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If you tuned into WNBC last night at 10 p.m. you may have discovered that NBC’s The Black Donnellys has been canceled and in its place the supposedly funny Thank God You're Here. We loved the gritty drama and the fact that it was filmed on location in the city. As sort of the booby prize, we are getting the rest of the series online, but still that doesn’t really satisfy.
Now this is all part of a larger trend seen across all theof canceling shows without letting them build an audience – something all the networks are guilty of. Remember either of these from earlier this season - The Nine on ABC or Smith on CBS?
Ironically, NBC has in the past incubated some really good quality shows and let them develop an audience. Hill Street Blues and Homicide: Life on the Street are two good examples of this nurturing of quality programming in the hopes that it would build an audience. However, there has been an overall paradigm shift into immediate results and we do know that NBC-Universal’s “NBC 2.0” cuts favor cheaper programming like game shows and “reality” shows which has really changed the landscape of broadcast television.
We’re starting to wonder if maybe a different model is needed. Perhaps taking a page from the British playbook and having fewer episodes per season would work. Possibly taking a model that works out side of American English language programming is that of the Spanish language telenovellas, which has short series runs. Apparently doing it on the cheap didn’t work, as the MyNetworkTV debacle proved, so maybe the answer is doing short run high quality shows and maybe doing a second series if the show works. This way viewers won’t be left in the lurch anymore.
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oh fug!
My prayers had been answered.
Please, No more NY based shows. especially dumb ones that's 20 years too late. Um, State of Grace called, they want the hand in the freezer back.
that and the title of the show caused it's doom. Is it an Irish show or a Black show?
Wha? The Black Donnelly’s was a big piece of poo. There was no audience to find - maybe just you, sorry. I didn't find it "gritty" so much as laugh out loud silly. Personally, I worry more about the decent stuff not getting a fair shake, such as any decent comedy Fox airs and then kills. (RIP Andy Richter Controls the Universe, Keen Eddie, etc…) I hope Andy Richter’s new show on NBC makes it to another season.
The business model for US TV is about adspace. 22 episodes creates a lot of adspace. Only cable/HBO can get away with airing fewer episodes - due to having subscribers. The Brits/BBC have a similar subscription system, which is how they subsidize things.
Toby,
Bottom line - BD was cancelled because it was very, very expensive for a new hour-long drama and it wasn't all that good (weak scripts and characters.) Think of "Trinity" not "Hill Street Blues." Incubation or not, it wasn't going much of anywhere. "Gritty" implies a level of realism (see Homicide for true Grit). Donnellys, however, the dialog was absurd - really, who in New York talks like that - and for all its New York scenes, the idea of freshly scrubbed, Music video pretty boys and girls playing "westies" in Hell's Kitchen (having worked on the Pilot, I know it was a lot of LES, Brooklyn etc. as well as Clinton) just didn't strike me as a plausible Manhattan story - maybe twenty years ago it was, but not now. I mean, Oliva Wilde running her parent's old restaurnt all by her lonesome which also happens to be the most famous old diner in the city? Please. Plus, is HK suddenly an all Irish neighborhood again? BDs really didn't represent New York as anyone who's lived here since 85 experiences it. And don't worry about the loss of jobs - NBC has been very, very good about trying to develop NYC projects. Something will stick sooner or later.
I didn't like the Black Donnellys. I'm glad that it got cancelled.
I caught an episode of Thank God You're Here last night--surprisingly, it was pretty funny. I also prefer to have a comedy choice on Monday nights rather than a heavy drama.
I have to agree with the previous posters. The Black Donnelly's was pretty awful stuff (here is a hint - if NBC is starting an expensive show like that in March, it probably doesn't think the show is all that good).
While I agree shows don't get all that fair a shake, good shows get more of a chance. Arrested Development lived a little longer than it should of if you were to purely base it on ratings. The Office would have gotten pulled its first 6 weeks, but the network knew they had something there.
Smith...the Black Donnellys...the Riches.
I'm really not interested in rooting for criminals.
www.forgotten-ny.com
I, for one, am quite glad that The Sopranos 2.0 got cancelled in favor of a David Alan Grier show. I watched it last night and it was hilarious.
There were two notable things about the Black Donnellys. One is that in all the episodes I watched (which was almost every one), I can't remember a single black or minority person, let alone character, which is kind of ridiculous for a show set in NYC. In fact, it's borderline bizarre. The second notable thing was the approximately 10-second-long opening credits sequence that, in the age of turning the last five minutes of most crime dramas into music video montages, was a welcome change.
Hooray. One less obnoxious production crew comandeering the public streets for their own personal financial gain.
you're right lexiphane.
one reason why I love King of Queens is because of Kevin James. (even though he is friends with ray romano)
The king of queens shows plenty of diversity. from his best friend Deacon to Carrie's Nail person (who's James' wife)
I didn't watch thank God you're here but I'll give it a shot. David alan grier is very funny and the cast looks excellent. looks better than that conservative geek from who's line is it anyway. (drew carey)
I saw the opening episode, and was impressed by the acting. But it wasn't the NYC I know, it was the NY of Hollywood fantasy. The story line was cliche and the dialog too heavy. If there is any humor in getting beat up, drunk, up to your ears in debt, whacked to death by baseball bats and petty crime, I missed the laugh. Is ineptitude supposed to be funny ? If that was the case, a big 'ha-ha-ha' goes to the director/writer and producers. Perhaps a Broadway show will open soon entitled "The Black Donnellys: Springtime for The Irish." Now that turkey will sell!
Can't believe you guys care this much about TV.
andy richter's show was cancelled, too. it has a lot in common with knights of prosperity, which was also prematurely cancelled. oh well...nbc and abc are seemingly taking after fox in their approach to axing funny shows.
Yeah, I have to second, third, fourth what I'm reading here; that show wasn't very good. I'm getting tired of all crime/violent/csi type shows. I'm quite pleased with the comedy replacement.
Going to have to really agree with Kevin as well. Enough with the glorification of criminals. It's tiring and unbecoming, imo.
YEAH its gone!!!!! Can i get Studio 60 back now?
I thought the show was horrible and unrealistic -- a modern day NYC show about Hell's Kitchen would need to feature an all gay mafia to make any sense... but I totally agree with your points about tv. With a more European model of series development shows like Lost could actually have endings without having to string viewers on year after year. As many flaws as it has Prison Break has done a good job of wrapping plots and introducing new ones, giving each season a unique flavor... although I am nervous about the directions things seem to be headed for Season 3.
I thought it often was like a black comedy...the gang that couldn't shoot right. The corpse in the dumpster, that ended up getting cut up-the trip in the stolen van, stealing the ax, had me laughing. I love the guy narrating from his cell about what is going on-thats a neat touch. He's such a flake, and I always wondered if he exxagerated more than just his part in things. If the show had run a season or two, would it have ended with this guy ratting on the Donnelly brothers, and getting a knife in his back in a prison yard? Chances are, the Donnelly's would have botched that too!
The whole thing about cancelling shows really early isn't that surprising for NBC. They're in such dire straights in terms of their ratings, they're looking for a quick fix.
I can not believe NBC decided to pull this show. It had perfect timing with it being in sync with the last season of the Sopranoss. Very good script and great characters. The reason it didn't get the ratings was due to Heroes being off the air for the last month(with no ad saying they would be off for a month may i add). No good lead into TBD. Shame on you NBC for pulling a show with great potential, without atleast giving it a different night!!
I can not believe NBC decided to pull this show. It had perfect timing with it being in sync with the last season of the Sopranoss. Very good script and great characters. The reason it didn't get the ratings was due to Heroes being off the air for the last month(with no ad saying they would be off for a month may i add). No good lead into TBD. Shame on you NBC for pulling a show with great potential, without atleast giving it a different night!! I think any network especially FX or HBO would be crazy not to pick it up!!!
I don't see how everyone can agree to "not liking" The Black Donnellys. You can't tell me that you are not tired of all the new reality shows. I'm so sick of it! I don't think NBC gave it a fair run nor did it advertise the show anywhere. I enjoyed the story lines be it humorous or not. I think I enjoyed that the most. You felt for the characters and yet you can laugh at them too. What's wrong with that? I just don't agree with it being cancelled so soon. I think a second chance is in order.
Farewell to another pile of crap based on ignorant stereotypes about an ethic group. And with a four-leaf clover as its logo instead of a three-leaf shamrock. I guess that was to warn you how it was all horseshit.
This show was the highest quality TV I have seen. The acting was outstanding the story is intricately woven. It raises emotions which very few programs can claim. It was like a classic novel rather that a show. Really it was too good for TV. Most of American TV watchers don't read so it stands to reason they wouldn't like this. It's a shame though.
I can't believe Black Donnellys was pulled. Finally, someone who knows how to write, Paul Haggis (does anybody remember Million Dollar Baby), writes a quality show and NBC screws him with the time slot then pulls it prematurely. I expect this show to get picked up by another network and NBC will be regretting their actions for years to come. With Rome being cancelled and Sopranos and the Shield winding down, I wouldn't be surprised to see FX or HBO pick up the Donnellys. I've had enough with gameshows and reality tv being aired at night. What tv obviously needs is quality writing and Paul Haggis has proved to be one of the best in the business.
It's amusing how people are comparing this to real life NY. I don't suppose you guys care too much for Reality TV cause that's as real as it can get, I'm sure you'll all have a great time with "The Real Wedding Crashers". If the show is over the top, that's fine, that is what the genre indicates, to be over the top. You really see four Irish brothers walking down the street who might become the next heads of the Irish family anywhere in New York? You want that to be realistic, and the drool from you falling asleep will probably hit the floor before the show hits the first commercial.
It's amusing how people are comparing this to real life NY. I don't suppose you guys care too much for Reality TV cause that's as real as it can get, I'm sure you'll all have a great time with "The Real Wedding Crashers". If the show is over the top, that's fine, that is what the genre indicates, to be over the top. You really see four Irish brothers walking down the street who might become the next heads of the Irish family anywhere in New York? You want that to be realistic, and the drool from you falling asleep will probably hit the floor before the show hits the first commercial.
UB, you truly are an idiot. The only "true" reality shows are probably Intervention, Deadliest Catch, Dirty Jobs, and Planet Earth. The filth on network television that claims to be reality is far from it. What the hell is so real about Survivor, The Amazing Race (pretty good show actually), Real World, etc. There are scripts for these shows unlike real life. Also, most of the people in these shows are aspiring actors, hence the reason why they never seem to go away after their season is over. Very little tv is realistic, so hold the Donnellys to a higher standard than the rest of television is moronic. Who cares if it is realistic, its entertaining unlike most of the drivel oozing from tv sets. The acting is good, the storylines are entertaining, and many of the situations (albeit comedic) are realistic. For those complaining about the opening credits, who cares about the opening credits. I prefer my credits to be as short as possible, if not nonexistant, anyway.
fuck all y'all. the show was entertaining, period. who the hell cares how realistic it was? it's television.
i've heard, too, that if there's a strong online audience when the episodes stream, and that if the show continues to be one of the most-downloaded on itunes, that NBC will reconsider it at the end of the season.
Yes NBC needs more shows like "Obese Loser" and "God I wish you were Funny" and lets not forget "Punked: The Wedding Crash & Burn Version". From reading most of the posts to this article it is obvious that the brainless aforementioned is perfect for your vegetable patch mentality!! Bring back the Black Donnelly's!!!!
NBC can suck my nut sack.
The Black Donnelly's, though short lived was a good show. I find it odd that so many people posted the same complaints that the show was either too realistic and depicted life in New York (or any city of choice )in a negative way, or that it wasn't realistic enough and the plot lines were too superficial. Well I have only this to say..It is television. The whole idea is to "imitate" life, to explore the taboo, the unlikely, and the unfamiliar. I cannot comment as to the life experieces of everyone out there but I dare say those of you with the time to post comments here aren't hardened criminals or thugs and are hardly in a positioin to comment as to the realistic nature of violence on television. Lighten up !! Unplug for a few minutes, get over yourselves and avoid falling into the ADD pandemic that has eroded our ability to give anything with even the slightest bit of potential a chance in exchange for big names, big, budgets, and fewer commercial interruptions. A good story is hard to come by these days and an original one is even harder. Don't be suckered into the cliche that the hero is the one wearing white, saving the day, winning the girl, and riding off into the sunset. Sometimes doing the right thing means letting everyone believe you are a bastard.
the black donnellys is a great show! i cant understand how anyone didnt like it. and smith was also. i have boycotted cbs since that was canceled.
i dont know what has happened to the people in this country tat would rather watch all this reality crap where people are just making themselves look like idiots.
The Black Donnellys is a great show. It actually had some depth....which i guess some people can't handle.
DON'T CANCEL one of the ONLY QUALITY shows out there.
I loved this show I am glad I can at least catch the online episodes still. I hope they bring it back it. I looked forward to Monday nights & the black donnelleys. It was nice to see the Irish as the key characters and I am not even Irish.
I thought the Black Donnellys has been one of the best written, produced and acted shows on TV in the last several years, in fact, I enjoyed it even more than its mobster peer the Sopranos. NBC had a jewel on its hands and is stupidly giving it up. I do not care if the show does not represent NY in a realistic fashion, it is still extremely entertaining and thought provocative, even if its setting is somewhat fictional. It is also very nice to see some fresh young talent on the cast, backed by such solid actors as Peter Greene.
Someone here mentioned State of Grace, I liked the Black Donnellys precisely because of the many parallels, both are truly haunting dramas.
I thought the Black Donnellys has been one of the best written, produced and acted shows on TV in the last several years, in fact, I enjoyed it even more than its mobster peer the Sopranos. NBC had a jewel on its hands and is stupidly giving it up. I do not care if the show does not represent NY in a realistic fashion, it is still extremely entertaining and thought provocative, even if its setting is somewhat fictional. It is also very nice to see some fresh young talent on the cast, backed by such solid actors as Peter Greene.
Someone here mentioned State of Grace, I liked the Black Donnellys precisely because of the many parallels, both are truly haunting dramas.
I am furious that NBC finally had a good quality show like the Black Donnellys and just cancelled it without any notice. No wonder they are the bottom of the barrel with all their reality CRAP. Guess the majority of their audience wants only mindless garbage at night. Does anybody who makes a difference read our notes anyway?
The Black Donnelly's was a well written drama with an interesting storyline. I am sorry if people would rather watch brainless reality comedy shows instead of a show with some substance. Another reality show? Good god we need yet another one of those cheap to produce shows?
I am sorry there was not enough black people in the show for you, it might be because it was about the relationship between the Irish and the Italians(duh), there also was no Chinese, Japanese, East Indians or Germans... hence it was about the Irish and Italians... Being German I wasn't offended we weren't represented... why were you? You did get the part about it being about the Italian and Irish didn't you? I picked that up right away sorry the point was lost on you.
If television dramas were based exactly on life wouldn't that be boring, I don't know about you but though I have an interesting job, a television crew would waste their footage following me around for a week.
The show had a pulse and heartbeat, NBC failed it not the other way around. There is a few “Save the Black Donnelly’s” crusades going around, feel free to add your name to the list with your comments. Most are found threw the NBC message boards.
Give me a frigginn break how many black shows dont have whites on it..Im sooo sick of this reverse racism..its ok for black s to have their "own" shows but if a show comes along with a white cast only its not diverse or racist.
i wanted to like this show...i really did. if you're of irish descent and have brothers, it's hard not to be part of the target demographic for the black donnellys.
so i tried to like it. really hard. i watched all the episodes, even the web-only ones, before and after it was canceled. but i couldn't like it. it was really bad. the acting was, with the exception of a few brief glimmers here and there (mostly from the guy playing the italian foil to the donnellys), terrible. tommy has one, count 'em one, facial expression...oh wait, so does kevin...and jimmy...and... the plots were inane. the narrator unbelievably annoying. etc. etc.
is it as bad as the ever more absurd and depressing reality shows out there? no, but that's not really much to aim for. just because it isn't a complete piece of shit doesn't mean it don't stink.
crash was an absurdly over-rated movie, but the black donnellys was, apparently, an appropriately rated television show.
I loved Black Donnellys and was really glad
NBC wrote, produced and aired something besides another cheap, tasteless reality show.
I really like studio 60, but I was willing to give TBD a chance. Half way through I realized that TBD was just amazing. The acting, writing, directing and music is unbelievable. I have never been so personally invested in a show before.
Please bring back the Black Donnellys!!
you all are stupid...thank god ur hear is one of the STUPIDEST shows i have ever wasted my time on...TBD on the otherhand, is one of the best..reality tv needs to go...u want reality, live ur life..that shit on tv is not reality and u all know it..its just as staged as any other show that is out there..
Wow....all you Black Donnellys haters....you are SO wrong. This is the first show that i've seen in a very long time that showed real promise. And I watch quite a bit of tv. I can't understand why the ratings were so poor. This is an amazing show...The acting, the plot, the characters, the music are amazing. The show is very edgy, maybe it IS too big for NBC. A show this good belongs on HBO...i mean there is a lot of..."wacking" people happening. Still can't believe it's off the air. I've been waiting monday night at 10 for nothing. This is unbelievable. I mean, even Grey's didn't have the best ratings in the beginning but ABC stuck with it and BAM the Superbowl episode happens and America is hooked. They should've given TBD a chance.