As American Idol prepares to belt its way onto a new network—ABC—it appears that some parties are more excited by the union than others. For instance, while it’s almost certain that ABC executives are giddy at the prospect of importing the show’s ratings—which, even at their worst, would have placed second among the network’s current line-up—it seems that a small club of producers are not as pleased. Why? Because the reality juggernaut, as they see it, just made the chances of getting their own pilots on air a lot slimmer.
According to Variety, multiple producers with pilots in contention complained about the decision and what it might mean for their projects. As one producer with multiple pilots at the network put it, “I was feeling pretty good about things until I heard about Idol.” (ABC declined to comment.)
According to the trade publication, ABC has committed to 40 hours of Idol—which traditionally aired for two nights a week on its original network, Fox. Variety reports that the current plan is for the program to premiere in March, airing on Sunday nights with result follow-ups on Mondays. But that would mean fewer slots for scripted programming—both new and returning. Hence, the reportedly disgruntled producers.
As ABC brings the series back, it’s important to note how briefly it’s been off the air—just a little over a year. As series seem to be making their way back on air faster and faster, reviving this briefly-gone show feels less like a resurrection and more like a quick round of routine C.P.R. Will fans go for it? ABC may have a few tricks up its sleeve yet .Regardless, as upfront presentations approach next week, we expect to hear even more soon.
