Comedy of errors: NBC renews Chuck for embarrassing reason

May 17, 2010 by Beatweek

Good news, fans of Chuck: NBC is bringing your favorite sitcom back for another season. Here’s the less encouraging news: the show was only renewed because the network says it “can’t change every hour of the schedule at once.” Wow. Has any TV show ever been given a more tepid green light by its network than NBC just did with Chuck, which is only getting a fourth season because the network claims it was too busy canceling other shows like Law & Order and Heroes and trying to find their replacements to find time to do anything about it?

The network’s “you’re not currently worth the ammo required to kill you” approach toward Chuck is, at the least, a refreshingly honest admission from NBC, a network that’s become so deeply mired in flawdom (we had to create that word just for the situation) that it’s managed to get most of the television headlines so far in 2010 despite being the fourth place network, simply because it’s had that many things go horribly, horribly wrong. Regardless of which side viewers took in the Leno-Conan debacle, they nearly all agreed that NBC handled the whole thing stupidly. And now the network thinks that the best way to get fans of Law & Order to tune in for the new “Law & Order Los Angeles” spinoff is to cancel Law & Order. Things have gotten so bad for the network that while no one is quite sure how the once-heralded Heroes managed to become completely unraveled so quickly, viewers are bound to simply blame NBC out of habit.

And now NBC’s execs have come up with the bright idea of trying to increase the size of Chuck’s audience by telling the whole wide world that the show is only still on the air because they wanted to cancel it but literally couldn’t come up with anything else to replace it with. That sounds like a great strategy for getting the show’s current audience to stick around next season while motivating others to start tuning in. Here’s another good one: NBC says it thinks taking Parks & Recreation off the air for half a season will cause the show to gain momentum. And the network thinks new show “Undercovers” will do well because the competition in its time slot isn’t any good either. The scary part? Those aren’t sarcastic jokes on our part. That’s what the network actually said about those shows.

Perhaps NBC should instead launch a sitcom starring its own executives; clearly they’ve got the material for it. In any case, good luck, Chuck.

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Filed Under: Industry News
Tagged: canceled, Chuck, NBC, renewed, season four

Comments

Ambaryerno

Wow, pessimistic much? You forget to mention how Chuck is ALSO NBC’s strongest Monday night performer, as well as one of its most consistent scripted programs, not to mention 1-hour dramas. All three of which are legitimate reasons why NBC chose to bring it back. Is there a bit of a feeling of being thrown under the bus by returning it to the Monday at 8 timeslot? Sure, a little. However it can also be seen as a vote of confidence by the network that it will remain consistent.
charahfan

nbc sucks only reason i watch the network is for chuck!
charahfan

nbc sucks only reason i watch the network is for chuck!
charahfan

nbc sucks only reason i watch the network is for chuck!
charahfan

nbc sucks only reason i watch the network is for chuck!
charahfan

nbc sucks only reason i watch the network is for chuck!
charahfan

nbc sucks only reason i watch the network is for chuck!
charahfan

nbc sucks only reason i watch the network is for chuck!
charahfan

nbc sucks only reason i watch the network is for chuck!
charahfan

nbc sucks only reason i watch the network is for chuck!
charahfan

nbc sucks only reason i watch the network is for chuck!
charahfan

nbc sucks only reason i watch the network is for chuck!
angrynow

Good grief! (this phrase takes the place of the profanity that I'm really thinking…)

I absolutely love CHUCK, it's the best show on NBC–what a cheap shot. Angela Bromstad really has a way with words, doesn't she? The co-creators, writers, & ensemble cast of CHUCK are extremely talented–they definitely don't deserve such an insult. Shame on her.

NBC needs to cancel Angela Bromstad. The network would be more respectfully run by chimps.
terrymonk

You won't have to worry about Chuck's fans to stick around for season four. Chuck is the “best” show on network TV, bar none.
terrymonk

You won't have to worry about Chuck's fans to stick around for season four. Chuck is the “best” show on network TV, bar none.
terrymonk

You won't have to worry about Chuck's fans to stick around for season four. Chuck is the “best” show on network TV, bar none.
chuckfanned

I have followed the Chuck renewal saga for several weeks now and this is the most pessimistic (maybe even mean-spirited) appraisal of the situation as I have read throughout the ordeal. NBC's “bottom of the barrel” situation has been well publicized, but I have never gotten the impression that Chuck was a hopeless cause. The show has an extremely loyal fan base, who will be insulted by your choice of wordage. I don't see any reason at this point to criticize this way unless you have some ulterior motives.
At any rate Chuck is renewed and I think that is a good thing. Perhaps I missed something but I don't see where Angela Bromstead's statement (“can’t change every hour of the schedule at once”)
had any direct connection to Chuck. being a fan of Chuck I personnaly think she's a genius for renewing it.
chuckfanned

I have followed the Chuck renewal saga for several weeks now and this is the most pessimistic (maybe even mean-spirited) appraisal of the situation as I have read throughout the ordeal. NBC's “bottom of the barrel” situation has been well publicized, but I have never gotten the impression that Chuck was a hopeless cause. The show has an extremely loyal fan base, who will be insulted by your choice of wordage. I don't see any reason at this point to criticize this way unless you have some ulterior motives.
At any rate Chuck is renewed and I think that is a good thing. Perhaps I missed something but I don't see where Angela Bromstead's statement (“can’t change every hour of the schedule at once”)
had any direct connection to Chuck. being a fan of Chuck I personnaly think she's a genius for renewing it.
evans

You did miss something–if you go to the link for the original article you'll see that the statement made by Bromstad was in direct reference to why Chuck was brought back for another season. I think the only salvation Chuck has ever had is its loyal fanbase. NBC has always crapped all over it, giving it a poorest of poor timeslot, & slim-to-no promotion.
Ed Chaltron

Frankly, this doesn't surprise me after some of the things said last summer before the rebranding of the SyFy channel. The executives really do think their audience is made up of drooling halfwits.
chuckfanned

I'm certainly no expert and I also wasn't there to get a feel for the meaning behind the printed words but, are we sure that the comment made by Angela Bromstead wasn't referencing the possible change in the time slot (Monday 8/9 -” I can't change the whole schedule at once” ) and not the actual renewal of the show?
Chucfanned

I'll have to take your word for that quote from Bromstead cause I can't find it. I did however find this quote from her:

“We are featuring popular, top-flight stars along with a strong pedigree of successful writer-producers. Likewise, 'Chuck' has proven its enduring appeal and we love the new creative direction that (co-creators Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak) have taken the show.”

Sounds to me like there is a more positive reason to renew Chuck in Bromstead's mind. Don't mean to be argumentative……… just sayin that it genuinely looks like she really likes the show.
I understand cause I do too.
Chucfanned

I'll have to take your word for that quote from Bromstead cause I can't find it. I did however find this quote from her:

“We are featuring popular, top-flight stars along with a strong pedigree of successful writer-producers. Likewise, 'Chuck' has proven its enduring appeal and we love the new creative direction that (co-creators Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak) have taken the show.”

Sounds to me like there is a more positive reason to renew Chuck in Bromstead's mind. Don't mean to be argumentative……… just sayin that it genuinely looks like she really likes the show.
I understand cause I do too.
Chucfanned

I'll have to take your word for that quote from Bromstead cause I can't find it. I did however find this quote from her:

“We are featuring popular, top-flight stars along with a strong pedigree of successful writer-producers. Likewise, 'Chuck' has proven its enduring appeal and we love the new creative direction that (co-creators Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak) have taken the show.”

Sounds to me like there is a more positive reason to renew Chuck in Bromstead's mind. Don't mean to be argumentative……… just sayin that it genuinely looks like she really likes the show.
I understand cause I do too.
Chucfanned

I'll have to take your word for that quote from Bromstead cause I can't find it. I did however find this quote from her:

“We are featuring popular, top-flight stars along with a strong pedigree of successful writer-producers. Likewise, 'Chuck' has proven its enduring appeal and we love the new creative direction that (co-creators Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak) have taken the show.”

Sounds to me like there is a more positive reason to renew Chuck in Bromstead's mind. Don't mean to be argumentative……… just sayin that it genuinely looks like she really likes the show.
I understand cause I do too.
Chucfanned

I'll have to take your word for that quote from Bromstead cause I can't find it. I did however find this quote from her:

“We are featuring popular, top-flight stars along with a strong pedigree of successful writer-producers. Likewise, 'Chuck' has proven its enduring appeal and we love the new creative direction that (co-creators Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak) have taken the show.”

Sounds to me like there is a more positive reason to renew Chuck in Bromstead's mind. Don't mean to be argumentative……… just sayin that it genuinely looks like she really likes the show.
I understand cause I do too.
Chucfanned

I'll have to take your word for that quote from Bromstead cause I can't find it. I did however find this quote from her:

“We are featuring popular, top-flight stars along with a strong pedigree of successful writer-producers. Likewise, 'Chuck' has proven its enduring appeal and we love the new creative direction that (co-creators Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak) have taken the show.”

Sounds to me like there is a more positive reason to renew Chuck in Bromstead's mind. Don't mean to be argumentative……… just sayin that it genuinely looks like she really likes the show.
I understand cause I do too.
Chucfanned

I'll have to take your word for that quote from Bromstead cause I can't find it. I did however find this quote from her:

“We are featuring popular, top-flight stars along with a strong pedigree of successful writer-producers. Likewise, 'Chuck' has proven its enduring appeal and we love the new creative direction that (co-creators Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak) have taken the show.”

Sounds to me like there is a more positive reason to renew Chuck in Bromstead's mind. Don't mean to be argumentative……… just sayin that it genuinely looks like she really likes the show.
I understand cause I do too.
chuckfan1

“Good news, fans of Chuck: NBC is bringing your favorite sitcom back for another season”.

I'm surprised someone hasn't called you out on the first sentence yet. If you were actually a professional you would have watched (TV/DVR, NBC.com, or Hulu.com) an episode and would have seen it is a serial, not a sitcom.

If the first sentence is crap, then the rest of the article isn't even worth reading. Better luck on your next article, unless you're already fired.
chuckfan1

“Good news, fans of Chuck: NBC is bringing your favorite sitcom back for another season”.

I'm surprised someone hasn't called you out on the first sentence yet. If you were actually a professional you would have watched (TV/DVR, NBC.com, or Hulu.com) an episode and would have seen it is a serial, not a sitcom.

If the first sentence is crap, then the rest of the article isn't even worth reading. Better luck on your next article, unless you're already fired.
HowDoTheyHaveAJob?

Considering that Chuck has had steady numbers in the worst time slot in television says loads about it's quality. Hey NBC, try a slot that's not 8pm on the first day of the work week when folks are still busy getting into their rhythm for the rest of the week and watch the ratings double….idiots.
Chris20906

Why can't NBC just give people what they want?! Just type, “Chuck Comic Con 09″ on Youtube and scroll in about 1:25.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp9YA327N4k
Chris20906

Why can't NBC just give people what they want?! Just type, “Chuck Comic Con 09″ on Youtube and scroll in about 1:25.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp9YA327N4k
Advil

Great news – Chuck is WELL LOVED in our household and many of our friends too. Look forward to it every week.
Advil

Great news – Chuck is WELL LOVED in our household and many of our friends too. Look forward to it every week.
katm123

This is very interesting. It comes from a network who has a new sit-com called “Outsourced” about a company that outsources jobs to a 3rd world country. And it's also when unemployment is up around 10%! That's comedy for you! Really sensitive NBC!
chuckfan100

Love Chuck! If anyone was watching NBC they'd see the (far and few between) promos and fall in love with it!
chuckfan100

Love Chuck! If anyone was watching NBC they'd see the (far and few between) promos and fall in love with it!
Taoluce

I'm glad they renewed the show as well. I commented about a week ago, I think the show needs a strong bad guy. That way they can build the tension up throughout the season. I think CSI Vegas with Dr. Jeckyl is a good example of introducing a bad guy and then building the tension up throughout the season. just a thought…
Isa

They have a comedy starring their network execs. It's called “30 Rock.”
Isa

They have a comedy starring their network execs. It's called “30 Rock.”
Isa

They have a comedy starring their network execs. It's called “30 Rock.”
Isa

They have a comedy starring their network execs. It's called “30 Rock.”
Isa

They have a comedy starring their network execs. It's called “30 Rock.”
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Annie B

Watched the finale last night. Holy cow — it was so fun! NBC is smart to keep it. Ratings arent everything. “Firefly” only had 13 episodes because it never got the ratings, but it now has a respected place in Science Fiction history. Chuck is awesome. And I have one more word to say on the subject: pineapple.