2017-18 Preview: Wednesday Nights

This past year, Wednesdays was the most competitive night, between the big four networks, with FOX getting the edge in the younger demographics. So, getting an upper-hand in the new season could separate the networks.

CBS is the only BIG 4 network to introduce a new series on the night, and it could be a hit, right off the bat. SEAL TEAM will star David Boreanaz (BONES, ANGEL, BUFFY THE VAMIPRE SLAYER), as a leader of a Navy Seals team. Of the three military dramas coming this fall, this, by far, looks the best. CBS is poised to take control on the night and win on a regular basis.

EMPIRE has gotten weaker and weaker, since it first premiered, to a point where it can be beat in the A18-49 demographic. The drama should still win its time slot, but it will not dominate as it once did. STAR was not accepted by EMPIRE fans and could be gone before 2018 arrives.

ABC and NBC look mostly the same from the 2016-17 season. NBC brings in THE BLACKLIST to help solidify the 8 PM slot, but the once hit drama, is damaged goods, after two seasons on Thursday nights. LAW & ORDER: SVU will take a hit with SEAL TEAM going head-to-head. CHICAGO PD will have a tough time repeating as the 10 PM slot champion. CRIMINAL MINDS is a stronger competitor and DESIGNATED SURVIVOR is a solid entry.

The CW will take a major step backwards on the night. on most night, the non-DC based series struggle to draw one million viewers. With two, non-DC shows on the night, this could end up as the second lowest rated night for the network. I can see DYNASTY being a total bust, as a drama of the rich & powerful will not be embraced as it once was, back in the 80's.

	8:00	8:30	9:00	9:30	10:00
ABC	The Goldbergs	Speechless	Modern Family	American Housewife	Designated Survivor
CBS	Survivor		Seal Team		Criminal Minds
CW	Riverdale		Dynasty
FOX	Empire		STAR
NBC	The Blacklist		Law & Order: SVU		Chicago PD