Do networks still do this anymore? Seemed that back in the 80s (and perhaps earlier), networks would air the pilot of a new show immediately after the Sper Bowl. I was reminded of this after watching an NFL Network replay of Super Bowl XXII (Redskins vs Broncos). The broadcast included some of ABC’s promotional spiels, and included a plug for a broadcast of The Wonder Years pilot immediately after the game.
I seem to remember that Moonlighting also started off this way, airing for the first time after Super Bowl XIX (49ers vs Dolphins).
How many notable shows have had their pilots aired right after Super Bowls? Is this being done much anymore? I keep thinking Numb3rs piloted after Super Bowl XXXVII (Buccaners vs Raiders), but I’m not positive about that.
While it wasn’t a pilot, didn’t one of the Survivors start a new season after the Superbowl a few years ago? I thought I remember one doing that, but I never watched the show.
Are you kidding, the A-Team was the best post-superbowl show ever. Mr. T pitying the fool, helicopters and stuff blowing up. I have no doubt that the timing of its premiere was what made the show an instant success.
I actually wondered recently if there were any big show premieres after that. I didn’t realize that the A-Team was the first.
I am envisioning the hypothetical meeting of network executives with the producers of Will and Grace, politely telling them, “we don’t think this will be a good fit for after the Superbowl scheduling…”
I can remember when this scheduling was a big deal, but my own personal theory was always that it was actually a bad time slot. A good many people watch the game at parties, or at bars, etc. and are heading home after the game, or passing out in a drunken stupor on the couch. And to be quite honest, I have found that at Superbowl parties and at bars where they show it, 85% of the people could not care less about the game and are drinking and having a party with the game on in the background. Proof of that comes at water cooler conversations the next day - most people are usually talking about the commercials and not the game.
But in 1992 the Bill and Hillary Clinton show made a huge relaunch immediately following the Superbowl on Jan 26. And you can’t say that wasn’t a long term hit.
