Good morning. It’s Wednesday, October 27, 2004, and this is your first early morning briefing.
CBS led the way on Monday night by a sliver over ABC — CBS tallied a 5.7/14 A18-49 for the night, while ABC’s finale of The Benefactor and Monday Night Football averaged a 5.1/14 according to final national ratings from Nielsen Media Research. NBC’s evening of Fear Factor and Radio Music Awards drew an 3.8/10 – on par with last week; while WB was up week to week with a 2.3/6 avg. At 8pm Fear Factor stood out with a 4.7/13. Fox’s season premiere of The Swan at 8pm offered up a 2.1/6 A18-49 rating, climbing to a demo high of 2.7/7 among W18-49. WB’s 7th Heaven earned a 3.9/11 among W18-34, second only to Fear Factor, and winning the younger P12-17 demo with a 3.8/12. For ABC, the finale of The Benefactor put the period on a troubled series, posting a 1.6/5. At 9pm ABC stepped up with Monday Night Football, averaging ga 6.8/18 for the game. CBS’ combo of Raymond/2-1/2 Men at 9p averaged a 5.6/13. The Radio Music Awards on NBC fell back to a 3.4/8 from 9-11p off the Fear Factor lead-in. Fox’s second hour of The Swan picked up by a rating and a share point over the first hour, earning a 3.0/7 and giving the network a 2.5/6 for the night. Everwood on WB found its biggest strength in the female teens with a 4.0/12, second only to NBC. At 10p CBS’ CSI Miami led the field with an 8.2/20.
Tonight’s Premieres: CBS: King of the Hill at 9p, Center of the Universe at 930p NBC: LAX [time period premiere at 9p] WB: Jack & Bobby [time period premiere at 930p]
Casting / Development / Production:
Ving Rhames has signed with USA Network to star in the network’s new 1st qtr 2005 series remake of Kojak. USA has ordered a 2-hour premiere and 8 episodes.
Fox has ordered up a pilot for an untitled comedy from 20th about a group of twenty somethings each on the brink of beginning their careers, from Pam Brady (South Park) and Will Gluck (Method & Red). The interesting this about this project is the producers decision to include as much product integration as the show can manage in the normal course – that is, not stretch to include, but naturally include. Because the show is about a group of young people, and one in particular who is the first in the group to get a real career building job, things and possessions that money brings are important – cellphones, cars, clothes, etc.
WB is looking at a project called Nobody’s Watching (NBC Universal) from Bill Lawrence (Scrubs) about a couple of guys who win a reality show and as a result, get to produce their own sitcom. The twist to this scripted drama is the two winners must live on the soundstage as they try to develop their sitcom, and in the true sense of The Truman Show, never realize they already are the show.
The Untitled Freddie Prinze sitcom project (Warner Bros. TV/Mohawk) from Bruce Helford and Bruce Rasmussen has received a put pilot commitment from ABC. The show revolves around Prinze’s character who returns home to live with his Puerto Rican family – a household of women who drive him nuts.
According to an item in today’s Hollywood Reporter, the WB has chosen not to pick up any new episodes of Grounded for Life (Carsey-Werner). Previously the net has ordered 13 eps for this season. With a total of 91 eps at the end of the day, Warner Bros. will syndicate the show beginning next year on ABC Family. The WB has previously announced its midseason comedy Shacking Up (Regency/Wannabe) starring Fran Drescher, Ben Feldman, Ryan McPartlin and Branden McWilliams about a mom who is shacking up with one of her adult son’s peers.
NBC will take the Halloween opportunity to tap into the SciFi Channel‘s list of programs. At 8pm on NBC that evening will be the bcst premiere of Scare Tactics, a Sci-Fi staple for the last couple of seasons; and new to the Sci Fi Channel is Ghost Hunters which will get a sampling boost on NBC at 9pm. Both shows air regularly on Sci Fi Wednesday nights.
It’s always interesting every four years to see which consumer outlets the presidential candidates choose to visit – and which they choose not to visit. Announcements came yesterday that President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry both granted interviews to Univision’s Sabado Gigante (both interviews scheduled to air October 30 at 8pm), and according to Broadcasting and Cable, will both be seen on ESPN’s SportsCenter (October 31). A recent choice by the President was not to visit with cable net BET, and Kerry declined Sinclair’s invitation.
Top Ten Basic Cable Ad Supported Network Rankings among Total Viewers for the week of October 18-24, 2004: Primetime (000) Total Pgm Day (000) USA 2060 NICK 2035 TNT 1932 NAN* 1496 NAN 1875 CARTOON 1256 CARTOON 1789 TNT 1151 FOXNEWS 1720 LIFETIME 1051 LIFETIME 1640 USA 1020 SPIKE TV 1548 FOXNEWS 970 TBS 1514 TBS 866 SCIFI 1173 ESPN 688 ABC FAMILY 1125 ABC FAMILY 686 Source Turner Research from Nielsen Media Research Data. All ratings based on Total U.S. Television Universe of 108,400,000 homes * = Network broadcasts less than 51% of minutes in a 24 hour day. Primetime listing only includes those networks broadcasting more than 51% of the primetime hours (M-Su 8p-11p)
Top Ten Basic Cable Ad Supported Network Rankings among A18-49 for the week of October 18-24, 2004: Primetime (000) Total Pgm Day (000) USA 963 NAN* 649 TNT 957 TNT 617 TBS 873 TBS 522 SPIKE TV 842 USA 508 LIFETIME 716 LIFETIME 506 SCIFI 657 NICK 483 DISCOVERY 641 ESPN 407 COMEDY 610 COMEDY 369 NAN 540 CARTOON 363 MTV 538 SPIKE TV 358 Source Turner Research from Nielsen Media Research Data. All ratings based on Total U.S. Television Universe of 108,400,000 homes. * = Network broadcasts less than 51% of minutes in a 24 hour day. Primetime listing only includes those networks broadcasting more than 51% of the primetime hours (M-Su 8p-11p)
The Gospel Music Channel has landed new MSO agreements with Cable Management Assoc., Jackson Energey Authority and P rDigital Media, as well as future carriage deals in a handful of Cox Comm. markets. The Gospel Channel will launch on October 30, with carriage deals in more than 30 cities by the end of 4th qtr 2004. Gospel will provide value added marketing and promotional initiatives to its cable system partners to building consumer awareness and interest in the advertiser-supported channel. More info check out www.gospelmusicchannel.com
Firestone Communications, Inc. (FCI) and Q Television Network (Q TV) inked a long-term network origination and production deal that will beam Q TV through FCI’s link up to the Intelsat America 7 satellite. In addition, FCI will create several programs and live broadcasts for the network including a 3-hour live nighttime weekday programming block with talk, news and sports shows, a biography series and more. FCI will handle branding for Q TV as well. As a result of the scope of services it will provide to Q TV, FCI will be hiring additional production personnel.
Sprint and Turner Broadcasting System yesterday announced the launch of two multimedia channels: Cartoon Network Mobile and Adult Swim Mobile. Both new channels will provide streaming video and audio content for Sprint PCS Vision Multimedia Services and for a monthly fee (for each channel) on to its subscribers. The Cartoon Network Mobile and Adult Swim Mobile channels will be feature video clips from the network’s original series and will be available on Channels 10 and 11 respectively. For Cartoon Network Mobile that will include, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Dexter’s Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends and Code Name: Kids Next Door. Adult Swim Mobile will include Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law, The Venture Bros., Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Sealab 2021. Turner Broadcasting System’s network CNN was previously launched as multimedia Channel (Channel 2), on the Sprint PCS Vision Multimedia.
Shepley Winings Public Relations has named Hope Diamond as Partner, it was announced by Bonnie Winings, President/Founding Partner. As a result, the name of the company has been changed to include Hope’s name to Shepley Winings Diamond Public Relations. As partner, Hope will continue to oversee day-to-day PR strategy for Sony Pictures Television, NBC Universal Television Studio, ABC Cable projects, and individual talent, while working on long term direction for the agency. She joined Shepley Winings as a senior account executive in July 1996, and was promoted to VP in 2001.
Three promotions at HBO Research department – Courtney Jareck to Director, Rachel Rosenbaum upped to Sr. Analyst, and Dossie McCraw to Research Manager. Courtney role has expanded to include research support for HBO’s syndication sales efforts as well as its product in international markets.
Monday, October 25, 2004.FINAL National Household Ratings for all Networks – Time period Averages only, particular for Live Sports Programming. Fast affiliate numbers which reflect time period data, not program data, and can change slightly once the finals come in, particularly for LIVE programming (i.e. Football). Source Nielsen Media Research. Time Period Averages Only. [p] = Premiere; [o] = Original; [r] = Repeat
CBS 10.7/16 Still Standing 7.1/11, Listen Up 6.5/10, Raymond 10.5/15, 2-1/2 Men 11.2/16, CSI Miami 14.3/22
ABC 8.6/14 The Benefactor [finale] 3.2/5; Monday Night Football 11.0/18 (game ended at 12:11am)
NBC 5.5/8 Fear Factor 6.6/10, Radio Music Awards (OTO) 4.9/7
WB 4.1/6 7th Heaven 4.4/7, Everwood 3.7/5
FOX 3.8/6 The Swan [p] 3.2/5, The Swan 4.3/6
UPN 2.5/4 One on One 2.5/4, Half and Half 2.6/4, Girlfriends 2.6/4, Second Time Around 2.3/3
A18-49 CBS 5.7/14, ABC 5.1/14, NBC 3.8/10, Fox 2.5/6, WB 2.3/6, UPN 1.6/4
A MESSAGE FROM WARNER BROS. DOMESTIC CABLE DISTRIBUTION
OFF WB SERIES = SUCCESS ON CABLE
SMALLVILLE #1 RATED SERIES ON ABC FAMILY
7TH HEAVEN #2 RATED SERIES ON ABC FAMILY
GILMORE GIRLS #3 RATED SERIES ON ABC FAMILY
Next up….EVERWOOD Available exclusively from Warner Bros. Domestic Cable Distribution
Source: NTI Explorer, 10/18-10/24/04, HH US 000. Ranker excludes movies and specials. Smallville=M-F 7p, Gilmore=M-F 5p, 7th Hvn=M-F 6p.
The History Channel presents This Day in History: 1659: William Robinson and Marmaduke Stevenson are executed in the Massachusetts Bay Colony for their religious beliefs. The two men were Quakers who came from England in 1656 to escape religious persecution and found themselves in violation of a law banning Friends from Massachusetts Bay under penalty of death.
Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question: For a while, this popular news anchor closed out his newscasts with the single word, “Courage.” Who was this guy? DAN RATHER. Kudos to the entire free world, no matter your frequency.
Today’s Trivia Question: In 1991, CBS ran an all first run late night schedule including Forever Knight, Johnny Bago, Fly By Knight and Sweating Bullets. What was the name of this late night block? (click to respond to the trivia question and please be sure to include with your answer your name, company, city and time zone. Only the second four correct responses from each time zone will be listed in tomorrow’s kudo list.)
A MESSAGE FROM COURT TV
Investigate this!
Court TV: The Investigation Channel’s Premiere Tonight
Don’t miss a brand new episode of our hit show
FORENSIC FILES TONIGHT @ 9pm
Great Programming. Great Return On Investigation.
Later — Cyn
Cynthia Turner’s Cynopsis 10/27/04 5:34am
To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change a subscription for any Cynopsis edition: www.cynopsis.com
America’s #1 Spanish-language Cable Network is Celebrating 25 years of Connecting Hispanics to the People, Places and Sports that Matter Most.
All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynthia Turner 2004
CYNOPSIS CLASSIFIEDS
JOB OPENING: MTV Networks: MANAGER, MARKET DEVELOPMENT. Manage sales efforts/renewals for Spike TV for all Canadian Affiliates. Develop distribution strategies to maximize Spike TV distrib in Canada. Apply: www.mtvncareers.com EOE (11/3)
JOB OPENING: MKTG DIRECTORmtvU/New Products. 5+ yrs mktg exp. Create/execute mktg (grassroots/events) to drive sign-ups for subsc based products to college mkt. Financial or subscription mktg exp. Resumes:
(11/2)
JOB OPENING: SALES RESEARCH ANALYST, CBS NETWORK SALES/NYC. Min 2+ yrs agency planning &/or network research exp. Strong comp. skills/media research database exp. nec. Exc. career opp. Email (subject MKT). (11/2)
JOB OPENING: SR. PUBLICIST, CONSUMER & TRADE. Leading NY agency specializing in TV accounts seeks enthusiastic self starter w/exc writing skills, strong contacts across the brd. Min 5 yrs exp. Sal. neg. Apply: (11/2)
JOB OPENING: TV RESEARCH MANAGER/ANALYST-PARAMOUNT, LA. Write sales pres, analyze trends for net, syn, cable & int’l series. Analytical & writing skills, knowledge of software. Cable/stn exp A+. Fax resume (323)862-1134 attn#594RL (11/2)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MGR (SR), Screenvision NY (Cinema) Mng daily research for mkting/sales with Analysts. Bcst/cable bkgnd ideal. Knwldg of Nielsen and MRI/Simmons required. 5+ yrs exp. Resumes to:
(10/30)
JOB OPENING: VP, INT’L DEVELOPMENT/Discovery Networks Intl, MD. 10 yrs managerial producer exp. Oversee all aspects of pgm dev for lifestyle/factual content on Discovery Lifestyle Networks. Apply www.discovery.com. Job req#1674 (10/30)
JOB OPENING: PUBLICIST/OLN, Stamford, CT. Exceptional verbal and written skills,3 yrs PR exp req’d; cable or sports industry a +. See www.olntv.com for more info. Resume/salary: (10/29)
SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED —
SITUATION WANTED: PERFORMING SINGER/SONGWRITER BASED IN NYC. Looking for song placement in Film and TV. Listen at www.jodyfriedman.com/songs.html. All songs are ASCAP. If interested, please email
(11/2)
SITUATION WANTED: SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKE-UP, PROPS or PRODUCTION for TV or FILM POSITION SOUGHT. Experienced, eager and a great team player. Portfolio and references available upon request. Please email –
(10/30)
SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING/MEDIA SALES: Former National Sales Manager for Cable Network (9 yrs), NBC, Fox: Local Sales (8yrs). Consistent Top Biller and Inspirational Leader. Email: (10/30)
SITUATION WANTED: Looking for a job in ANY MEDIA FIELD; SPECIFICALLY BROADCAST. Exp’d in: TV Production, Sales, Editing, Directing, Final Cut. Specifically California or Arizona. Email: (10/30)
SITUATION WANTED: Young professional seeking AFFILIATE SALES & MARKETING position in L.A. 3+ yrs. sales success. Enthusiastic team player ready to thrive in cable. Contact Bill at
(10/30)
SITUATION WANTED: Organized, efficient, multi-tasker seeks position in TV SALES, PROMOTIONS,OR MKTG–NYC. Please email: , or call 908-687-5765 (10/30)
E-mail
for rates and specs for Job Openings. Your ad will be read by 85,430+ Cynopsis & Cynopsis Kids! readers every day. No wonder Cynopsis ads get results.
Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here —Email
for specs.
A MESSAGE FROM CYNOPSIS AD SALES
THIS SPACE TOGETHER WITH THE TOP-LINE PRIMETIME LISTING BELOW * NOW AVAILABLE *
CALL CYNOPSIS AD SALES 203.526.8978 OR EMAIL T FOR MEDIA KIT
WHAT’S ON TONIGHT: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2004:
ABC Lost, The Bachelor, Wife Swap CBS 60 Minutes, King of Queens [p], Center of the Universe [p], CSI: NY FOX World Series, Game #4 NBC LAX [tp-p], The West Wing, Law & Order PAX Doc, Sue Thomas F.B.Eye, Second Verdict UPN Top Model, Kevin Hill WB Smallville, Jack & Bobby [tp-p] TELE Prisonera, Gitanas, Te Voy a Ensenar a Querer UNIV Rubi, Amor Real, Don Francisco Presenta
Thursday April 23, 2026 IN THE NEWS Consumers bounce hourly as “couch commerce” reshapes the path to purchase, says MiQ’s From Funnel to Flexibility report, which focuses on the ways people watch, browse, and buy. “Couches have become the new storefronts as consumers move from screen to screen, almost in the […]
A Cynopsis Message From ITN Wednesday April 22, 2026 IN THE NEWS Peacock’s ad-free Premium Plus tier is coming to Roku Premium Subscriptions through a new deal between NBCUniversal and Roku. The top-tier plan remains ad-free except for live sports and includes offline downloads and access to geo-targeted local TV stations. It’s […]
A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM PREMION Tuesday April 21, 2026 IN THE NEWS Midterm spending for the 2026 cycle is on track to top $10 billion – just 8% shy of the 2024 presidential cycle ($11.2 billion) and 16% higher than the 2022 midterms ($8.9 billion), according to Kinetiq’s The […]
