The buzzards are circling 'Studio 60'

Janet Tue, Oct 31, 2006 at 10:57 PM EST

Love Studio 60. At times I've felt it's as good as "Sports Night" was. I think it could be. If game shows and reality shows are what people really want, though, then so be it. I really don't have the time to watch what I do watch so fine, take away another great hour. And watch network TV die a deserving death in a few years. GO CABLE!

MIMI Tue, Oct 31, 2006 at 12:35 PM EST

I have liked this show since the first episode. I can't believe NBC stuck with "Joey" for almost 2 season and is cancelling this after a few weeks. I hate network TV. Maybe that's why no one watches. You get into a show and they cancel it in the middle of it. NBC should at least stick with it through the "season" and have it written that the show couldn't be saved. That way us faithful watchers would get some closure and both "shows" would be canceled at the same time.

Mozz Tue, Oct 31, 2006 at 12:05 PM EST

Howard,

I disagree 100 percent, the main conceit of this show is that Danny and Matt are the best comedy writers in the biz and they would save the show, the show not only have to be a great drama, but the skits have to be the best thing since "who's on first?" it's the challenge that Aaron Sorkin set for the show and the one he failed to meet, that's why this show is probably one of the worst of the new tv season, it's all expectation, no delivery.

Howard Tue, Oct 31, 2006 at 11:26 AM EST

Love the show. Not up to "first season of Sports Night" love, but I'm getting there.

New rule: no futzing with the Monday Night lineup until January, when football is over. Plus, once football ends Sunday at 10 PM might be a good spot for this show.

The one hurdle it needs to clear is that people are still expecting this to be a comedy because of the subject matter, when in actuality it's a drama about putting together a comedy. Therefore, it doesn't matter if the skits aren't funny, it doesn't matter if we don't see enough of the guest hosts. The show is about writing a comedy, so funny things will happen. Put this show needs time for an audience to find it, and I fear that NBC is not willing to give it that time.

Karla Tue, Oct 31, 2006 at 11:09 AM EST

Well wait just a dag blanged second: There are 40 billionty channels, and all of them need programming. Studio 60 is worth watching, even if it is flawed. So what? All shows have flaws (except The Wire, which is perfection), and some just need some time to settle in.

TV execs are just so ADHD, and this ratings focus has gotten totally out of control. I mean, if we're saying that all TV shows exist for the overnights and the sponsors and no one else, then let's do away with entertainment and just watch long commercials all day.

Why does Studio 60 have to die? This is just bugging me out. I've seen the supposedly good other shows, like Grey's Anatomy, which is interesting if you like doctors who don't really operate, except on each other, and a passel of essentially childish women who can't figure out their lives. Or Lost and 24 (and Heroes), which are spiky and twisty and fast moving (ADHD). Or BG, which is an interesting dystopia, but also spiky and fast-moving. Most of these shows are pitched at a younger crowd.

Last night, the previews (endless previews) for Friday Night Lights, which I had heard was a thoughtful drama, was all filled with T&A and spiky, twisty ADHD cuts. I was all, "Um, no thanks." I'm not a 15-year old boy! I don't need the exploding football, and most intelligent 15-year old boys I know don't either. So who is this audience?

Where are the dramas for people who is all grows up? Why can't Studio 60 have a life? It costs an obscene amount of money to build the sets and infrastructure for a show, and I'd like to see some recyling for this one (another network?). Be Green, baby! Don't just throw stuff away if the ADHD audience doesn't cotton to it!

Patti Tue, Oct 31, 2006 at 10:33 AM EST

Maybe they can just replace it with a show that revolves around Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford in some other situation. Two's Company, Two Friends, The Beverly Hills-Billies, 4 and a Half Men? Or pop them into another show that won't get cancelled: They can be leaving LA after Studio 60 is cancelled and be flying to Australia to start their next movie and crash on LOST Island. They could have some heretofore unknown superpowers and end up on Heroes. They could provide witty comentary on Monday Night Football. I'm just saying...

rozziecarol Tue, Oct 31, 2006 at 09:49 AM EST

I love Studio 60. It makes me look forward to Mondays. I would be sad if it were cancelled, too. The episode last week reminded me of the episode on West Wing where Toby's donated coat ends up on a homeless guy and he ends of investigating his life. I love the characters on Studio 60, the blending of real life guest hosts, the dialogue. And yes, I love Matthew Perry. Bradley Whiteford is great,too. Now, that said, I also love 30 Rock, which every week makes me laugh out loud. Keep them both, please. NBC shouldn't jettision what is classy on its schedule and replace with schlock. Back in the 50's when game shows abounded, television also gave birth to the golden age of drama. The two can coexist.

Mozz Tue, Oct 31, 2006 at 09:42 AM EST

From the moment I saw the Pilot episode, I knew the show would be cancelled. The pilot, put down television as a vast wasteland, that may have been through a few years ago, but I think we're entering a golden age of TV. LOST is brilliant, the New BatttleStar Galactica is through provoking and revolutionary, Grey's Anatomy is smart and has a huge heart. 24 is thrilling, intelligent action. So, from the very first scene Mr. Sorkin pretty much raised the expectations that his show would leave them all in the dust, and then they became bickering one dimensional charicatures that spouted out Mr. Sorkin's biography like a bad novel. I'm not saying the show is a failure, it had a great cast and an amazing set, but I while my brain was engaged my heart wasn't, and I need that emotional involvement to bring me back the next week. People complain that this is a drama about a comedy, so the sketches didn't need to be funny, but I disagree... Danny and Matt were set up to be the BEST in the business, so the sketches not only had to be funny, but they had to be the funniest sketches ever on television. Sorkin raised a high bar, then he didn't even try to jump it.

Charlotte Tue, Oct 31, 2006 at 09:24 AM EST

I haven't watched the show, or any new shows this year. Why watch a new show, get invested in the characters, only to have the networks cancel three episodes in. What's wrong with network TV? The quick hand on the plug.

Eric Tue, Oct 31, 2006 at 07:47 AM EST

I really found Studio 60 to be the most enjoyable new show this season, it's a shame we'll end up with the same old drab shows we get each season.

V.M.L. Tue, Oct 31, 2006 at 03:55 AM EST

I gave the show a chance, but I never got hooked. I was expecting more from the show, but it never showed what I wanted to see. I mean, I was expecting to learn about the TV buisness and production, but they didn't put enough emphasis. (I'm a film production major, by the way.) I wanted to see more of the skits but the show never even emphasived on them. The skits were not even funny. 90% of the dialouge used in each episode are babble. Just "blah blah blah" to a point where I don't know what's going on. Plus, Harriet Hayes is really annoying.

The show is simply not entertaining. I'm switching to 30 Rock.

Jane Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 08:42 PM EST

"I never thought that Perry would be able to shrug off the "Chandler" vibe"

Yeah, but did he really want to shrug off a friendly, loveable vibe for a self-satisfied, smug vibe?

I'm with Joey Jo Jo Joey- cancel Studio 60!

Joey Jo Jo Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 08:29 PM EST

Alex, Whitney said "liberal elitism" but I like your turn of phrase too. I will be using that little gem come election time.

Paige, all together now: "Cancel Studio 60"

Stacey Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 07:52 PM EST

I think the need to move it a new night. And maybe to 9:00 p.m. I think the 10 p.m hurts the show to degree, because it's not a complex or gory show like a ER. I LOVE the show, here in Canada, I get to watch it on Sunday nights at 10 and then again on NBC on Monday's. I don't want the show to go, but maybe put it on Tuesday or Wednesday. Put Medium back on Monday's. It fits with Heros more than Studio 60. Totally different audiences between Studio and Hero's. But anyway, I don't want Studio 60 to go. Love Matthew Parry and the show.

Lene Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 06:25 PM EST

It's such a great show - intelligent, funny, actual acting and good scripts (imagine that!). Last week's show sucked, but aren't we all entitled to an off day? There are huge shows that would never have gotten huge unless they'd been allowed to grow slowly (Seinfeld, anyone?). Stop with the instant gratification nonsense! Try using some of the network millions made from reality shows to support good drama. People will watch. It's called patience. An attention span. Cater to it!

Snowball Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 05:55 PM EST

"Totally agreed with Rahul. Love or hate the show, it clearly garnered some fans and could stay on the air if the right night's found. Why not air it on an otherwise weak night for NBC (really, any night other than Thursday) or at a time when competition is weak? Fiday night's been dying for a breakout hit since the X Files moved itself to Sunday.

Ep sato | Oct 30, 2006 4:45:20 PM"

I totally agree, put it on a different night when it's not up against a show like Heroes. For me being in Canada, I don't know how the studio can get away with this, but CTV (Canadian Television Network) has been airing the day before on Sunday nights at 10pm EST, and they are new episodes too. What is sad though was that Studio 60 was replaced last night by Van Helsing!!!!! I was not happy. But agreed, put it on another night. Keep us Studio 60 fans happy!

Snowball Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 05:47 PM EST

Personaly, I am extremely upset. I really do like the show. And if it does get "cancelled" I am not going to be happy. This has happened before to shows that I really like such as Firefly, Threshold, etc. I honestly think that Studio 60 just hasn't hit it's stride yet. That is the problem with sitcoms today, great ideas, great concept, but hard to introduce. The studios don't get this, if they keep cancelling great shows because they don't beat out the latest American Idol or whichever the first time out, the shows don't get a chance to get better. Part of telling a serialized story is that in order to prolong the story say over 22 episodes per season, it's to spread the story out. I'm certain that if given one more chance Studio 60 will redeem itself. I seriously hope that with the three more episodes that it does well.

SAVE STUDIO 60!

kruth Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 05:45 PM EST

Please just tell me that if they do end up ditching Studio 60 someone else will snatch up Bradley Whitford and put him in a role worthy of his talent. I don't think I can live in a world where he isn't regularly on my television set.

richard Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 05:29 PM EST

Mostly I just feel bad for the actors. They all give it their all (yes, even Amanda Peet) and I was so happy to see that all these great people (Timothy Busfield! Nat Cordury! Evan Handler!) were getting good, solid work. Well, good solid work until last week's episode, which was just pathetic. Aaron Sorkin is ridiculous to think that anyone is going to really feel moved by a Clifford Odets moment (I hated that bit, and I'm a theatre nerd.) It's so pompous to think a woefully overblown self-portrait will pass as thoughtful television. So, sorry actors, but good riddance.

kinglouieXVIII Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 05:24 PM EST

I think the problem with STUDIO 60 was that it was hyped waaaaaaay too much before it even aired.

I really like it. I think the cast is phenomenal, specially Amanda Peet and Mathew Perry. I never thought that Perry would be able to shrug off the "Chandler" vibe, but he has managed. The show is only getting better with each episode, and I for one will be with it till the end.

Fatima Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 05:21 PM EST

I'm effing pissed.

McGee Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 05:14 PM EST

LOL, Mike--I too hope NBC chokes on Deal. Seriously, if they really want to be ABC (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, anyone?), the least they could do is give Aaron Sorkin a full season before dumping him for low ratings. (I know ABC gave him two, but Sports Night deserved that more than Studio 60 seems to now.)

Kyle Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 05:13 PM EST

I miss Medium. I'm so glad it's coming back in a couple weeks, even if it is on a different night. I think it was a big mistake for NBC to move it. I hope it still does well though. It is one of the most underrated shows out there.

Rahul Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 04:55 PM EST

I'd stick 'Studio 60' on Wednesdays at 10. Elizabeth -start renting those two shows.

Alex Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 04:52 PM EST

As a Sorkin fan, this show just wasn't hitting the mark. The things that were supposed to be funny almost never were, and unlike the West Wing, a comedy sketch show isn't exactly a great justification for those pompous speeches that made so much sense in the context of national politics. As you said yourself, Whitney, the show is the "worst kind of coastal narcissim". Or something to that effect. I can't be bothered to look up everything. :)

Lorenzo Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 04:45 PM EST

I am posting this everywhere, so forgive me if you're annoy.

http://www.niggaspace.com/

How can something like this exist? Why hasn't no one taken it down? I hope someone at EW checks it out and writes a blog about it because as a person of color, this offends me more than anything that Flava Flav could do on his TV show (which actually I like).

Ep sato Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 04:45 PM EST

Totally agreed with Rahul. Love or hate the show, it clearly garnered some fans and could stay on the air if the right night's found. Why not air it on an otherwise weak night for NBC (really, any night other than Thursday) or at a time when competition is weak? Fiday night's been dying for a breakout hit since the X Files moved itself to Sunday.

Elizabeth Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 04:44 PM EST

I know I'm in the minority, but I really like this show. I would be sad if it was cancelled as well. I actually think it's my favorite of the new shows this season. And I didn't even watch Sports Night or the West Wing.

mike Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 04:39 PM EST

I'm tired of good programming with half a brain going down. Considering the mindnumbing crap that passes for television, they can't give Studio 60 more than five weeks? I hope NBC chokes on its own game show.

Dan Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 04:36 PM EST

When critics heap such unanimous praise without asking obvious questions like, why can't Amanda Peet act and why isn't the comedy funny, it only reinforces that critics are not to be trusted for recommendations.

This only reduces the likelihood that anyone will listen to you when the next Comback comes along.

Josh Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 04:24 PM EST

Ugh, cancel "Law & Order" instead. Sample schedule post-football (times are central) Sun 6 America's Got Talent, 7 Dateline, 8 Friday Night Lights, 9 Black Donnellys; Mon 7 Deal or No Deal, 8 Heroes, 9 Raines; Tues 7 game/reality/news show; 8 L&0:CI, 9 L&O:SVU; Wed 7 The Apprentice, 8 Studio 60, 9 Medium; Thurs 7 Earl / Office, 8 Scrubs / 30 Rock, 9 ER; Fri 7 1 vs 100, 8 Las Vegas, 9 Crossing Jordan

Some things could maybe change but I think it makes sense to change up the originally announced Sunday plans since there's too much reality Sun at 8/7c already with "Home Edition" and "Race". And after "Biggest Loser" ends its fall run, have "The Apprentice" as a lead-in to "Studio 60" -- that might help as it seems like a more compatible lead-in (even though I don't watch "Apprentice" any more myself).

paige Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 04:23 PM EST

the fate of this show is not because of poor scheduling... i dont think any schedule can save this show. and i personally thank god (and non-viwers) for that. I hate this show... I still watch it, but i still hate it.

Rahul Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 04:19 PM EST

How about 'Lights' on Monday night at 8pm (right before MNF), forgetting Jeff Zucker's new plan?

Ep Sato Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 04:08 PM EST

While I was no fan of Studio 60 and feel like 30 Rock is a much better way to go about this style of show, methinks that Monday is a horrible night for Friday Night Lights. It's bad that NBC keeps changing the night the show is on, but really bad (and I am not the first person to say this) to air a show about football at the exact same time that an actual NFL football game is on. A show about football would attract football junkies if they aired it on Wednesdays or Tuesdays. All other days, some form of real football can be seen live or on tv.

Sorkin? He needs a few years off to cool his jets and to come up with something more creative. Maybe it was coincidence that he and Tina Fey came up with the exact same idea, but IMHO, Fey's execution has been much less taxing to sit through...

Rahul Mon, Oct 30, 2006 at 03:58 PM EST

I fear the end is near too. Bumping the show for 'Friday Night Lights' tonight is not a good sign even though I think 'Lights' would be better off on Monday nights since it is a family show versus 'Studio 60' (which definitely is NOT a family show). Sorkin has made better TV in the past, and though this one has been uneven at best, I ultimately believe poor scheduling is what doomed it.