Every year about this time, the Internet and other media outlets start to crusade for their favorite shows that are rumored to be on their way out. You know, all those fans of lowly rated shows hoping to turn around the fortunes and keep the show on the Fall schedule. From supporters of NewsRadio (justified) and Caroline and the City (not so much so), people try to influence the networks. In that vein, I'm going to do my best to see that Spin City stays on the air!
Dear ABC,
I know that you might be thinking of dumping Spin City in favor of The Will Ferrell Show, the latest collaboration between a Saturday Night Live alum and Bruce Helford. Or maybe you're making room for the new drama SFPD Blue, a new cop show starring Chris Tucker and Greg Lougainis. But, for the love of God, please don't drop Spin City. Please keep this great show on the air. Like Dharma and Greg and 20/20, rumors of Spin City's demise have been bandied about as being cancelled. I was shocked to find that Spin City was on the bubble along with other critically favorite but unpopular shows like ER and The X-Files. There is no reason to cancel this great show when tripe like Everybody Loves Raymond is allowed to live.
I'd like to take you back a couple of seasons when Spin City was still a rookie show, struggling to find it's voice among the 30 or so other newcomers in the 1996 season. It was rough going for a while. Life's Work and Something So Right were the darlings of the season. And somehow, this little miracle made it through those rough times. Even though it was sandwiched between 2 stinkers, Home Improvement and NYPD Blue, it still was able to pull out some serious ratings. Then, last year, it was moved to Wednesday where it had fearsome competition from The Nanny and reruns of Scooby Doo on the Cartoon Network. It somehow made it through the year.
But this year, ratings took a tumble. Spin City had to go up against The PJ's and The World's Strongest Man. People started tuning out and started watching ... whatever it is they show on The Nashville Network. Please ABC, don't cancel this struggling show. If you cancel this, I will never watch your network again!!!!!!
Well, at least until the new Sports Night episodes arrive.