Five Signs Your New TV Show Is In Trouble

The new Fall TV season doesn't really kick into top gear until next Monday, but we're already seeing lots of stories speculating about the ultimate fate of the new shows. Yes, most of them haven't even premiered and in most cases reporters have only seen the initial couple of episodes, but a consensus is already gelling around which shows are likely to fail before most Americans have had their first slice of pumpkin pie.

While that reaction is harsh (and often not accurate), the mood inside the executive suites of the networks isn't any more forgiving. Sure, they gladly ordered all those new shows. But it doesn't take long before someone at the network looks at the first few scripts and starts developing a case of buyer's remorse.

So how can you tell when the network suits might be worried about a new show? Well, they're certainly not going to say anything publicly. But here are a few hints that might suggest a show's days on the air might be numbered.

The Promos For The Show Don't Actually Say Anything Useful About The Show
One tip-off that network executives are worried about the basic premise or initial direction of a show is when the initial promos don't show footage from the pilot, but instead rely on some gimmick to be entertaining. This is especially bad news if we're dealing with a comedy. Because if the pilot doesn't have any great lines that can stand up to repeated viewings, it's likely to be a long season. This season's case study are the promos for NBC's "Sean Saves The World." The promos try and spoof the "save the world" part of the show's title, but don't provide the slightest reason why viewers should tune in. Okay, so based on one of the promos viewers know Sean Hayes isn't actually a zombie killer. But he doesn't look much like a comedian in the spots, either.

Executives Start Making Excuses For The Show Before It Even Premieres
When a network executive is discussing a new show and explains that "we're confident the audience will find it," you know expectations are slightly lower than what you'll find when Chicago Cubs fans discuss the chances of winning the World Series. It's even worse when the executives start personalizing the blame, along the lines of "X has the talent to make this work."

The Network Publicists For The Show Just Don't Care
I talk with network publicists all day and you can tell when they're excited about the possibilities of a show. They're reaching out to you pitching ideas, the advance screeners are rolling in and when you visit the show's page on the network press web site, it's filled with episodic photos and other info that is there because the assumption is the press will be looking for it. I spoke with a publicist for one network show yesterday that premieres next week. She apologized for taking a week to get back to me, but explained that she is handling several shows and she has been "prioritizing her time." Yes, if the show publicist can't be bothered, you know you're in trouble.

The Guest Star Announcements Are Getting More Attention Than The Show Itself
If most of the news about your show as you get close to the premiere involves casting info, than your show has some core problems with its execution. It's great that a minor-level actor from "The Walking Dead" is going to be making guest appearance on episode four. But if that's the best news the show has to offer, it is seriously screwed.

The Network Is Already Talking About Its Midseason Shows
If your show is airing on a Friday and you read an interview in which an executive from your network discusses the changes they could make on that night over the winter, your show is in serious trouble. The only thing that could be worse is if they add the dreaded caveat "We believe in what X is trying to do." No, they don't. Network executives utter that phrase for the same reason husbands say the words "No, you don't look fat in that dress." Because they don't want to start an argument.

There are a lot of other hints a show could be doomed and if you have any additions, feel free to share them in the comments section below. Regardless, I take no joy in seeing a show fail. I mean, I once worked as a writer's assistant on a show that was literally canceled between the East and West coast airings of the sneak preview. So to all of you who are soon to be unemployed, I feel your pain.