New and Improved TV?

…or at least that’s what it appears to be. We’re just concluding the second week of the 2016-2017 fall season and already four shows have been picked up for a full season. FOUR!

NBC hit first by ordering the back-nine for the sophomore series Superstore, as well as their new comedy The Good Place, and today ABC has matched their ante by giving full season blessings to both Wednesday night newcomers Designated Survivor and Speechless.

What’s happening? I feel like I’m in a parallel universe because for one – they’re all shows I actually enjoy, and two – this is happening far too fast! Head spinning… things… happening…

So why is this happening? It could be said that all four of the shows have fared well in their time slots, and in the inevitable second week slump, so it’s just a no brainer to pick them up but in a time when we’ve come to expect full season orders no earlier than mid to late October this just sounds like crazy brain!

The other reason, is something I’ve touched on in a previous post – the mid-season shows don’t seem too promising. NBC, for one, is only premiering three new shows in the first half of the season and leaving everything else for the post Christmas slots. This may just be a wise business move on their behalf – mid season shows equals less commitment.  If a show does well in the ratings, and they want to add additional episodes they can. If the show tanks, oh well they’ve only invested a limited amount of money, and they’ve got X amount of show to fill that vacant slot.

Lastly, it could be that perhaps Network TV is actually picking up great shows that are worthy of full seasons. I’ll be the first to admit over the last several years the crop of new shows has been DIRE, resulting in only a handful getting passed their initial runs, but this season – and perhaps last – saw some shiny screens of hope.

Whatever the reason behind this straight out of the gate renewal craze, I won’t complain.  I’m very happy to see networks get behind shows early allowing them the chance to find their feet, and audience, since that mentality has been lacking in the industry since Must See TV was a thing.

Your move FOX and CBS…..