Everyone knows that the shine of a post-Olympics “preview” berth doesn’t last long–just ask 2012’s Go On and Animal Practice. But it’s at least supposed to provide a new show with a strong sampling. Ironically, last night’s WINTER OLYMPICS ratings were so disastrous (2.6 in preliminary numbers–see Mitch Metcalf’s Skedball post for details) that ABOUT A BOY will likely have a better lead-in when it makes its regular time-slot debut on Tuesday after The Voice. Last night, the sitcom could only muster a 2.2 rating in 18-49s, not remotely close to the 5.6 for the post-Olympics run of Go On, or even the 4.1 for Animal Practice. It certainly doesn’t suggest any particular audience interest in the new show.
Tonight NBC will try again, this time with an airing of GROWING UP FISHER after the Olympics Closing Ceremony. It’s unlikely that the lead-in will be much better, and the result probably won’t be either.
About the Author
Mitch Salem
MITCH SALEM has worked on the business side of the entertainment industry for 20 years, as a senior business affairs executive and attorney for such companies as NBC, ABC, USA, Syfy, Bravo, and BermanBraun Productions, and before that, at the NY law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges. During all that, he has more or less constantly been going to the movies and watching TV, and writing about both since the 1980s. His film reviews also currently appear on screened.com and the-burg.com. In addition, he is co-writer of an episode of the television series "Felicity."
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