Fans aren’t the only ones who were upset to hear that NBC had cancelled Medium. CBS Television Studios, the company that produces the Patricia Arquett drama was not pleased either. While the studios and networks tend to play nice in public, this time the gloves have come off.
In a conference call with reporters, Ben Silverman, co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, praised the fan efforts to renew Chuck and slammed shows like Medium and My Name Is Earl for being devoid of fan support.
Just hours later, CBS issued a statement that said, “NBC’s cancellation of Medium is inexplicable to us. The ratings don’t lie. Medium outperforms many of NBC’s renewed shows.”
It continues, “Despite inconsistent scheduling, Medium, under the creative vision of Glenn Gordon Caron, one of the most preeminent producers in television, has always performed with distinction both creatively and commercially. Multiple-award-winning actress Patricia Arquette and the cast have delivered a stellar series for five consistent seasons. The awards and ratings speak for themselves. We believe the show has a significant future and await developments.”
What neither statements say is that, according to Nikki Finke, the series was actually picked up for 13 episodes last Friday. Arquette is contracted for 22 installments (and may have to be paid for that many) and CBS wanted at least 16 because of the profits it will make in syndication. Push came to shove and ultimately negotiations fell apart.
But, as is fitting with a show like Medium, “dead” doesn’t necessarily mean “totally dead.” Because it makes sense for the company financially, it’s a sure thing that CBS will pick up for another year. The network announces its schedule shortly.
Image courtesy NBC.
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I watch very little tv because of my very busy lifestyle, but I’ve watched Medium since its inception. I was so angry when the “series finale” aired last May. I didn’t know that Medium would be picked up by CBS, I just thought the NBC idiots ended the series with Alison in a coma. I am thrilled to find out that I can still watch my favorite show again. Dear NBC–want to know my demographic? 46 yrs, married, college graduate, mother of 3. Yes, that’s the demographic you walked away from when you canceled Medium. TV today mostly stinks unless reality shows and Law & Order are all you are after. THANK YOU CBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KUDOS CBS for standing up to NBC and adding “Medium” to its Tuesday 9-10 pm slot time! Patricia Arquette’s character, Ms. Dubois, is a real individual and much of the story line(s) are taken from events in her and her family’s life. It is an intreguing, suspense filled hour with the best cast and incredible story lines, thoroughly enjoy this show and I am elated at CBS decision. I’ve prerecorded all of “Medium’s” series and can’t wait for the new season (year). NBC’s executive decision makers have truly missed a HIT when it proved to be a HIT — a win / win for the cast/show and CBS! This is one show I’ve watched from inception and was absolutely speechless from the final episode in May. I found it on by accident tonight and was shocked and thrilled all in one! CBS not only will I watch “Medium” but possible other programs on CBS now as well. NBC shame on you – an award winning cast, and creative / director, “what were you smoking?!!!” as they say!
this is the only show i would schedule my time around and it is better than 67percent of the new shows.
NBC has gone downhill since Zuckerman, or whatever this guy’s name is, who came from the Today Show. They expect all of us to enjoy reality T.V. and Jay Leno, 5 nights a week, , we pay too much for cable, what a rip off, , if I want real life, I prefer to go outside and experience the real world, instead of the reel world.
Medium was one of my favorite shows. looks like I switching to CBS, including my news. ( which makes them the most money)..
Get rid of Zuckerman, bring a woman into that position.
Bab
How can I see reruns of the final episodes of Medium, looks like NBC is not offering it any longer, missed of few of last seasons.
Thanks
Thank-you so much CBS! I’ve been longtime supporter of Medium. I love the show, and I have never missed an episode. I am so thankful you stepped in. Great timing. Can’t wait to see how this will all work out.
well if you want to know why the fan base didnt respond, its because many of us didnt know it had been cancelled!!! it would never have even occured to me that a show with good ratings and a good following would be pulled and for what? is there another cruddy new reality show that we need see? im blown away. im in shock. absolutely amazed. the only reason i know is because i was looking (far in advance) when the season premiere might be as i look so forward to it every year.
Thank you for picking up Medium. I love this show. It’s wonderful to see that CBS can spot a great show even if NBC cannot.
They put all their faith in Jay Leno and people are going to get tired of him, like every show they have over played.
Thanks again.
PLEASE DO NOT cancel the MEDIUM. I LOVE this show. I love that you had two episodes back to back starting @7:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday so I was able to rush home from work & see both episodes!
Please bring it back!! I see a lot of people feel the same as I do . Please listen to our comments!!
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