It's almost that time of the year again, when the networks roll out their new stable of shows. Basically, it's like throwing shit at the wall to see what will stick. The truth is most are already dead shows walking.
I thought I'd make it interesting and pick which newbies are the top five candidates to meet the axe. You know, become this year's Lone Star, Undercovers, Shit My Dad Says, or The Event. It's not a science, I'm just going with my gut. Well, unless the show is on NBC, where chances are it will automatically fail (I keed, I keed, NOT). So here goes, let's play reaper!
1. THE PLAYBOY CLUB (Mondays 10/9c NBC)
NBC's attempt at MAD MEN style period drama will most definitely crash and burn. It's already surrounded by controversy, and it has a tough time slot. It may have The Sing-Off as a lead in, but it will finish a distant third in it's time slot against Castle (ABC) and Hawaii-0 (CBS).
Prediction: The controversy and viewers' curiosity will give it decent premiere numbers but it will plummet quickly and get pulled before it's inital 13 episodes have all aired.
2. GRIMM (Fridays 9/8c NBC):
Out of the gate, the chips are stacked against it. Sure the premise might be interesting, a Grimm's Fairy Tales inspired cop show. But it's target audience is pretty much spoken for. It's going up against two established genre shows Fringe and Supernatural. Did I mention it's on NBC.
Prediction: 13 and out.
3. CHARLIE'S ANGELS (Thursdays ABC)
Another remake could lead to viewer fatigue. The hotness that is Minka Kelly will not be enough to save the show. It is in a very tough time slot up against "The Big Bang Theory" and "The X Factor" results show.
Prediction: Will get a back 9, get a time slot change but will not be able to fend off it's cancellation in May.
4. WHITNEY (Thursdays 9:30/8:30c NBC)
This year's Outsourced. It's being protected by The Office but that is not a gimme anymore. It is yet to be determined how well a Carell free Office will perform. That will determine how long it will stave off the reaper. Regardless, it's premise seems boring: a young couple relationship comedy. Been there done that.
Prediction: Possibly a back 9, but then it's off to never never land next spring.
5. PAN AM (Sundays 10/9 c ABC)
ABC's attempt to cash in on the MAD MEN craze. A period night time soap that MIGHT play well. It's time slot against Sunday Night Football (NBC) in the fall and established veteran CSI: Miami (CBS) will likely hurt it's chances of survival. But then I may be wrong.
Prediction: A full 22 episode season and buh bye.
If you're interested in the entire crop of new shows check out TV Guide's list here. Come back and let me know which ones you think will meet their early demise.