You Better Catch NBC's FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, 30 ROCK and TWENTY GOOD YEARS While You Can

Once again NBC is stuck with three ratings weak programs that aren't really all that bad. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS dropped through the floorboards with just 5.9 million viewers, which makes it a near certain candidate for an early cancellation despite being a quality program. Fictionalized TV sports team dramas never play wel with viewers. Look at the quick failure of the critically acclaimed CBS baseball drama CLUBHOUSE a few seasons ago.

30 ROCK is indeed a funny series, but head writer Tina Fey was out promoting this week's episode on talk shows because last week's much anticipated pilot episode gained only a mere 8.1 million viewers. Prime time SNL TV shows never fare very well, and is always a bad formula for ratings success. Even weaker was TWENTY GOOD YEARS which drew only 7.1 million viewers, despite an acceptable sitcom about two men in their 60's who scream a great deal. John Lithgow is a great actor, but was far better in THIRD ROCK FROM THE SUN, but still the only real redeeming feature in this so-so comedy.

Overall the prognosis is not very good for any of these three NBC shows, and the wise money says all three are gone before year's end. But all three are certainly better than staring at a test pattern and acceptable prime time entertainment.