Bubble Shows: Pros & Cons - ABC edition

In this list of blog series i'll present the pros and cons of every bubble show and also the possibilities of them returning. Don't expect to see shows like Grey's Anatomy, Modern Family & The Vampire Diaries on the list.

 The Pros & Cons list continues today with ABC

Cougar Town

In favor: Cougar Town is just one season away from reaching a decent episode number for syndication purposes. And that's a big factor since the low-rated sitcom is produced by ABC's sibling studio. Also, critics seems to love it and it has a small but devoted fan base. But let's admit that won't save it.

Against it: Its ratings are dreadful. To understand how bad the ratings are, the critically panned Work It performed better in its two airings on the same timeslot.

The Verdict: 30-70 

Don't Trust The B---- in Apt 23

In favor: While its still early, chances are looking good for this midseason entry. While, like every other ABC comedy that followed Modern Family, the retention is dissapointing but the overall ratings are encouraging. Don't forget that Happy Endings was renewed last spring with worse ratings becauce ABC's brass liked it. I think that will be the case for the B----.

Against it: The question is if it gets a renewal where ABC should put it. Common sense says that ABC will want to premiere a new comedy after Modern Family next fall. That leaves Apt 23 without a timeslot unless ABC expands their Tuesday comedy block. 

The Verdict:  80-20 

Missing

In favor: People watch it. It's an international co-production. If the procution company makes money from international distribution or other revenues, it might be back. Star Ashley Judd doesn't hurt either.

Against it: Old people are watching. The problem with all the above is that ABC Studios doesn't produce the show so they only care for ratings. And they were really low. Unless the production company give them a second season for free, its done.

The Verdict: 15-85

Scandal

In favor: With Shonda Rhimes behind it and pretty impressive stability over its four week run (all four episodes scored the same 2.0 rating) the chances for this DC-set drama are looking very good. Kerry Washington starring also helps.

Against it: A 2.0 rating is nothing to cheer about. With such a strong pedigree i'm sure ABC expected more from Scandal.

The Verdict: 85-15

GCB

In favor:  The ratings have been decent and stable. With ABC reportedly picking up to series the Devious Maids pilot, GCB could be a good companion show.

Against it: The problem is that the networks prefer "strong" ratings than "decent and stable". ABC can do much better than a 1.8 rating in adults 18-49.

The Verdict: 40-60










Private Practice


In favor: Deadline reports  that ABC is considering a 13-episode final season without ruling out a 22-episode pick up. With Shonda Rhimes behind it, and decent ratings on its new Tuesday timeslot, Private Practice is probably the safest bet amongst ABC's bubble dramas.


Against it: A scrpited show in its fifth season isn't cheap. ABC tried to bring back Brothers & Sisters for a final season last spring but couldn't make the finances work.


The Verdict: 90-10

Last Man Standing


In favor: ABC has a bunch of multicamera sitcoms in development and with two of them, the Reba McEntire's Malibu County and How To Live with Your Parents For the Rest Of Your Life being in serious contention, makes me believe that ABC will introduce a second -multicamera- comedy block. That theory bonds well with Last Man Standing which was a self-starter since the beginning of the season. Moreover, ABC loves Tim Allen.


Against it: The ratings have fallen this spring but that happened to all the shows that air at 8pm due to DST. 


The Verdict: 70-30




The River


In favor: There's been reports that Netflix is in talks with ABC Studios for acquiring the series.


Against it: Nowadays, everytime a genre show gets canceled there are reports that Netflix might save it. Well that won't happen with The River. This one is dead.


The Verdict: 1-99








Pan Am


In favor: Sony insists that Pan Am is doing strongly in international sales and on Itunes.


Against it: The show has been off the air since February. Its penultimate episode  scored just a 0.7 rating. That's not "good" even by CW standards. Its dead.


The Verdict: 1-99




Body of Proof

In favor: ABC seems to like Dana Delany. The ratings has been decent with Dancing With The Stars as a lead in. Its the only straight procedural that the network has and its doing ok in international syndication.


Against it: Ratings tanked without Dancing With The Stars. It is one of the most old-skewing dramas on ABC and the network should think of moving it to Fridays. 


The Verdict: 20-80