Joined
·
15,556 Posts
Robert Greenblatt has been Chairman of NBC Entertainment since Comcast took control. From 2003 to 2010, Greenblatt was President of Entertainment for Showtime Networks. So far we haven't had much opportunity to see what he can do for do for NBC. But we'll see next Monday at 10:00.
"Smash" is likely to be a well-written drama with the musical theater sense of "A Chorus Line." Theresa Rebeck, creator, writer, and executive producer has a solid reputation. Steven Spielberg has put significant money into the show.
"Smash" was first presented to Greenblatt when he was at Showtime. It's a natural for a premium network - a showcase series. Greenblatt was responsible for Showtime airing "Dexter", "Weeds" and "Nurse Jackie."
The kicker line for the show describes it as "There is more drama behind the scenes than on stage, as the team prepares an ambitious Broadway musical on the life of Marilyn Monroe." Actors in key roles are Anjelica Huston, Debra Messing, and Jack Davenport. But the talented singer and actress Katharine McPhee, yes the "American Idol" runner-up, is the centerpiece and I'm sure will be working her heart out on this one.
But on Showtime a show's survival depends on whether it attracts viewers who will pay for the Showtime premium package, viewers who frequently record things for later viewing, a habit that doesn't matter as long as they pay.
"Smash" is on a broadcast network. Advertising still covers most of the budget. Advertisers still focus on ratings - live viewers with an emphasis on demos, age 18-49, with an extra emphasis on 18-34.
"Smash" follows "The Voice" which hasn't been the typical live viewer ratings dud for NBC, but it is a competition show that almost has to be viewed live. "Smash" is going to be recruiting for live viewers ages 18-49 at 10:00 on Monday against "Hawaii Five-0" and "Castle." Over-50 or use a DVR, you need not apply.
I will, of course, be recording it and I wish Greenblatt well. We're over-50 and go to bed between 10:00 and 10:30, so even if we were a Nielsen family, nobody would care. But we do pay for Showtime....
"Smash" is likely to be a well-written drama with the musical theater sense of "A Chorus Line." Theresa Rebeck, creator, writer, and executive producer has a solid reputation. Steven Spielberg has put significant money into the show.
"Smash" was first presented to Greenblatt when he was at Showtime. It's a natural for a premium network - a showcase series. Greenblatt was responsible for Showtime airing "Dexter", "Weeds" and "Nurse Jackie."
The kicker line for the show describes it as "There is more drama behind the scenes than on stage, as the team prepares an ambitious Broadway musical on the life of Marilyn Monroe." Actors in key roles are Anjelica Huston, Debra Messing, and Jack Davenport. But the talented singer and actress Katharine McPhee, yes the "American Idol" runner-up, is the centerpiece and I'm sure will be working her heart out on this one.
But on Showtime a show's survival depends on whether it attracts viewers who will pay for the Showtime premium package, viewers who frequently record things for later viewing, a habit that doesn't matter as long as they pay.
"Smash" is on a broadcast network. Advertising still covers most of the budget. Advertisers still focus on ratings - live viewers with an emphasis on demos, age 18-49, with an extra emphasis on 18-34.
"Smash" follows "The Voice" which hasn't been the typical live viewer ratings dud for NBC, but it is a competition show that almost has to be viewed live. "Smash" is going to be recruiting for live viewers ages 18-49 at 10:00 on Monday against "Hawaii Five-0" and "Castle." Over-50 or use a DVR, you need not apply.
I will, of course, be recording it and I wish Greenblatt well. We're over-50 and go to bed between 10:00 and 10:30, so even if we were a Nielsen family, nobody would care. But we do pay for Showtime....
