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The Fall 2019 Primetime Preview

Lisa Hollaender / VP, Director of Content Strategy

AuthorFall or 2019 Company Primetime Preview YOUR LOGO 1 Contents

Introduction 3

Content is Everywhere 4-9

Primetime Viewing Sources 10

Performance Highlights – 2018/19 11

Schedule Stability 12-13

Programming Trends 14

Genre Breakouts 15

Programming Strategies 16-18

Night-by-Night Schedule Breakouts 19-25

10 Things to Know About the Season Ahead 26

2

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview Introduction

As August turns to September and activities change from swimming, sunbathing and barbeques to apple and pumpkin picking, hiking and football, television schedules also morph from summer to fall, tweaked with a combination of debuting new series and returning programs. While announcements were revealed in May, season performances scrutinized in June and new pilots viewed over the rest of the summer, we wanted to put out a “top-of-mind” refresher on what transpired this past season and what’s to come when the 2019-20 season begins next week! Traditionally, when ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, the CW (WB & UPN) and a select amount of advertiser supported and pay cable were the only choices, the Fall season was a time of excitement, anticipation and wonderment. What will be on Fall the network primetime schedules this coming season? Will my favorite show be coming back? Will that cliffhanger be resolved to my 2019 satisfaction? Will I still find it on the same night and at the same time as last year? Will the new programs I saw promos of this summer conflict with what I already watch?

VCR’s, DVD’s, DVR’s and On-Demand made their way onto the scene along with more and more advertiser supported and pay cable, diginets and as technology evolved, streaming services. Not only that, but viewing was not relegated to TV’s, it became available on desktops, laptops, tablets and smart phones. Of course that’s not the whole story, but enough for this narrative. Content is now available anytime and anywhere and it doesn’t have to be on a set schedule, but is for those viewers who like it that way.

Today, the same enthusiasm has been tempered with an overwhelming amount of choices, content from every direction. Not a bad place to be in, both awesome and intimidating at the same time. Now that all these choices exist to compete with broadcast, new content is available all year round on all fronts. Another positive thing.

As long as the advertisers support the Upfronts, the expectation of the Fall season will still exist. With that said, welcome to Fall 2019!

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 3 Content is Everywhere

… and can be viewed anywhere

Every day more and more content is announced in development at the broadcast and cable networks, and other top streaming services such as Amazon Prime, , and CBS All-Access. Broadcast network content creators such as , and Kenya Barris defected to the other side last year for more flexibility and creativity (and no “broadcast standards and practices” to contend with), but still have some of their projects running on the networks (GREY’S ANATOMY, , 9-1-1, BLACKISH to name a few). Most recently GAME OF THRONES creators and D.B. Weiss signed a multi-year production deal, joining them at Netflix. Some of the more influential producers remaining loyal to the networks (or just have longer term contracts) include Steve Levitan (), (BIG BANG, YOUNG SHEDLON, the new BOB ♥ ABISHOLA) Lee Daniels (EMPIRE) and (too many to name). That’s not to say they won’t have projects at a streaming service too.

As we’ll see later on, a huge amount of content does not necessarily carry with it huge ratings success. There is, however, some critical success as is evident by all the Emmy nominations and wins received by Netflix , HBO and others. Also, keep in mind that a good portion of the streaming audience is not only viewing original content, but is binging “classic” and newer “classic” broadcast series.

On average, the advertiser supported cable networks cannot compete on the same level as ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX. The top entertainment cable channels based on HH’s and A25-54, such as USA, TNT, TBS, DISCOVERY, HGTV and THE HALLMARK CHANNEL deliver ratings comparable to the CW. There are very few exceptions on the programming front, such as THE WALKING DEAD on AMC, which was the only series this past season that placed among the top 25 of broadcast network shows. While at this time we can compare broadcast to cable, there is not enough streaming information to do the same with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, et al. However, since the streamers rely on subscriptions and not advertisements, they are not true competitors in that arena.

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 4 Content is Everywhere On ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX & the CW With competition from every side, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and the CW have introduced an array of new content to their primetime schedules. Rom coms BOB ♥ ABISHOLA (sock salesman meets nurse in hospital) and THE UNICORN (a widower gets back into the game) join CBS along with CAROL’S SECOND ACT (Patricia Heaton as a middle-age-empty nester achieving her dream of becoming a Doctor.

Diverse PERFECT HARMONY (Bradley Whitford leads church choir) and SUNNYSIDE (Ex- councilman Kal Penn’ earns redemption by teaching a group to become American citizens) debut on NBC. BLACK-ISH prequel MIXED-ISH premieres on ABC while FOX’s animated joins “.” The law and order corner introduces courtroom drama ALL RISE on CBS, BLUFF CITY LAW (Jimmy Smits) on NBC and STUMPTOWN (graphic novel P.I. Cobie Smulders) on ABC. Thrillers, all in their own way, join ABC (EMERGENCE), CBS (EVIL) and FOX (PRODIGAL SON) line-ups. On the CW, new faces include contemporary takes on the NANCY DREW and BATWOMAN stories. ABC’s present-day version of KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS, hosted by Tiffany Haddish, will be one of only two new unscripted, non-sports programs in primetime. WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE on FOX is the other.

While there are many questions pertaining to the returning series, one of the biggest regards ’s ability to pick up the BIG BANG mantle? Maybe not at the same level, but let’s hope it will be a solid anchor to Thursday. THIS IS US has been promoting its new season all over broadcast and social media, releasing a trailer with the promise of new characters and a lot more flash forwards added to the mix. On the Alternative front we can look for the return of all the reality and competition shows along with the Democratic Debates and the unmasking of the newest MASKED SINGER. Sports is on the rise, so let’s get ready for some football (NFL on Thursday and Sunday), College (on Saturday) and WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE (on Friday).

All the networks have been moderating over the last three seasons in the face of increased content competition, however they still deliver the highest ratings/shares/impressions versus even its closest cable competitor. Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 5 Content is Everywhere

Streaming Services and Top Cable Competitors

The following few pages are a primer on Streaming Services. They include a look at the some of the key up and coming content competitors (Disney Plus, HBO Max, NBC Universal), the main original content providers available for streaming now, and the providers that only offer live streaming and no other services.

Some of the notable new and returning advertiser and pay cable series include THE WALKING DEAD, OUTLANDER, , KILLING EVE, BIG LITTLE LIES, ATLANTA, BARRY, HOMELAND, THE AFFAIR, POSE, CHERNOBYL, ANIMAL KINGDOM AND YELLOWSTONE. On the streaming side, significant content includes, but is not limited to, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, THE CROWN, THE GOOD FIGHT, THE HANDMAID’S TALE, STRANGER THINGS, 13 REASONS WHY, ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, WATCHMEN, FLEABAG, MINDHUNTER and WHEN THEY SEE US.

6 Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 6 Content is Everywhere

What You Need to Know About Streaming Today

§ Cord cutting is accelerating, as consumers feel bundles underperform compared to perceived value. § The average household subscribes to 2.1 streaming services. § One-third of consumers still don’t subscribe to any streaming service. § Consumers are open to having four to five streaming services for around $40 a month combined. The limit for any service is $15. § Consumer awareness for new services is still low, although Disney Plus has some early awareness.

§ Content and value are the biggest drivers of service choice. § 55% of consumers are open to free streaming content with advertising. § Sports and news content will grow in streaming to reach a younger demo. § 45% of consumers say they’ll churn through services for content availability. § A bad user interface can a huge barrier to consumer acceptance. § New services will sacrifice short-term licensing fees in exchange for long-range DTC subscriptions.

Source: The Magid Video Entertainment Pulse Study - May 2019. 7 Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 7 Content is Everywhere

Streaming Wars There are currently over 100 sources of streaming video content available in the US, and more are joining every day. The industry dominance and “one-stop shopping” of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime is being threatened by major players such as Disney Plus, HBO Max, NBC Universal and Apple TV Plus coming into the streaming landscape.

Not only are the additional players creating a battle for subscriptions, they’re increasing the competition for both original and licensed content. Netflix will be losing its most popular off-net draw (THE OFFICE) to the upcoming NBC Universal streaming service, along with all of its successful Marvel, Wars, and titles to Disney. The upcoming storm surge is likely to reshape the streaming coastline significantly.

Consumers are due for a gut check for how much their top-line OTT content is worth to them. Awareness for most of the upcoming streaming changes is still reasonably minimal. Content wars, price battles, UE skirmishes, technology escalation are all looming with new changes coming nearly every day. Is binge culture dying with Disney Plus (and others) eschewing full season content drops? Will Netflix rebound from a sudden stock hit? Stay tuned – the tides of streaming are changing fast.

Sources: TVGuide.com, Variety.com, Media.thinknum.com, Cent.com, Techradar.com, Vanityfair.com, Consumerrports.org, Fixed.io, Groundedreason.com, Digitaltrends.com, Independent.ie, Ebuyer.com, Qz.com, Denofgeek.com, Inverse.com, Thenextweb.com, Cordcuttersnews.com, Tomsguide.com, Wikipedia.com, Refinery29.com, Filmdaily.co, Looper.com, Hulu.com, Uproxx.com, Dailydot.com, Theweek.com, Witi.com, Pocketlint.com, Stuff.tv, Businessinsider.com, Vulture.com, Techcrunch.com, Lifewire.com, Ranker.com, Media.netflix.com, Thrillist.com 8 Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 8 Content is Everywhere

Sources: TVGuide.com, Variety.com, Media.thinknum.com, Cent.com, Techradar.com, Vanityfair.com, Consumerrports.org, Fixed.io, Groundedreason.com, Digitaltrends.com, Independent.ie, Ebuyer.com, Qz.com, Denofgeek.com, Inverse.com, Thenextweb.com, Cordcuttersnews.com, Tomsguide.com, Wikipedia.com, Refinery29.com, Filmdaily.co, Looper.com, Hulu.com, Uproxx.com, Dailydot.com, Theweek.com, Witi.com, Pocketlint.com, Stuff.tv, Businessinsider.com, Vulture.com, Techcrunch.com, Lifewire.com, Ranker.com, Media.netflix.com, Thrillist.com 9 Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 9 TV Viewing 2018/19 Broadcast, Cable & Other Sources

THE BIG PICTURE TV Viewing Across Various Sources The broadcast networks fall in the 20% range for another season, comparable to the DVR, Video Game and VOD bundles. Advertiser supported cable takes up 39% of the pie, slightly less than last season (- 3%) with 76% of that from cable entertainment, 15% cable news and 9% from cable sports. However, from 2012-13 to 2018-19, cable entertainment shares dropped off 19% (-9 shares) while broadcast’s decline slowed down, off only 4 shares in the same time frame.

Keep in mind that only 5 networks make up the 20% of the broadcast total shares, 31% when you include broadcast other, diginets and PBS while more than 100 channels comprise the 39% advertiser supported cable total HH shares.

Look Closer …

Broadcast total HH shares have exceeded entertainment cable total shares by 5%, at least over the last two seasons. Putting it into perspective… Though cable share totals exceed broadcast network totals, only 5% of the 100+ advertiser supported measured cable networks actually deliver a 2 or 3 HH share while 69% don't even register a one share.

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 10 11

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 11 Network Primetime Stability Network Schedule Status-Fall 2019 To Return or Not to Return … Stability is a key word among all the networks for the fall. Relying on the majority of the programs they already have on the air to jumpstart the new season. These returning shows are either used in the same time period or moved around like the pawns on a chess board to support the debuting series. NBC registers the greatest percentage (70%) of returning time periods, overtaking CBS, which was in that position last fall. Given the changes at FOX with the Disney/FOX merger (more on that later), the network presents the highest percentage (27%) of new entries.

Network Series Longevity - Standing the Test of Time Unlike cable and streaming (which is like the shiny new penny), the traditional networks have been broadcasting content for many generations and have cultivated series which have stood the test of time. In total number of years on the air for returning shows, CBS leads the way with 177 years, followed by ABC with 165 and NBC with 108. The newest networks, FOX and the CW, garner 90 years and 40, respectively. Programs that have had more than 10 years on the air include, but are not limited to: news franchises 60 MINUTES (61 years), 20/20 (40), 48 HOURS (31) and DATELINE (28), (30), NCIS (16), (16), GREY’s ANATOMY (15), SUPERNATURAL (14), NCIS: LA, and MODERN FAMILY (10 years 12 each). Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 12 Network Primetime Stability

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 13 Programming Trends

As mentioned earlier, stability in the fall is a key factor for all the networks’ primetime line- ups. NBC is at 85% for returning series in same and new time periods. The CW registers an 84% return rate, ABC turns in 83% and CBS 80% (based on half-hours). FOX pulls up the rear with 73%. More changes are set to happen mid-season and beyond. More and more sports and live events as well as unscripted content is being added to network schedules either in series form or as specials. Taking more of a front seat, these practices have proven to have a positive impact on viewership. Keep in mind, NOT ALL live events or sports are necessarily top players.

Fall schedules are primed for crossover events. A good portion of line-ups are comprised of series including similar themes, locations and characters that can seamlessly move from one show to another. The CW and DC “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover week has already been scheduled.

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 14 Genre Breakouts

Genres Through the Years

The primetime schedules have been designed to attract viewers to varying genres of content over the years. For the most part, they have been structured with drama (whether it be a , family, medical or soap-like) as the designated leader, taking up, on average, over 50% of all rosters.

The other genres have seen ups and downs of use over the years. scheduling, which fluctuates from year-to-year is very important to the business of syndication, but has become almost an equal partner to alternative programming (reality, competition and games) and sports. Alternative or unscripted has exhibited the largest decline from 11 years ago and sports, with its live appeal, has turned in the highest percentage gains.

Individually, for Fall 2019, the drama category has dropped below 50% except for CBS, which still uses the genre as its primary base. The CW’s fall line-up is 100% drama. The majority of FOX’s primetime is sports related while ABC and NBC juggle a good mix of all genres.

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 15 Programming Strategies

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 16 Programming Strategies

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 17 Programming Strategies

What is involved with the Disney/FOX Merger?

Disney Disney now has access to the large library of 20th Century Fox assets from syndication, the movie studio, and the television studio, as well as a controlling 60% stake in Hulu.

FOX FOX has kept hold of the broadcast network, , & 2, , and MY Network TV. There are possible new deals on the horizon for content, particularly from the tech and distribution side. Source: Vox.com, Deadline.com, Mesalliance.org.

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 18 Fall 2019 Night-by-Night Schedules

BOB ♥ ALL RISE ABISHOLA

BLUFF CITY LAW

PRODIGAL SON

Monday is a night of newcomers – both new series and returning programs new to the night. Leading off the week, DANCING WITH TH STARS and THE VOICE continue their competition., not only with dancing and singing, but with viewers. DWTS usually takes the HH audience while THE VOICE attracts the key adult 18-49 and 25-54 demos from 8-10PM. CBS has made a concerted effort for inclusivity on this night., keeping sophomore sitcom THE NEIGHBORGOOD , an average performer, as anchor and lead-in to the new Chuck Lorre comedy BOB ♥ ABISHOLA. They are the only comedies of the night, so we shall see if they get sampled. Freshman drama ALL RISE. is a risk at 9PM with no solid lead-in to give it a boost. But then again, no risk, no chance of reward. FOX’s 9-1-1 may prove to be formidable competition in its new 8PM time slot as it was one of FOX’s top programs the past two seasons in HH’s and key adult demos. With a strong 9- 1-1 lead-in, psychological drama PRODIGAL SON has a chance at sampling for those wanting something other than a competition show. At 10PM, THE GOOD DOCTOR remains in the same time period and will most likely continue to get top viewership. BULL, entering its fourth season, has the advantage of a solid base, but is at a slight disadvantage with no proven lead-in. BLUFF CITY LAW will probably get some sampling and has the best chance at any success leading out of THE VOICE. THE CW revamped its Monday line-up with high school football drama ALL AMERICAN at 8PM followed by BLACK LIGHTNING at 9PM, also in a new time period. ALL AMERICAN delivered one of the CW’s lower performances last season while BLACK LIGHTNING was a solid performer.

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 19 Fall 2019 Night-by-Night Schedules

MIXED-ISH EMERGENCE

While didn’t get those glorious numbers, the sitcom was ABC’s top rated comedy in A18-49 and A25-54 this past season (MODERN FAMILY earned that honor in HH’s and A18-34). THE CONNERS are primed to provide a strong lead-in to the only comedy line-up for the night followed by a weaker performing BLESS THIS MESS (NTP) at 8:30PM. These are the only two sitcoms from 8-9PM up against top HH performer NCIS and top adult player THE VOICE. FOX moved its medical drama, THE RESIDENT, to anchor Tuesday at 8PM from Monday, we’ll see if its loyal audience follows. The final season of the tumbling EMPIRE moves to its new day and time at 9PM. THIS IS US, renewed for three more seasons and the only network program nominated for an EMMY in the drama category, features new joys and emotional upheavals, new characters and flash forwards and should continue to capture the 9-10PM time period across the board. ABC’s 9PM comedy block is led by MIXED-ISH, a prequel to BLACK-ISH, which follows at 9:30PM. CBS’ schedule remains completely intact with sophomore series FBI nestled between NCIS and NCIS: NEW ORLEANS. At 10PM, ABC’s new conspiracy thriller EMERGENCE will have the harder time reaching viewers against veteran NCIS: NEW ORLEANS and sophomore NEW AMSTERDAM. NCIS: NOLA is a solid performer and hospital drama NEW AMSTERDAM enjoyed a successful freshman year, landing among the top 15 HH and key adult performers with the advantage of two top tier series as lead-ins. On the CW, THE FLASH returns to 8PM followed by ARROW on its new night and final season. Both series are strong performers for the network, especially among younger men. Expect more crossover events in the coming season with all the superhero shows.

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 20 Fall 2019 Night-by-Night Schedules

STUMPTOWN

ALMOST FAMILY

NANCY DREW

The first hour of Wednesday night starts off with stable 8-9PM performers across all the networks. ABC airs its second night of sitcoms led by THE GOLDBERGS and its spin-off SCHOOLED (crossover watch), MODERN FAMILY in its 11th and final season and sophomore series SINGLE PARENTS. Once again it is the only comedy line-up of the night. ABC debuts private investigator drama STUMPTOWN at 10PM, which competes with top 20 NTI performer P.D. and the reliable S.W.A.T. on its new night. For CBS, consistency is key and the SURVIVOR, in its 39th cycle, SEAL TEAM and S.W.A.T. line-up is a stable force for the network. Last Fall, NBC built the night around and the CHICAGO’s – MED, FIRE and P.D. – instead of spreading the strong performers around the schedule and it turned out to be a good move. Why mess with success and a seamless night of possible crossovers? THE MASKED SINGER debuted on FOX on 1/2/19 and boasted an immediate jump to the top of the charts, ranking among the top 5 in A18-34, A18-49 and A25-54 and the top 25 in HH NTI’s. Given its performance, FOX renewed the competition series for two more cycles. Leading out of a very strong MASKED SINGER is the new drama ALMOST FAMILY, which goes up against some stiff competition at 9PM. RIVERDALE continues to anchor the CW Wednesday night and gives a substantial and compatible lead-in to the iconic teenage sleuth NANCY DREW, but a very modern-day NANCY DREW.

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 21 Fall 2019 Night-by-Night Schedules

CAROL’S THE UNICORN EVIL SECOND ACT

PERFECT SUNNYSIDE HARMONY

Is FOX ready for it’s second season of ? Who wouldn’t be? TNF will no doubt score the winning touchdown across the board, though this night does have some counter-competition. Going into its 16th season, top performer GREY’S ANATOMY usually makes some inroads against football, especially in the key female demos. ABC’s moved into this 9PM time slot midway through last season and though it didn’t hold its GREY’s lead-in, it did finish in the top 25 among key adults. STATION 19 is waiting in the wings for later in the season and to have possible weekly crossovers with GREY’s. At 10PM, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER rounds out the night with its final season. What will happen to CBS’ hold on the scripted Thursday night story without its blockbuster BIG BANG THEORY? Such a stellar performer, the network ran it all summer even though it wasn’t coming back in the fall. Hopefully its prequel, YOUNG SHELDON, fills the void. While YOUNG SHELDON turned in a top rated performance in NTI HH’s (#5), A18-49 (#10) and A25-54 (#6), the sitcom was almost never without its BIG BANG lead-in. MOM retains its 9PM tentpole position and along with SHELDON welcomes three new series to the line-up -- sitcoms THE UNICORN (8:30PM) and CAROLS’ SECOND ACT (9:30PM) and psychological thriller EVIL at 10PM. SUPERSTORE and LAW & ORDER: SVU bookend NBC’s line-up with the rest of the comedy block from 8:30-10PM refreshed. In its final season, THE GOOD PLACE moves to 9PM surrounded by sitcom newcomers PERFECT HARMONY at 8:30PM and SUNNYSIDE at 9:30PM. Last season NBC’s comedies were not able to beat CBS’, especially from 8-9PM and did not compete on the same level as its counterparts against football. LAW & ORDER: SVU enters its 21st season and is still going strong, it will be interesting to see which of the three 10PM dramas takes the lead. Depending on MURDER’s final story, it may succeed with women while LAW & ORDER: SVU tends to capture key adults. All in all, they usually perform around the same levels. At this point, EVIL is an unknown with no solid lead-in. On the CW at 8PM, “the boys are back” as SUPERNATURAL enters its 15th and final season followed by it’s current companion LEGACIES at 9PM.

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 22 Fall 2019 Night-by-Night Schedules

CBS’ Friday night has been hard to beat over the last few years, stacked with action-adventure from 8-10PM and family police drama from 10-11PM. This season HAWAII 5-0 leads off at 8PM followed by the sophomore MAGNUM, PI in its new time slot. Let’s see if the action holds up for both series set in Hawaii and primed for possible crossovers. Going into its 10th season and its 200th episode, BLUE BLOODS embraces its performance at 10PM, ranking among the top 10 in HH NTI and P2+ impressions. It is also the only drama and scripted series airing in the time period. ABC has chosen to stick with its sitcom route from 8-9PM, moving to anchor and sliding FRESH OFF THE BOAT to 8:30PM. Expanding this summer to two hours, 20/20 airs from 9-11PM opposite NBC’s DATELINE. FOX has broken the mold on Friday, commandeering WWE’s SMACKDOWN LIVE from USA for its 8-10PM block, hoping it will make some noise and trigger a bigger audience draw. NBC’s Friday night begins with THE BLACKLIST at 8PM and, as previously mentioned, a two-hour DATELINE. The CW returns CHARMED and DYNASTY to the schedule for another go-round, both in new time periods, 8PM and 9PM, respectively.

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 23 Fall 2019 Night-by-Night Schedules

Saturday primetime scheduling is filled with ABC versus , encore procedural dramas and 48 HOURS on CBS versus repeats of THE VOICE, DATELINE SATURDAY NIGHT MYSTERY originals and SNL Vintage on NBC. It’s a toss-up on which shows claim the win and its usually a mixed bag across the board. The college football numbers do not garner the same cache as the NFL’s performance does. DATELINE musters a fairly robust adult audience while CRIMETIME encores sometimes secure the HH viewer. 48 HOURS also achieves a stable performance at 10PM.

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 24 Fall 2019 Night-by-Night Schedules

KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS

BLESS THE HARTS

BATWOMAN

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL can’t be beat!!! What more is there to say? NBC has carried the franchise for 13 seasons leading up to the 14th, while the NFL itself is turning 100 this coming season. There may be lots of celebrating going on all around. CBS’ line-up remains completely intact. About to begin its 52nd season, 60 MINUTES remains strong with the HH viewers at 7PM followed by sophomore offering GOD FRIENDED ME at 8PM, NCIS: LA at 9PM and MADAM SECRETARY rounding out the night at 10PM. Following the issues of today’s politics with a “fairytale-like” administration, MADAM SECRETARY will conclude its final season in 10 episodes. Will Elizabeth McCord become the first female President of the ? ABC set up its alternative night anchored by AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS, entering its 30th season, followed by a new version of KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS, hosted by Tiffany Haddish at 8PM. The SHARKS return to the TANK at 9PM for season 11 while THE ROOKIE stakes its claim to a new Sunday, 10PM time period. FOX returns to an “ALL” ANIMATON DOMINATION Sunday night line-up, adding BLESS THE HARTS at 8:30PM following THE SIMPSONS (entering season 31) and moving BOB’S BURGERS to 9PM leading into FAMILY GUY (entering season 17). One thing about animated comedies, no one has to age out! The last couple of seasons FOX tried to add live action to the animation mix, which proved unsuccessful. SUPERGIRL returns to the CW’s Sunday night line-up, but an hour later at 9PM, making way for a new modern BATWOMAN superheroine at 8PM.

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 25 The Season Ahead

Fall 2019 Primetime Preview 26 Here’s to a successful 2019-2020 Season Stay Tuned!

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