Million Dollar Pound Money Drop

Last week, Fox debuted a new game show franchise titled, "Million Dollar Money Drop", based on the British hit-show "Million Pound Money Drop".

According to recent statement by friends at Fox:

MILLION DOLLAR MONEY DROP, the ultimate high-stakes game show, created and produced by Endemol ("Deal or No Deal"), gives a couple $1 million in cold, hard cash and all they have to do to keep it is correctly answer seven multiple-choice questions.

The show is being called a suspense-thriller - love when movie descriptors are used for television game shows.

In rare fashion, I have indeed seen the second episode of the show in limited viewing (I commonly do not watch shows beyond the first episode). The idea is that during the show the couples work together to answer moderately difficult (To the non-Trivial Pursuit expert) multiple choice trivia questions.

The amount of money lost is determined according to the amount of the wager and whether or not the correct answer has been chosen. In a nutshell, one might even venture to say the concept is very similar to gambling...

My great business/production partner had a similar idea in 2005, prior to the development of the show - with the concept of being: Begin with the money and work your way backwards to keep.

Timing is Everything
At the moment, the show appears to be quite popular among viewers (Despite recent controversy over a couple's recent $800,000 alleged wrong answer about Post-It notes), I would strongly advise giving the couple another opportunity to appear on the show to preserve good will and PR for the show.

Further, credit to Fox for airing a new program during the holiday season of repeat and melancholy programming presented by most other networks. The strategy is clearly obvious as Fox will literally deliver favorable viewership to the new season of American Idol.

Having said, there are a few minor concerns about Million Dollar Money Drop...

First, the show airs in nightly rotation this week and if you may recall, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? was a previous program that had once also been in full rotation, however the show eventually met with over saturation.

Should this schedule continue, a question of whether or not game show serials can achieve longevity/stability (Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune) in a nightly prime-time slot remains to be determined.

The second concern is that the show is hosted by Kevin Pollack (Comedian, Web Host), and really, I am not 100% with this obscure choice of host - not a fan. Bottom line, keep the show, get rid of the host.

I would have much preferred a choice of host somewhere around the line of Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, 'Cash Cab' guy or even Ellen DeGeneres. As well, Dane Cook, who happens to be easy on the eyes, would have been a blast!

We'll see what happens...The show airs at 8PM on Fox.

Meet Your New American Idol Team

Fox and 19 Entertainment released their 'Dream Team' line-up of judges for the 2011 season of American Idol. After weeks of speculation they (Fox and co.) have emerged with Randy Jackson, Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler, and Jennifer "Jenny from the block" Lopez.

Many have already expressed substantial disappointment with the lack of qualified selections - depending upon whom you ask what the word "Qualified" implies...

After all, Randy Jackson has been known throughout the music industry for _______, Steven Tyler has been fronting Aerosmith for 5,000 years and Jennifer Lopez (Not known for friendly) has not had a hit in 10 years...Yeah, we are still just a little cantankerous about Paula not being re-signed.

Further, it was suggested (By me, of course) that Randy should have been relieved of duty, however besides Ryan Seacrest, may be a friendly familiar 'Dawg'. Having said, it is hopeful that Randy has more to contribute other than precursory feedback.

Salaries for the group have been a reported $8 million for Randy, $11 million for Jennifer Lopez and $15 million for Ryan Seacrest (Most likely due to cross promotion on E!, radio show, et al).

Meanwhile, I would like to remain positive about the future of the show, but am finding it difficult to exude enthusiasm. Many have also said that American Idol should have finished it's run with a little grace and dignity (No such luck). Prepare the shark to be jumped in 5, 4, 3, 2...

Bye Bye Ellen

Last week it was announced that Ellen DeGeneres would be leaving the beleagured “American Idol.”

As of late, rumors circulating that the network was looking to shake-up the Idol format and that they may even re-vamp all of the current judges and bring back original producer, Nigel Lythgoe - All mere speculation.

DeGeneres released a statement today regarding what she claims was her decision. “A couple months ago, I let Fox and the ‘American Idol’ producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” DeGeneres told the press. We tend to agree - but, the good news is that we have new found respect for DeGeneres for a great effort, despite the critics.

Really, we think Ellen would have been better suited as judge on "So You Think You Can Dance". Just sayin'...

(Photo/Courtesy of Fox Broadcasting, News Corp.)

In Glee News...

Last Week's Season Ending Episode Viewed By Just Under 11 Million People, The Series Largest Audience

Admittedly, despite revitalizing old tunes and inspiring Broadway, our zest for 'Glee' has waned considerably - In fact, the season ending episode was the ONLY episode we actually viewed this year.

Perhaps maybe it was all of the DVD watching of the show's previous seasons. Maybe it is because we tire of the same story told over, and over, and over (Note to Ryan Murphy). Maybe we are just burned out on all of the over exposure (Too popular now). Really, everyone and their brother literally hopes to be on the show now - We say a little too late.

Ah, but that's why we continue to be the voice of influence, by the time the general population comes around, we are already on to scouting the next hit show. It's our burden...You're welcome. (Photo/ Fox Broadcasting, News Corp)

Your New American Idol

Official Update: Lee Dewyze (dee-wise) Wins The Title of American Idol On The Show's 9th Season.

Congratulations to Lee D. (Although, we were really hoping for Crystal B.), we can accept the fact that the public chose Lee.

Really, Crystal had a very unique style and identifiable sound. Having said, we barely remember anything about Lee's performances (Except something about Hallelujah - song chosen by Simon).

Funny thing about American Idol is that not only have more recent season winners been male and according to @LyndseyParker of Yahoo!, Lee had to win because there is a good ol' boys club transpiring at AI. Possibly true.

We noticed that something else is also transpiring: Homogenization. Meaning, all of the recent winners are more or less the same variation of a version and have miraculously overcome the much more popular, and compelling adversaries. For example, last season's Kris Allen vs. Adam Lambert. Adam was far more individual, visually interesting, and entertaining, as exhibited through his undeniable on stage presence. Kris was barely memorable, nor particularly likable.

The American Formula
We would like to believe that unlike the Miss USA Pageant, in which Donald Trump chooses the winner (Allegedly), that Simon Cowell and Simon Fuller do not choose the winner of American Idol, based whom they feel would have a broader appeal for Sony's A&R, and truly determined by the vote of the people (Despite reported voting discrepancies).

In an industry where individuality is desperately needed (Thank you, Lady Gaga), it is rather dubious that all strangely appears to remain the same.

Ah, but perhaps there is another 'undertow' at work. I submit for your review this conclusion: In past season's of AI, the runner up has always managed to become successful - strangely more than the actual winner...It is possible this could be a pre-determined consequence. Although there was a clear winner announced on the show, the public will ultimately buy the records of the runner up contestant. Ha, we indeed have the REAL winner!

Anyway, best wishes Lee. Crystal, we are looking forward to your album! (Photo/Courtesy of Fox/News Corp.)

Goodbye!

This week there are a number of shows that will be A) Ending their season or B) Ending their life on network television.

First, a few shows have already ended their season:

1. America's Next Top Model: Krista White was named America's Next Top Model. Quite honestly Krista was the most interesting in appearance and personality - happy to hear that she won.

2. Celebrity Apprentice: Brett Michaels was announced the hired Celebrity Apprentice. We are thrilled that Brett won - he's a great guy all around. Now then, we do want to see Brett without all of the makeup, hair extensions, bandannas, fake tan, and all of that Arizona man jewelry.


Now, for the shows that have ended their life (Really, it's about time):

1. 24 (Fox)
2. Lost (ABC)
3. Law & Order (Dick Wolfe)


Meanwhile and speaking of Scripted Drama, the latest installment of The Bachelorette (ABC) began this week (Sort of) and so far, we can say that this season's offerings (The men) are somewhat generic and unappealing (Not as cute as Jake).

Where are the models on this fake dating show?! Also, on a special note to the casting department: Where is the diversity - very disappointing.

Lady Gaga Denied Final Minute!

Lady Gaga recently roiled over edited American Idol appearance

A few weeks prior, Lady Gaga (Guhguh as Larry King calls her...I say, Googoo) appeared on the hit show American Idol for 'live' performance in front of the studio audience. Well, apparently, Ms. GaGa felt the footage was too 'Edited' using the terms "Fox Poorly + Amateurly (Not an actual word) edited + cut her performance..."

First, EVERYTHING on television is edited. The reasons for such are rather obvious: The Clock.

Second, I am wondering if Ms. Gg actually viewed the performance as a number have commented that the performance was A) Too long and B) Too boring. Really, Ms. Gg should be pleased that the performance was cut short and edited well within the time constraints - the point of her performance was illustrated and the promotion/commotion should generate plenty 'o ticket sales for the real, LIVE concert. (Photo/ AP)

Idol Gave Back...

The Annual American Idol Gives Back Show Aired Last Week, Hoping to Raise $45 Million for Charity...

My immediate question was, "Which Charity"? While I appreciate the premise of the program - a televised telethon and Jerry Lewis has been presenting a star filled show for the Muscular Dystrophy Association with tremendous success for years. Why shouldn't a popular television program do the same?
Ah, but this is where the story begins to defy reasonability - Despite the ambiguous and unmentioned specifics during the show (Mosquito Nets will stop the spread of Malaria - Well, how about a vaccine?!), the program felt largely contrite and slightly disingenuous instead of warm and fuzzy.

The performances, pace, arrangements and special celebrity and guest appearances were indeed impressive. However after an extended viewing, the show began to feel more like a brow beating late-night infomercial. The spin: Corporate sponsors and special interests thinly veiled to appear acting in the interest of charity (Phone company says, "Text your donation to...").

Despite the "Cheese factor", the $45 million is expected to rise when proceeds from iTunes sales are added, according to Fox. (Photo/Fox Television Broadcasting)

The Glee Is Over...

Last week marked the much anticipated return of Glee (Fox). The new season promises to bigger and more vibrant the first...

Only one problem - I'm burned out already on the show and we're only at the 2nd episode. Perhaps it was all of the pre-Glee hype (Season 1 on DVD, music tours, pap photos, awards ceremonies, ET AL)....It was all just too much. It appears the novelty of the show may have quickly worn thin. (Photo/Fox, News corp.)

Because You've Been Waiting...

Welcome Back Gleeks!

I have said on previous occasions and will say again, we REALLY Love this show (It is not obvious). Many have said it's FAME 2009 (2010), and yes perhaps this may be true - but, the show has a subtle, almost undetectable hilarity of "Cheese"...That's how we like our shows...

More For The Gleeks!

The TOP STORY

The cast of Glee met with 2000 fans (No, we were not there...) last weekend, during the closing night of the PaleyFest in Beverly Hills.

Not only did fans get to participate in some casual Q & A, they also got a sneak peek at “Hello,” the next episode set to air April 13 on Fox.

Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck), the show’s creator said that Puck and Rachel will reunite.”Yes, they will get back together. But the great thing about Puck is he’s a bad boy, so he has an affair with almost every girl on the show.” (*Sigh*)

Love Glee. But, rather than the same old down trodden misogynistic cliche story lines that you see via Nip/Tuck, let's mix-it-up a bit and have a few uplifting story lines about Mercedes (Amber Riley), or Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) where the female character finally triumphs - characters that are long overdue for exploration (Aside from Tina's fake stutter episode)...

Remember, Fame - something about living forever?

My Glee Is Your Glee!

Now for the Important News...

Fox has officially announced that the Glee kids are hitting the road in the Glee Live! In Concert! tour this spring.

Lea Michele (Rachel), Cory Monteith (Finn), Amber Riley (Mercedes), Chris Colfer (Kurt), Kevin McHale (Artie), Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina), Mark Salling (Puck), Dianna Agron (Quinn), Naya Rivera (Santana), Heather Morris (Brittany), Harry Shum Jr. (Mike) and Dijon Talton (Matt) (Breath) are all going to be singing and dancing for the four city tour this May. Ha, one small word of advice, please make sure that you all can REALLY sing and dance just like on the show... (Photo/Courtesy of Fox Broadcasting)

The Little Genius That Wasn't...

The FCC recently launched an investigation into the failed Fox kiddie game show Our Little Genius (Created by Mark Burnett) to find out whether producers gave potential contestants answers to questions prior to taping episodes.

In case you are curious, the show featured children from ages 6-12 answering a series of questions to win cash and prizes.

Here's Where The Troublemaker (Oops, I mean Trouble) Began....Prompting the probe was a letter from a parent, of one of the children, who took part in the show sent a letter to the FCC, in which the letter alleges that just a few days prior to taping, a staff member from Our Little Genius’s production team reviewed a list of potential topics and gave specific answers to at least four questions (perhaps even more) the child did not know the answers to or was unsure about a definitive answer.

Not too smart...

(Photo/ The Little Genius, Fox)

American Ellen On The Job

Well, someone had a busy week. Comedian, daytime talker Ellen DeGeneres had her big debut as the 4th judge on Fox's American Idol this week, to the tune of just under 30 Million viewers. Well, I am not a great fan (Not the same w/o Paula), but the reviews were overall positive and I was pleasantly surprised with the flow and continuity during the show.

Moreover, casting Ellen could be considered moderate typecasting - Ellen is merely a "Nice" judge replacing a former "Nice" judge - not much of a stretch. Meanwhile, Simon continues to have all the fun being the "Mean" judge. My point, I propose rather than have a balanced equation of replacing like with like, mix it up a bit and have several "Mean" judges to make the show really interesting...Ha, now that would be high entertainment value (-?). A Record number of viewers would tune-in and contestants would line-up for months to audition... (Photo/Courtesy 20th Century Fox)

Pants What?

Not really American Idol contestant Larry Platt may be lucky to have performed what is now considered a possible re-imagining of a 1996 tune, has recently 'lawyered up' to capitalize on his one hit wonder success. After all, 'General' Platt should be compensated for his creative spin (-?).

Well, this was a great publicity stunt that was intended to become a Viral Video to generate publicity for the show...It worked with near flawless precision.

Bye Bye Simon

Someone who is not Paula, has now confirmed they are indeed leaving their hit show, American Idol after this current 2010 season. Last month, Simon Cowell’s brother allegedly 'spilled the beans' when he said Cowell will leave “the show after the 2010 season.

First Oprah now this news? Well, Simon had mentioned his clandestine intention about 3 or 4 years prior. Note to Simon: I am convinced that you definitely had the wrong Randy Jackson, that Simon Fuller was crazy for letting Paula go (I blame the other Simon), and completely inspired by your act of turning down the $100 Million dollar contract that Fox has offered to keep you on Idol - After all of the mentioned, this is probably your best idea yet...

I have a few ideas for your replacement (Suggested replacements do not include Piers Morgan, Sharon Osborne, Nigel Lythgoe, Ricky Gervais, Eddie Izzard, Russell Brand or any other fellow Brit). (Photo/Dan Steinberg)

Its On Fox

Friends at Fox have released the latest updates to the winter schedule as follows:

"American Idol" will have its usual two-night premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 12 and Wednesday, Jan. 13.

• Starting the following week, the Wednesday show will have to run as an hour, because "Human Target" (based on the DC comic about the world's greatest bodyguard) will be airing after it at 9 as of Jan. 20, following a Sunday night preview in between football and the two-hour "24" premiere on Jan. 17.
  
  
• "Glee" will wrap up its fall run on Dec. 9, then will return on Tuesdays, post-"Idol," on April 13.
  
  
• "Past Life," which was going to air after "Idol" on Tuesdays, has instead been banished to Thursdays at 9, where it will fill in for "Fringe" from Feb. 11 through the end of March.
  
  
• "Sons of Tucson," a sitcom starring Tyler Labine from "Reaper," will air Sundays between "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy" starting March 14.
  
  
• "Lie to Me" received a full-season order, but has no timeslot as yet past next week's episode.
  
  
• The remaining episodes of "Dollhouse" will air on Fridays from Jan. 8-22.
  
  
• "'Til Death," which Fox keeps renewing, then immediately pulling from the schedule, "will return to the schedule at a later date."

My Comment: Note, the most important item was highlighted in Red text for your notation (Yes, there is only 1). Further, my concerns are largely around Reality fare, however the other mentions listed are simply included for your general information...Or, perhaps not...

No More Dolls...

Friends at Fox have informed Dollhouse creator Joss Whedon that it will not be ordering additional installments of the show beyond the current 13-episode order (Set to end in December), due to low ratings (Average of 3 million viewers).

My Comment: Now then, before we have another Jericho, it's difficult to say what makes a show successful and why one fails - the fact remains, no one knows. One minute, there appears to be what could be considered a great following and the next, cancellation.

Every Producer asks the creative related questions, was it the storyline, the talent (Eliza Dushku is an unbelievably great talent), the budget? Meanwhile, the Network asks the financial questions, what's the cumulative viewership, advertising, scheduling, return? All of the before mentioned absolutely have to work. So you see, it's all in the economics.

TV Casualties Of Summer 2009

Speaking of pressing matters, the Networks 'Nets' have been busy canceling shows over the past few months of summer. In fact, this entire action of mass cancellation had occurred while most of you were basking poolside (Well, at least the ones in which I am aware).

Assuredly, I have been watching and keeping track of every detail and after all my line of work is largely: Buying, Creating, and Selling TV - ah, that's my newly condensed occupational mission statement; I am sure you appreciate.

We have taken the liberty to compile a list (We have detailed stats, but I will refrain from sending you into oblivion with such over speak...This time).

Here is what we have so far:

ABC

• Cupid: Aired for a season: Canceled in June.
• Dirty Sexy Money: Aired for a couple of seasons: Canceled in August.
• Eli Stone: Aired 2 seasons: Canceled in July.
• In the Motherhood: Aired 1 season: Canceled in July.
• Pushing Daisies: Aired 2 seasons: Canceled in June.
• Samantha Who?: Aired 2 seasons: Canceled in July.
• Surviving Suburbia: Aired 1 season: Canceled in August.
• The Unusuals: Aired 1 season: Canceled in June.
  

CBS

• Eleventh Hour: Aired 1 season: Canceled in April.
• Harper's Island: 1 season: Bye Bye in July.
• The Unit: 4 seasons: Canceled in May.
• Without a Trace: 7 seasons: Canceled May.
• Worst Week: Aired 1 season: Canceled June.
  

FOX

• King of the Hill: Aired 13 seasons: Canceled in September.
• Prison Break: Aired 4seasons: Canceled in May.
• Sit Down, Shut Up: 1 season: Canceled in November.
• Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles: Aired 2 seasons, but canceled in April.
  

NBC

• Crusoe: 1 season: Canceled in April.
• Kath & Kim: 1 season: Canceled March.
• Kings: Aired 1 season: Canceled July.
• Knight Rider: 1 season: Canceled March.
• Life: Aired 2 seasons: Canceled in April.
• Lipstick Jungle: Aired 2 seasons: Canceled in January
• Medium: Aired 1 season (Went to CBS): Canceled in June.
• My Name is Earl: Aired 4 seasons: Canceled in May.
  

The CW

• Everybody Hates Chris: Total of 4 seasons: Canceled in May.
• The Game: 3 seasons: Canceled in May.
• Privileged: 1 season: Canceled in February.
• Reaper: 2 seasons: Canceled in May.
• The Beautiful Life (TBL): Barely 1 season: Canceled in same month.
  
  

FX Network

• The Riches: Aired 3 seasons: Canceled in June.

USA Network

• The Starter Wife: Aired for 2 seasons: Series Canceled in June.

Now then, some of you may have ideas of either A). Sending your concerns directly to the Network responsible for demise of your favorite (Remember, Jericho) and/or B). Take the liberty of expressing your grief of the canceled with Yours Truly.

One of the before mentioned is a completely futile attempt and I will leave to you to determine which method. Alright truth be told, they are both indeed futile, but why spoil all of your fun...

Talk soon.

Out With The Old In WithThe Fall...

Greetings Friends!

We are about to start another GREAT week and I am just wrapping up an extensive vacation. It has been a remarkable time and I have a new business venture underway as we speak. For you see, this is what happens when I take vacation, I return with even bigger and more outlandish ideas - can't wait to tell you more - stay tuned!

Thank you for your thousands of emails (Literally). Although I am unable to personally read and respond, I am thinking of one email in particular that read, "...Can I (As in me) please hurry up and get back from vacation because my comments are despiratly (The writer misspelled desperately) needed!" - touching. As my friend in Hawaii would say, "I Get Tons!".

Anyway, there have been a number of outlandish events that have recently transpired and without further delay, let's launch right into the recap.

Today's Blog is in the popularly requested format: Statement of fact followed by my thoughtful commentary, now let's have one last go around as summer is now officially over (Ordered from most important to least important):

1. Jay.

NBC has announced the official debut this week of the Jay Leno Show.

My Comment: My appreciation for Jay has grown considerably since his absence over the past few months.Really, having Jay in the 9'o hour is a new idea and largely untested concept for NBC. Will variety comedy shows work in Prime Time?

You may recall my idea for this concept about two years prior. However, my pitch was similar but with Rosie O'Donnell as the host of the Tonight Show - NBC attempted the idea with Rosie as host of a variety show, but it did not work from a numbers standpoint. My idea was to have Rosie as Talk Show host, not variety show host - I am inclined to believe that was a reason of failure. Furthermore, there were also a number of other reasons. The Networks never listen to my advice, Oprah.

This will be a great experiment, but more importantly, will the advertisers be likely to receive delivery of consistent viewers, less than 50 years in age? For this, remains to be seen.

2. Ellen.

Last week, producers of American Idol (FOX) announced Ellen Degeneres as the 4th judge to replace Paula Abdul.

My Comment: First, there is no replacing Paula. Quite frankly, I have posted comments all over the Web - and I still say bring Paula Abdul back. Enough with the negotiations - get her in the door. Of course, Paula may eventually appear on rival show: So You Think You Can Dance, which would be just as well, after her Diva show on Vh1.

Regarding the choice of Ellen Degeneres, I am not thrilled around this decision to say the least. Let's see, I liked Ellen as a stand-up comedian when she performed in front of the student body at University of Oregon (This being prior to her TV Show Ellen- Not to be confused with the current Talk Show version also called Ellen, but the comedy series of the late 90's).

Second, I thought she was hilarious in the movie "Mr. Wrong". However, I believe that my lack of preference began to happen somewhere around the bad dancing and the incident with the dog and her very public on-air blubbering...It was an accelerated pace downhill from that point.

3. Melrose Place.

Last week was the official debut of the returning hit of the 90's Melrose Place on The CW Network.

My Comment: As you may know, MP was my absolute favorite show of the 90's. You may recall the "Melrose Mondays"parties that I used to have at my apartment while in college. Ah, good times...Let the revival begin!

Well, do not be disappointed, but I still have not yet viewed the first episode. My TIVO is full of programs and I will surely spend the entire weekend pouring through everything that may have been missed. While my significant other (My gorgeous man) is busy watching NFL football, I will be in the next room viewing Melrose Place.

--In Other CW News--

America's Next Top Model and Vampire Diaries (Twilight movie inspired serial), also debuted this past week for the fall line-up.

Really, where was CW when I was a 15 year old teenager?!

Happy viewing...