TV continues to infiltrate and warp the minds of viewers in nefarious ways. We’ve seen devotees petition on the Web to save their favorite show, blog fervently about the conspiracies behind “American Idol” voting, and now (gasp!) second-guess the wisdom of the networks themselves.
The recent advertiser upfronts in NYC presented the five major networks an opportunity to unveil their latest slates of new shows and schedule reshuffles. The process used to only concern television insiders but these days, it’s a big deal for viewers anticipating the networks’ fall offerings.
NBC was up first and presented a LeBlanc-free lineup that inspired search spikes on “nbc fall lineup” and “nbc fall schedule.” ABC‘s new sked caused the biggest stir in Buzz with the announcement that powerhouse drama “Grey’s Anatomy” would be moving to a pressure-packed Thursday night slot. We saw a 47% increase in “cbs fall schedule” searches after the network revealed their plans, which included just four new shows. Fans of UPN and WB shows (we know you’re out there) caused searches on “cw fall schedule” to spike, as the two troubled networks become one and dump their biggest turkeys.
Only one new show created a minor Buzz ripple—NBC’s new “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” This TV-based satire will be plugged into NBC’s revamped “must-see” Thursday schedule. The new lineups are already being painstakingly dissected by both fans and critics, proof of the strength of the public’s reaction when their TV viewing routines are at stake.
