NBC gets behind Chuck in a big way
If you’re of the belief that actions speak louder than words, than this move by NBC is proof positive that the network has great faith in Chuck. NBC has given Chuck an early full-season pickup.
The term is called a “back-nine” order, which means that the adventures of a geek-turned-reluctant super spy, will be on NBC for all of 2008-09. The vagaries of the demographics and Nielsens notwithstanding, NBC is betting on Chuck.
The comedy-adventure is entering its sophomore season, returning on Monday, September 29, at 8 E.T. Apparently, the powers-that-be at NBC — Ben Silverman — have liked the shows that are currently in the can.
Assuming they’re right, Chuck will pick up right where it left off last year with sharp characters, funny stories and the right blend of action and laughs. It’s not an easy mix, although when it works — like Chuck and Burn Notice — it makes for terrific TV.
The scuttlebutt for the new NBC line up has not engendered great confidence from the media. Most of the reaction to clips of the new product we’ll be seeing this fall has been underwhelming in fact. Chuck, which showed so much promise in the Writers’ strike-abbreviated 2007 season, is clearly an hour that the network is hoping will grow in popularity and ratings.
This order is not only a pat on the back to the actors, writers, directors and producers of the show, it’s a sign of confidence and based on what aired, it’s deserved. My only complaint with NBC is that they should have been showing Chuck over the summer. The last episodes aired last January. Instead of Celebrity Circus, why not reruns of Chuck?
Yeah, I know, reruns supposedly don’t do well in the ratings. However, if new fans are supposed to get into a show like Chuck, NBC should give them a chance to see it. One of the things that’s so great about the cable networks — including NBC Universal channels Bravo and USA — is that they repeat shows often. They’ll run marathons on the weekends to give you a chance to catch up. Hey, that’s an idea — Ben Silverman, Jeff Zucker — why not give us a Chuck marathon on USA or Bravo before the September 29th premiere?