USA develops on past success
Variety, 3.26.08
By JOSEF ADALIAN
USA Network will try to retain its cable ratings crown with the help of a VIP doctor, a love-starved conman and an accidental mayor.
At the net's upfront presentation today , programming chief Jeff Wachtel will take the wraps off a development slate that once again includes a number of shows with quirky male leads. USA was the top-rated cable net last year among adults 18-49 and 25-54 thanks to a lineup heavy on single-lead shows such as "Monk" and "Psych."
But in an interview Tuesday, Wachtel said USA's overall development philosophy this year is geared toward expanding beyond what's worked in the past.
-excerpted-
"We were able to manage the process so that our summer season is pretty much intact," Wachtel said.
USA will also take the wraps off "In Plain Sight" and the series version of "The Starter Wife," giving the cabler two dramas with strong females at the center.
New episodes of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" will also air. Wachtel said no decision has been made about whether the skein will be back on USA next year. Full article
Thanks Peachybc!
posted by thereel @ 7:33 AM
11 Comments:
The article does go on to say that NBC Universal insiders are pleased with CI's ratings,but that cost is a factor.
Jeez...once again we have to wait for a definitive decision on next season.
I'm staying optimistic. Bonnie Hammer loves CI, so that has to count for something.
Some of the new shows sound silly, like the nanny who fights crime....
Cost is a factor...
So Chris, Katie and Vincent didn't get a raise last year, and won't this year?
I hate this guessing game - this is the only prime-time show I really follow, and I'm not ready to give it up yet.
It's tough to find good quality tv worth watching!
I have seen "Psych" and I have to condemn it as utter twaddle.
I mean no offence to those involved in it in any way - but standing next to LOCI it just doesn't appear to cut the mustard. Why should it have a relatively secure future at the (possible) expense of LOCI? It seems so unfair.
When I first read this I flew into a panic (all the years of waiting for NBC to make a decision about CI has taken it's toll) But now I'm starting to calm down. All it say's is...No decision has been made, that's not so bad, season 7 hasn't even ended yet.
I know cost will be a factor but USA made over 700 million in profits this year, they're the #1 cable network, I think that would give them a little bit of breathing room.
I for one will not watch USA network, if LOCI is not on their network. I think we should make it very clear to them, that LOCI is the only reason we watch their network. If it comes to that and we boycott USA that may tell them they can't have a winning network without the fans of LOCI. Their numbers will go down. Acer110
I would imagine 'cost is a factor' for every show, not just ours and as has already been said, the article does go on to say the USA Execs are pleased. It's certainly not fair to ask cast and crew to come back for another year without a raise, but maybe SAG will sort that out in contract discussions (she says, hopefully). However, if USA had wanted to pull the plug - which seems ridiculous considering it's given them record ratings - they could have done it during the writers strike. Having joined Tess in panic and depression (yes, the years of 'will they/won't they' have taken their toll on me too), I'm think we have grounds to expect there will be an 8th season. Considering most of us didn't think we'd get a 7th year at one point, here we are...or will be on 8th June ;0)
I agree Tess. There are still 12 episodes of CI for USA to produce & air. The shows that USA have already renewed are finished for the season.
Also, USA makes a fortune on residuals for CI repeats. The more episodes they produce, the more money they can make in the long run.
All good reasons for a Season 8 for LOCI.
I agree with Lozzie that Psych is twaddle, and Monk is becoming really annoying. How far can they go with it? USA NEEDS a thinking person's show, and that LOCI most definitely is.
Here we go again. If it were any other show, I would just give up...well let's face it I wouldn't care. But LOCI is such a good show and Vincent is the best actor...I won't give up hope. My glass is half full!
Jeff Wachtel is now on my you know what list-cost, cost, cost-you can leave a comment after the full article, which I did, so let's get our Vincent fans going-
I suggested that they do more studio and less locations scenes and then it can look like every other dumb cop show-
And yes a crime solving nanny-well I'll be anticipating this with open arms-
Are they serious-
Yes again to be a Vincent fan, you need an inordinate amount of patience-
And listen when it does end some day, they had better have an ending episode.
Frustrated Regi.
Thanks for the tip, regi. I left my comment after the article.
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