For most television shows, it's the time of year to put the best episodes out. February will kick off another month of sweeps, and there are a lot of shows on the bubble. Of all the television networks, none have as many shows that fit this bill as NBC does. The once proud network has seen most of its new shows tank. The latest example is the highly anticipated reboot of "The Firm." Since its run began at the start of the new year, the show has declined in the ratings. Its cancellation is inevitable. However, it will likely get to ride out the remainder of the season.
"The Firm" started with a special preview episode before moving to Thursday nights after the network comedies. The ratings were bad at the start and have only gotten worse. "The Firm" is not attracting viewers in the core demographics despite offering an interesting premise with a stellar cast that includes Josh Lucas and Juliette Lewis. But it should be clear to NBC that this show isn't working. Like most television remakes, "The Firm" has flopped.
It should be obvious to networks by now; viewers want original programming. It doesn't matter what actors sign up for a show. People are tired of seeing the same old things. Not only is "The Firm" a reboot of the Tom Cruise movie from years back, but it is also a retread of countless other legal dramas. With so many legal shows riding the airwaves in recent years, people simply aren't interested in another one. NBC should have recognized this before agreeing to the series. The early part of the fall season proved that viewers were not interested in rebooted television shows -- "Charlie's Angel's," anyone? That feeling has not changed.
The good news for NBC is that they didn't pay a lot for the show. In fact, the cost was low enough that the network ordered 22 episodes. That wasn't a wise decision because it means the commercially and critically bad show will continue to air for the foreseeable future. Of course, it isn't as if NBC has anything else to take its place, so they might as well ride it out. But here's to betting that this show won't be back in the fall. If NBC and other networks are going to turn things around they are going to need new ideas. That means no more remakes, cop shows, or legal shows. Those three things are a sure way to add another canceled show to the list.
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