Television
In syndication, it looks like a full boat
By Kevin Downey
Jan 8, 2008 - 2:50:22 AM

It was only a few years ago that each January television stations scrambled to line up syndicated shows to replace the shows of the prior year that had tumbled, whether fading long-running series or weak newcomers.

Not so this year. There just aren't that many stinkers in syndication.

Heading into the National Association of Television Program Executives conference later this month, just a few shows are rumored to be on the chopping block, like the aging “Montel Williams” and the first-year game show “Merv Griffin’s Crosswords.”

But even if those shows get the axe there won’t be many open time slots for new series.

Syndicated ratings have been solid for top-rated shows like “Wheel of Fortune” and “Entertainment Tonight.” And other high-rated shows like Warner Bros.’ “Ellen” and “Extra” have been renewed into next decade.

A few new entries have also been doing well like the animated “Family Guy” and the gossip show “TMZ,” which stations signed for a two-year deal this season.

“For the most part, returning shows have been at the levels they’ve been at for the past several years,” says Bill Carroll, vice president and director of programming at Katz Television.

“Of the new shows, the ones that have been most successful are the sitcoms ‘Two and a Half Men' and 'Family Guy' and, in terms of relative success, ‘TMZ.’”

Moreover, a few shows that aren’t exactly blockbusters such as NBC Universal’s “Martha Stewart” and Warner Bros.' “Tyra Banks,” are pulling strong enough ratings in key demos to keep them on the air for another season or two.

That leaves only a few openings for new shows.

A few series are already locked up for the fall, including Warner Bros.’ “Bonnie Hunt,” which has been picked up in 90 percent of the country by NBC’s owned-and-operated stations and other stations.

NBC’s “Deal or No Deal” has been picked up by NBC stations, CBS affiliates and other station groups.

“Dr. Phil” spinoff “The Doctors” has been clearing stations around the country.

Other shows are in the works and could get a shot at timeslots if a few low-rated shows don’t generate interest at NATPE.

Sony Pictures Television’s “Judge Hatchett” is going out of a production but its reruns are being offered up to stations. Its “Judge Maria Lopez” is a likely goner. Sony has the new “Judge Karen” in the works while “Judge David Young” is returning for a second season.

Meanwhile, Twentieth Television’s rookie series “Morning Show with Mike & Juliet” will probably survive for a second season. Its foundering game show “Temptation” is also expected to return.

NBC’s “Jerry Springer” spinoff “Steve Wilkos” isn’t a hit but it’ll be back. It’s been picked up by Tribune stations.

A few other programs are in the works that could slip into slots if they open up, including the Debmar-Mercury game show “Trivial Pursuit: America Plays” and a Donald Trump show from Twentieth.

There are a number of weekend dramas coming from cable television and the broadcast networks like “Monk,” “Desperate Housewives” and “House.”

There aren’t likely to be any daily hour-long dramas, however. “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” this season became the first off-network drama in years to air Monday through Friday. But its ratings haven’t been great.

“If ‘Law & Order’ came out with big numbers, there would be a number of other shows,” says Carroll. “But it’s not becoming a trend.”