If the people at NBC actually had feelings, this would have to be their worst nightmare. The day after NBC announced that they are foregoing “niche” and “sophisticated” television programming in favor of more “broad comedies,” Fox has hired the poster boy for NBC’s “sophisticated, niche” programming. Dan Harmon, a free agent since being sh*tcanned by NBC, is close to making a deal with Fox to write a comedy pilot for Fox, according TV Guide. While there are no details yet on the show, it’s known to be a multi-camera pilot.
As you might recall, in an interview with Marc Maron a few weeks ago, Harmon expressed an interest not only in doing a multi-camera pilot, but in making a show that would appeal to a bigger audience. “Television is a populous, derivative, democratic medium,” he said. “You’re supposed to make a hamburger that everyone wants in their mouth, that’s when you know you’re doing it well.” He also vowed to make “a better hamburger.” He’ll be making it for Fox.
The nice thing about going to Fox is that the network is the top-rated one in the 18-49 demo, and the network has a reputation for more experimental programming (also, a reputation for quickly canceling experimental programming. Bygones.). But, I like to think that the Fox execs are pissy little drama queens (think cast of Glee!) who would love nothing more than to win by using the same tools with which NBC failed. That way, Fox can say: “It’s not Dan Harmon. It’s you! Fox rules, NBC drools! Suck it, Greenblatt!”
It helps, too, that Fox is expanding their comedy offerings. They’re building around The New Girl, by adding The Mindy Projec” and Ben and Kate to their block. Plus, Fox has something that NBC doesn’t: A high-rated show (American Idol) to launch a new comedy. The best platform with which to launch a new comedy that NBC has is, er, The Biggest Loser.
In the meantime, I can’t wait to see how Dan Harmon manages to subvert the multi-camera format. If Community gets yanked, as expected, after its first 13 episodes on NBC, Harmon could also poach some of his old cast members and staff.
Coincidentally or not, Dan Harmon tweeted this two days ago: “I give the worst people the most power over me.” IS HE STARTING SH*T ALREADY?
Good for you, Dan. Any way you look at it, Fox sure beats the hell out of working food service again.
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I don’t think he’s starting shit with that tweet. It sounds more like a personal emo post. Recall some of his longer blog entries about self-loathing and relationships.
Was Harmon fired or did he escape? At least he’s not on the NBC pontoon in their race to the middle.
You know those idiot camera crews that follow tornados around just to get footage of the action? Harmon is a tornado. As long as the crew knows what they’re getting into they’ll have no excuse when he fucks their coffee cups or boils chickens extra lumpy. He’s smart and creative, so let er rip.
Didn’t Neil Goldman and Garrett Donovan go to Fox as well? If so, I wonder if they will be involved with this new show.
Oh, snap. Fox just threw down the gauntlet.
I just hope they do a better job of promoting their non-sucky shows. They did a nice job with New Girl, so that’s a good sign.
Fox is doing a good job of picking up stuff NBC is passing on. Mindy pitched her show to them first too.
I still can’t believe that NBC passed on that. But it’s a great match for New Girl and Fox seems invested in it, so I imagine that it’ll work in Mindy’s favor.
Bring back Dino and we’re set
Excellent, I’ll look forward to watching 13,000 promos for his new project during next year’s MLB post-season.
Don’t forget FX too.
I really don’t like multi-camera sitcoms, but if it’s Dan Harmon, I’ll give it a shot.
As someone who works at a FOX affiliate this brings me much joy.
Also, I don’t know if he can make a better hamburger for FOX than Bob.
NBC’s worst nightmare is that the day after they announce they’re trying to ditch sophisticated and niche comedies, Fox hired a guy who said the same thing?
Exactly what I thought as well.
In retaliation, NBC is going to add an additional 6 episodes to Community’s run just so Harmon can’t poach any of the cast. Calling it now.
I never understood why all multi-camera sitcoms had to be performed in front of an audience or have a laugh track. That seems to be the major complaint about them, simple jokes and laugh tracks, but they don’t really need either. Have there been any multi camera sitcoms without either?
I’ve always wondered the same thing. The number of cameras shouldn’t have a damn thing to do with anything. For some reason creative people with humorous and intelligent shows have latched onto single cam as the way to go. Is it Office copy-catting?
I’m pretty sure NBC’s worst nightmare is that George won’t let them pet the rabbits.
Harmon at Fox?
Yeah, sure, this is going to pan out reeeaaal smooth.
But I’m glad he’s back in a saddle of some kind.
For the record, Community IS a multi-camera comedy, it just doesn’t have a laugh track/live audience. I think they’ve only done one single camera episode.
I hope Raising Hope survives all of these new comedies being added to Fox. That show is fun.
What’s the over-under on how quickly his asshole behavior gets him shitcanned from Fox too?