Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.
It used to be that if a sitcom or drama didn't score high ratings with viewers it would be axed. But now, with plummeting viewership, television networks are more likely to hold onto and reinvent shows that are quite cutting the mustard.
This week, NBC has announced some big changes for its TV lineup: Its hit show "Smash" will return for a second season in early February, "Community" will take up the Thursday night slot left open by "30 Rock" when its current season ends, and the Christina Applegate-Will Arnett show "Up All Night" will be reworked as a multi-camera sitcom shot in front of a live audience.
These are just some of the maneuvers the networks are employing in the midst of a fall season that could best be described as dismal. For more on this, we're joined by Brian Lowry, chief TV critic with Variety.