UpFront 2009 Predictions: ABC Edition

theTVaddict

15 years ago

It’s May, which in case you didn’t know in TV land is kind of a big deal. Not only does it signify the end of the official television season, with the big five networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and the CW) beginning to roll out their big finales (see: our May 2009 calendar.) It also just so happens to be the start of something new. With next week marking the official start of the 2009 UpFronts where ABC, CBS, FOX, CW and NBC will unveil their fall schedule to advertisers at their annual UpFront Presentation.

But before they do, theTVAddict.com editorial team, led by our very own Ken-Tucker-in-training Aleks Chan will be posting our wish list for what we’d like to see announced.

Thanks to established performers such as DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, GREY’S ANATOMY and LOST, not to mention the reality TV juggernaut that is DANCING WITH THE STARS, the Alphabet network managed to weather the storm that was the tumultuous season following the WGA strike fairly well. Especially considering that neither of its freshman series’ (LIFE ON MARS and OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS) drew many viewers (both of which have been canned), and none of its returning shows from the previous season (ELI STONE, DIRTY SEXY MONEY and PUSHING DAISIES) survived past December.

Which is why we’d like to see:
Two things. The successful launch of an exciting new drama series that doesn’t get cancelled after 13 episodes (read: A renewal for CASTLE) and something to laugh about (read: renewals for BETTER OFF TED and SCRUBS). Seriously. With ABC cornering the market on highly addictive and emotionally charged dramas that cater predominantly to women (see: The women of Wisteria Lane, the doctors of Seattle Grace and shirtless Sawyer on LOST), we at theTVaddict.com could really use 3 cc’s of funny (or at the very least, Nathan Fillion.) Especially since we’re still reeling from the horrific nature of PRIVATE PRACTICE’s season finale and dreading what may-or-may-not be the end of Izzie Stevens.

What We’ll Probably See:
Oddly enough, a fresh batch of comedies. With ABC, after over a decade of failing to replicate the success of ROSEANNE and HOME IMPROVEMENT finally deciding to make the half-hour laugher a priority by ordering 14(!) comedy pilots to contend for the fall. Many of which feature big name showrunners (ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT’s Mitch Hurwitz! SCRUBS’ Bill Lawrence!) and even bigger-name stars (Courteney Cox Kelsey Grammer! Alyssa Milano! Jenna Elfman! Lauren Graham! Patricia Heaton!)

And if all else fails, watch for ABC to poach THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE from CBS should the Tiffany Network ax it in favor of their 27th procedural drama. Plus pickups for the murder mystery drama HAPPY TOWN and the Witches of Eastwick adaptation EASTWICK with ABC looking to inject some fresh young blood into their rapidly aging lineup of dramas.