NBC gives
three shows pick-ups
Orders back nine for 'Community,' 'Mercy' and 'Parks'
By Diego Vasquez
Oct 26, 2009
Two more first-year shows have been giving full-season orders, bringing the total to 11 new shows that have been picked up this fall, versus just one cancellation.
NBC ordered nine more episodes of new comedy "Community" and drama "Mercy," though neither has posted outstanding ratings.
The network also gave second-year show "Parks and Recreation," which has received renewed critical buzz, a full-season order.
"Community," which debuted behind "The Office" at 9:30 p.m. in September before moving to 8 p.m. earlier this month, has averaged a 2.6 adults 18-49 rating on Thursdays. Its numbers have been much lower since the move -- it managed a mere 1.9 last week -- but the show received good reviews and has seen a decent kick in DVR viewing.
"Community" follows a group of wacky community college students.
"Mercy," a drama about nurses, is averaging a 2.1 adults 18-49 rating Wednesdays at 8 p.m., and it won the timeslot last week among total viewers with 7.2 million. Still, that's one of the weakest slots on broadcast this year.
"Parks," which leads out of "Community," is averaging a 2.1 18-49 rating and has built on its lead-in each week. Perhaps more importantly to NBC, the show about a local government employee has demonstrated creative growth after an uneven first season, affirming the network's surprising decision to renew it last spring.
NBC is hoping the show can follow that with some ratings growth as well, via the same model as "Office" and "30 Rock."
NBC was the last Big Five network to hand out full-season orders, with ABC already picking up four shows, CBS two, Fox two and the CW one.
NBC did not announce a pickup for "Trauma," its other new show, which averaged a 1.8 last Monday night at 9 p.m.
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