Community has NOT been cancelled. NBC Chairman Bob Greenblatt spelled that out clearly at the first session of NBC’s TCA Winter Press Tour today in Pasadena.
The NBC comedy will, in fact, be back later in the Spring. Many feared that it would fall victim to the axe once it was pulled from the schedule in the Fall, but the good news is that 12 new episodes are forthcoming. Greenblatt went on to share some tidbits about the show’s performance, mentioning that it’s 8PM time slot is competitive and he doesn’t know if it makes sense to lead off the night with it. When asked about the show’s potential fourth season, he implies that it will be reviewed in conjunction with the networks other comedies.
Some other tidbits that Greenblatt pointed out in the session (UPDATED):
- Mariska Hargitay is NOT leaving Law & Order: SVU. In fact, the show will explore her having a love interest for the first time. Oh, and Harry Connick, Jr. will be guest starring for a 4 episode arc playing said lover interest .
- On Ricky Gervais hosting the Golden Globes again, he mentioned that they loved him as a host and happy that he will be back.
- Network had a bad Fall, some underwhelming shows including The Playboy Club and Prime Suspect
- On Ryan Seacrest looming contract expiration: “We’d love to keep Ryan Seacrest in the family.” He doesn’t explicitly address the rumors that Seacrest will join the Today Show, but mentions that there are ways NBC could use the American Idol host.
- New series Smash is important, not necessarily a ‘make or break’ show. One that will require a lead-in. It will have promotions during the Super Bowl. It’s a really good long-term potential asset.
- Prime Suspect was a disappointment, ponders that it may have been too ‘cable’ for network television
- On series having shorter seasons, Greenblatt thinks it’s a good idea for certain shows. Audiences might be better served with the compacted period of viewing time (similar to cable).
- On Howard Stern joining America’s Got Talent – Greenblatt isn’t concerned about Stern upholding his ‘shock jock’ reputation. Comments that Stern really wants to be a good judge and is taking it very seriously. He doesn’t believe that Stern plans to ‘usurp the show and make it the Howard Stern circus’
