Sci-Fi Storm

It seems that there are rumblings that Syfy might be in talks with its NBC Universal sibling, Universal Media Studios, about a possible pick up of The Event for a mini-series – and if it does well, another season. Although not unheard of, it does happen – but typically cable networks can’t absorb the cost of the broadcast program, and it already wasn’t making the ratings numbers to draw enough advertising for the broadcast network.

Syfy’s chief Twit-umm, Twitterer – er, SVP of Syfy Digital, Craig Engler, just tweeted: “To answer some questions I’ve been getting, at this time we have no plans to pick up The Event.“

Seems a lot of people wanted to see how it would end…the series finale of The Event apparently saw a 15% ratings increase (1.5/4), and was the highest rated episode in the 18-49 demographic since last November.

Bubbles are being popped everywhere in the past 24 hours…the latest to burst is The Event according to TV|Line’s Michael Ausiello. I’m not really surprised -although I’ve been following it from the start, it seems like the show changed early on from a somewhat supernatural/alien start, to much more about political intrigue/conspiracy. The aliens could easily have been any sort of organization attempting to take over the government by internal/external means, with the only exception that they have a weapon that can collapse buildings. The extraterrestrial motivations seemed secondary. And it just seemed to take forever to tell the story.

Update: ABC just burst V‘s bubble as well, canceling the show.

A lot of debates have sprouted up recently regarding serialized shows, which have become more prevalent on the networks, and the long hiatus mid-stream they often experience which seems to sap their audience. Last night’s return of The Event is another data point in the argument: it was down a whopping 26% in the overnight ratings over its last original episode. With the networks trying various strategies to set up the programming, why can’t they figure out a way to program a serial drama?
(continue reading…)

Just a programming reminder that both The Event (NBC, 8PM ET) and Stargate Universe (Syfy, 10PM ET) return tonight. The Event is coming back with a two-hour episode that promises o kick into high gear – and reveal some of the things we’ve been waiting a long time to find out.

Stargate Universe returns for the last of its 10 remaining episodes, but a real strong showing over those episodes could increase the odds of some sort of continuation or conclusion. It follows an all new episode of Being Human.

Today is pick up day, with ABC announcing announcing a full season order (9 additional episodes) of The Event, and NBC following through as well with steady Chuck (11 additional episodes, for a total of 24).

But ABC also is apparently cutting back on V, which has already had a delayed return until January 4th, dropping the original 13-episode order down to 10. It could be just to fit within the programming window available, but we’ll see what happens when we get closer to airing.