Although there are no runaway hits like last year’s returning hits Desperate Housewives and Lost, the general consensus of broadcast buyers is that so far it’s an okay TV season. As for this season’s winners, everyone seems to agree that Prison Break(Global) is on that list but that was pretty much expected prior to its launch. A couple of surprise hits for the buyers are Invasion (CTV) and Ghost Whisperer (CTV), which is pulling bigger numbers than expected on Friday night. Prior to launch, neither one of these shows were predicted to be sure-fire winners. Some thought that the space invasion/government cover-up story line of Invasion (CTV) might only have an attraction for a niche audience of sci-fi nerds while Ghost Whisperer could either ride on the coattails of the popular Medium or be avoided for being simply a copycat.
On the cancellation front, it’s not expected to be the same kind of bloodbath of the past few years that had buyers scrambling to reschedule all the ‘make-goods’ caused by so many shows getting the axe.
At this point only three programs have been cancelled – Head Cases(CH), Just Legal (A Channel), and Inconceivable (CTV). Florence Ng, VP broadcast at ZenithOptimedia in Toronto says in previous seasons six or seven shows would have been cancelled by now but potentially there could be a few more cuts in the coming weeks.
Ng is unhappy with the performance of E-Ring (Global) and speculates that it may be moved. The show, in four airings, averaged a 3.4% audience share. In the U.S., E-Ringwas number 2 in the overnights and three additional scripts were reportedly ordered, according to the Programming Insider.
She says the differences in American and Canadian viewing tastes are also showing up this season. Some shows that are big hits in the U.S. are getting good, but not great audiences here, including Everybody Hates Chris (CityTV) and My Name is Earl (CH). This may be due to the comedic half-hours’ unfortunate timeslot up against some strong hours competition.
Steve Aronovich, broadcast investment manager at Starcom Worldwide in Toronto, adds a few other shows to the deathwatch list. He says Reunion (CH) could potentially be cancelled and Close to Home (CTV) will meet the same fate if its numbers don’t pick up. Aronovich says it was expected that The Apprentice: Martha Stewart (Global) would do better than it is but is holding its own.
Carol Cummings, senior TV buyer for Montreal-based Media Experts says in Quebec, everything is as expected. Top shows Star Academie on TVA (number one in the market right now) is pretty much splitting the audience with Tout le monde en parle on Radio-Canada, which launched last year and held the number one spot for part of it. One of her top picks, Les Invincibles on Radio-Canada just hit the air but seems to be off to a good start.
