CHUCK IT OUT – PART TWO!
The saga continues!
Wow – who knew one piece could generate quite so much interest! You Chuck fans sure are a committed bunch!
The argument I was making – and which I still stand by – is that Chuck simply isn’t a hit for NBC – so why stay with a show that isn’t doing well and quite simply will never blossom into a hit? Last night the show generated a puny 1.9 18-49 share and barely cleared 5 million viewers. Heck even Rules of Engagement is doing better. That’s gotta hurt!
I’ve read with interest many of the comments posted on the piece and though I don’t agree with all of them – I certainly admire the passion of the Chuck fans!
But my point is – and still remains – that Chuck is a dead show walking. It’s been on the air for three years now and people still aren’t sampling the show, despite a heavy promo push from NBC. What else is going to happen with the show? How on earth is it going to improve its ratings? And it seems I’m not the only one who’s asking this question – check out this great piece by TV writer Jaime Weinman.
I understand the reasoning behind renewing similarly low rated shows like Parks and Recreation and Community – they’re first / second season shows, with NBC friendly talent (like Amy Poehler) and could grow with an additional season. But if they don’t increase ratings over the next year I’d be arguing just as vociferously that they too should get the chop (and as a TV producer myself I’ve been on the wrong end of the chopping block many times over the years)
Last time I checked NBC wasn’t a charity. They’re in the business of making money – and Chuck simply isn’t pulling its weight. People may complain about shows like Biggest Loser and Celebrity Apprentice but those shows get good ratings, cost peanuts and are awash with product placements and trade outs (though I wish they’d tone it down a bit at times!)
If people love Chuck that’s great – I’m not arguing against the quality of the show. I’m just looking at the cold hard figures – and no matter how you spin them Chuck’s are nothing special. So for me it’s time Chuck checked out…
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Fan Fury – How Far Would You Go For Your Favorite Show?
about 9 months ago - 8 comments
So last week I posted the latest in my series of Keep Or Cancel pieces, this time focusing on NBC. I went through the networks whole roster of shows on the bubble – and there were a lot – and this is what I had to say about one of NBC’s borderline shows… “PARENTHOOD: NBC
Keep Or Cancel? NBC
about 9 months ago - 4 comments
It’s Keep Or Cancel time again – and this time around we’re talking about NBC, the once mighty network king that’s had a rough ride over the last few years. But things are looking up for the network with some interesting new projects slated for the Fall – I’m excited for Smash, the behind the
RATINGS ROUNDUP – 2ND OCTOBER
about 1 year ago - 5 comments
Winners and Losers From The Last 7 Days WINNERS NO ORDINARY FAMILY: Well I must say I’m quite surprised by this one! As I wrote in my Coming Soon piece I fully expected ABC’s family superhero saga to get crushed by its formidable Tuesday at 8pm competition (Glee, The Biggest Loser and NCIS). But No
CHUCK RENEWED!
about 1 year ago - 2 comments
Okay Chuck fans – time to relax – your show’s back for another season!
The news has just been announced over at Nikki Finke!
You all know my feelings on the renewal – courtesy of my Chuck It Out pieces – parts one and two – but good on the fans for keeping the show alive – and enjoy season 4!
10 REASONS TO LOVE TV TODAY
about 1 year ago - No comments
Sometimes it’s easy to get depressed about the current state of TV.
When tanned and teenage ‘beauties’ are given their own reality shows yet Glenn Close’s Damages is on the verge of cancellation. When networks announce their Fall slates with yet more cop shows, legal series and suburban sitcoms. And when networks take a successful idea – such as a simple show about a cake shop – and copycat it to death… (do we really need any more cupcake and baking shows? Really?)
But though the glass sometimes looks half empty I think it’s important to look on the bright side. I strongly believe we live in a golden age of TV – and honestly I wouldn’t write about TV, or even work in the industry, if I didn’t feel that way.
So in a spirit of optimism – and as a pure celebration of the boob tube – here’s just a few of the reasons I love TV today…
CHUCK IT OUT
about 1 year ago - 42 comments
It’s that time of year again where those shows that are neither smash hits (Glee) or outright bombs (Melrose Place) have to play the network waiting game. Will they be renewed for another season – or cut loose? In the industry it’s called being ‘on the bubble’ and for show runners and cast and crew it’s a hellish time. The thumbs up mean another year of solid work, but a network ‘no’ means almost instant unemployment. Brutal.
This season there’s been several shows on the bubble – some of which have already been given good news, for a variety of reasons. NBC recently renewed Parenthood after a few episodes on the air – and the mark of confidence has helped the ratings stabilize and even grow a little. Likewise, Community will get a second shot in the fall, despite regularly bringing in less than 5 million viewers. But it’s a key component in NBC’s Thursday night line up so the network judged it worthy of another chance.
about 1 year ago
Yeah, you're arguing how/why the network should make more money, not how to make the viewer happy. Thats a lame argument to make to the viewer, even if it's the economic reality.
So why keep Chuck? Because it SHOULD have higher ratings, it IS a good show, and I watch nothing else on NBC so it the network would have 1 less viewer total.
Those reasons don't matter to the business. But I don't profit from their business.
about 1 year ago
I think Chuck will end after it's fourth season, and that will be enough for the fans. I don't see it going beyond that.
about 1 year ago
I read part 1 and 2 of your reasons to cancel Chuck. So, here is why I firmly believe that your reasoning is flawed.
1) Chuck airs on a network that NO ONE is watching. Sorry to say this because I have been an NBC watcher since Hill Street Blues and LA Law, but NBC SUCKS!! If it wasn't for Chuck and Law and Order I would never turn on that network. In the name of ratings they have made some of the dumbest moves imaginable to alienate their LOYAL viewers–its almost if they are taking their strategy out of your playbook.
2) You assume….
"Now if Chuck was airing on CBS it would be a goner by now."
Actually, if Chuck aired on another network–like CBS or USA Network it would be a blockbuster hit. How can I say this? More network viewers translates to more lead-in viewers which can lead to better ratings. The lead in to a show determines much about the ratings of that show. Take for example Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien. NBC affiliates complained about Jay Leno's failure in prime time costing them millions of viewers for the local newscasts and Conan failed to get the viewers to sample the local news prior to his Tonight Show. In other words no one was watching so everyone failed!! On another network such as CBS with a strong lead-in and weak competition (from NBC) Chuck would have STRONG ratings, whereas on NBC where no one is watching people are tuning in JUST TO WATCH CHUCK and very few viewers are carried over from the other NBC offerings.
"It’s been on the air for three years now and people still aren’t sampling the show, despite a heavy promo push from NBC."
NBC cannot promote a TV show to phantom viewers and hope that they will just show up to "sample" Chuck. If a TV show airs on a network that no one is watching–does the promo for the show make any noise??
3) NBC has not provided a consistent place in their schedule for Chuck. Shows that bounce around or go on a long extended hiatus tend to lose viewers. I hate when networks do this and if I am not a dedicated fan of the show I will just stop watching or find an alternative way to view the show.
4) Nielsen ratings are just about the worst way to figure viewership of a show, especially amongst a young technology driven demographic. When a network cannot commit to a time-slot for a show, the viewers of will resort to using DVR, TIVO, on Demand, HULU, YouTube or downloads systems such as Torrents to watch a show. As an example, I started watching 24 midway through the 4th season. I saw a promo that hooked me and watched a bit of the show. Then I went and downloaded the previous 17 hours and went out an rented the first 3 seasons. How is Nielsen going to measure that????
Not only have I never had a Nielsen box hooked up to my TV, I have never met anyone who has met anyone who has had a Nielsen box. I am not sure who Nielsen is measuring, but its not me or my group of friends or any group of people associated with my group of friends.
4) I would like to disprove another of your arguments–the one about sampling. It took me nearly 2 seasons to tune into Chuck and Better off Ted. That is a little late in the game according to your calculations, but that is significantly quicker than the 4 seasons it took me to watch Seinfeld (a show in which I have memorized nearly every significant line) on a weekly basis, the 6 seasons it took me to tune into NCIS and the 14 seasons it took me to watch Law & Order!! I missed the entire 5 season run of ALIAS, so I bought it on DVD. It took me a while, but I caught up to each one of these shows (watching all of the episodes I missed) either through re-runs, syndication, DVD rentals/purchases, websites, or torrent downloads. All with the exception of torrent downloads make the network money–long after the show is originally aired. Amazingly very little of this seems to factor into your thinking. If a network keeps a moderately popular show around until there are enough episodes for syndication, they can make a significant return on their investment in syndication rights and DVD sales.
5) You allege…
"Last time I checked NBC wasn’t a charity. They’re in the business of making money – and Chuck simply isn’t pulling its weight."
But you completely ignore all of the other factors going into making money in TV programming. Revenue streams are realized not just through the original airing of the show. As I stated previously re-runs, domestic and international syndication rights, DVD rentals/purchases, commerical sponsored websites, and iTunes downloads all have the potential to add to the revenue stream for a TV show long after the show is originally aired. And this doesn't even include product placement, cross brand promotions (McDonalds/Burger King) and product licensing. Look at Star Trek or the as an example of additional revenue streams that can be realized after a show finishes its original run on TV. There is a whole trade show devoted just to product licensing!! http://trekmovie.com/2008/06/09/trek-licensing-ge…
6) If the show is a cult favorite–like Chuck, the network can retain those viewers which provides them with the opportunity to introduce the viewer to other network shows rather than let them sample the offerings of their competitors. After NBC canceled or retired several of the shows I loved, I started to sample and became addicted to the shows on the USA Network.
about 1 year ago
So, what your saying is.. you aren't saying this as a CRITIC. which is someone who evaluates a shows value based on entertainment and creativity, but an advertising exec.. interesting…
The show is worth saving not because of it's numbers, but because it's unique amongst a wasteland. Numbers may be relevant to the networks, they should not be a valid reason for a CRITIC to say it should be trashed.
about 1 year ago
CHUCK is my favorite TV program. Sad commentary on US that the "reality" shows that are scripted and cheap to produce could cause a great show to be cancelled. I agree with those suggesting a time slot that favors the show.
about 1 year ago
I find this article interesting. It is very critical of the show but bases its criticism on figures which we all know can easily be manipulated. As mentioned, numbers only reveal what they measure. I'm from the UK and watch it via an website (not NBC.com) therefore don't count towards any of those 4/5 million.
I don't have a huge amount of knowledge of the networks or advertising in the US but the figures should be seen in right context. If NBC is suffering poor figures overall then maybe 4/5 is a good number. If you were to compare the show to others in the same time slot, could that same figure be good? Also, does the Nielsen index take into account the amount of marketing NBC spends compared to other networks or even its other shows?
Further more, I feel the author (who I appreciate for writing the piece and sparking discussion), admits to 'only casually sampling', has missed the point of the show. The show is about mixing light hearted humour with light action, light romance with light titillation and light family themes with light friendship themes. This ultimately Chuck's problem as it can't be defined as 'action' like 24 or 'mystery' like Lost. However, this is appeal. The show is fun.
I do worry about where the show can go from now if it if renewed but who hasn't said that at the end of EVERY season of Lost? Their writers manage to surprise us every time so who is to say the Chuck writers can't. I'll be watching season 4.
about 1 year ago
Since you seem to have taken a fond liking of us "cult chuck fans" you should write a part 3 of how the Nielsen ratings should change and include internet viewers. As you found most Chucks viewers are of the technology age which in tails means most of us including me watch Chuck online (of my 20 friends that watch a good 80% watch it online it is just more convenient) Nielsen ratings has to change with the technology come on.
about 1 year ago
My opinion on chuck.. its a total rediculous show that I happen to like alot. That said said I could go either way with this… Now that chuck got the girl, his buddy on the team and is a "real spy" there is nowhere left for this show to go. Of course it had to happen eventually…
but I don't see this working as a Mr and Mrs smith lovey dovey spy fighting couple. there is noone left to cheer on. If the show is renewed I will definatly watch it.. but I think its a one more season show tops. If they were going to end the show though.. they should have just ended it like 2 episodes ago when he got the girl..and his buddy on the team. but heck.. most of the network shows stink right now so… Id rather have chuck then another hospital or "reality" show or something as terrible in writing as flash forward…
about 1 year ago
From a viewers standpoint I don't care that Chuck isn't a colossal hit such as Lost. But that doesn't mean to me that I don't think it should come back. Regardless of its ratings the show hasn't lost a step and has only gotten better. From the head of NBC your points may be valid but to a regular viewer I disagree entirely.
To me its the best show ive ever seen, and I don't want to see it replaced by some other show that most likely won't trump Chuck's quality for me.
No network can expect every show to be a major hit, and for NBC they and everyone watching it can at least count on a consistantly good show. That is something special, and cannot be replaced so easily.
about 1 year ago
I agree that Chuck would likely would do much better in a better timeslot or on a better network. Also, Chuck didn't actually air in the post-Superbowl timeslot last season. It was promoted DURING the Superbowl but aired the Monday after. When Chuck actually DID air on a Sunday (first two episodes of season 3) they experienced some of their highest ratings. I highly doubt NBC could plug anything else in to Monday at 8pm and do better than Chuck at this point against the same competition.
about 1 year ago
As with most things measured in the entertainment industry in 2010, the ratings for any given program rarely paint a true picture of the popularity of that program.
On average, Chuck adds about 1 million viewers in the Live+7 (watched live or watched on DVR any time in the 7-day period since the episode aired). And online viewing via NBC.com, Hulu.com, and the like are rarely published, but I would estimate at least another half-million viewers (I am one of them sometimes…when Comcast's DVR decides to go dead on me week after week….).
Sponsors have found ways to advertise their products through product placement (hello, Subway!), so the excuse that people don't watch the commercials when they don't watch live is moot (heck, I don't watch the commercials when I DO watch live…that's bathroom, phone call, and snack time!)
As for the show having a "cult" following…with the over-saturation of the television market in general (500 channels and nothing to watch?), it's amazing to me that any show gets more than 10 million people to watch at any one time, live.
It's time for an overhaul of the ratings system. It's also time for networks to stop treating television like the movie industry…television shows take time to build audiences for a reason. They have a much more intricate story to tell on television that can't be boiled down to a 2 to 3 hour movie.
Another reason for audience attrition? Not wanting to continue being invested in a television show with the knowledge that it might not be around next season. When rumors of cancellation start circulating, I remove a show from my "must watch" list. Why waste my time?
about 1 year ago
I hope Chuck comes back. It's my favorite show on network television, by far. The rating system is at best an approximation of the true audience for any show on any given night. Ratings are certainly not an indication of quality. We're forced to care about ratings because networks use them. However I don't pick shows to watch based on maximizing profits for NBC or any other network. Why should I?
about 1 year ago
Going back to your "Part 1" article, I LOVE how people arguing to cancel Chuck like to throw out the "If it were on Channel XYZ it would have been canceled a long time ago!" flag. What the frell makes you think that if it were on Channel XYZ it would necessarily have that same 6 million/2.1 Demo? Chuck could very well be getting into the upper 3s or even the 4s on Fox, CBS or ABC. The point is it's impossible to tell how much is the show itself, and how much is because it's airing on NBC.
Chuck is consistently one of the top performers on a network spiraling into the tubes. For NBC it IS a hit, and that's what the network is factoring into its decision. If it was only averaging a 2.1 against other shows on NBC consistently in the 3s and 4, yeah, THEN you have something to talk about.
about 1 year ago
The Chuck show has, for us fans, meaning. TV of today consists largely of time-killing, no-brainer-eat junk-food-and -get-fat while staring into the box shows. Chuck is none of it, other than that it is not reality. But no one can say it is stupid. It is smart, funny, romantic, a little political, sarcastic and just GREAT. So we, who do not like the former mentioned type of show, we want Chuck, we need Chuck. There is a great potential for this show, how can anyone say differently? All the characters are there, so we can all identify with one of the people, or maybe even a little with everyone of the main personalities.
Chuck is a rare bird; A show with a substance. Keep it!
Morgan
about 1 year ago
Agree that a time slot change is a good option, also hate the use of the Neilson rating system, VERY largely flawed.
about 1 year ago
The Nielson ratings systems is completely f'd up. I bet if the ratings were actually true we would see twice as many people watching CHUCK each week. Of the 10+ people who watch it I know 8 of them watch it online after it airs.
about 1 year ago
5 million viewers against Dancing with the Stars and House is the best that NBC will be able to do. Maybe they should switch Chuck and The Office and see what they get.
about 1 year ago
I Actually know how to spell 'overall' and 'spaghetti.' I HATE it when I hit the submit button too fast! =)
about 1 year ago
I love chuck, and watch regularly, but have to agree. The poor show keeps changing its focus, probably at the network's behest, to try to gain viewership – and suffers due to the meandering. This season, they already had what was obviously the season finale, (possibly the series finale) then had to back pedal and add stories after the fact, because NBC decided to order more episodes. The same happened with the season 2 to season 3 transition – bringing back characters that left (Chuck's best friend) because they thought they were done with the show at the season 2 finale.
It actually hurts the show overal, and makes the writers look like they are throwing spagetti on the wall to see if it sticks. The second season finale would have been a great way to end the show, and have a sense of completion. The obvious season three ender that is now just 'another episode' in the season would have still managed a nice, complete farewell – now I don't think anyone could honestly say where the series is going with its possible new lease on life. They keep trying to end it gracefully, but NBC pulls out the paddles to resuscitate it, and it becomes more like a walking zombie each time.
about 1 year ago
Mr Drew. I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion. However you are obviously not aquainted with this show. Chuck is a very well written, directed, and acted show that is family entertainment which provides the viewer with incredible comedy, action, drama, romance, angst, storylines, and an undeniable synergy between two incredible actors in Zac Levi and Yvonne Strahovski. They,along with the best supporting cast in television, have captured the hearts of an extremely loyak fanbase who will literally do anything to keep it on TV. The biggest problem Chuck faces is NBC themself. If they had the brains to take Chuck out of the most competitive hour of the whole week and put it in a timeslot that didn't include the biggest draws of the week, which Chuck has held steady in, This show could really flourish. Chuck is NBC's bst draw on Monday night. Who would the put in that spot? If Chuck abd Parenthood had changed spots, Parenthood would be dead and Chuck would double viewership. When it was on Sunday night it was drawing 7 plus million viewers. If Zucker had half a brain in his skull he would put Chuck and Undercovers back to back on any night Wednesday through Sunday and call it Spy Night on NBC and I guarantee that Chuck would be back in the 7 million or better area. It seems that the non-scripted shows such as Dancing with the Stars and the like are inherently inexpensive to produce and taking over. That is a sad statement. Chuck is only one to two seasons away from syndication. That is where NBC will make most of it's money anyway. The show has a very loyal fanbase that will follow it anywhere. If not NBC, how about FX or USA Networks and show NBC just how stupid they are. This show must continue. Why dont you rent the sirst two seasons and have a Chuckathon. You will become a Chuckaholic too.
about 1 year ago
Your arguments are valid, but only when giving a passing glance at the ratings. Going a little deeper though we find Chuck is a very male skewing show, #2 in it's timeslot. A rather hard to reach demographic.
And looking at this season as a whole, the show was doing well, until we lost many casual female viewers when dancing with the stars premiered, to some of it's best ratings ever.
There's an audience for Chuck, it's just unfortunately, getting killed in it's timeslot.
about 1 year ago
I bet that if Chuck was put on Sunday night instead of Monday night the numbers would drastically increase. Monday at 8pm is a tough time slot to be in since it goes up against some very well established shows.
about 1 year ago
I appeciate your thoughts about the viability of Chuck, but I have to disagree with you on several points. First of all not all shows can be smash hits, and the number each year seems to be decreasing. Chuck has generated consistant numbers with small blips (up and down) on a network that is struggling. Chuck is, as far as I am aware one of the top scripted shows for NBC. It has been given a timeslot that I don''t think NBC could likely expect to have any of their other shows compete in. And people who actually watch the show (not you by your own definition) really enjoy it. Chuck suffers from the issue of being a difficult show to describe…It's too funny to be drama, it has too much "relationship stuff" to be adventure. In short it may be TOO GOOD to last, The other issue is that inspite of being on air for 3 seasons, most people I ask about watching Chuck have NEVER hear about it. A good show on a network that has few other good shows is not going to get the buzz it needs to be a hit. There may be better shows out there, but not many!