Originally posted by bdent:
Sourcequote:
Perhaps Zucker's biggest management test is with Kevin Reilly, whom he hired from the FX cable network to replace him as entertainment boss three years ago. Though Reilly developed Heroes, he has delivered a series of high-priced duds like The Black Donnellys, Kidnapped, and the all-star Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Asked about Reilly's budget overruns (notorious in the industry), Zucker turns squeamish and says he has given Reilly leeway "because we need to fix this." At NBC's "upfront" presentation to advertisers on May 14, Zucker says he expects NBC to unveil five new programs - three dramas, one comedy, and one reality show - for its fall schedule. Zucker and Reilly are considering stretching The Office to an hour and canceling the original Law & Order.
One show that's definitely returning: 30 Rock. Though it ranks a dismal 138th among adults 18 to 49, Zucker and Reilly decided in early April to renew the sitcom for a second season. After all, the critics like it. It landed on year-end ten-best lists. It's smart! It's feisty! It's a fighter! True, it hasn't delivered yet. But can't everybody see it has potential?
Yikes! I remember someone on the forum was speculating that NBC might be experimenting with an hr long office. He's right!
Five new shows? 1 for every
weak weeknight?
