In fast national ratings, the number for last night’s preview of GO ON was updated (and downgraded) from 6.4 to 5.6. This wasn’t unexpected, since NBC had played a little game by starting Go On at 11:06 PM, guaranteeing that the first figures released would include 6 minutes of Olympics in its half-hour, and thus giving a little steroid boost to the rating. Make no mistake, 5.6 is a fantastic number for a sitcom, and if Go On can score anywhere in that vicinity when it actually premieres, Comcast and the NBC brass will start a parade. But the 5.6 also means that probably 45% of Olympics viewers changed the channel or turned the TV off when Go On started. In any case, last night the show had, by a large margin, the biggest lead-in it will ever see, and September 11, when the show actually begins in its regular timeslot, is still far away. We’ll find out then whether Go On really has a place on the medals podium.
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."
More articles by
Mitch Salem »
