CW's fall schedule with returning and new shows creates Sunday 'black block'

By Ken Smikle
(May 19, 2006) When it was announced in January that the UPN and WB networks planned to merge into the new CBS and Warner Bros. owned CW network, one of the immediate concerns was with the fate of the black-oriented programs. Not only did the two networks’ commitment to African-American cast shows create a platform for actors like Jamie Foxx and Mo’Nique to launch their careers, but dozens of others behind the scenes found work as writers, producers and directors that likely would not have been there if the shows did not exist.

Some of the fears about the demise of African-American TV shows in primetime may have been allayed when the fall schedule for CW was announced yesterday at its first upfront presentation to advertisers. Not only did CW pick up those shows that were expected to make the cut, it has organized five old comedy favorites and one potential new hit into a two-and-a-half hour block of black programming for Sunday nights.

”Everybody Hates Chris,” ”Girlfriends” and “All of Us” have been picked up to anchor CW’s Sunday black block. They will serve as lead-ins for the new comedy, “The Game” and an encore of Wednesday’s airing of “America’s Next Top Model.”

”The Game” is spin-off of “Girlfriends,” both productions of Kelsey Grammer, that looks at the lives of wives of and girlfriends of pro football players. The show is one of only two new series that CW is adding to its fall lineup of UPN-WB favorites.

Favorites with black audiences that are not returning are “Eve,” One On One” and “Half and Half.”  Added to the recent bad news about black programs was Fox’s announcement that its only African-American show, “The Bernie Mac Show,” has been cancelled.

Prospects for the CW’s success with the Sunday block this fall got a boost from the schedules announced by NBC, CBS and ABC. None of those networks has plans for programming that has proven popular with black households and that could compete for their loyalty.

ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” which has often appeared among the top ten most popular shows with African-American viewers, is moving from Sunday to Thursday night.

CBS’ “Without A Trace,” also a frequent top ten listed show, will air in the 10:00 – 11:00 pm slot, avoiding head-to-head competition with CW’s schedule.

CW’s one worry may be the debut of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” and its potential to divide viewing habits in black households between men and women. ABC’s Monday Night Football was consistently one of the most popular television shows in black households.

Here’s the CW’s lineup for Sunday night:

7-7:30 p.m. “Everybody Hates Chris”
7:30-8 p.m. “All of Us”
8-8:30 p.m. “Girlfriends”
8:30-9 p.m. “The Game”
9-10 p.m. “America’s Next Top Model”


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