Friday, June 11, 2010

So, Friday, Huh?

I started watching Supernatural in the second season, when it was still on Tuesday night. I think they switched it to Thursday for season 3, so that "feels" like the right night. Honestly, it doesn't matter. I'll watch it no matter when/where it is, with very little getting in the way, and if I can't watch live, I'll DVR it to watch later.

But now they're moving our beloved show to Friday night, aka The Night Shows Go to Die. I know at least one person that is a problem for: she has a family night on Fridays, and is religious about it. Friday is "party" night, too, so ratings overall tend to be pretty low. Most shows that get moved to Friday don't last very long.

On the other hand, dying or being killed isn't a given, generally speaking. There have always been shows that did well on Friday, such as Providencetown and Numb3rs. Smallville kept its numbers the same after being moved to Friday, and it was always a good pairing with Supernatural (though I'd argue that The Vampire Diaries makes a better combo).

We hear a lot among "fandom" about how the CW doesn't give our show any love—doesn't promote it, doesn't support it, etc.—but after three years in a row of early pickups, and insisting it continue after a natural end point, I'd have to call bs on that complaint. Supernatural is a solid performer for them, and they struggle to develop new shows/enough programming for a full week.

So in my opinion, the move to Friday isn't necessarily a bad omen. In fact, I think we have to be more concerned about Ackles and Padalecki's contracts expiring this year.

What do you think?

12 comments:

MJFredrick said...

I'm more bothered by the fact they split it away from Vampire Diaries. That was a perfect combo. Personally, I need that slot on Thursday on the Tivo, so Friday's fine with me, otherwise.

They're moving Big Bang Theory to Thursday. My one reason to love Mondays!

Natalie J. Damschroder said...

I thought it was a perfect combo, too. *shrug*

I know, the schedule juggling is ugh! I told Number One they were moving BBT to Thursday, she's all "Noooooooooo, not at 9:00!" and I said "Yes, but remember, Supernatural is Friday now" and she was okay. But it ruins our Monday night family time.

Castle's on Monday--you watch that, don't you? Or did they move that, too? I don't remember.

MJFredrick said...

I usually watch Castle on Tuesday--just can't stay up.

Natalie J. Damschroder said...

Oh, of course! I forget about your insanity. I mean, that you're a morning person. :) (I'd say "that you have to get up early" but even though that's true, you do it even when you don't have to!)

MJFredrick said...

Hey, I slept until 6 yesterday ;)

Natalie J. Damschroder said...

Whoa!

LOL

Trish Milburn said...

I wonder if this type of show will do well on Friday night because of its audience. For instance, Friday is typically a big night of programming for SyFy, and while I know SPN isn't sci-fi, I wonder if there is a lot of crossover fans like me.

I agree that the pairing with Vampire Diaries was a more natural one that with Smallville.

Trish Milburn said...

Natalie, LOL on MJ's "insanity". And MJ, dude, it's summer vacation for you! Sleep in. :)

MJFredrick said...

Would if I could. Sigh. I do get naps now, though.

Natalie J. Damschroder said...

I was going to call it her "disability," Trish, but that seemed harsher, for some reason, than "insanity." :)

But after your last post, MJ, it seems like a more apropos term. :(

And re: your comment about the show's type of audience. Not sure if you mean it will do well because we don't have "lives" (I certainly don't have the kind of social life that takes me out of the house on Friday night! LOL) or will do poorly because there's competition.

Can't wait to find out! :)

Trish Milburn said...

Natalie, it wasn't a comment on whether the viewers have "lives" :) but rather that sci-fi type shows seem to do well on Fridays when other types of shows often don't.

Natalie J. Damschroder said...

LOL Okay, Trish. Most of the world seems to think people who watch TV Friday night don't have lives, so I wasn't sure.

So that's a good way to look at it!