Pricey Dramas Fall Short, But Nets Stay The Course

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

CBS’ cancellation of its crime series Smith last week didn’t surprise many in Hollywood, but it certainly set much of the TV production community on edge. After all, it isn’t the only big-budget drama to under-perform this fall. Among the others are NBC’s Friday Night Lights, Kidnapped and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip; Fox’s Vanished; and ABC’s Six Degrees. Executives throughout the industry said if these shows fail to find an audience, the 2006-07 season may be one of the costliest in recent memory.

It wasn’t that long ago when the average price tag for a first-year drama hovered at a hefty $1.7

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in