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May sweeps is just about upon us, and though the networks have downplayed the importance of the month, they are still beefing up their schedules to pull viewers in. Stunts, however, a staple in past times, will be sparse, though some networks will air two-hour specials of regularly scheduled shows.
In addition to being anchored by new episodes of American Idol, Fox will air four original episodes of hit drama House in May, along with new eps of The Simpsons, Family Guy and King of the Hill - despite the fact that the network has already won the season in the 18-49 demo, writes Mediaweek. The network will not air any new shows beyond the official end of the season - May 22 - except for Hell’s Kitchen.
ABC will air new episodes of its shows, including Grey’s Anatomy and Lost, but finales for both of those will run after the end of the season. The network will air expanded finales for Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Lost, Dancing with the Stars and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. It plans no stunts. Network executives say it is more important to spend money on its regular series than to blow a chunk of money on one-time specials.
NBC, too, plans a stuntless May, but it will air original episodes of all of its 10 p.m. dramas, as well as new eps of comedies The Office, 30 Rock, and My Name Is Earl. Heroes will not return until next season.
CBS says all of its regular series will have fresh episodes.
The networks are scrambling for viewers not just because of sweeps, but to make up for lost viewers during the lengthy writers strike.
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