NBC released a statement saying that their current lineup of new shows is benefiting from their attention, so they’ve chosen to shelf the premieres of both Community and Whitney, which were originally going to premiere next Friday.
“Without having to launch these comedies on Friday at this time, we can keep our promotion focused on earlier in the week; plus, we will have both comedies in our back pocket if we need to make any schedule changes on those nights. When we have a better idea of viewing patterns in the next few weeks, we will announce new season premieres of Whitney and Community.”
So, it’s very nice of NBC to spare Community from being overshadowed by all the marketing they’ll be doing for their new shows. It’s also amazingly ironic, considering how they have had Community on their channel for three years and barely promoted it at all, then wondered why the ratings were so bad, and then banished it to Friday nights next to one of its most reviled new shows. So, now they’re going to take the time to promote it? I suppose that if it has to be on Friday nights, it’s a good thing they’re finally going to give it the attention it deserves. But isn’t that like having an aunt who says you never, ever visit her, then when she ends up in the hospital and you realize she might die, you go see her once — for your own peace of mind?
NBC — your best fair-weather nephew. Check this space for the new premiere dates.
Photo credit: Trae Patton for NBC
NBC Delays ‘Community,’ ‘Whitney’ Returns [The Hollywood Reporter]