Spring Break
TV Talk: Networks decide which shows to kill
Nadum Fernand
Issue date: 3/7/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Rumors of ABC rescuing "Scrubs" from its life of perpetual uncertainty over at NBC are long-lived, and nothing serious has ever come of it -- until now. In some of the best news in a long while, The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that ABC is in negotiations with its corporate sibling ABC Studios to pick up 18 episodes of the single-camera comedy for another season. I've always loved NBC's two-hour comedy block of "Earl," "The Office," "30 Rock" and "Scrubs," but the last season of "Scrubs" was cut short due to the strike and the state of the final episodes has been murky at best. And truthfully, in a world of DVRs and On Demand, what do I care anyway? Great comedy is great comedy, no matter where it lands.
Not So Fast, Says NBC
Turns out all it takes to turn a red-headed step-child into the bell of the ball is to try and steal her away for 18 episodes.
Just hours after reports of ABC courting "Scrubs," Variety says NBC is lashing out, threatening legal action and claiming they love "Scrubs" more than anyone ever could.
"NBC has a license agreement with ABC Studios, which includes a right of first negotiation and first refusal to extend the series term beyond this season," Marc Graboff NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios co-chair said. "We're living under the terms of this license agreement, and we expect ABC Studios to do the same."
ABC Studios and NBC have rarely seen eye-to-eye on "Scrubs." The studio has complained that "Scrubs" never got its due from a marketing standpoint, and also suffered through countless scheduling moves.
As a precursor, let me say that while ABC Studios does have a few legitimate grievances, it's hard to fault NBC for its treatment of "Scrubs." The show has lived in the bubble going as far as back as season three (this is season seven) but has made it back each year. And for that, I've got to give NBC credit.
But when you consider this is almost assuredly the final season and NBC never even guaranteed to air the five already-shot episodes of Scrubs, yet alone shoot the final six episodes, the Peacock starts looking pretty petty.
I appreciate that bean-counters care more about the bottom-line than a show's audience. However repugnant, it's their job. But to go so far as to block negotiations for a show you know you aren't going to pick up? That's a bit much.
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