LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- CBS has rescinded its decision to bring back "Flashpoint" this summer.
The first of nine new episodes had been set for Fridays at 9:00/8:00c starting July 17.
Network sources have confirmed the change as the Canadian import will now return at midseason. Repeats however will continue in said hour for the rest of the summer.
Now, there are several unanswered questions here that have interesting implications for the future of the "reverse simulcast" (CTV's term) model of selling-Cancon/CTF shows into the United States.
- CBS pays a very small part of Flashpoint's budget; CTV pays a slightly bigger chunk. You and me (through the CTF, tax credits, etc) pay way more. Does CTV now have to wait til 2010 to show their hit show? Or will they forego the simulcast and choose to show the show first? Can they even do that if they want to?
- What does this mean for the future of the show? CBS is going to delay "new" episodes for a year. But those episodes are being shot right now in Toronto. By the time they air, the production unit will have disbanded, unless there's an order for more episodes...
- CTV has committed to more episodes; CBS hasn't. It's quite possible that CBS could call those 9 eps of FP "a new season." What happens to CTV's "3rd Season" order if CBS doesn't come in? Can they afford to make the show for less money? (FP's 1st season was 13 eps, and its second season was 18 eps. That's how they produced them. CBS (with CTV following suit) aired 9 of the first season, then delayed the back four and the first 9 of season 2 and ran them together. What we're talking about now is the "back nine" of season 2. Yes. I know it's confusing.)
- Does this delay mean that FP will be able to find more of those rare, non-snobby writers?
- Is it possible that the "made for America" model isn't the be all and end all that the Canadian networks and the CFTPA say it is?
The first nine episodes of the season aired in simulcast on CBS and CTV from January through May. CBS had planned to run the remaining episodes from July into September out of simulcast. Mustos says CTV had previously decided not to air the back nine in step with the U.S. network, and instead planned to run them at some unspecified time in the fall.
A CTV spokesperson said the net has still "not confirmed its broadcast plans for the remainder of season two."
Mustos says CTV has ordered a third season of the show, another 13 hours, and there is hope that CBS will return to the series, too, which could see the third season bumped to another 18 eps.
5 rumbles:
Isn't this the sort of thing Paul Gross was talking about? (I think I read that here on your blog)
yep...
CTV could carry on with the show. After all, it went to the US fully financed out of Canada. Yes, the budget would be reduced - but they would also lose the US cast and that would save a chunk of change. I guess it's up to CTV as to how much they like/want the show. How tied are they to the "new model" of making Canadian drama? Or will they dangle the newest shiny object in front of CBS and replace it.
deborah, there is only one non-Canadian cast member, and she was hired because she had been paying taxes in Canada for a couple years.
Actually, it doesn't really matter because a fully-financed Cdn show qualifies at 9/10 points - case in point, The Border. Regardless, it's up to CTV whether or not they continue with the show, not CBS.
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