Written by: Samuel K. Sloan (Farpoint Media Exec. News Dir.)
In a totally Fox-like and unsurprising move Fox has delayed the debut of its new SF show titled “New Amsterdam,” one of the most promising new programs on the network’s new Fall schedule.
Executives over at that clueless network still, after all these years, after their terrible mis-step with “Firefly,” “Drive” and so many other great and promising shows, just doesn’t get it — and, I have come to the conclusion that, as long as current management remains in place — they never will!
They are reporting that the show hasn’t been totally side-railed but will debut in January 2008…Yeah! Like we in the SF community are going to buy that one. They’re simply hoping that we have short memories and will have totally forgotten about it by then…not a chance.
One of the reasons given for the decision was Fox’s history of languishing in the ratings during its early Fall season. Hello! Wake Up! You languish because your programming sucks. The only two things you got going for you are “American Idol” and “24” and once the public finally grows tired of that formula, you will find your Foxing network in the total basement where it belongs. Perhaps it’s time you decision making guys and gals stop eating the mushrooms you are sitting under and give SF a chance. Hasn’t anyone told you yet that the genre is now the new money train? You already own the ratings in January with AI. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a Fall hit as well? “New Amsterdam” could have been that hit show you were looking for, but now you will never know.
The symbol for the fox use to mean a person or thing that was wiley, slick and cunning…but, this network has sadly changed all that. Now when I think of Fox, I only invision a toothless, head-scratching moron in search of a useless idea.
That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it!
Jimmy B says
Tell us what your really think. Ouch.
Michael in Nashville says
If it’s not House, 24 or Idol, FOX has no faith in it.
FOX has their heads up their rears anyway….they keep saying this season of 24 wasn’t that bad. Not only was it a creative letdown after last year’s great ride, but the ratings sagged..big time.
Phil S says
And you are surprised WHY? After so many let-downs, I knew that FOX would do this. The show did look promising, but because it was on FOX, I didn’t hold out hope for it to stay long, so I wasn’t interested in getting involved with it. They need a change and to get their head out of their rears.
Lizzie says
I hope we get a chance to see it.
Michael in Nashville says
I wonder if the screeners have shown up over at BT air yet or not?
ZorPrime says
Yeah, dumb move to advertise a show, then move it to mid-season but the lower ratings quote from the FOX suits could also have something to do with FOX carrying the MLB playoffs and the World Series in the fall. Depending on who’s playing, I guess. Some shows, including the highly rated House, did not run in the month of October. Maybe the new thinking is that new shows like New Amsterdam would lose their audience with a break like that.
Sam says
Thanks for clarifying my point even more ZorPrime. These programing genius at Fox are bringing down high six to low 7 figures salaries a year and they didn’t realize that conflict of interest faux pax. Once again, I rest my case – toothless, head-scratching morons run Fox.
Magess says
Frakkin hell. I was actually looking forward to giving this show a try too. I didn’t even know it was on FOX. I just searched tivo to see if it was up yet and it didn’t appear in the listing. *sigh* Now that I know it’s on Fox, I really kind of doubt that it’s going to be worth my time. I’ll probably love it. And then it will die.
Thomas says
Why can I say this doesn’t come as a surprise sadly.
Damn Fox
fred says
Riddle me this, who will spend the time, money, and effort to make and promote a show just to see it die?
Magess says
fred, perhaps people who’s real hopes lie elsewhere? Like this:
Doofus1: Sir, genre shows always fail. I suggest RealityTV2000.
ManagerBot: No no, I want to give this a try.
Doofus1: As you wish.
Doofus1 proceeds to create, undermarket, and kill said show.
ManagerBot: I see you were right. Schedule up RealityTV2000, we need something to bring in the bucks.
Doofus1: Yes sir! I never liked things with aliens anyway. Glad you agree with me sir. Won’t let you down.
Anne says
Please give us New Amsterdam sooner, not later or not at all. At last an intelligent show about the history of NYC by an illustrious director and fabulous cast and, guess what? It’s “postponed.”
Michael says
I originally thought the show was airing on USA, so I had high hopes but now that I know for sure it is on Fox and they have already delayed the show after giving it hype. Im afraid this show wont even have chance to be Firefly style cancelation. Which is good b/c I am tired of networks putting on good Sci-Fi shows only to replace with some lame show that only pulls in half the viewers of the show they pulled. Even Sci-Fi channel has been making bad choices.
Albert says
I was really looking forward to this. Since it’s going to be used as a mid-season replacement for shows that they are going to cancel, I really worry about the time slot they are going to shove New Amsterdam into. I don’t watch American Idol or 24 so I can’t comment on that, but FOX does have an outstanding show in Bones.
Lara says
I don’t have to suffer the irritations of this stupid channel… I live in the UK. I hear about ‘FOX cancelled’ shows like Firefly (excellent) about 3 years after their axing when they are released on DVD, then I just buy the box sets. I’m hoping I can just buy this one in a few years because it sounds excellent – I’m really intrigued by it. I hope it gets a shot in some way, shape or form.
Lara says
Now I’m really mad… I just read that production on New Amsterdam was cancelled on 16th October with only 6 of its 13 episodes filmed. This is even worse than Firefly. There won’t even be a DVD box set! Why did they greenlight it?!
Nice one FOX.
John T. Folden says
For those interested, there’s a New Amsterdam fansite at: http://newamsterdam-forever.com/ featuring a cast list, episode guide, gallery, videos, etc, and all are welcome to visit and join the forum. I’ve seen the first episode and I think this is a project worth supporting.
Jo says
I cannot believe that FOX cancelled this show!!! Are you kidding me? I totally agree with your write up. I absolutely loved the first season and was really looking forward to seeing where it was going. I am very disappointed in FOX for this.