on his years on West Wing.

I think the biggest problem with the show is the setting. After seeing Sorkin's work centered around the leadership of the most powerful nation in the world, a show about a late night show is very underwhelming.

[Theodora --The DigressaContessa]

:::LOL Ray... you bettah watch out, l'est people tell ya my 'style' is rubbing off on you:::

;-)

I really wanted to like "Studio60".

Being so far off Hollywierd's beaten path, these days, I felt sure it would be the fix that would help me get over my ShowByz addiction.

And I adore Matthew Perry...

But the network nitwits KILLED this show by over-promoting it, instead of letting it find its niche.

ALL of the current network nitwits seems to think we need to be beat to death with promotion & hyping key scenes to bloody pulp.

And constant rehashes, as if their audience are all tottering down Alzheimer's corridors...

Create a show with solid plot and memorable characters --and they will come...

:::well --not 'come' --but get excited enough to really want to watch each week:::

Insofar as 'reality' TV's 'ilk'...

It was the unions' way of getting back at the Creative Community --by producing the cheeeepest product on the fly.

And it appeals to McViewers who want their TV in vicarious doses.

The whole world's succumbed to Universal Studios' mentality...

BTW --can anyone really explain to me how "Ugly Betty" morphed into a subplot about illegal Mexican aliens??? Suffering culcha shock here --but in the days I resided in NoooYawk --the majority of the Hispanic community was from Puerto Rico, which has since become a suburb of the Empire State.

Is there really a big Mexican population in Jackson Heights?

:::Just wonderin' as I'm wanderin' out unda da stawz:::

[OldOldLady Of The Hills]

Well, I'm one of the faithful and I think this is a WONDERFUL WONDERFUL show---no matter what anybody says---so called inside experts included....! And I say to all of you Balderdash And Bull! There is nothing else on television at this time, especially on NBC,ABC, & CBS that comes close to the quality of this show---wherever it takes place...! Everything about it is classy as can be, and if NBC cancels this terrifically addictive show then they are truly the Horror Shows of The Biz that there partner/parent (Universal) has helped them to become...Whimps of The First Order! Yeah Yeah Yeah...I know times have changed...Well screw that! There is an audience out there for this show and the days of all those double digit numbers for "drama" shows of superior quality---which is crap, anyway---are over!
And please....stop beating on Aaron Sorkin. THAT is getting so old and tired...Help! Give this incredibly talented man a friggin' break! He is The Best we have. THE BEST! Stand up and applaud him and scream BRAVO! Or would you rather watch "Deal Or No Deal"? Cause that is what you will get. More And More And More Of That "greed" Crap...

[Junior Totti]

Ahhgh! Yeah, I'm not on the net very often and I just checked to see why the hell this show wasn't on. This show really got to me and I'm not a Friends fan. It really had it all. I can't believe I'm writting in the past tense about it. Seriously, I'm done with network TV.

[Donna]

I think the show is great and I loved it. I miss the show very much and would like the show to return and have a second season. Other shows like Cheers and M A S H started off slow in the first season and they became hits and lasted for years. I think this will be the case with Studio 60. NBC needs to give the show a chance to find its audience. The cast is wonderful and will have a new following of fans. I think the promotion of the show has been lacking and the talk of cancellation kept people away from watching the show. Return the show to finish this season with a promise of a second season and the show will take off in the ratings.

[Hadessa]

My husband and I looked forword to Monday nights with 24 and Studio 60. Great writings, enjoyed the characters, Since my husband is Jewish and I'm a Christian we could relate the religious issues. Honestly, NBC has totally screwed up. Star Trek wasn't popular either, at first. No one writes like this anymore and as usual. They are shooting themselves in the foot. Change the time slot. But bring it back.

[Jena]

For those of you who don't think there's anything good on TV these days, I would almost agree with you, with the exception of Boston Legal. If you're not watching it, you should! Oh, and what about Rescue Me and 24? It's not a totally vast wasteland, as long as those shows stick around. I also won't be missing Studio 60 if it goes. Not at all what I hoped it might be. Sort of a too cool for the room feel that just kinda turned me off.

[renton]

To the person that mentioned it, Studio 60 is bleeding cash because it's by far the most expensive new show on TV. And it's not making nearly enough money to recoup its costs.

All those "name" actors gotta get paid. The Black Donnellys ratings are worse, but the show costs a fraction of what Studio 60 does because there isn't a single household name in the cast.

I went back and watched the first two seasons of West Wing recently, and by comparison, Studio 60 is a HUGE disappointment. It doesn't have nearly the level of well-defined characters or plausible plot lines. It was a decent idea, but I think it's so far short of its potential, that you might as well pull the plug.

(And for the record, I have watched every episode this season -- and the plotline with Danny and Jordan on the roof was HORRIBLE)

[Cruella]

I've heard this show is much more expensive than BD (which should be cancelled as well). It's been consistently bleeding viewers as well, very bad sign for the show, meaning that people sampled it and didn't like it. Actors obviously aren't cheap and probably can't wait to get off the sinking ship. Just kill the damn thing already. Not to mention, the show is awful.

[John Madden]

I love this show. We're only a couple of weeks in over in this backwards country (Ireland) but I love the show. Except... It's about a comedy show. A supposedly newly successful one. And yet the dialogue outside the show is more sparkling and funnier than the sketches. I wish it wasn't so, but as long as that's the case I don't think it entirely works.

I read someone a while back suggest that it would work better as a cable show - e.g. references, scenes and language that networks wouldn't show (a la 'Sopranos' and 'Weeds'). Who wouldn't want to see that?

[Susie]

this show started out good. then turned into a stupid soap opera with all the love story lines and what not. they blew it.

[Kitcat]

I agree that Studio 60 was way over promoted, but when it did finally premiere, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I loved it! I was always a fan of Sorkin, but the over-promotion had me thinking I wouldn't watch. It was a pleasure to have something on TV that stimulated my brain - the episode "Nevada Day" was pure evidence of this - it doesn't hurt to have a stellar cast, however, if I were casting the show, I'm not so sure I'd have picked Sarah Paulson to play Harriet - she does not have the conviction the character needs - she seems so wishy washy, and I'm not sure that's just the writing, which again, I know is brilliant! Also, if it stays, keeping away from cliches like having Jordan and Danny get stuck on the roof to realize they are in love would help tremendously.

[JR Boone]

I don't care for Studio 60, but The Black Donnellys is a joke. I'd pick the first over the latter, but I say get rid of both of them. I find myself over at ABC most of the time these days anyway - LOST, Grey's Anatomy (which has gotten much better since its initial season which was so-so), Ugly Betty, Boston Legal, even What About Brian is starting to grow on me.

[UrBestGirl]

For a show that seems to have been such a disappointment to many (including myself), it's interesting that there is always a certain degree of passionate outcry about any cancellation rumors. If the dollars don't work, NBC will surely dump it regardless of its following, but maybe it would still have legs if it could find a new home on HBO or something, who knows. With all the critics fawning over it for months before its debut, I had high hopes for the show myself, but was disappointed to find it overwritten, overacted, and dripping with self-importance. ("Big Sis" was on the money with her description of the forced, overly witty dialogue.) I would even go so far as to say that West Wing often suffered from the same problems. But somehow the subject matter on WW seemed to lend itself better to the intensity of Sorkin's style, so you didn't have to suspend belief quite so much in order to enjoy it. The goings-on behind the scenes at a weekly comedy show -- well, it's not exactly the White House. I suspect Studio 60 might be more palatable to a wider audience if it just didn't take itself quite so seriously. Even RESCUE ME (one of the best shows on TV in years, in my opinion), a show about NYC firefighters, takes itself less seriously than Studio 60.

Probably the best example of a one-hour drama making light of itself is BOSTON LEGAL -- I agree with some of the earlier posters on this one. It's such a unique blend of smart and funny, important and wacky. It makes you think AND it makes you laugh. I didn't find it until midway through the first season, but now I try to never miss an episode. My hat's off to David E. Kelley for that one. For anyone who's on the fence (or not), this piece at EW is worth reading:

http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2006/10/the_strange_cas.html#more

[JT]

Studio 60 is likely the best writing on television today. Boston Legal is sensationalist crap. Lost is must-leave TV and relies on sensationalism to get the viewers. Fine, it works for them but lets get something relatively intelligent on the air and stick with it for a few seasons please.
West Wing did well in a narrowly defined demographic because it was about a subject that everyone could somehow relate to - politics and government. Studio 60 is, on the other hand, an inside look at an industry that is quite screwed up, over-hyped and frankly gets more coverage than it should every night on EXTRA and the like. People think they want to know how television production works. When they finally get to see the 'glamour' of hollywood they realize it really ain't that glamourous.
Having worked in TV and Film for a number of years (I have a friend who is directing episode 19 of S-60) I've been on the set when it's hurry-up-and-wait for the hours and hours of set up and lighting and rehearsal, etc, etc. Did I say it really ain't that glamourous? In reality, while Studio 60 is excellent writing, great character development and interesting relationships, it just doesn't hit home with most of the tv audiences. People want to be shocked and awed to death while they wonder what alien creature impregnated jessica on which island under the crime scene investigation during a blackout invaded by some foreign country. (OK, maybe I'd watch that) It all adds up to the same old category of 'sex sells' whether it's sex or sensationalism, dancing with the ex-stars or watching them get fired, the tv audience seems to need the over-the-top vicarious living that they don't get in their daily lives. It makes sense, but is also a sad statement of entertainment. I'll agree that the rooftop thing was kind weak, but at least it was interesting dialogue. Danny needs to scream less and make power plays more. Everyone else, keep doing what you are doing. (Yes, Harriet could be a bit less flakey). I have to say that Amanda Peet has been handed the best lines on television since the pregnancy thing started (yes I know she's really pregnant) Anyway, long story long, I'd like to see S-60 live on, but let's face it, television (ok, commercial television) has no place for intelligent, well written, non-sensationalistic content.
I'd write more but aliens just invaded my Tivo.
Bring it.

[Jena]

Geez louise, so snotty, JT. Take a chill pill. I agree with you that Lost is totally overrated, but must you be so dismissive of BostonLegal? It's just fun. Very smart and tongue-in-cheek for those of us who "get it." You're missing out, JT. Another thing, I don't agree that the reason many of us aren't fans of Studio 60 has much to do with the subject matter not "hitting home." Good TV is good TV, period. I didn't hang out in bars, but was able to appreciate CHEERS. I'm not all that politically minded, but loved The West Wing. I don't know anything about firefighting, but I also enjoy Rescue Me. My point is, if it's good, people will watch. Give the viewing audience at least a smidgen of credit.
I work in the biz myself, so the subject matter "hits home" just fine. That's not why the show irks me. I still stand my my statement that it has a "too cool for the room" feel that is just a huge turn-off. Simple as that. And the dialogue is just trying too damn hard. Nobody talks like that in real life, ESPECIALLY in this business! I wish there were more good "biz" shows on the air. The one that sticks out in my mind is Beggars & Choosers, that aired some years back on Showtime. Stellar. Smart, "inside," and incredibly fun to watch. The funny thing is that I wasn't even working in TV at the time. Go figure. S60 just takes itself way too seriously. It's endlessly irritating. I literally cannot get through a full episode anymore, try as I might. If only the mainstream public was as in love with the show as it is with itself, it wouldn't be in danger of getting axed. As it is, though ......

[cadavra]

I had already suggested on an earlier post that the series move to HBO, which is also a Warner property and is losing most of its high-profile dramas (SOPRANOS, DEADWOOD, ROME). But there's also another Warner network, the CW, which could use a quality adult drama, or even NBC-owned Bravo, which once upon a time stood for quality. C'mon, people--NBC ain't the only game in town!

[Filmmaven]

Cadavra, oh no you did NOT just suggest that Studio 60 move to the CW. HBO, maybe. But CW? I'm sorry, but that is just sad. Let us try to show a little more faith than that.

[JT]

HBO? Wow, can you imagine S60 with swearing, sex and murder? It would almost be as good as, well, Boston Legal! (Ok, except for the writing!) Danny Tripp on coke, with strippers and guns and firetrucks! Matt on antidepressants with a hash pipe and a loaded .45! C'mon people, Studio 60 couldn't and wouldn't survive on Cable because it is uniquely positioned to MOCK network television! I know, there are plenty of precedents for shows on cable that mock network tv, but are any of them still around?
As always I welcome your enthusiastic comments.. and I am NOT snotty Jena. am not am not am not!

[Isabella]

I love S60, and hope very much to see the final episodes, at least.

[Jena]

Are too, JT. Are too, are too, are too! (heehee)
Can't we all just get along? By the way, I'm not sure anyone is suggesting that putting Studio 60 on HBO means it would have to jack up the level of swearing and violence. I think the thought is just that it might be able to find a home there without having to be quite as dependent on the mighty advertising $$ in the same way it would on an NBC. It didn't happen for Arrested Development, but maybe S60 will be different? I hope for your sake, and all of the other fans that Studio 60 sticks around, my friend. I dont care for it, but it's a big bummer when a fave show of mine gets the ax, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya (even if you are a little snotty).

[cadavra]

Filmmaven: CW isn't entirely a wasteland. GILMORE GIRLS and VERONICA MARS are as smart as anything on TV right now, and while I no longer watch SMALLVILLE, that was always a quality show. And again, the financial upside of a Warner show on a Warner network is an added inducement to keep it going. STUDIO 60 on the CW is certainly preferable to STUDIO 60 nowhere.

[Lori]

Interesting discussion here! I'm glad to see the comments about some of my favorite shows (which don't include Studio 60, I'm sorry to say). And JT will be sorry to see that I, too, am a Boston Legal fan, and will be watching it tonight. ("DENNY CRANE!")

As for people's comments about the CW -- Ray, what's your take on that? I'm just curious to see where you stand. Some people are suggesting Studio 60 could move there, while others seem to think that the CW would be a "sad" place for it to end up. I thought it was ironic that the earlier poster used the word "wasteland," as I seem to remember having heard you refer to the CW on camera--at least a couple of times now--as being an abbreviation for "Complete Waste." Where do YOU stand on the CW? I know people have talked a lot of smack about this new network -- do you still feel that way? Curious.

[JT]

hahaha. Jena, I'm really not so snotty. I'm just enjoying the spirited discourse here. I'd be happy to see S60 on HBO, maybe it would let Aaron Sorkin iterate on the dialog enough to get it tuned up for a WW type audience. I don't see it surviving on CW as cadavra suggests since the demographic is so much younger and the show seems statistically aimed at 35-50 somethings. It begs the broader question: does a writer try to appeal to more popularity by changing the dialog or is it compromising their artistic integrity... hmmm....

[Burt]

As far as I'm concerned, Studio 60 is an intelligent, adult drama that is sorely missed. Bring it back now! It only CW would pick up...now that would be a surprise! Might actually add some grown-ups to their viewership.

[Ken]

I miss the show. I hope they bring it back and give it a real chance. I believe it will be a hit if they just leave it on and let it grow.

[Karen Blackburn]

Please SAVE this show !!!

[Jonathon]

Its the witty satire, the fast paced look at what TV land is all about. Ya so some people dont care what goes on backstage, dont watch, its that simple. I will admit the over promoting kinda left a sour taste in my mouth, but the show struck paydirt for me and I've been hooked. Not many shows left on the air that are really worth watching. Who cares who screwed whos sister, or why sally doesnt want to hang out with her friends because joe is messing around with sarah's cousins best friend. Seriously reality tv is killing us and our children. It creates a false take on life and jams crap down peoples throats on how they should live thier lives to be cool and popular. Im sorry but the real world isnt Junior high...people need to grow up. Im just wondering if S60 does get the big boot what is going to replace it? A reality tv show?

[krm]

So I'm probably in the minority, but I never saw any of the supposed overhyping for the show, hadn't even heard of it till I stumbled upon it by setting the dvr to the wrong time. As a result I missed the first 3 epsiodes, and find it shocking in these days of a couple new episodes then 3 weeks of repeats that studio 60 hasn't been given that chance to gain a following. Network TV is such a wasteland these days this was a welcome if short lived reprieve. I hope someone somewhere is listening, I remember all the rumors around Sports Night when it was canceled (HBO etc.) and it would be sad to lose another decent show to the (un)Reality death spiral.

[Mezza Mezza]

If they gonna cancel Studio 60 why not give it to PBS? So it can be a public domain kinda programming.

From then on PBS can make off any shortcomings thru merchandising, DVDs, iTunes downloads, Amazon downloads, books, roadshow appearances, Mall christening, Cereal brandings. . . . .NBC get the picture?

[Mezza Mezza]

If they gonna cancel Studio 60 why not give it to PBS? So it can be a public domain kinda programming.

From then on PBS can make off any shortcomings thru merchandising, DVDs, iTunes downloads, Amazon downloads, books, roadshow appearances, Mall christening, Cereal brandings. . . . .NBC get the picture?