Now that it’s upfronts season, we’re back to reading the trades, anticipating pick-ups, and speculating on what Fall 2009 will look like. It’s a funny time of year when being able to parse TV speak comes in handy. Who’s on the bubble? How many new laffers did the Peacock go for? What pilots were picked up? Translations and answers after the jump.
Upfronts: When the networks present their fall scheduling to advertisers. This traditionally happens in May and is usually the first time the fall schedule is announced publicly. The official network schedules indicate which current shows will return and which new pilots were picked up (see below).
Trades: The publications dedicated to publishing entertainment news, namely Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
Pick-Ups: When a show is “picked up” it means that the network has bought a new series based on a produced pilot. Orders are usally for half a seasons work of episodes (13) or, in cases where the network feels confident about a show’s success, it will get a full season order.
Bubble: When the fate of a show that’s already on the air is uncertain, it’s said to be “on the bubble.” Either the network will order another season of that show or not. Until the fall schedules are announced, those shows are in limbo, or “on the bubble.”
Who’s on the bubble? NOT New Adventures of Old Christine. Phew. Until Tuesday, the comedy (which also happens to be the show I’m currently specing) was on the bubble again. While it’s still uncertain whether or not the show will return to CBS, ABC has committed to picking up the show for another full season, should CBS decide against renewing it.
How many new laffers did the Peacock go for? Translation: How many new comedies did NBC pick up. Answer: NBC did their upfronts early and put two new half-hour comedies on the schedule.
What pilots have been picked up? It’s still too early to tell… to employ further television speak, “Stay Tuned!”
Post a Comment