Friday Night Huh? Focus on '30 Rock,' says NBC

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RBlues Fri, Feb 8, 2008 at 11:56 PM EST

After all the talk today about FNL possible being shopped to cable networks, I'm encouraged. NBC is obviously too stupid to appreciate a quality show like this. A cable network would give this show the love it deserves, it would probably get the Emmy acknowledgment it was totally robbed of this year (and we would probably get more than one chance a week to watch it). I would follow this show anywhere!

Emily Fri, Feb 8, 2008 at 02:29 PM EST

Okay, so let's accept the fact that NBC is out to make money, not provide good quality programming. They aren't the NEA. Ideally, yes, the two should go together. But let's face it: some of our countrymen and women are idiots and actually do prefer Howie Mandel and Marie Osmond to our beloved Coach Taylor.
What I'm about to say is totally classist, and I apologize for that, but let's think for a moment: who do you think is more likely to actually BUY the crap they advertise during shows? People who watch smart shows like FNL, or people who watch drivel? It seems like there needs to be more analysis of the ratings and nuanced advertising strategies before just writing off quality programming as unprofitable.
And I love the Clear Eyes campaign. Love it. Count me in.

Marie Thu, Feb 7, 2008 at 01:16 PM EST

Whaaaaa? Ok, I love 30 Rock as much as the next person, but there is NOTHING as good as FNL on tv at all, ANY channel. NBC, if you can't give the show a chance... at least consider keeping it in production and moving it to Bravo or one of the other subsidiaries? Just what everyone needs - more Deal or No Deal. I just threw up in my mouth a little.

KG Thu, Feb 7, 2008 at 01:27 AM EST

wait... so because of the strike... this friday's episode could be the last FNL episode ever???

clear eyes Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 10:19 PM EST

There is no way they can cancel this show. It is the best show on television and I can't wait to see what is going on in Dillion every Friday night. Ben Silverman obviously does not know quality TV when he sees it. It is sad that such a great televsion show with so many loyal fans might be cancelled. We must not let this show go down without a fight!

Kelly Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 07:10 PM EST

I think Silverman needs saving if he doesn't believe FNL is a keeper.

beachmom Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 06:46 PM EST

damn, silverman, damn.
W T F ? ? ?
i just looked at the list of prime time shows on NBC and other than 30 rock and the office it is a pile of crap. if you can promote the bejesus out of dreck like heroes, las vegas, and medium why can't you devote some of that budget to FNL?
you really need to resign the title of 'wunderkind'...it's obvious that you are pretty much a programming moron...

DanOregon Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 06:13 PM EST

Only a network tool hired by Jeff Zucker would think that you CAN have too many quality shows on a network.
NBC's lineup of shows is probably eighth or ninth best including cable. What a mess.

aw Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 05:45 PM EST

Does this guy even watch this show? FNL is the most realistic show on TV. Sometimes I feel like FNL was written about my high school days, but I guess this guy wouldn't know that because I'm sure his rich butt never stepped foot in a small town public school system.

mla Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 05:14 PM EST

The more I read about him the more I think that Ben Silverman is a cocky idiot. The way he handled the Golden Globes mess is exhibit A, plus his meddling tanked Bionic Woman, which had the potential to be very good and instead turned out to be expensive, unwatchable crap. The list is a lot longer ... perhaps EW could list Ben Silverman's Top Errors of 2007-2008?

meredith Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 04:51 PM EST

so i just wrote an email to nbc, not that that will do anything. how about ew puts the cast on their magazine cover to give them more exposure, huh? huh ;-)

Jenny Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 04:23 PM EST

I'll be getting my bottle of clear eyes. Actually, I'll get more than one bottle. I cannot stand by and see this show die. I don't understand why NBC doesn't market this show. Taylor Kitsch's looks alone would be enough to make people watch the show.

Omar Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 03:23 PM EST

First off, I love FNL and 30 Rock. Two of the best TV shows on the air, period. It would be terrible if either were cancelled. I think we all know FNL's days are numbered. A quality show with poor ratings just can't last forever on NBC. The most I'm hoping for realistically is a third season. Arrested Development, despite its low ratings, got a third year because the execs at Fox had the balls to keep a great show on the air despite the numbers. But NBC has bungled this show like no other. The lack of promotion is appalling, and moving it to deadly Friday night was a death knell. Shame on them. Have these network suits learned nothing from the cancellation of great high school shows like My So-Called Life and Freaks and Geeks?? Based on the crap NBC has pumped out since the strike begin, this Silverman guy is showing himself to be a stereotypical corporate Hollywood drone who cares only about profit and not about his network's reputation.

Bertie Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 03:21 PM EST

PS...good call Step! :)

Bertie Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 03:19 PM EST

I am totally going to send a letter and Clear Eyes. They cannot cancel this show! I look forward to it every week and I have never gotten so into a character before, let alone all the characters! This show is just amazing and I would hate to see it leave us. The actors on this show are so amazing and very convincing. They keep the stupiest shows on and we get screwed! PLEASE PLEASE OH PLEASE DON'T CANCEL THIS SHOW!!!

WRC Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 02:15 PM EST

I say we also use a sharpie to write our favorite player's # on the back of the bottle.

address Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 01:54 PM EST

Ben Silverman
Co-Chairman NBC Entertainment
3000 West Alameda Ave.
Burbank, CA 91523

Rosie Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 01:44 PM EST

I'm still so angry about this. I sent NBC the angriest comment about how stupid they are with their insipid programming (except for The Office) and that they want to get RID of Friday Night Lights for more crap like Lipstick Jungle and Gladiators?? Then they are as dumb as their audience. This IS Veronica Mars all over again... except worse.

RBlues Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 01:40 PM EST

Bottles of "Clear Eyes"--Perfect!

Can someone please post the address that we would send these to?

Angie Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

Where do we send the Clear Eyes to? I've never participated in one of these campaigns before, but I'll do it for this show! The second season might not have been as good as the first, but it deserves a shot to see if the third can get back to it. Most shows suffer a sophomore slump. It's still better than most shows on television these days.

step Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 01:12 PM EST

For anyone wondering what to send to the network, the answer is: bottles of Clear Eyes (Full Hearts Can't Lose). It's what we sent last year, easy to buy, and easy to send.

Pegz Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

I like your idea, Liz. How 'bout if we all hold "Save the *Lights" bake sales and send in the proceeds (along with a photo of your Save the Lights bake sale) to NBC?

Liz Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 12:33 PM EST

Fans of this show need to collectively decide on some sort of anti-cancellation gimmick. Like when fans of Jericho sent in peanuts, or when Roswell was in danger of being cancelled and everyone sent in bottles of Tabasco sauce.

What would be the symbolic staple we could send in to keep our show on the air? Footballs? Bottles of beer in Riggins honor? Livestrong bracelets like the one Matt sports every week? Any ideas?

shonna Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 12:17 PM EST

i'm devestated. i love tv - quality tv that is - but i would give up watching all my other shows (the office, 30 rock, brothers and sisters, desparate housewives, ugly betty) if i could keep watching FNL. one thing to take comfort in: all of us know that we are far more intelligent than the majority of the population that mindlessly watch reality/game shows and crap dramas and comedies.

Anne Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 11:52 AM EST

Paige, I was thinking the same thing...NBC will axe FNL (you know they will), yet LAS FREAKING VEGAS will get another season???? And what will NBC replace FNL with? More Howie Mandel?? For the Love of Coach Taylor, No. OK, rant over. Must go eat lunch, assuming I have the strength to eat after receiving this news.

LadyTiger Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 11:51 AM EST

FNL is a great show and deserves to be on the air. That said, a lot of great shows have been canceled that didn't deserve to be canceled, as other posters have pointed out.
Kristin over on E Online wants to start a campaign to save the show. What can we mail to NBC? Baby diapers in honor of Gracie Bell? Beer in honor of Riggins' regular Wednesday routine? Copies of Mystery Science Theater in honor of Landry? Come on EW posters, let's think of something good!

paige Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 11:33 AM EST

all my favorite shows die an early death. Twin Peaks, Arrested Development, Carnivale... does it ever end???? but yet, we still have another season of Las Vegas... you know what- this show is too good to be on nbc. f**k nbc!

Tea Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 11:31 AM EST

Please don't cancel FNL. It's the BEST SHOW ON TELEVISION!!!!!!!

Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 11:02 AM EST

Nooooooooooooooooooooooo. Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. (anguished scream)

Emoney Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 10:53 AM EST

Even if the second season hasn't been quite as good as the first (although last week's epi was as good as ever), FNL is far and away some of the highest-quality television on any network. I was so furious when NBC canceled Journeyman that I wrote a strongly-worded letter. I will officially eject the peacock from my home if they cancel FNL. No Heroes, no nothing. No NBC at all. Don't they understand that canceling the best shows or relegating them to horrible time slots discourages anyone from trying anything new. Why watch a new show on NBC? If you like it, it will probably be canceled. Sorry for the soapbox -- still upset over Journeyman. Can't take the loss of FNL...

RayT Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 10:41 AM EST

I think we all should stop and think about whether or not FNL deserves to be renewed. During season one, FNL was probably one of my favorite shows I've ever seen but by toning down everything that made season one so phenomenal (subtle acting, edgy yet realistic topics) and adding ridiculous ratings-grabbers (one word: Landrygate) what exactly are we fighting to save? If 30 Rock had decided to add a laugh track and hire a new writing team to make the show more popular and accessible (read: lowbrow) to the general public, I wouldn't care at all if it was in danger of cancellation. Bottom line: either renew the show or cancel the show, do NOT try to "rework" it!

alison Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 10:37 AM EST

FNL is definitely one of the best shows on TV right now, and NBC is doing absolutely nothing to help it along. What a shame.

Bruno Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 10:06 AM EST

I'm sorry, has a show that airs on Friday nights EVER done well? Speaking of that, why have they moved EVERY show to Thursday nights? These people are idiots. If I don't find out what happens to Smash I am going to be very very angry.

RTA Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 09:49 AM EST

And the clueless execs at the major networks wonder why more and more folks tune into HBO, Showtime, FX and TNT (just to name a few) to see quality drama shows instead of inane game shows and such. A pity.

snarky Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 09:36 AM EST

As a FNL lover from the start (i watch every week in a Panthers Football T-shirt) - I think we have to strap this man down and force him to watch last weeks ep. - I laughed, I cried, I was in love with Dillon for the 42 minutes the show was on (I DVR).
I agree with the other posters that (1) EW needs to put this show on the cover and (2) if we have to, can it goto USA, like Criminal Intent did for a while???
I mean, come ON, NBC, FNL HAS to be better than the craptasic "lipstick Jungle"
Also, just b/c 30 Rock is great, does not take away from FNL. It is like comparing pizza and nachos. The greatness of one does not detract from the other.
Rant over.

smoochie Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 09:23 AM EST

Sorry, I only watch 30 Rock. Alec Bladwin is yummy. Tracy Morgan is insane. And Tina Fey is responsible for it all. Love it!

dbldn11 Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 09:20 AM EST

Taking FNL off the air would be a crime. I love 30 Rock as well, but FNL is the best show on TV. I would (and will) be crushed if NBC i dumb enough to take this show off the air.

step Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 08:55 AM EST

Ben Silverman was a terrible choice for president, they should have never gotten rid of Kevin Reilly. Ben Silverman has done nothing but run the network into the ground with terrible dramas and reality drivel. FNL is truly the only good drama the network has right now, and getting rid of it would be a blow to people across the world, not to mention television in general.

Alex Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 08:32 AM EST

Noooooo!! Don't do it NBC! Why is this happening the minute I develop an obsession with this show? And I'm so disappointed EW hasn't done a proper feature on fnl yet despite all the love. Give it the exposure it needs dammit!

Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 08:32 AM EST

PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL FNL. I'm still reeling from not being able to download FNL and THE OFFICE on my IPOD. NBC, get it together!!!

beetlebume Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 08:20 AM EST

30 Rock is the best show on television?! HAHAHAHA.

Ana Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 04:37 AM EST

Hey kids, at least you have the American Idol recaps along with Britney's latest breakdown from EW.

tyler Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 02:54 AM EST

Put it out of its misery already.

Courtney Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 02:07 AM EST

NBC sucks. I can't believe they are even considering canceling FNL.

KG Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 02:00 AM EST

it's like arrested development all over again :(

DAMN YOU AMERICA!!!

Nick'd Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 01:49 AM EST

I wish they'd give away good programming like it was a well-off high school raffle, instead of stupid cars. The problem is people will watch TV when it's for a car they'll never win, but put a beautiful, talented cast in a show with something for everyone...and watch then run for the hills. Literally, The Hills.

Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 01:45 AM EST

terrible, awful news.

L Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 01:43 AM EST

I'll never forgive NBC if they take Friday Night Lights off the air. Never, ever, ever.
And in what world is keeping 30 Rock on going make up for getting rid of FNL? I'm not saying that 30 Rock isn't good; I am saying that Silverman shouldn't hope that keeping it and chopping FNL is somehow going to make me a happy viewer.

Mike Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 01:27 AM EST

When Silverman took the job, he was hot for reality/game shows. So he will have one quality low rated show to save. I confess I've never seen FNL. When it came on two years ago, I picked several new dramas. All are gone. And when they moved FNL to Friday it was toast.
The point is when you get invested in an intelligent drama on a broadcast network, you are on the clock. America would rather watch Marie Osmand faint on the dance floor than look into an intelligent well written series. So unless HBO or somebody else picks up the slack, Everwood, Veronica Mars, Arrested Development, or FNL had better be enjoyed quickly.

Secondrink Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 01:25 AM EST

No, see, this is like how the strikers are a bunch of nerds who don't want to have prom (a.k.a Awards Season). FNL is set in high school, so...Ben Silverman is a hypocrite and is now denying FNL a prom. Not cool dude.

Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 01:22 AM EST

Nooooooooo! Please no! Does NBC not notice this devoted following? At least give FNL to a sister network like USA...don't just ax it! And seriously, the acting on this show is unbelievable.

Nix Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 12:53 AM EST

Perhaps FNL fans should start sending live panthers to the NBC offices. Harder to obtain than nuts, but they may get the point across more, shall we say, directly.

kp Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 12:36 AM EST

EW, please do a story on this cast. It's great that the show pops up on your best of reviews, but give it an article. You don't even have to do a cover. If you do, however, please put Kyle Chandler on the front.

I'm not prepared to give up on this show.

monica Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 12:18 AM EST

come on! you can't be serious. you can't take away my friday night lights! cancel one of those law & orders instead. pleaseeeee!

Ana Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 12:15 AM EST

Oh, NBC, what happened to you? Not so long you ruled my broadcast world. Now I can barely tolerate the Peacock in my home.
Geez, if the head of NBC entertainment is that rude and uncaring in the press, I don't care to support the network at all.
Also, I think it is a terrible shame that people would rather watch the mindless drivel of "reality" programming or game shows than invest in a show that require paying attention to characters and plot points from week to week. FNL is a quality show. It makes me sad more people don't watch it. Unfortunately it defies easy categorization and that makes it hard to market. I think most people would like it if they watched a couple episodes. At this point, what bothers me more than cancellation is cancellation with a strike-shortened season. It seriously breaks my heart to think we may never know what was intended to happen the rest of this season. What happens in Dillon, to characters who are like family? Like TimRiggins, I am not amused.

Mcfly Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 10:50 PM EST

Yeah, let's have more Deal or No Deal. That's what NBC needs. More sh*t programming. To me game shows are for morning and late afternoon. What's next, prime time Match Game? I'll bet you anything that idea has been tossed about by the NBC braintrusts. I am so sick of the schedule being ruled by reality programming and lame-ass game shows. The people who watch this crap are just as guilty as the network wimps that put it on the schedule. Think I'll read a book.

DJ Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 10:41 PM EST

I will be devestated.
Maybe they should keep all the same actors and all the same relationships and just set it in a hospital.
I also feel EW shares some of the blame, not because of the TVwatches, but for not giving FNL a cover, despite finding room for Britney (she's been tiresome for yeeeears) and a Scandal list (yawn). EW did the same thing to Veronica Mars.
I get that you have magazines to sell, but couldn't you dedicate a few covers a year to the underdogs of TV?

Christine Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 10:02 PM EST

If NBC is stupid enough to cancel the best show on television, I will no longer watch anything on this network.

Rosie Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 09:48 PM EST

I think I'm going to be sick. FNL is THE BEST PROGRAM EVER. To me, anyway. And yeah, yeah, WE GET IT. 30 Rock's great. I laugh (though not like I do at The Office, which is 2nd to FNL and reminds me of it with its rich characterization), but it's just a comedy, not anything that delves deep. I could not care less if it gets canceled and I know lots of people feel differently, and that's okay! But FNL deserves Emmys, ratings through the roof, everything... This is ridiculous. IDIOT NBC and Deal or No Deal.

Chris Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 09:45 PM EST

Is that guy an idiot? I am sure he never even watched FNL. This is why I can't watch TV anymore. Because retards like Ben Silverman are in positions to make the decisions on what shows we watch.

Crystal Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 09:42 PM EST

Honestly, it was a miracle it got picked up for the 2nd season, and it didn't get the Emmy love it should've. I think this is a lost cause, folks, much as it pains me to say.

Kerith Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 09:20 PM EST

Does NBC even listen to the millions of fans? What do we need to do? Organize a mass save dillon panthers campaign?

Snarf Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 08:29 PM EST

Oprah and Hell...nah too easy. FNL kaput? Nooooooooooo! Don't cancel the pretty! (Even if he does look like he needs to go to shampoo camp)

Lauren Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 08:14 PM EST

What a shame! FNL is such a great program in a schedule that really lacks depth and variety. I wish NBC had given this the chance that it deserved.

Michelle Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 08:14 PM EST

I love being repeatedly referred to as a "no one". Thanks for appreciating six million plus viewers who would follow FNL anywhere. I'll be sure to respond to that loyalty in kind.

Jelana Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 08:11 PM EST

NBC built up decades worth of goodwill with me from Cheers and Seinfeld. And now, just like that, all goodwill gone. I will officially cheer when they place last among the networks. Hopefully, another network (or HBO!) will pick up this amazing show.

RBlues Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 08:11 PM EST

Oh Hell-to-the-NO! C'mon people, let's get together and make sure this does NOT happen! EW help us. Start with a cover story. How about the most gorgeous cast on t.v., or the most talented, or the most neglected?

Seriously, how do we start a grass-roots campaign to save this show? Any ideas?

Maggs Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 07:49 PM EST

Thank you NBC! I mean you wouldn't want to overload my brain on quality programming. A few good shows surrounded by crap helps my brain focus and recuperate. So once again thank you, seriously, thanks alot.

KJ Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 07:37 PM EST

Ben Silverman has come off as nothing but a smug ass since the moment he took he job. Ugh.

Dafna Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 07:16 PM EST

Man. It's like 'Sophie's Choice' all over again.

(yes, perhaps my priorities need re-examining, but that's not what TV is for, dammit.)

Doug Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 07:12 PM EST

NBC has done a horrible job with this wonderfully acted and artfully directed show. For shame... Maybe if they had an indestructible cheerleader?

tamuchi Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 07:11 PM EST

I would seriously boycott NBC if FNL is not brought back for another season or two or three or ten.

Kelly Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 07:03 PM EST

That does indeed suck. I will miss it terribly if it is canceled. I would also like to take this opportunity to pick a bone with you EW. I know that you do support the show quite a bit in PopWatch but I am wondering why it never got a full TV Watch and crappy Sarah Connor does? EW needs to also put its money where its mouth is with shows like this! I never understood how you all could call it "the best show that no one is watching" and "the best show on TV" and the like yet you wouldn't nut up and give it a full TV Watch? Very frustrating....

BTW, don't try to contact me at work tomorrow... I always skip Wednesdays

T-Rex Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 06:57 PM EST

That sucks like FNL sucks this season.

1000Steps Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 06:42 PM EST

Well that just sucks.

1000Steps Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 06:42 PM EST

Well that just sucks.