Surprise: Fox RENEWS 'Dollhouse'

UPDATED: In a stunning move, sources say Fox has renewed Joss Whedon’s “Dollhouse” for next fall.

The official announcement will not be made until Monday at the network's upfront presentation, but sources confirm a deal has been struck for another 13 episodes. Fox plans to continue the show on Fridays next fall.

The low-rated series was last seen given up for dead by the media in a field somewhere.

But the show's DVR numbers are huge (averaging a 40% bump), online streaming is strong. It’s a sci-fi show, which tend to bring in strong ancillary revenue such as DVD sales for sister-company studio 20th TV. And it’s said that Fox execs rather like the series, especially the latter half of the season. Besides, a show airing in the fall on Fox is a bit like running in midseason on most networks -- it’s not the network's strongest part of the year and maybe ... maybe ...

All right, fine.

The move is tougher to explain than most, especially based on the show's ratings. A “Dollhouse” pickup is a shock, an underdog comeback that blows away NBC’s will-they-or-won’t-they hand-wringing over “Chuck” (psst, they almost certainly will). In fact, "Dollhouse" might very well be the lowest-rated in-season scripted drama to ever get a renewal on a major broadcast network. Almost certainly if based on where the show concluded -- a 1.0 among adults 18-49.

Basically this is a case of a bunch of minor decision-making factors successfully ganging up on the biggest factor (ratings). In addition to DVD sales, streaming and DVR influences, Fox received some serious budget concessions from 20th TV and Whedon to continue the show, with 20th now shouldering a greater portion of the load.

Another factor was the show's unaired 13th episode, which Whedon shot on a shoestring budget for the "Dollhouse" first season DVD set. Whedon presented it to the network as an example of how "Dollhouse" can achieve a high-quality production with a lesser budget.

The renewal also means Fox is bringing back all three of its freshman dramas for a second season -- "Fringe," "Lie to Me" and "Dollhouse" -- which is a nice boast in challenging year for broadcasters.

Along with NBC renewing low-rated "Friday Night Lights," and strongly considering modestly performing "Chuck," and the CW stations considering bringing back very weakly rated "Reaper," there's seeming trend this spring toward networks looking beyond live-viewing ratings when contemplating the fate of shows with passionate fanbases that they can monetize in non-traditional ways.

Last year, in the wake of CBS canceling fan favorites "Jericho" and "Moonlight," the sense was that vocal minorities could no longer sway the suits.

This year, cult TV shows have been like creatures in a George Romero movie; you can never trust that they're dead.

Source: THReviews

Fall 2008-2009

*SPOILER ALERT*

It’s that time of year again. The time when the leaves start to fall from the trees and only the smell of warm coffee can wake you up in the morning, of course you would prefer not to leave the house because there is so much new television that you want to watch! (Or is that just me?)
Fall 2008 promises more of the usual sex, scandal, comedy, drama, super heroes and breaking out of prison (against my will Prison Break is STILL on!). Some of the biggest names around are coming back for new seasons, including Lost, Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Heroes, Gossip Girl and Ugly Betty. As well as all these the return of a revamped CSI: Las Vegas (watch Gil Grissom move on being replaced by the Matrix’s Laurence Fishbourne) and it’s sister shows, NY and Miami, along with a sprinkling of NCIS, Without a Trace, Bones, Smallville and Everybody Hates Chris.

2008 also promises some brand new shows including JJ Abrams’ (Lost) Fringe, Alan Ball’s (Six Feet Under) True Blood and a new spinoff , 90210 (yes, Beverly Hills, you got it right!). Plus watch out for Dollhouse, Joss Whedon’s (Buffy) new series in early 2009.

Without further ado, let’s cast our minds back to the beginning of September. While we were making our way back to school with little trepidation, our Stateside friends were gearing up for what was the most talked about show of last Fall, Gossip Girl. However, while the name of the show seems gender specific, it’s actually enjoyable for boys and girls alike. Created and produced by Josh Schwartz (The OC & Chuck), GG follows the lives of Manhattan’s Elite teenagers, living in the Upper East Side. Whether it’s shopping at Mendel’s, drinking at the newest and exclusive bar or having sex in the back of a limo, GG has it all! Despite only ranking in the 20’s in the Nielsen ratings last year, New York Magazine called it “The Best Show Ever!” What one has to bear in mind is that these ratings don’t account for the DVR/TiVo recordings, illegal online views, and the fact that it is the most bought television show on iTunes US! So instead of its average of 2 million in reality its closer to 20! Season two of Gossip Girl has been compared to a teen version of Sex and The City. The CW network’s new tongue in cheek marketing campaign features the stars in various states of undress, with captions of critical jabs from the press like, “Every parent’s nightmare.”
Unfortunately, The CW finds itself in a position of needed change. Last year, only the second year from precursors The WB and UPN, saw the average ratings at 2.3 million. If The CW are going to see the year through they are going to need to reach higher ratings than that, so could they be looking to GG as their last hope? Schwartz doesn’t seem to think so; “That’s on 90210.” Executive Producer Stephanie Savage says, “We just have to keep the show as good as possible, so if something happens, it has a life of its own.” As we watch the events unfold, there is always one thing sure, scandal will ensue. Who is going out with whom? Which of our elite will be the top of the pack? By next week all could change and the Queen of the UES could be at the bottom of the pile.

Gossip Girl, teen drama at it’s best, highly recommended!

Another show returning this year that needs no introduction is Desperate Housewives. Now, I am sure there are some of us who are trying to hide the fact they watch this show religiously. Slowly becoming one of the most watched shows in history with approx 120 million viewers, the story of four women hit our screens five years ago and since then, the secrets of suburbia have never been the same. A cocktail of murder, sex & lies have made this show the phenomenon that it is today. The Season Four finale shook everyone up by fast-forwarding the show five years. So what will life be like on Wisteria Lane in the future? Season Four’s mystery character, Katherine (Dana Delany), is still a resident, and Edie (Nicollette Sheridan) arrives back on the block with her new husband. But things are not simple when it comes to Fairview, and as creator Marc Cherry has said he’s not just a love interest, he’s a guy “who moves onto the street for revenge.” Mother of two, Gabrielle (Eva Longoria) has deglamourised, juggling her blind husband, her two girls and facing the fact that age and life are taking it’s toll. Other news for the new series, did Susan (Teri Hatcher) and Mike (James Denton) split up? Why was she in the arms of another man last season? These questions will all be answered, as it has something to do with a “tragic accident”. I’ve seen the season five premiere and it promises to be the best yet, including all the humour and drama from the past years plus so much more!

Desperate Housewives, dramady perfection, do not miss!

How about something new? Fox’s Fringe, a blend of X Files and Bones from Alias and Lost creator JJ Abrams. Dawson’s Creek veteran, Joshua Jackson plays Peter Bishop, the genius son of another (may I add slightly insane) genius scientist, Walter Bishop. Walter starts with his research into Fringe Science – mind control, psychic powers and teleportation. Thrown together with an FBI agent, they investigate an outbreak of paranormal intrigue known as the “Pattern”. All involved in this show promise that it will not become bogged down by it’s own mythology, meaning there will be plenty of stand alone episodes that cater to the casual viewer. The two hour $10 million pilot was impressive, save the airplane crash at the beginning (Hasn't JJ already done that?). It seems that the dead can be questioned, a disease is eating people alive and robotic arms are being added on people… I certainly was intrigued and find that this perhaps may cater to more than Lost.

Fringe, science fiction too far? I don’t think so.

Beverly Hills, 90210 Fans put your hands up! I don’t think many of us with our Blackberries and mp3 players can successfully say we have paid too much attention to this, but maybe the generation before us? The show that defined a generation is back again. The OC, One Tree Hill & Gossip Girl watchers get ready for the next melodrama, 90210. At the centre of the storm are the Wilsons, who move from Kansas to Beverly Hills after Dad; Harry becomes the principle at West Beverly High. They move in with Harry’s midday drinking mother, Tabitha, plus wife Debbie, all American daughter Annie and adopted son, Dixon. For the older fans, the return of Jennie Garth as Kelly Taylor and Shannen Doherty as Brenda promise to stir up some old memories (plus rumours of other cast members returning!)

90210. Newport, New York, Palm Beach. Beverly Hills is the place to be!

So at the end of the day, you have plenty of choice. Do you want comedy (How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, Chuck, Pushing Daisies), drama (Dirty Sexy Money, Brothers & Sisters, House), sci-fi (Ghost Whisperer, Life on Mars US (remake!), Supernatural)? Whatever your preference, there is ALWAYS something to watch.

Gossip Girl 2x01: Summer Kind of Wonderful

Last Monday, the most talked about show of last fall returned. Over the past year Gossip Girl has become a global phenomenon, being shown in over 30 countries, the show has gone from strength to strength. New York Magazine called it the 'best show ever' and season two returns with all the promise for more sex, lies and scandal from Manhattan's elite.
Picking up at the end of the summer where season one left off we join Serena, Nate and Chuck in the Hamptons where steamy doesn't even come close. Whether it's making out in a car or topless sunbathing on the beach, the first five minutes of episode one starts where the season means to go on. But when Blair arrives in town we realise hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and when you promise to meet Blair, you shouldn't break that promise... Chuck. She arrives with a new beau in tow, James, a sure fire way to make Chuck jealous.
While back in Brooklyn, Dan 'lonely boy' Humphrey, is no longer lonely and while trying to juggle a story that he has promised to write about a failed relationship, an internship with one of his idols and trying to forget about Serena, he forgets what makes Dan, the good boy.
I loved this episode, partly because I so wanted Gossip Girl to return and partly because it was a good episode but there was one fatal flaw. Although the Hamptons marks one of the most luxurious parts in the country, Gossip Girl just could not rely on the setting. It was missing New York, the show's main character. We all look forward to seeing the sights, as they sit on the steps of the Met or Brooklyn Bridge but take this away and unfortunately it feels like a good friend is missing. Apart from that the story was lighthearted and bitchy, the ideal mix for this show and a surprising turn from Serena's grandmother! My highlight was any scene between Blair and Chuck, they are such good actors and the emotion between them is shown so well on screen. "Three words, eight letters," that's all it took for Chuck to get his girl but not yet!
Finally the old Jenny was back, she fell off the social ladder at the end of season one and after reconcilling with Erik, it seems things may start to go right for Jenny. Hopes for the season, some Erik storylines, Vanessa's return, Blair & Chuck showdown and some more drama for the the Derena relationship!
As Kirsten Bell who voices Gossip Girl says, 'You ain't seen nothing yet!'