Paul Lee’s first rule when it comes to discussing the current contract negotiations between the cast of MODERN FAMILY and 20th Century TV/ABC is don’t talk about the current contract negotiations between MODERN FAMILY and 20th Century TV/ABC. To that end, Paul Lee’s response to three or four different reporters attempt to get him to dish on the current contract negotiations was that he’s both “hopeful” and “optimistic” that all parties involved will reach an agreement all parties involved.
Responding to reporters questions at this morning’s Television Critics Association Press Tour ABC Executive Session, Network President Paul Lee’s answers can pretty much be boiled down to variations of the same “I love that show.” Highlights of which include SUBURGATORY’s unique voice thanks to showrunner Emily Kapnek, ONCE UPON A TIME’s “four quadrant appeal,” REVENGE fan’s binge viewing, SCANDAL finding its voice and Fall’s upcoming one-two combo of HAPPY ENDING and DON”T TRUST THE B—-. The latter of which are two of Lee’s favorite comedies thanks to their hilarious showrunners.
Despite increasingly negative buzz surrounding ABC’s new “laugher” from the critics, the Wednesday night comedy from Dan Fogelman (Crazy Stupid Love) that tells the tale of a new family that discovers that their entire cul-de-sac are actually aliens masquerading as suburbanites, is still scheduled to premiere. That said, rather than get the plum post-MODERN FAMILY time slot, the show will be moving up an hour. Said Lee, “I love NEIGHBORS, it’s very important to me and I certainly felt that 8:30PM suited the show better. Candidly, there’s so much pressure at 9:30PM after MODERN FAMILY and I think NEIGHBORS will be a better bridge from THE MIDDLE to MODERN FAMILY, while SUBURGATORY will fill MODERN FAMILY to NASHVILLE quite well.”
Unlike many Networks (cough*CBS*cough) that seem to believe that serialized storytelling is the kryptonite-equivalent in terms of ratings, Lee believes the potential positives far outweighs the negatives. Turns out, not only do serialized series sell more aggressively around the world thanks to international broadcasters need for appointment television, REVENGE has made soaps cool again.
Hot on the heels of a season high for last ROOKIE BLUE last night, Lee had nothing but complimentary things to say about one of Canada’s biggest exports. And while the ABC President wouldn’t exactly go as far to say that the Network is looking to bring the show into the Fall fold, he was quick to point out that ROOKIE’s strong performance has him looking for similar situations for future summer series. 
