MovieChat Forums > One Big Happy (2015) Discussion > Basically already canceled

Basically already canceled

posted 10 years ago by hyperactivedonut
35 replies | jump to latest

I honestly believe this show has no chance. It is so rare for a show with so few episodes ordered to survive.

In reverse chronological order, the four most recent network comedy shows with twelve episodes or less ordered for the first season that was renewed for a second season are:
2008-2009: Parks and Recreation
2006-2007: Rules of Engagement
2004-2005: The Office
2004-2005: Cuts

The past reveals a clear pattern that is heavily against this show succeeding as there have been A LOT of shows that fit into the category and were canceled.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

[–] 1RacerX 10 years ago

I didn't get it. A woman claiming to be a lesbian, who is practically repulsed by the sight of a beautiful naked woman? I'm not saying she should have been flirting with her, but it simply didn't work. Frankly, there was no chemistry among any of the cast. The first two main characters are supposed to be best friends, and barely seem to know each other, or care what the other might feel in relation to their own actions.

This could have been a good concept, but the execution, and writing are sending it to the grave.

[–] maniac84 10 years ago

I agree that their chemistry could be a lot better, but Lizzy being shocked that a naked woman was standing in her kitchen is not so strange. I guarantee you that tons of straight girls would be equally uncomfortable if they had a female roommate and a beautiful male hookup of theirs was standing naked in the kitchen the morning after.

I've got nothing against God, it's his fanclub I can't stand

[–] amandamichelle74 10 years ago

Really tried with this one but way too corny and real dumb!!!! Don't think it has a chance. Should be taken off the air after one episode.

[–] Slug-3 10 years ago

I think it has an intriguing plot and could be good in time, but right now it seems very forced. And I don't hate laugh tracks, but they're they're done horribly here.

[–] webomen 10 years ago

Yup, I don't see this show to go past first season, based on previous similar shows. Not to say, that I find it entertaining.

[–] oldpunkwebzine 10 years ago

I sadly had to turn it off after 3 minutes because the punchlines were belted out with desperation and the laugh track was even more desperate. Does it get better in the second episode? Elisha Cuthbert was great once they let her loose on Happy Endings.

[–] Guitar_King 10 years ago

Watch the third episode. They are finding their rythm now.

 Fincher's Alien 3

[–] michinine 10 years ago

There are no simple rules in TV business anymore. With all that new contracting and co-producing. This show is not solely produced and own by NBC. We don't know how much Ellen pushes and care about his. Maybe NBC doesn't pay a dime.

Lets look at the other shows you listed:

Rules of Engagement: Produced by Sony, who push everything to syndication by default, as we see now with Community@Yahoo. Some claim it was drop dead cheap to produce, with a hard target on syndication from the get go.

The Office: Nobody really knew the financial deal of that one, besides it made all parties insane amount of money. It was also clear that the second season was already in the books after the first two episodes aired.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Office_%28U.S._TV_series%29

Cuts: It was cut at second season because of the merger of WB and UPN. It could have been renewed because top brass was occupied with something else.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuts

Parks and Recreation: It was clearly a pet project by Amy and she got some mad contacts at NBC. She would have gotten the first two seasons anyway and after that, it had its fans and a stable audience, it was clearly on the way to syndication.

I can't see how we can find results here. A half audience show on Network TV can help a stumbling cable network to keep itself afloat. And then there are a bunch load of streaming services who suck up any half working idea to fill up subscriber expectation.

[–] poit57 10 years ago

In reverse chronological order, the four most recent network comedy shows with twelve episodes or less ordered for the first season that was renewed for a second season are:

To be fair, that is a reletively limited group of series as a typical initial order is 13 episodes.

You did miss some others:

Spring of 2011: Breaking In (7 episodes)
Spring of 2006: The Loop (7 episodes)

Granted, both of these series struggled in ratings and were cancelled in the second season, but they still fit your original criteria.

Other things these series had in common with each other: Both starred Bret Harrison. Both underwent drastic casting and plot changes in the second season which backfired on the network and drove away fans of the first season that helped get the show renewed in the first place.

[–] 1RacerX 10 years ago

I've made it to the 3rd episode, watching it now. Either I'm getting worse, or it's getting a little better. I like the dynamic between Lizzy and Kate, but I think I like Kate better as a character.

[–] Beverly_Marsh19 10 years ago

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand it's cancelled! Finally.

[–] BrianBeerGod 9 years ago

I love how your relief is like this show had any effect on your daily life.

[–] Beverly_Marsh19 9 years ago

I know, I couldn't go to sleep knowing it was still on-air.