Throughout the next several weeks one of our contributors we have situated at the network upfronts will be giving updates on programming news and events that have taken place as networks such as ABC, CBS, CW, Fox and NBC give advertisers their first look at what can be expected for the upcoming television season.
On our next Slice of SciFi show #161 on May 17, we will give a listing of which SF and genre shows will be returning and what new programs can be expected. However, until that time here is an on-the-spot report from our inside source.
I realize I don’t have that much to report today (May 12) as the only Upfront is NBC and they actually released their schedule weeks ago. Tomorrow should be much more valuable with both ABC and CW revealing their schedules. Regardless, here is my Upfront Day 1 report……
The 2008/2009 Broadcast Upfronts have officially begun. Instead of their traditional Upfront, NBC instead unveiled what they refer to as the NBC Universal Experience. There was no real programming news – since they actually announce their programming weeks ago. Instead they invited advertisers to see different exhibits set up showing the wide variety of different NBC Universal properties (ranging from “Top Chef” to “Deal or No Deal” to “Battlestar Galactica” and “Knight Rider,” etc.).
The event featured a fair amount of stars. I did meet the cast of “Heroes.” Interestingly, Ali Larter was there even though her character appeared to perish in the last aired episode. She would not comment, however, whether her appearance at the event was any clue regarding her character’s fate. Zachary Quinto (Sylar) was also present. I tried to get details regarding the “Star Trek” movie (and his role as Spock), but was unsuccessful. All he would say is that the movie is going to be great.
Nothing was really mentioned about “Warehouse 13” and “Revolution,” the two upcoming (2009 probably) sci-fi shows. However, last week I did see the two shows mentioned in the Sci-Fi Upfront presentation that their ad sales team is sharing with advertisers.
As you have probably heard, “Warehouse 13” is about a warehouse where the government keeps strange unexplained objects. (It was most likely inspired by the scene at the end of “Raiders of the Lost Ark”). The plot features two government agents who suddenly find themselves transferred to this new unexpected assignment.
“Revolution” is about a possible civil war with a future colony.
It is also interesting to note that the sci-fi road show also had a slide mentioning “Stargate Universe” (a possible third TV series in the Stargate universe).
I also saw the ABC Family road show at a private meeting earlier in the day. From a sci-fi perspective, they have renewed “Kyle XY” for an early 2009 return. New to the network is “Middleman” about two government agents dealing with the unexpected. Based on the clip I saw, it hearkened back to shows like “The Chronicle” or “Special Unit 2.” Over the summer, they have a 3 part mini-series called “Samurai Girl.” While this is not exactly sci-fi, it is somewhat fantasy in that, based on the clip I viewed, it features over the top martial arts.
That’s all for now from the inside track at this year’s network upfronts. Stay tuned to Slice of SciFi for future updates.
Interesting. Thanks for the update.
Okay, okay, Joss, JJ, and RDM, on the same channel…maybe fox won’t cancel it…..man,t here of my favorite writers are just going to get sacked all at once aren’t they?
You want to know what I love about “Revolution? The SCIFI wire describes the colony by saying it looks, oddly enough, like earth, even if the main character is one of the first settlers on the colony. Oh, and there is a 16 year old girl tirng to find herself. Scifi Wire, come up wtih a better picth for a show, really lol.
You know what, I’ll give it a shot. It could surprise you.