ABC breaks up launch plan for new sci-fi series 'V'

It looks like it won't be quite as smooth a liftoff for the alien invasion drama series "V" as initially planned.

ABC has confirmed that it has rejiggered the launch plan for the new fall drama, which is set to premiere  Nov. 3. The network has decided to air just the first four installments of the Warner Bros. Television-produced series — and then place "V" on hiatus until after the Winter Olympics.

The decision is said to be based on ABC's efforts to promote the series as an "event." But less optimistic minds might recall that the network had previously shut down production on "V" for two weeks in order to undergo some creative overhaul. That hiatus has now been extended for an additional four weeks.

An ABC spokeswoman insisted that it was always ABC's intention to broadcast "V," which has a 13-episode order, in "pod form," though this decision comes as a bit of a surprise, given the positive buzz surrounding the series, a reimagining of the classic 1980s cult sci-fi series.

"V" stars Elizabeth Mitchell, Scott Wolf, Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Morena Baccarin, Logan Huffman, Laura Vandervoort and Lourdes Benedicto.

— Jace Lacob

Photo credit: David Gray/ABC
 

Comments

[txrus]

Yeah, because when the networks tried that little trick, back in '06, it worked so well for shows like 'Jericho', 'Invasion', 'Daybreak'...Now explain to me why ANYONE should even watch the 4 episodes the network claims they are going to air, knowing there is little hope of seeing the rest of the 'season'??? I had kind of been looking forward to this, but w/this announcement, I know not to waste my time. And the networks can't understand why they keep losing viewers????

[Delta Sierra]

txrus: totally agree.

[boricua]

Just reading the part about "creative overhaul" tells me this show will not last long.

[Michael F. Nyiri]

I'm still upset over ABC for cancelling Defying Gravity and now it looks as if V's future is questionable even before the first episode airs.

At least Flash Forward won it's time slot. The network obviously has been trying to find a new Lost. (And has been peppering the sci fi shows with Lost cast members.) Why can't they at least give the fans a chance? Looks like they only want one of the sci fi series to make the cut.

[mike wright]

i was pleased to hear that V wasbeing remade i just hope they dont destroy it like they did thr first version it was a good show back then and im sure if they didnt mess with the plot too much it will be even better.

[Joe]

MAYBE JUST MAYBE a real network will see how big and great this can be and pick it up. may FX or even USA network would do a better job then ABC. I know I will be writing to the network asking for them to do the right thing.

[sonj]

i am just waiting to see the show. i love to watch a story lines like this,but why so little viewing time. omg.