 Photo: NBC Universal |
In February, Executive Producer Jonathan Prince said in an interview with TVGuide that they had filmed a 10 minute "epilogue/alternate ending" to "American Dreams" in the event that NBC decided to cancel the series. However, as of now, the re-airing for the open-ended finale with the new ending has yet to be scheduled. |
| While "American Dreams" has been a so-called bubble show since the start of its 2nd season, NBC Universal Television President (then, NBC Entertainment President) Jeff Zucker continued to be the show's biggest supporter. The show was renewed for a shortened 3rd season that saw the series make a move to Wednesdays for its final four episodes from its usual Sunday timeslot. Despite a big premiere for the series in 2002, the family drama saw a decline in viewership in its 2nd season and suffered a steep drop in its 3rd season opposite ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and CBS's "Cold Case." Its move to Wednesdays opposite ABC's "Lost" juggernaut didn't show any signs of improvement in the ratings department. "It just becomes, unfortunately, the contradiction of America, I guess," NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly says. "People say they want quality, family-friendly shows at 8:00 and yet you put them on and what they really want to watch is 'Desperate Housewives.' Ultimately, we are in a business here. We love the show... It just was not pulling the ratings to really justify the cost of the show or to justify another year on the schedule." Gail O'Grady, who played Pryor matriarch Helen, commented on the 10 minute alternate ending. "Let's hope it happens. If Jonathan Prince is the show-runner that I've known him to be, he will not let go of this until there is closure" It is possible for NBC to re-air the episode sometime this Summer or in the Fall, while many are calling for a "wrap-up" movie to be produced to adequately draw closure to the lives of the Pryor Family. Among its many awards, "American Dreams" won several Emmy Awards in 2003, while TVLand named it a "Future Classic" at its annual awards show in 2003 | |
 Photo: NBC Universal |
The renowed and honored NFL broadcaster, John Madden, will join NBC's "Sunday Night Football" in its inaugural 2006 season. Continuing his 25 year history in broadcasting, Madden will continue to be a staple in the National Football League. |
| Excerpt from NBC Universal Press Release Born April 10, 1936 in Austin, Minn., Madden was raised in Daly City, Calif. He now resides in Pleasanton, Calif. with his wife, Virginia. The couple has two sons. ***lol, I love that they actually mentioned Daly City... something to be proud of, esp if you go to Jeff*** | |
 Photo: NBC Universal |
NBC's "The Contender" may still live on. The Sylvester Stallone/Sugar Ray Leonard/Mark Burnett produced reality series was absent on NBC's Fall 2005 schedule when NBC executives announced the primetime line-up on May 16th. NBC Universal Entertainment President Jeff Zucker reasoned that in addition to the low ratings, the very high cost of producing the series was not in its favor when it came time to restructure NBC's primetime strategy. Many have been baffled by NBC's somewhat cautious approach to the new season, especially when numbers for the network have plummeted over the past season. |
| Since the show's finale, there has been talk that Burnett and Stallone are in negotiations with ESPN to pick up the series. Fans and critics alike have been praising "The Contender" since its premiere, but the ratings didn't match the accolades. On average, only 6.5 million viewers tuned in to the series on Sundays at 8PM. That figure is slightly less to the previous timeslot holder, the family drama "American Dreams" (also cancelled by NBC). While Executive Producers Leonard, Stallone, and Burnett are reportedly talking to ESPN about picking it up for a 2nd season, NBC has said that they haven't officially "turned it down." Last week, Burnett told the New York Times that a renewal announcement was "highly likely" last week, but there has been no word since then. However, all signs are pointing to "The Contender" being saved by the bell, whether it be ESPN or NBC. In fact, rumors about a July 5th pay-per-view bout with the final four Sergio Mora, Peter Manfredo, Jr., Jesse Brinkley, and Alfonso Gomez have been making the rounds as well. Stallone had commented during the finale that he would love to see a rematch between Mora and Manfredo, while announcer Al Trautwig advised "Contender" fans to check the show website becuase "it [isn't] over yet for these Contenders." THE CONTENDER is currently re-airing on CNBC Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays at 5PM and 8PM | |
