ABC To Run 'Pushing Daisies' & Other Dead Things
Amid today's summer scheduling announcement ABC unveiled the following airdates for several canceled series. From the network's release:
Airdates for the remaining episodes of “Pushing Daisies,” “Eli Stone” and “Dirty Sexy Money” were also announced, with “Pushing Daisies” returning to the schedule as of Saturday, May 30 through Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 p.m.; Eli Stone” on Saturday, June 20 through Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 p.m.; and “Dirty Sexy Money” on Saturday, July 18 through August 8 at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday -- the night with traditionally the lowest HUT (or homes using TV) levels -- thus becomes "Night of the Living Dead" Theater, burning off remaining episodes of programs that have already been canceled.
This announcement follows my latest column about DirecTV striking a deal with Warner Bros. to air the unseen episodes of several canceled series, including ABC's "The Nine" and "Eyes" and CBS' "Smith" (which co-starred Simon Baker before he broke through -- in an "If at first you don't succeed" way -- with "The Mentalist").
Nobody should expect big ratings from any of these deceased series, but it's nice to see ABC finish out the runs, even if it's in the scheduling equivalent of the dark side of the moon. Networks have a habit of wanting to hide from their failures, but the truth is each of these shows possessed some kind of following (in the case of "Daisies," an especially loyal one), and there's an element of wisdom in not sending them away grumbling, if only from a customer-service standpoint.
Meanwhile, for those who can't wait for ABC, series creator Bryan Fuller will present the final episodes at the upcoming Los Angeles Paley Festival. The details are here.
It should be a festive occasion, but I'd still suggest being tasteful and wearing black.
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Thank you for at least showing the remaining episodes of "Pushing Daisies." That was one of the best shows that got canceled way too soon. It had high quality writing, acting, and production. I guess it was too smart for people who watch the dancing/singing/box-choosing reality shows.
I seriously think there needs to be some changes in how many viewers there are for shows. Nielsen Ratings do not seem to work any more. We're closing in on 2010 and we're still using ratings from 1950?
I hope that "Pushing Daisies" returns, either as a show or in movies. It's too good to be gone for good. Someone please let Ned touch the show to bring it back to life.
Posted by: Mike | April 08, 2009 at 05:38 PM