City is banking on big drama.
The Rogers Media network unveiled details of its 2016/17 programming slate on Monday, highlighting blockbuster drama titles in its traditionally comedy-heavy lineup.
With recognizable reboots of 24, Prison Break and Lethal Weapon, as well as original drama series including Bad Blood: The Vito Rizzuto Story, Rogers Media hopes to draw in a more wide-ranging audience and grow City’s influence and appeal.
“I think ratings have been in decline a little bit because our schedule hasn’t been as strong as it could have, said Rick Brace, president of Rogers Media.
“Ratings are just purely and simply a product of the quality of the shows you’re able to acquire, and so we’re building the schedule.
“I think this year is going to make the difference for us.”
Comedies on offer out of the U.S. also weren’t as strong this year, he added.
“Quite frankly, comedies are tough,” said Brace. “The success rate with comedies is very low, to get the next Seinfeld.”
That’s evidenced by the recent cancellations of several American comedies that aired on City — The Muppets, Grandfathered and The Grinder.
Still, there are some new comedies in the lineup including Making History, The Mick, Nirvana The Band The Show and Second Jen. There’s also the live-action/animated hybrid Son of Zorn, featuring the voice of Jason Sudeikis.
Returning comedies include Modern Family, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers and The Last Man on Earth.
City will also air several music-filled specials: a remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hairspray Live! and Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.
The network also acquired the rights to Aaron Sorkin’s live production of A Few Good Men.
“We’re edgier,” said Colette Watson, vice-president of television and broadcast operations at Rogers Media.
“We’re having more fun and we’re taking more risks.”
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