Fall 2012 Network Shows: For Real?

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

By this point you've probably already seen a little bit about which shows each major broadcast network has picked up and when they're planning to air them. Some sites have covered them show by show, others network by network, and at least two decided to break it down night by night. We decided to go with our interest in them - what we can't wait for, what we don't think is worth the time, what falls somewhere in the middle, and even what we don't think will last. Of course, this is subject to change, especially come late July when so much more comes to light! Today we look at the ones we don't have much faith in. And, yes, we could be 100% wrong and each one will run for eight or ten years... but from what we've seen so far, we doubt it.

Friend Me (CBS) has two friends moving to LA to work for Groupon. Yes, I'm serious. So is CBS, for some reason. Maybe it would make a great buddy comedy for the cinema, but I'm really doubting its potential as a television series.

Golden Boy (CBS) is a cop drama with Ryan Phillippe. What, exactly, makes the world think that we need more police shows? Why should this one stand out?

Zero Hour (ABC) stars Anthony Edwards as a paranormal enthusiast whose wife is abducted, leading to a conspiracy thriller of a series. Yeah, okay... ghosts/spirits/etc. are cool for a small subset of people, but I think this would work as a miniseries rather than a full-blown show.

Beauty & the Beast (CW) is based on the 1980s series. I didn't like it then and I don't see how it will work reincarnated. Now, the CW can get away with many "different" things, so this might actually pull away and work for them, but I honestly don't think there's a market for all of these fairy-tale stories to keep coming up over and over (how many different versions of Snow White are hitting pop culture this year?).

Nashville (ABC) is a family soap following two musicians, Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere through the country music scene. I don't do country. Neither do many other people. Some do, sure, but do they want it on Wednesday nights at 10pm? I'm not thinking that's the best place for it.

Last Resort (ABC) is an action-adventure drama for ABC, set in the South Pacific and revolves around the crew on a US nuclear submarine. This is probably going to be the most-hyped show that I don't really believe has a chance... there will probably be plenty of action, but the South Pacific setting is a bit exotic to really allow for the confines of a submarine to work as the only backdrops, so I'm not sure how those will interact. I think it will be interesting to follow, if nothing else.

Revolution (NBC) 15 years after we lost electricity, things are simpler... and dangerous. Really? Because Falling Skies takes place after a major crisis and Terra Nova brought us back before we even had electricity, so what's different here?

Infamous (NBC) will be a detective soap, where Megan Good will be investigating a wealthy family (with whom she grew up) for the murder of her former best friend. Again, this screams "movie" to me, not TV show. Plus, it's already rather interconnected, which I think could have been something added later... will there be any substantial twists after a few episodes?

Animal Practice (NBC) is a veterinarian who loves animals and hates their owners. Now here's an idea that might draw people just because it's so peculiar. A primate amongst the cast may also help. But the whole thing is just a bit too ridiculous for me to believe that a ton of people will buy it.

(Photo by: Chris Haston/NBC)

Save Me (NBC) stars Anne Heche, and is a comedy about a Midwestern woman who believes she can channel God. Yep. They need to keep pushing that Anne Heche factor, because I'm not sure what else will be the draw for the bulk of the US audience.

The Mob Doctor (FOX) is a Chicago surgeon who has family debt to the mob. Another mob show, another doctor show, another Chicago show. What about this should draw me in, especially in comparison with the half-dozen similar pilots coming up? I don't think I'm alone in this view.