I just finished writing my Fall TV Preview piece for Bullz-Eye, only to find that Fox has already canceled the first-debuting of its new series, “Anchorwoman,” after only one episode!
Well, since I guess there’s no point in including it in my preview now, here’s what I HAD written about the show…
Anchorwoman (Wednesday, August 22 @ 8:00 PM, Fox)
Starring: Lauren Jones, Phil Hurley, Annalisa Petralia, Dan Delgado, Michelle Reese
Producers: Brian Gadinsky, Josh Bingham, Chad Damiani, J.P. Lavin
Network’s Description: Phil Hurley is the owner of a middle-market Texas news station, KYTX Channel 19. Willing to do anything to get viewers to tune in to his newscasts in a highly competitive local market, Phil has shocked the station and town of Tyler, Texas, by bringing in a gorgeous model and ex-WWE diva with no previous news experience to be his next anchorwoman. Former Miss New York and über-vixen Lauren Jones packs up her Versace dresses and heads to Tyler to start a new career. Can this bombshell make it as a serious reporter? Will she save KYTX, or make it the laughingstock of the Lone Star State? Lauren wants to show everyone she’s no airhead, and this is her big chance to prove she’s more than just a pretty face. The entire newsroom thinks the boss has made a giant mistake. Reigning anchor Annalisa Petralia is not about to lose her Queen Bee status to some L.A. hottie. News Director Dan Delgado is fit to be tied, fearful his beloved journalistic standards will go out the window. Michelle Reese, a hard-nosed reporter bound for CNN, will take no prisoners. Lauren has a big job in front of her as she struggles to fit in with her news team and an unfamiliar town.
The Buzz: Given that this is the network that brought you Paris and Nicole living “The Simple Life,” Fox is as good a place as any for this “reality sitcom.” As you watch the show, though, and see how completely and totally clueless Jones is when she arrives at KYTX, you can’t help but feel that the percentage of actual reality within “Anchorwoman” is pretty slim.
Pilot Highlight: The frustration and unabashed disgust of the KYTX crew as they watch Jones flail and fumble her way through her trial run at the news desk, a train wreck which ends with her blowing a kiss at the camera.
Bottom Line: There are laughs here, but this feels like something that’s been sitting on a shelf for several years rather than a new series. It’s probably starting early because Fox expects it’ll end early as well.
Will’s official score for calling the fall season: 1 for 1.
