NBC announced their Fall program schedule today, to get the jump on the other networks, which will reveal theirs later thisweek:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/TV_NEW_SEASON?SITE=OREUG&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

I see nothing much new that interests me. They are claiming that their new programs will give them a boost from 4th place in the network ratings, but the descriptions of the shows seem like a formula for a further decline to me. The two new ones about behind-the-scenes at TV production studios may attract only a narrow segment of the audience, that won't likely include me. They have a cop show featuring Jeff Goldblum. I can't describe why, but I can take only so much of him. I keep seeing his pathetic character from "The Big Chill", pop out in every other role he plays.

I actually watch more NBC primetime than from any other network, but unless I'm wrong about the new shows having thin and unsustainable plotlines, I will do some shifting elsewhere. I guess I can't forgive them for axing "The West Wing", just when it was showing so much potential for future success. Now, we've lost that parallel political universe in which we could seek a brief weekly respite from what is really going on. Perhaps they have a bunch of tentatively-approved programs to substitute in mid-season, for those that fold. There's a lot of such shows that get funded for 3 or 4 episodes and eventually get shown the next Summer, if no slots open in the regular season. These shows often are more interesting, as some very enthusiastic hopefuls are behind them.

I worked on the pilot (may work on the series too, we'll see) of "Raines", the Jeff Goldblum vehicle, and I can say that it was well-made television. Jeff is quite magnetic in the part. He's come a long way from his 80's era "loser" characters. I think it will be worth watching.

I worked on the pilot (may work on the series too, we'll see) of "Raines", the Jeff Goldblum vehicle, and I can say that it was well-made television. Jeff is quite magnetic in the part. He's come a long way from his 80's era "loser" characters. I think it will be worth watching.

O.K., I'll watch the "Raines" pilot and give it a chance. Do you suppose the writers will finally let Goldblum score in this series?

The most interesting thing, I think, about the upfronts this year is what appears to be growing understanding of the impending fragmentation of the video content marketplace . . . and growing frustration on the part of advertisers with the current broadcast/network model.

NBC actually seems to be looking ahead on this issue.

See: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/16/business/media/16adco.html

This is also interesting: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/arts/television/tv-upfronts.html

I think West Wing jumped the shark awhile back.