Day One: NBC Already Forecasting TV Show Cancellation?

When network executives have a new show to promote, they typically tout the program as the greatest show to hit the airwaves since I Love Lucy or The Sopranos. NBC’s president of prime time entertainment, Angela Bromstad, is taking a different approach.

Day One revolves around the residents of a Southern California apartment complex following a mysterious catastrophe. The global event breaks down all forms of communication and leaves the survivors searching to both find a way to survive in their new environment and to save the world from an otherworld menace.

The cast includes Julie Gonzalo, Derek Mio, Addison Timlin, Adam Campbell, Catherine Dent, David Lyons, Carly Pope, Thekla Reuten, and Xander Berkeley.

Day One was included with the rest of NBC’s new series when they were announced in the Spring. The show isn’t expected to debut until midseason 2010 — after the winter Olympics and filling Heroes’ Monday timeslot.

Should Day One end after 13 episodes? Yes. Give it a good finale. Maybe, I'm not sure. No. See how it goes. View Results  Loading ...

Since post-apocalyptic series haven’t had much success on television, many have wondered how long the show can last. It turns out that NBC doesn’t really expect the series to last more than 13 episodes.

Last March, before Day One was even officially picked up, Bromstad told the Hollywood Reporter’s James Hibberd, “It’s right now being looked at as a 13-episode run — something people could commit to and we could make a big splash with.”

Today, at the Television Critics Association press tour, Bromstad echoed those feelings and said, “We’ve always looked at Day One as a big event for us and not necessarily a show that would be an ongoing, returning show for a second season. It depends on its success. Just by nature of the genre, they always then get a little narrow, and whether or not we can sustain it on the air.”

So, though the network doesn’t expect the show to return for a second season, they aren’t ruling it out either. What this means is that, unless the network goes to the expense of filming two endings, the 13th episode may very likely be open-ended and won’t give viewers a real finale. How many times has NBC left viewers hanging in the past? Las Vegas, Kings, My Name Is Earl, or Journeyman, anyone?

What do you think? Are you more likely to watch a show that has an end-date in mind or less likely because you may likely be left hanging either way?

Before you make up your mind if Day One’s worth your time, have a look at the show’s trailer below.