Big TV Network Shakeup Coming

[sdelmonte]

Say goodbye to the WB and to UPN. Say hello to CW.

C for CBS, and W for Time Warner, I suppose. For today CBS (aka Viacom and Paramount) and Time Warner have announced they are merging the two undersuccessful networks into one.

What does this mean for Veronica, the Winchesters and even Lex? They haven't said yet. The best we can hope for is that established shows will be tentpoles for the new network, that Veronica Mars will be seen as a bit of prestige, that Supernatural will be treated as the next big thing, and that Smallville will be put out of our misery but get to wrap up first.

Odds are that current WB stations will be home to CW, and that current UPN stations will need to find new programming. Since many UPN stations are owned by Fox, can we look for a new Fox network? Maybe.

For now, we can only hope that CW continues to give our shows a home. And find out who to send our e-mails to.

ADDENDUM: The official news release from the network does mention Veronica Mars, Supernatural and Smallville as assets the new network can draw on. Doesn't say, of course, that it will be reneweing them, but this is a hopeful sign. Also, it doesn't mention Charmed, so maybe that is finally going away?

Also, now seeing Michigan J. Frog, the WB's erstwhile spokes-amphibian, wearing a Starfleet uniform, ertswhile symbol of UPN.

Comments

[illmantrim.livejournal.com]

It'll be interesting to see what happens. This kind of merger is always wierd. And do we know when the change is going to happen? Like a 'it will take effect at this date' kinda notice?

[sdelmonte]

It will happen in September. The rest of the current season will play out, as will summer reruns.

[gnomi.livejournal.com]

This is supposed to be the last season of Smallville -- they'd said from the beginning it would be a 5-year arc. It'll be interesting to see if they stick to that.

[sdelmonte]

The producers seem to have changed their minds, as they gave an interview on the eve of the show's 100th episode wondering if and when the show would be renewed.