Predictions for 2013

Will NBC continue to lead the ratings race without SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL? Will FOX recover from on of its worst fall seasons? Can ABC get out of the beyond 3rd place? These are some of the 2013 questions I will attempt to predict correctly.

ABC:

1. As we enter 2013, ABC is in third place in both total viewers and the A18-49. By the end of the May sweeps ABC will be in 4th place in both categories. The lack of any new hits for the network and more disappointments from returning series will keep the network flat over the winter and spring.
2. DANCING WITH THE STARS will continue its rating slide this spring, prompting ABC to scale the series down to just one edition each TV season.
3. SCANDAL will continue to grow its audience and eventually beat ELEMENTARY on a regular basis and get a full 3rd season order. This series may be the sleeper hit of 2012-13.

CBS:

1. CSI: NY will not be renewed for the 2013-14 season. I want to put a condition on this prediction. If major cast/cost changes are accepted, it could get another 1/2 season order.
2. THE GOOD WIFE will move to Fridays. The Sunday time slot is not working for the series and is bringing down the 10pm time slot with it. Fridays may just be the only night it could succeed.
3. CBS will expand its cable presence. CBS is actively trying to grow its footprint as a media company. The re-branding of CBS Sports Network was just the first step. In 2013 CBS SPORTS RADIO launches. CBS will acquire or launch a cable network by the end of the year.

NBC:

1. NBC will finish 3rd for the 2012-13 season. With SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL done for the season and THE VOICE off until March, NBC will free fall in both viewers and the A18-49 demographic ratings, dipping below ABC, briefly. Once THE VOICE returns, NBC will climb back up to just edge ahead of ABC by the end of the May Sweeps.
    
2.  GO ON alone in comedy renewal. The only comedy from this fall to be renewed for 2013 will be GO ON. COMMUNITY, PARKS & REC, WHITNEY, UP ALL NIGHT and GUYS WITH KIDS will all be cancelled.
3. An announcement of the end of the Jay Leno era on THE TONIGHT SHOW will be announced. It could be a two year transistion, but NBC will take the first steps to replace Jay in late night.

FOX:

1. FOX will fail to win the A18-49 crown for 2012-13. It's horrible fall season will be too big of a hole to overcome.
2. A Major overhaul to the 2013-14 schedule. FOX will attempt to rectify its declining schedule. Major changes will take place. It could be the relocation of Animation Domination or moving air days of THE X-FACTOR or a small class of renewed series for the fall of 2013. FOX will be extremely aggressive, compared to the other networks.

The CW:

1. The CW will change demographic focus. The success of ARROW this season has shown The CW that targeting a different demo can bring success. More male focuses series will be introduced and perhaps a more general audience approach to programming.
2. A second DC Comics character will have their own series. Rumors are that WONDER WOMAN could be redeveloped for The CW. If it is not, another Superhero series will find its way to the CW for 2013-14 and pared with ARROW. 

Cable TV:

1. Cutting the cord will grow. The Cable/Satellite industry will see a drop in subscribers over the next year. More and More viewers will discover alternate sources for their entertainment in an effort to cut costs.
2.  Re-branding of cable networks. G4 is already in the process of becoming Esquire TV. At least two more cable networks will re brand themselves. Look for it to be one of the lower rated networks to change identity in an effort to keep their subscription levels up, especially in Time-Warner Cable areas.
3. THE WALKING DEAD clones. THE WALKING DEAD is the highest rated cable series and after three seasons, someone will attempt to create their own series with a similar premise. Either it will be another Zombie series or something more like the movie THE CRAZIES, cashing on on the trend will happen.
4. ION-TV will grow its original programming. FLASH POINT will be ending with its 5th season, so ION will be looking for a new series to replace it and will expand to a two hour block on one night.