Acknowledging that last year's schedule demanded too much of viewers with the serials they offered up, ABC (DIS) has changed their strategy this year with more self-contained fare on their schedule.
The network will have seven new dramas this year with a much lighter focus and stories that finish in each show. Altogether there will be 12 new shows for the network, but several won't appear until mid-season.
The Alphabet may be providing the most-changed scheduling in response to an 8 percent decline in the key 18-49 demo. The new schedule was announced by ABC Entertainment president Steve McPherson.
The Wednesday night schedule has been completely revamped with three new shows. But to keep some familiarity they've anchored the night with the new spinoff from Grey's Anatomy: "Private Practice."
Tuesday night is their other biggest chance as they've added two new shows "Cavemen" and "Carpoolers" to lead into "Dancing with the Stars."
“Tuesday and Wednesday for us are a big focus,” McPherson said. “Last fall when ‘Dancing’ and ‘Lost’ were on, those were good nights for us. Rather than putting on a completely new show [to anchor Wednesday], we’re putting a spinoff with a known entity and a tremendous amount of publicity behind it.”
ABC's 2007-2008 Schedule: New Shows Bold Red
MONDAY: Dancing with the Stars; Sam I Am; The Bachelor
TUESDAY: Cavemen; Carpoolers; Dancing with the Stars; Boston Legal
WEDNESDAY: Pushing Daises; Private Practice; Dirty Sexy Money
THURSDAY: Ugly Betty; Grey’s Anatomy; Big Shots
FRIDAY: Men in Trees; Women’s Murder Club; 20/20
SATURDAY: ABC Saturday Night College Football
SUNDAY: America’s Funniest Home Videos; Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; Desperate Housewives; Brothers & Sisters
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