NBC has pulled its primetime newsmagazine series “Rock Center with Brian Williams” from its lineup for the remainder of May Sweeps. In its place, the network will broadcast reruns of “Law & Order: SVU.”
“Rock Center” may be back on the air May 30, though NBC hasn’t released its schedule for that week yet.
Somewhat more concerning for the program: TVNewser hears that “Rock Center” will probably not be part of NBC’s Fall lineup when the network reveals it at its upfront next week. Instead, “Rock Center” will likely serve as a replacement show, stepping in for any other program that fails to catch on with viewers. We will find out for sure about that next Monday after NBC’s upfront.
“Rock Center” is extremely unlikely to be canceled, despite its ratings struggles.
The network is said to have committed to three years of the series, a commitment played out in lucrative contracts with correspondents and senior producers, not to mention the new studio.
That said, it has struggled to find an audience, even when it has big exclusive stories, like its look inside the White House Situation Room.