![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
coalescentIn the pub this evening, mention was made of this story (slightly more detail here). What it boils down to is, Sarah Michelle Gellar has apparently told Joss Whedon she's not going to do any more Buffy. Which is all well and good, as far as I'm concerned - S7 is good, but it's time for the show to end.
What bothers me a little is that the story was brought up as evidence that Angel may not be back. That bugs me, because the articles don't say anything of the sort; in fact, in the first article the WB man specifically says he is 'hopeful' that Angel will be back for a fifth year. Frankly, given that season five would push them over the magic 100-episode syndication mark, I'd be very surprised if the show were to end now. And I'm going to need something a little more concrete before I change my mind. I suspect I'm not alone, either, given that TNT have just bought the rights to Angel repeats; it makes little sense for them to do so if they think the show is about to go under.
Whedon talks about Buffy being his little show that could, but to my mind Angel's done just as impressively, if not more so. This is the show that has been dogged by cancellation rumours since the end of S2, after all, the show that has managed to maintain a steady audience despite being aired on five different days of the week. I don't think it's going anywhere just yet.
This entry bought to you by the Department of Pointless LJ Posts. We thank you for your indulgence
What bothers me a little is that the story was brought up as evidence that Angel may not be back. That bugs me, because the articles don't say anything of the sort; in fact, in the first article the WB man specifically says he is 'hopeful' that Angel will be back for a fifth year. Frankly, given that season five would push them over the magic 100-episode syndication mark, I'd be very surprised if the show were to end now. And I'm going to need something a little more concrete before I change my mind. I suspect I'm not alone, either, given that TNT have just bought the rights to Angel repeats; it makes little sense for them to do so if they think the show is about to go under.
Whedon talks about Buffy being his little show that could, but to my mind Angel's done just as impressively, if not more so. This is the show that has been dogged by cancellation rumours since the end of S2, after all, the show that has managed to maintain a steady audience despite being aired on five different days of the week. I don't think it's going anywhere just yet.
This entry bought to you by the Department of Pointless LJ Posts. We thank you for your indulgence
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
Sorry to burst any bubbles...
Date: 2003-02-28 10:38 am (UTC)From your info source:
"Angel" as early as fall 2003. Angel joins a TNT lineup that features top dramas such as "Law & Order," "NYPD Blue," "ER," "The X-Files" and "Charmed," which form the network's daytime lineup.
Unless I'm grossly incorrect, NYPD Blue ended a long time ago. Whilst 'ER' and 'X-Files' are well on their way to the Elephant Graveyard of TV Shows (though they could receive resurrection in 'TV Land' in a few decades-time) ... neither show has anything like the drawing power they once had. Besides a dedicated fan following (esp. X-Files, and all that external product marketing), those shows probably pull in as many regular viewers as 'MASH' re-runs.
'Charmed' has a future, but it has continually been plagued by suggestions that it has plateued.
'Law & Order' is a very mature show, a venerable 'grand damme' of TV, and so is well past its peak. I think the show was first started by NBC, and they'll still may distribute it ... but the primary focus is now on the spin-off series 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' ... I think.
So, in the industry, a TNT purchase is pretty much a strong statement that the show is being put to pasture. It may get an obligatory run, or it might receive the kiss of death.
We'll just have to see
Re: Sorry to burst any bubbles...
Date: 2003-02-28 10:45 am (UTC)I know that. But the general rule is, shows don't get bought for reruns unless they pass the 100-episode mark. I don't know why - presumably something to do with profitability - but that seems to be the way it is. As of the end of this year, Angel will have produced 88 episodes. The fact that TNT are paying for the rights now suggests they're confident it'll make the magic 100.
I doubt very much Angel will last into its sixth year, but five seasons seems reasonable.
Re: Sorry to burst any bubbles...
Date: 2003-02-28 01:04 pm (UTC)[quote]
Creator Joss Whedon acknowledges that Angel is at a crossroads. "I'm proud of what we've done for the past couple seasons, but it's time for a whole new paradigm. I'm going to pitch that to The WB and see if it excites them for another yet."
[...]
While execs at The WB will only say that Angel's future will be determined in May, insiders say that confidence in the show has grown over the season."
[/quote]
Plus, the article repeats that oft-cited critical opinion that Angel didn't really come into its own until the end of season two and the start of season three. This is somewhat at odds with the prevailing fan opinion that the show peaked mid-season two...