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to stay ahead of WB and UPN
A schedule makeover to hide the bald spots
By Andrew Wallenstein
As the 1999-2000 season draws to a close, no other network deserves a round of applause like Fox. After falling flat on its face at the starting line, the network dusted itself off and got a second wind with some key midseason additions.
But with the departure of "Party of Five," "Beverly Hills 90210" and possibly "The X-Files," Fox has to fill some gaping holes in its schedule this fall. Some of the stronger new shows--"Malcolm in the Middle," "Titus" and "Greed"--may be shipped to new time slots, but they may not be ready to serve as lead-ins.
If Fox follows the plan of attack outlined below, the network can keep WB and UPN from nipping at its heels.
Sunday:
It's a testament to Fox's domination of the 18-49 demographic on this night that the loss of "X-Files," which will probably stick around for one more season, won't be devastating. With "The Simpsons" at 8 p.m., there' s a solid foundation to build on. That means moving "Malcolm" and "King of the Hill" to Wednesday to make room for fledglings that need "Simpsons" support.
If "X-Files" leaves, replace it with its spinoff series "The Lone Gunmen" or another sci-fi series. Take whichever animated comedy survives its summer run--"The PJs," "Family Guy" or the new "Gary and Mike"--and install it at 7:30 p.m.
Monday:
Strong as ever, "Ally McBeal" is a waste without a lead-out. Slip the drama back an hour and install the new drama "The Teachers," at 9 p.m. for a David E. Kelley-created doubleheader. (Of course, ABC tried the same with "The Practice" and "Snoops," but the latter failed.) If NBC's "Friends," which barely goes an episode without making jokes involving bodily fluids, can be on at 8 p.m., the racy "McBeal" can be on at 8 p.m, too.
Tuesday:
Move Monday's potent 8-9 p.m. team "That '70s Show" and "Titus" to a night where it can serve better as a lead-in (guy-friendly "Titus" flowing into "McBeal" never quite made sense).
If the high-school reality series from documentary wizard R.J. Cutler survives its summer run, drop it at 9 p.m.
Wednesday:
"Malcolm," your time has come. Memories of the disastrous transfer of "King" away from "Simpsons" to a new night will probably scare Fox, but they're underestimating this rookie sensation's terrific numbers: 21.6 million viewers a week, up 71 percent from its time slot predecessor.
Let fellow Sunday expatriate "King" keep it company at 8:30 p.m. Bring back "Get Real" at 9 p.m. simply because Fox feels this is the next "PO5"--bound to create buzz that will eventually lift its horrid ratings.
You're left with three family-oriented comedies that will probably outscore what "90210" and "PO5" did this season.
Thursday:
Keep the movie block here and pray ABC's "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire" moves to a different night.
Friday:
The game show "Greed" has performed well here, so slide it back to 8 p.m. and make a new series a lead-out. "MK3," an updated version of the Three Musketeers, might be a nice fit.
Saturday: Don't make a move. "COPS" and "World's Wildest Police Videos" is the quietest one-two punch on TV, clobbering all comers in 18-49.
- Andrew Wallenstein is the television critic for Media Life.
