Ooops! NBC Drops Medium; CBS Picks It Up
Tuesday May 19, 2009
Note: This is an updated post.
Despite earlier reports of renewal, it was revealed this week that NBC has elected to cancel the Patricia Arquette paranormal series Medium after all. CBS, whose corporate sibling CBS Studios produces the show, is now reported to be picking it up.
Industry media is positioning the story as a feud between NBC and CBS. NBC co-chair Ben Silverman amazed everyone when he called Medium, created by Glenn Gordon Caron, "an aging franchise, without a single fan letter, with no passion." Harsh!
"NBC's cancellation of Medium is inexplicable to us," CBS Studios responded in a statement. "The ratings don't lie: Medium outperforms many of NBC's renewed shows. We believe the show has a significant future and await developments."
CBS Studios has reportedly convinced CBS Network to pick up the show. Of course, CBS already has a somewhat similar paranormal series, the high-rated Ghost Whisperer, after which Medium is being slotted (Fridays at 9, before Numb3rs). But savvy marketing will certainly package them as a Friday night ghost-watcher bloc, and Ghost as a lead-in should deliver a good audience to Medium.
Despite earlier reports of renewal, it was revealed this week that NBC has elected to cancel the Patricia Arquette paranormal series Medium after all. CBS, whose corporate sibling CBS Studios produces the show, is now reported to be picking it up.
Industry media is positioning the story as a feud between NBC and CBS. NBC co-chair Ben Silverman amazed everyone when he called Medium, created by Glenn Gordon Caron, "an aging franchise, without a single fan letter, with no passion." Harsh!
"NBC's cancellation of Medium is inexplicable to us," CBS Studios responded in a statement. "The ratings don't lie: Medium outperforms many of NBC's renewed shows. We believe the show has a significant future and await developments."
CBS Studios has reportedly convinced CBS Network to pick up the show. Of course, CBS already has a somewhat similar paranormal series, the high-rated Ghost Whisperer, after which Medium is being slotted (Fridays at 9, before Numb3rs). But savvy marketing will certainly package them as a Friday night ghost-watcher bloc, and Ghost as a lead-in should deliver a good audience to Medium.
Comments
Interesting–I never thought Medium was going to last, but I’ve grown to enjoy the family and friend dynamic on the show a great deal and believe it’s been key to viewer loyalty. I won’t grieve if it doesn’t get picked up elsewhere, but if it does, I’ll watch it where it goes!
I really enjoy Medium, both the family and the co-workers and would really miss it if it is not on the air.
I never miss Medium – neither does my sister -I even have a friend without cable who shows up every Monday ngight to watch the show. I really like Castle but we watch the NBC lineup and tape Castle for later viewing.
I enjoy medium but can’t they come up with something better then Allison jumping awake every time? It’s almost comical how she reacts to her dreams.
I’m so glad CBS has picked up Medium! It was the only show I watched on NBC. Now I don’t have to go to NBC at all.
I happened to love medium i watch it as much has i can and i record it
I enjoy watching Medium. In fact, it’s one of the few NBC shows I do watch. Nothing much worth watching on NBC accept Law and Order. I was sorry to hear that NBC axed Medium, very glad to hear that CBS is picking it up. The Friday night line up sounds great. I love Ghost Whisper and enjoy Numbers as well. NBC you’re going to get your butts kicked in the ratings. Guess you have to justify making room for Leno.
I can”t believe that they would take medium off I hope cbs takes it over cause I am not a t.v watcher, but my hole family watches Medium and that is the only show I will watch I have to record it if I go out somewhere I love the show and the family. Please do not cancel it all together. I own all the DVD”s I watch them often. Thank You Sylvia
I switched from Letterman to Leno a few years ago but will switch back now. Absolutely no disrespect intended to Conan but I do not enjoy his show. I at least sort of understand NBC’s move on that however.
The honchos at NBC have really flipped by getting rid of Medium though. My whole family loves it. I am delighted that CBS will show it and I will definitely tune in for it.
I have watched every show, I think it’s amazing and I love the interaction of the family. We’ve watched them grow. I would hate tolearn tha tthe show was cancelled and I hope CBS does pick up the show. NBC is definitely losing their audience. Mostly sports and garbage on NBC. The characters work well together, the stories are interesting, and I am using my mind for a change. Please stay on tv!!!
I am so glad CBS picked up this show. I have watched it since the beginning & always have loved it. Guess that’s why NBC has dropped so much in ratings for all shows. Their line ups stink & they are foolish to let this show go. Thanks, CBS.
I am a big Medium fan!! Don’t miss an episode. I really can’t understand NBC, but I am so glad the CBS has picked it up. I know me and my extended family will be waiting and watching in the fall. Thanks CBS.
Medium is a cleverly written and well-acted show. With the exception of Numbers and Medium, I watch very little else on American television. Kudos to CBS executives for their insightful decision.
NBC Execs are fools. The shows that I watch on NBC are becoming less and less. Maybe they need someone else deciding their lineup. Who ever does it now is an idiot
A week ago, I went looking for this show and found it on CBS. I was sure it was on NBC. I thought my mind was going.
In any case, it was one of the best shows on NBC. What are they going to do now, replace it with more reality show crap?
Thank you, thank you, thank you CBS. I can’t imagine not being able to continue watching new episodes of “Medium”. I already enjoy “Ghost Whisperer” but “Medium” has its own special quality – it’s Family orientated. Each family member plays their own important role and are always connected to Allison in some way. The “Medium” Family are always welcomed into our Family room ! Again CBS, thank you so much. A big fan – naturally ! I’m also someone’s wife, mother and grand-mother and my relaxation time is watching “Medium”.
Thank you CBS for picking up Medium! I love the show and never miss an episode. I have my whole family hooked as well. Love the story lines, the great family dynamic and the entire cast. Looking forward to the new season coming soon!
Could you please make it less gruesome? Does every second week have to show a women getting dismembered or otherwise tortured?
Great family dynamic and realism, but a bit misogynistic otherwise.