NBC Takes a Look at Picking Up '24'

While I'm not sure being on the same wavelength as NBC executives is anything to brag about, I did say a couple days ago that if Fox cancels 24 - which seems increasingly possible - that NBC should and probably would take a look at grabbing the show off its death bed. Entertainment Weekly confirms that The Peacock does have interest in the series, citing multiple sources with knowledge of all the activities. 20th has reportedly taken the idea to NBC, which certainly has interest in the show, currently winding down its eighth season. Such a deal is still considered to be a longshot, but as we said Thursday, the network would be inheriting a show that generates millions more viewers per week than most of its prime time dramas, so that's a strong point in its favor. Here's something else to consider: What are the anchors on NBC? Half of its Thursday night comedy, The Biggest Loser, maybe a Law & Order. That's really it. So NBC would also be plucking a strong competitor with an opportunity to build around it on another night. Trauma, Mercy, Heroes - those shows aren't getting it done. So NBC might look at this as an opportunity to grow beyond the Thursday night it has, even though it's still in third place on Thursday. That's just how bad things are at the once-mighty Peacock. Again, this is still very early on, but as NBC begins to look to next fall, the question becomes: Can it create a show that produces 7 - 10 million viewers? Not likely. Even if 24 doesn't transfer viewer-to-viewer, it would give the network much more immediate credibility. The other thing this could impact is a 24 feature film. The plan has always been to make one, but it won't happen while the show is on the air. So if NBC takes the plunge, it's at least another year before that would take shape.

Comments

[J.Bradley]

I've always felt "24" could be spun off like "CSI" and "Law and Order" With different agents, units and sections in other cities. Jack Bauer could be the character any theatrical movie could follow, but the series could follow it's own direction.

[Adam]

SAVE 24 FROM BEING CANCELLED, JOIN HERE:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Petition-Against-the-Cancellation-of-24/107937529225908?ref=ts