NBC has given six of their new shows premiere dates. In a year with the Super Bowl and the Olympics, the network needs to capitalize and release some new hit shows. I have decided to take a look and make predictions on how successful these shows will be for the peacock network.
“The New Normal”
Already being dropped from NBC’s Utah affiliate — a bad sign as the last show, “The Playboy Club,” that was dropped was poorly received by audiences nationwide and was cancelled after only four episodes. Although creator Ryan Murphy has found hits with “Glee” and “American Horror Story” on other networks, I doubt his style will land him a third hit on NBC.
Verdict: 5-6 episodes at best.
“Guys with Kids”
Being produced by the man many consider NBC’s future, Jimmy Fallon, the show might have some longevity. “Guys with Kids” looks to be a traditional sitcom and, although you shouldn’t look for it to be critically acclaimed or be considered another “great” NBC comedy, I believe the show will find an audience quickly and expect the three leads and their corresponding babies in tow to become an unfortunate pop culture fixture.
Verdict: “Community” used the phrase “six seasons and a movie.” Ironically, this NBC show might actually achieve it.
“Go On”
Touted as Matthew Perry’s triumphant return to the network that launched his career (NBC tries to forget “Studio 60″), the show surrounds the star with a group of unknown misfits. Similar to the original premise of “Community,” the show will presumably stay more traditional going forward and also maintain an audience.
Verdict: 4-5 seasons if it can stay fresh, otherwise it will end up like Perry’s previous “Mr. Sunshine.”
“Animal Practice”
Much like “Guys with Kids” this show is about as traditional as sitcoms get. With animal jokes aplenty and a cast of zany-but-stereotypical misfit doctors, the show doesn’t break much new ground, but I have seen the pilot (available on Hulu or NBC’s website), and it’s enjoyable. Although the most famous actor on the show may be the monkey (look up Crystal the Monkey on IMDB; it’s impressive), the show will find an audience quickly.
Verdict: 5 seasons, maybe fewer if Crystal demands more money per episode and production shuts down.
“Chicago Fire”
Helmed by one of the last NBC producers still left over from the golden age, Dick Wolf’s (“Law and Order”) new drama switches focus from his traditional New York City setting to a new type of civil servant. Although the series won’t exhibit the familiar tropes of “Law and Order,” look for the show to be around a while as NBC is in the Dick Wolf business and he, more than anyone, knows how to make a show last.
Verdict: 8 seasons and a classy-and-refined box set for collectors everywhere.
“Revolution”
Produced by J.J. Abrams (“Star Trek,” “Lost”) and Jon Farverau (“Iron Man,” “Cowboys & Aliens”) “Revolution” is NBC’s attempt at big budget Sci-Fi. Although Abrams lends credibility with his association with “Lost,” the last commercially successful network sci-fi series, the show was largely successful in spite of him (he left after one season), and his more recent projects such as “Alcatraz” and “Undercovers” were dead on arrival. I believe “Revolution” will be, too.
Verdict: One season that doesn’t answer half the questions posed in the pilot.
