The Scorecard for Fall TV (So Far)

Even though the new 2011-2012 Fall TV season started less than a month ago, critics and bloggers alike are already making predictions on which new shows are the early successes as well as those new series that are already failing.

Now, I have to admit that I have also started to make my own list of winners and losers (new shows only, mind you) despite it not even being a month since the TV season started. Where my list will differ from so many others, though, is the fact that I all but ignore the sitcom – and especially the reality – genres. It’s a personal preference for which I have held for well over 20 years now and it is not meant as a slight to our readers or to those types of shows – just to what I prefer to focus on and the type of programming I enjoy better.

So, without further ado here is my list of the winners and losers (again, NEW shows only) in this the almost first month of the new 2011-2012 Fall TV season:

WINNERS:

Unforgettable

Unforgettable – This police drama focuses on a very rare medical condition of the brain where the female protagonist can remember every moment, every conversation, everything except how her older sister died when they were little girls. This condition makes her a terrific detective but wreaks havoc in her personal life and has seemingly become the number one new drama of the fall season.

Average viewership (3 airings): 10.4 million viewers

Person of Interest

Person of Interest – The premise of this series is almost creepy: a computer genius enlists the help of a former CIA agent to prevent violent crimes using a software program created after the tragic events of 9/11that is nothing short of feeling like “Big Brother” is really watching every single move you make.

Average viewership (3 airings): 9.8 million viewers

Revenge

Revenge – This new show is the perfect example of how to bring back soap operas to primetime. Laying their cards firmly on the table with a reverse twist on the Count of Monte Cristo and using every pre-conceived notion of soap opera storytelling, Revenge has provided ABC with the most-buzzed about must-watch Wednesday night series since Lost was on in that time slot. Let’s hope that the game plan presumably laid out by the series creator holds true and each week gets better and better.

Average viewership (3 airings): 7.6 million viewers

LOSERS:

The Playboy Club

The Playboy Club – The period piece based on the legendary gentlemen’s club in Chicago was obviously NBC’s way of copying the success that AMC has had with Mad Men; but unfortunately, the TV audience doesn’t seem all that interested in the bunny tails or the crisp, tailored suits of the men let alone the stories that have been told about the characters in the show. And even with the planned appearances by some of today’s singers – like Colbie Caillat – as legendary 60’s artists, it probably won’t be enough to help save this show.

Average viewership (2 airings): 4.5 million viewers

Prime Suspect

Prime Suspect – In yet another effort to Americanize a British hit, NBC decided to give the acclaimed police drama Prime Suspect a whirl; but sadly, what was a hit in UK has faltered her in the States. While the cast is pretty terrific, especially with Maria Bello in the lead role, what made the series a hit overseas has been, sadly, butchered by this new version and the viewers are tuning out.

Average viewership (4 airings): 5.2 million viewers

Charlie's Angels

Charlie’s Angels – Based on the cult-classic 1970’s series, this new version of female-empowerment should be a combination of Alias and Nikita with a little bit of fun and frivolity thrown in for good measure. But, unfortunately, this version seems to be a weak comparison to the original or even its latter-day imitators. And, while the ratings haven’t been poor, other shows that have gotten more have been canceled.

Average viewership (2 airings): 8 million viewers

TOO SOON TO TELL:

Ringer

Ringer – Even with the star-power of Sarah Michelle Gellar and the novelty of her returning to, essentially, the network that put her on the map, this noir-style series has yet to be labeled as the new hit series of The CW (that honor actually goes to The Secret Circle). But that all being said, this new show is not a complete disappointment for the network; and if the storylines can continue to hold its audience, the series could become a moderate hit for the network.

Average viewership (4 airings): 2.2 million viewers

Terra Nova

Terra Nova – This much-buzzed about family-based drama that is laced with time travel and prehistoric creatures is probably the most expensive TV pilot ever made (to date). And while the critical and viewership response has been mixed; one thing is for sure, there has never been a show like this before and it, at the very least, deserves to air the episodes that have been so far before any undue determination is made.

Average viewership (2 airings): 6 million viewers

What do you think of the new fall season so far? Regardless of what genre you like to watch, NiceGirlsTV would love to hear your thoughts. Please share below.