Buh-bye, Bunnies.
Nobody said the TV business wasn’t brutal. Nobody, that is, who’s still employed and producing television shows.
We have our very first casualty of fall – and a few shows that got saved. For now.
The Playboy Club’s been canceled. Three episodes (remember how they just can’t wait around to see if people warm up to something?) and pfffft!! Which leaves just one 1960s period drama on network TV. AMC is sitting pretty with Mad Men, although Bobby Draper may have a varsity letter and a Draft-dodging Summons by the time it’s back on our airwaves.
Did you ever watch The Playboy Club? I saw the pilot, didn’t think it was so bad, but recognized that I was predisposed to like something where people are dressed nicely and men have short hair and hold doors. I was prepared to acknowledge my affinity for regularly used combs, hairbrushes, pomade and white gloves.What I wasn’t prepared for was something that didn’t have the oomph to get out of the starting gate. Which seems to me sad, because according to the show’s numbers, no one was ever watching it. Even the pilot was ignored. Thus, no one ever decided that it sucked – because they’d never seen it to begin with. Now that’s gotta hurt. Of course there’s also gossip about why it tanked…some are saying that in this era people didn’t want to witness a time of such wanton excess. Not sure about that one, because how then would we explain Desperate Housewives? There’s also buzz that people were too icked out by Eddie Cibrian’s tawdry extra-marital assignations with LeAnn Rimes. Don’t buy that one either, because how then would we explain Angelina Jolie’s huge following? Finally, we have to remember that the show was targeted by The Parents Television Council for promoting obscenity and even, I seem to recall, prostitution. Now, I’m in my 40s but I see that parents still have what it takes to ruin all the fun. Right?
Now, to the good news. Because NBC, while dissing Playboy, has opted to order full seasons of both Whitney and Up All Night. This is super-cool for them – remember the only other show with an immediate full-season order is New Girl. Which is great if you’re a fan of Up All Night (which I am). And deeply puzzling if you fail to grasp the appeal of sophomoric-jammed-down-your-throat-relationships-suck -jokes found in Whitney (me again). Here’s what I think. I think they spent sooo darn much cash promoting Whitney that they have to put their money where their billboards are and back it.Why else? Whitney’s other show – 2 Broke Girls, is alarmingly, incandescently, and doubly superior. Maybe it’s a pride thing.
So what’s next? As someone who is really impressed with a lot of fall’s new shows, I must say it’s hard to guess where the axe will fall. I’m really hoping Revenge and Ringer stay put as guilty pleasures, and hopefully Pan Am will correct its less-than-scintillating flight path from last weekend. Person of Interest is a neat concept, although I’ve only seen one episode; and even though I don’t normally like dead people talking, A Gifted Man is kind of great. In a lump-in-your-throat, Peace Corps ad kind of way. Terra Nova was boring (not that I’m its target viewer) but no way are they going to let that ship sink, now that they’ve spent Finland’s Gross Domestic Product producing it. So who stays and who goes may be anyone’s guess – let us know your opinion.
Today’s poll:
1) How To Be A Gentleman
2) Pan Am
3) Prime Suspect
4) Free Agents
This is very good work. You have done a lot of homework on this topic and it certainly shows in the way you have represented your material. I enjoyed this article and appreciate your viewpoints.
Really informative blog.Much thanks again. Really Great.
@wilma johnson & John, its possible that TWA was just far more boring to work for, or as John said, its fictional, so chill out. Pan Am is great show. I love the romance of the era, I enjoy the characters, especially Colette who is just about the loveliest person on TV. It is a pleasant show that I look forward to each week. I don’t know if that is enough to keep it going, but I really hope so! The other 3 options up there, pff couldn’t care less if they get cancelled. Of course, that is just my opinion
Back to the apparent inaccurate portrayal of history mentioned by wilma. Sorry to say this, but TV shows, films (especially those produced in america) CONSTANTLY add flare, adaptation, or just brand new details. That’s why this stuff sells the world over.
@wilma johnson — Because a fictional TV show doesn’t represent your personal reality it should be cancelled? Wow…you must think the world revolves around you. It’s a TV SHOW. Get over yourself. I don’t shop like the freaky women on TLC’s Extreme Couponing. So, I guess that show should be cancelled too. And the cops here in Philly don’t act anything like those on CSI, so please cancel that show. Oh, and BTW, you might want to learn how to spell your own occupation!
I have “The Playboy Club” DVRd so I have yet to see it,but I don’t remember it being advertised a lot,not like Pan Am. And now Pan Am is a big hit all because of advertising, lots and lots of advertising, and having SONY backing it doesn’t hurt either.
Please cancel Pan AM It so is not true of a Hostess that time area it hurts me too see that because I was one of TWA in the 60′s and we were nothing like that. That is a disgace to all Flight Attendance!!!!!!!!
Like Prime Suspect. It will take time to get used to her, but it is remake of English show starring Helen Mirren which I loved. This will grow on you I’m sure.
I think NBC just likes to be among the first to cancel shows. I guess people just prefer crap tv and foul mouthed comedies. Its funny that there is less sex on The Playboy club than some of the other shows, and it is about sex.
I am absolutely baffled about the Playboy Club. There was nothing sinister about it. In fact, it was more prim and proper than the foul mouths of 2 Broke Girls. Ugh! You people are a real piece of work. Can’t we keep at least ONE drama on your station?
@Tina – The Bobby Draper thing was on purpose, joking about his son draft dodging the Vietnam War in 12 years or so. (Basically, poking fun at how long it has taken for the season to start)
I dont need to write a paragraph in proper English if I dont want too!!!!!!!!!!!! I am right in what I am say you dont know me or who I work for so if you want to start a pissing contest on how well I write or dont write we can go this is just a little Blog and for you to attact me in the way you just did because I told you that your info was wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!! bite me
Actually I love Terra Nova. It is one of the best scifi show period. Until Terra Nova came along I haven’t seen a good scifi show for quite a few years. I also like Person of Interest as well. I do wish that they put a good family comedy on like the old “Dick Van Dyke” show. Something that is decent and make people laugh.
Actually, Tigger81762, I know I’m right, so you (who obviously can’t even write a paragraph in proper English) are the one who’s wrong! Brad & Jennifer were separated and not living together while he was filming “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and it wasn’t until after the movie wrapped that Brad & Angelina started dating!
Bobby Draper? Don’t you mean Don Draper, when referring to Mad Men???
Person of Interest is my new favorite show. I haven’t been this excited over a show since season one of 24. I will also admit that I am enjoying Revenge more than I thought I would.
To answer the person named Esther, the info you have is wrong. Brad and Jennifer was married when he started dating Angelina, They started the hook up on the set of Mr and Mrs Smith. Jennifer and Brad still lived together at the time. Brad didnt leave until after the movie was out and making money……
I think ABC has lost its mind–brothers and sisters was a great show and now they put on that awful chew instead of all my children –I for one will not watch any new ABC shows.
I’m not surprised that “The Playboy Club” was cancelled! I’m just glad that the new shows I watch and love, like “2 Broke Girls”, “Person of Interest”, “Revenge” & “Ringer”, are still on the air and I hope they remain on their networks’ schedules for a long time! I’ll also give “Pan Am”, “Prime Suspect” & “A Gifted Man” a chance!
By the way, even though Eddie Cibrian’s popularity went down after cheating on his wife with LeAnn Rimes, who cheated on her husband with him; I think it’s unfair to compare their indiscretion with Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie’s situation because unlike Eddie & LeAnn, Brad & Angelina didn’t start a relationship behind their spouses’ backs! Both Brad & Angelina were separated and/or in process of divorce when they started dating! Eddie & LeAnn were still very much married and living with their spouses while they were having an affair!
@Christine: “Harper’s Island” wasn’t cancelled after the 1st season because it wasn’t a regular show, it was a Mini-Series and it ended when it had to end!
CBS sucks. Of the few shows I like on CBS, I really liked Playboy Club – way better than Pan AM. I still haven’t forgiven them for taking Harper’s Island off the air after the 1st season. Best Show Ever! I’m finding that ABC airs much better shows than CBS and they last longer – Revenge, Happy Ending, Body of Proof, Castle, etc. Another reason to keep watching ABC I guess. Put it back on CBS!
My husband is from Chicago, his mother worked at the Playboy Mansion (cleaning lady). We watched the first episode, neither of us liked it (boring), so not surprised to read it has been canceled. Don’t like any of the new sitcoms. I do really like A Gifted Man, can’t imagine why they scheduled it for Friday night – good thing I have a dvr. I watched the first two episodes of Terra Nova and decided to give up – just too “far out there” for me.
I was hoping for MAD MEN. The Playboy Club became just another story with folks dressed in the early 60′s. Rather than accidentally killing a mob boss. The early episode
dealing with a young lady dressed in those awful outfits who is pregnant with her baby and was fathered by the mayor who
ran on a family values pledge.
I wanted more white collar crime. Viewers should see the family man who sneeks off to the club, gets infected with
syphallus and then infects his wife. He also receives the top seller of mutual funds of his company and the presentation is at the
Playboy club. The scene ends when the child is delivered and given to a adoption agency in Harlem, because the bunny is black.
I think this is a load of crap!!! That no one watched The Playboy Club. I programed it for both my TV’s. All three programs. And I enjoyed all of the eposodes.
They all ways do that take off the good shows and leave on the crap. I see more reality shows than there should be and watch the good ones go. I hate reality shows but theeir still there. But that’s my opionion.
All i say is leave a varitey of shows for everyone to enjoy it’s only TV.
I like what Don-Man has to say he explains the way i feel a little bit clearer. The NBA’s not comming on on time eather.
I really like Prime Suspect and Person of Interest and I hope they stay. I couldn’t make it through one episode of Pan Am. I actually liked Playboy Club and I’m surprised it didn’t do better. The murder mystery subplot was really good whether it took place in a club like that or not. I love New Girl and haven’t bothered to watch Whitney- way too many annoying sex jokes. Free Agents was ok the first ep, but boring and kind of lame after that, and again way too many lame uneccessary sex jokes. I also liked the Gifted Man show pretty well, like the main actor a lot. I thought the set for Terra Nova was so cheesy and fake looking and they don’t make the crazy premise believeable. Like, where do they get their food?!
Anyway, I hope Prime Suspect and Person of Interest make it. P of I reminds me a lot of the old show Early Edition which was a great show. Kind of like an updated version of it. Other than New Girl I don’t really care that much if any of them make it.
Really like Revenge. Looking so forward to the third week. Did not see the Playboy Club and could not tolerate Prime Suspect. She is way to annoying and that was disappointing to me because I really like Aiden Quinn.
I really enjoyed the Playboy Club, I used to live in Chicago in the sixties (and I survived) Playboy After Dark was my favourite show. It brought back a lot of very wonderful memories. I hope another channel picks it up.
I liked The Playbody Club and I’m very disappointed that it was cancelled already. After a few shows??? That doesn’t even make sense!
There goes NBC again,cancelling a show before I get to see an episode of it.
Note to ABC: Charlie’s Angels is HORRIBLE. The acting sucks (with exception to Minka Kelly), the plots terrible. They just jammed this show into our face, with no backstory to get us into the characters. And Bosely as a buffed up playboy? No way! Please make this one the next to go!!
Bummer… I liked the Playboy Club
Pan Am needs to go its boring. I can’t believe ABC cancelled Brothers & Sisters and put that in its time slot. Prime Suspect can go as well, Maria Bello character is too over the top, NBC should have kept Law & Order, that was one of the best shows on TV. I do like Revenge as well as person of interest, so I’m hoping those will make it. The writing killed Playboy Club, plus it should have been on TNT, USA, or AMC. And last but not least please kill Charlie’s Angels..the plots are so obvious that a 10 year old could write it, plus the actors are not very good either.
I cannot believe they (NBC) is cancelling Playboy Club so quickly without giving it a chance. Here we go again NBC, that is exactly why you are LAST in the ratings for primetime television.
To be honest… out of the choices offered, Pan Am was the only one I could go with. I have not made up my mind about How to be a Gentleman (it may only make the cut since if follows Big Bang, for me). Free Agent I have no interest in whatsoever (side note – I checked out Up All Night, but it just did not click with me.) and Prime Suspect, I was turned off by the previews showing a woman who bullies everybody else to get her way… at least, that is how it came off to me. As far as other shows (so far) I am Terra Nova is interesting and I will see where it goes, 2 Broke is pretty funny (I like the fact that the horse is still there and was not just a gag from the opener and disappeared) and New Girl is all right for the type of show it is (I don’t usually go for the one camera shows).
I have to say that this is a trend with NBC for the last couple of years start a show and just end it, its on then off. They never give a show a chance just get trash it. I have to say that I will not be watching NBC anymore maybe if the people stand up and say hey stop ending a show before giving it a change then they might have more following the show. Just like NBC didnt want to talk contact with Chris N. from SVU and they just let him walk I have not watch the show but once. Sad that NBC has made bad choices. I will be taking the channel out of my TV guide on my Direct tv.
I was saddened to see The Playboy Club cancelled. I DVR’d it – all 3 episodes. Yes, I heard and read what The Parents Television Council put forth, but didn’t agree with their reasoning despite being a strong family vlaues person. The show was finding its footing. The big problem seemed to be that it was the type of show one sees on pay-only cable, and needed that type of freedom to better tell its stories; and there was plenty to explore given the changing roles of women (and men, not to mention society as a whole) from 1961 throughout the decade. It had the potential to celebrate the City of Chicago, which has a rich history, and make it as much a “star” of the show as any ongoing storyline. I thought the acting was strong and the characters were showing the promise of depth. The time slot was a killer (Hawaii 5-O and Castle). Could NBC have picked a worse slot, especially given what should have been a significant part of its target audience? Apparently it’s back to to sophomoric comedies and even more sophomoric reality shows. Blech. I’ve been enjoying the new Person of Interest as well. Let’s hope it stays on the air. If not, I guess I’ll just settle for sports programming. They’re not taking off NFL football games, are they? No? Good.
Prime suspect, and few others. I am suprised they brought Happy Ending. It was lame and old as fill in
PS, the ads for it made Bello look like a corpse Just by the commercials , I knew it would belly up