Thoughts on Fall Lineup: Fridays

Fridays used to be the graveyard of television where low-viewership shows went to die.  Yet, it seems that, with the rise of DVR usage, the fact a show airs on Friday would make little to no difference to audiences nowadays.  So, does the Friday still stand?  Comparing this year's schedule to last's, it doesn't appear Friday shows suffered any more (and arguably less!) at the hands of the cancellation bear than shows on other nights, as most of the night's offerings are returning Friday shows.  In fact, shows like Grimm was considered a success (despite getting only so-so ratings) and Fringe and Nikita survived to see another season (despite terrible ratings) most likely BECAUSE of the lower expectations and ratings standards for airing on a Friday.  Ditto for Supernatural which was moved to anchor a different night (ostensibly a slot promotion) due to its steady ratings that matched other CW shows' on non-Friday nights.  Basically, where there is danger, there is also opportunity, and I certainly hope my favorites on this night will take advantage of the latter!

Starting off the night are some Friday newcomers, including my sentimental favorite Community (brilliantly quirky with the most well-matched hodge podge of characters).  Glad NBC is giving this show a chance, and although it might end up moving to replace another comedy on a different night for the network, I hope it gets the chance to prove it can be sustainable on Fridays first (and fingers crossed that it is).  The network should give it some extra credit for the early success of Go On, which basically copies the Community format ...  Despite its amazingly touching pilot, Touch lost me a few episodes in ... may try to pick this one up.

The only brand new entry is Made In Jersey on CBS, whose procedurals I generally avoid as a rule.  No suprise that it looks so bland (not bad, just blah) and cliche-laden.  The only thing of interest is the oddity of a British lead actress attempting a New Jersey accent.  It seems it'd be a good fit with CSI: NY and Blue Bloods though (3 hours of the Big Apple!).

My live viewing dilemma will be at 9pm between Grimm (which became exponentially more enjoyable toward the end of last season and early this season) and Nikita (the best show currently on the CW in my opinion, which ironically doesn't really belong on that teeny bopper network).  Nikita has the edge right now, though most likely I won't be home and will DVR both anyway : )