Network Upfront Slates: The Good and the Ugly

Comedy pilots look promising

When the last trumpet sounds, the Big Five networks will ring up around $9.5 billion in 2011-12 upfront commitments, a remarkable feat considering that (a) broadcast television is dead; (b) the 30-second spot is dead; and (c) the upfront itself is dead.

Nonsense. Were broadcast nearly as lifeless as the doomsayers would have you believe, the upfronts (May 16-19) would resemble nothing so much as a series of well-catered hauntings—which isn't to say programmers aren't pebbled with goosebumps.

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