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TV Guide Online
September 8, 2003
Roush Room: Ask Matt
by Matt Roush
Question: I'm convinced that the ABC programming department is being run by damn dirty apes! Why in the world would they schedule 10-8 before Alias? What can the two shows possibly have in common? Wouldn't it have made more sense to pair up Alias and Karen Sisco, since the shows would probably draw a similar audience? And if they really want to put a dent in NBC's Criminal Intent, why not move The Bachelor to Sundays and move Alias to Wednesdays, leading into Karen Sisco, where it might have a better reception? The West Wing is showing signs of slowing down, and there is less real competition for Alias on Wednesday. Seriously, doesn't their schedule for fall seem a little flawed, or is it just me? -- Jeff K.
Matt: Isn't it fun to play armchair programmer? Just shuffle the cards and we can't do much worse than the pros, can we? Especially on ABC, which is still rebuilding from a massive meltdown and has problem areas on just about every night. Your suggestions make sense to me, especially the gripe about 10-8, which seems like a total loser to me -- but then, I thought According to Jim would die in a month, so this could be another surprise example of retro/mainstream schlock finding an audience. But as for moving Alias or Bachelor, I don't see that happening. Bachelor has already proven it can do damage to The West Wing, and while Alias doesn't look like a winner when you look at the overall ratings, ABC is thrilled to have a show in that killer Sunday time period that can do any business and attract any buzz -- don't forget it's also where HBO's marquee dramas are scheduled. Alias is the least of this network's problems. But if the revamped Practice flops and Karen Sisco falters against Law & Order on Wednesday, I hope ABC will rescue Karen and, as you suggested, pair it with Alias on Sunday for a smashing femme-fatale combo.
© TV Guide 2003
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