The Extratextuals

Two years ago, Just TV’s Jason Mittell, fellow (albeit MIA) Extratexuals Ivan Askwith and Derek Johnson, and I “drafted” the new shows. We had a points system based on how long our team members lasted, and though the strike messed with things a bit, the competition remained. Everything came down to Reaper in the end for me, and when it failed to be renewed, Jason won.

As a sign of American television’s cruelty to new shows, two years later, I note that of the 24 shows drafted, only 5 remain (one questionably). Derek’s team (Bionic Woman, K-Ville, Dirty Sexy Money, Kid Nation, Cavemen, Big Shots) were mostly quick to depart. Ivan’s last man standing is the one I hope will outlive them all, Chuck (his others were Journeyman, Aliens in America, Moonlight, Carpoolers, and Samantha Who?). Officially, my Kitchen Nightmares may return, though I’m not holding my breath, leaving my only other team member standing as Gossip Girl (I also had Life, Life is Wild, Reaper, and Cane). Jason’s faith in Back to You proved misguided, as with Women’s Murder Club, though his trust in Viva Laughlin as the Designated Stinker proved prescient, as with two of his other picks, who are undoubtedly the most successful from that year, Private Practice (ranked #11 in last week’s 18-49 ratings) and Big Bang Theory (ranked a whopping #4). And his other member, Pushing Daisies, will live in my heart for a good long while.

So, kudos, Professor Mittell

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