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Fall TV Previews. How Soon Is Too Soon?
I've been a viewer of broadcast network television for decades but this was a first for me. I was watching a show off CBS that I DVRed a few weeks ago and while skipping the ads and just before my show resumed, I saw something I couldn't believe: a promo for a new Fall show.
Yes, in April.
It was for a reality effort called "The Road" featuring country star Keith Urban, and while there were few details (beyond Blake Shelton is an executive producer) it clearly said "Coming This Fall." These kind of teasers generally appear in July or August at the earliest. but six months before the new season even begins? That's something I've never seen before.
It wasn't the only one. I few nights later, I saw another promo for another new CBS program "coming this Fall." It seems a bit early to start tubthumping new shows that may not be on the air for half a year or more. A sign of desperation as streaming bleeds off audience or something else? Either way, I wonder if other networks will start doing the same thing.
And by the way, "The Road" turns out to be just another one of those singing talent shows, with a country twang. The winner of "The Road" gets to be Urban's opening act on one of his future tours. Do we really need yet another "American Idol" clone taking up air time? Apparently, needed or not, it's coming this fall.
Keith Urban to headline new CBS singing competition series "The Road" this fall
- mace
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Re: Fall TV Previews. How Soon Is Too Soon?
As far as I know CBS doesn't have a "Singing/Talent" show on their schedule. Network executives look at the success of Shows like American Idol, Masked Singer, The Voice and think. Hmm maybe we should try a get a slice of that audience. CBS being the perennial most watched network figured let's let our audience know as early as possible about our future plans. As for too many singing shows airing now? Well go back to 1955 when a new "Adult Western" which was certainly different from the Lone Ranger, Cisco Kid fare, premiered. The success of Gunsmoke would lead to close to 39 westerns on primetime schedules over the next eight years. From 1958-61, Gunsmoke, Have Gun, Will Travel, and Wagon Train ruled with an iron fist. When one network comes with a successful concept either they will try to repeat it or another network will try to copy it. A few examples. Primetime Cartoons: The Flintstones lead to The Jetsons, Top Cat, Bullwinkle and later Jonny Quest. Medical Dramas: NBC had Dr. Kildare. ABC answered with Ben Casey. A few years later CBS's Medical Centre duked it out with ABC's Marcus Welby for seven seasons. When ABC hit pay dirt with a series about a witch who marries a mortal NBC's first attempt was a talking car and then a more successful second attempt about a Jeannie in a bottle.
- mic'em
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Re: Fall TV Previews. How Soon Is Too Soon?
Surprising Shelton is involved in a CBS property. They mention his name often still on ' The Voice ".