How appropriate: “Medium” is dead yet possibly still alive
I’ll be frank: I’m pissed that NBC canceled “Medium.” In recent days, it had come to look as though it was virtually a lock for the series to return for a sixth season, but then the money talks began, and suddenly that certainty began to waver. In the end, the people at the Peacock wanted to cut the budget and drop the episode order, and when the studio – CBS TV – balked at the request, NBC took a pass and killed the series.
But as fans of Alison Dubois know, there’s dead, and then there’s dead.
Over at TV Series Finale, they’ve been discussing the matter, and given which studio produces “Medium,” the following bit of text will probably not be all that surprising to read:
There is a strong possibility that “Medium” could move to CBS next season. The show’s already in syndication and the studio would reap big benefits by producing new episodes.
One possible scenario has “Medium” being placed on CBS’ Friday night schedule, sandwiched between compatible “Ghost Whisperer” and “Numb3rs.” What do you think of that schedule?
You heard the man’s question: what do you think of that schedule? I have to tell you that, were I given the choice of “Dollhouse” or “Medium,” I’d go with the latter…and my suspicion is that I’m not the only one. I’m a Joss Whedon fan and have been for many a year, but “Medium” has been keeping me consistently creeped out for five years now, and I’m not about to give up on it now.
UPDATE: Over at the L.A. Times blogs, there’s a quote from CBS Television Studios which reveals just how annoyed they are about NBC’s decision not to renew the series:
“NBC’s cancellation of ‘Medium’ is inexplicable to us. The ratings don’t lie. ‘Medium’ outperforms many of NBC’s renewed shows. Despite inconsistent scheduling, ‘Medium,’ under the creative vision of Glenn Gordon Caron, one of the most preeminent producers in television, has always performed with distinction both creatively and commercially. Multiple-award-winning actress Patricia Arquette and the cast have delivered a stellar series for five consistent seasons. The awards and ratings speak for themselves. We believe the show has a significant future and await developments.”
Yikes. And, yet, the tone of the quote is one which shows that, at the very least, the studio has no intention of giving up the show without a fight. Fingers crossed that their affiliated network has the same enthusiasm.
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cbs picked up medium. cbs dropped the unit. i was hoping that wouldnt happen. hopefully the series comes out on blu-ray (god i hate typing bllue with an “e”) soon.
http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/05/breaking-nbc–1.html?xid=r
ss-ausiellofiles-Breaking%3A+%27Earl%2C+%27Unit%27+axed%2C+%27Medium%27+moving+to+CBS
It’s still not official about “Medium” being picked up by CBS. Even the great and powerful Ausiello only says that it’s “expected” to happen. Shame about “The Unit,” though. I’ve never watched it, but its mere reputation makes me sad that it had its plug pulled.
Um, it says that CBS is “expected” to pick it up. Nothing’s official yet. Networks are typically reluctant to take other networks’ castoffs, even if it’s just for perception’s sake.
Ausiello really blew this one. For weeks he had “Reportedly renewed for 13-16 episodes” on his cheat sheet and seemed as surprised as the rest of us that NBC canceled it.
I’m still a loyal “Medium” watcher. It’s not the greatest show in the world, but it’s been consistent and I like the characters. It’s been especially cool to see Allison’s marriage change with Joe’s new business.
I’m bummed about “The Unit.” It was really strong, especially in the last two or three seasons.
whoops. i didnt read the bit about medium because i dont really care about it
. I was still upset about the unit.
i was hoping that the seasons were out in HD. but i checked amazon and season 4 is up for preorder. too bad they want 63 dollars. id be willing to spend about 100 for the series.
will: i dont know how much tv/movies you watch, but if you have netflix, put the forst disc in your queue and watch the first 2 or 3 episodes. you’ll be hooked.
They renewed shows with 4-5 million viewers (parks, chuck, southland, friday night lights), and canceled one that averaged around 7 million. I am glad they will be in last place again next year, CBS, ABC & Fox will outperform them yet again.
Bye bye NBC, I will not be watching any of your shows ever again.
I think that Medium is one of the best written shows on television. Furthermore, the acting is outstanding. I think NBC made a huge mistake. I am a faithful viewer. I can’t believe this show would be cancelled when there is so much junk on television. I hope this decision is not final.
Does is strike anyone else as strange that CBS Television Studios produced “Medium” for NBC?
No more so than Touchstone – which is affiliated with ABC – producing “Scrubs” for NBC.
a fair number of shows are produced by one networks studio for another channel. it is not common, but it is not uncommon either.
I know that it’s not uncommon, but I still find it strange…you’d think that they’d use their own studios to develop shows for their own network.