Earlier in his meet with reporters, McPherson did say the net was looking at ways to be as cost-conscious as possible.
“The world has shifted underneath these businesses,” he said. “We have to be incredibly diligent and bold in what we do or we’ll be left by the wayside.”
McPherson also hinted that a new deal with “Desperate Housewives” creator Marc Cherry is imminent. Pact would keep Cherry as an exec producer on the show, but he’d likely turn his attention to developing other fare.
Exec said the network and studio sat down with Cherry before the holidays to discuss the future of the show and his part in it.
“Luckily for us, he decided we’d keep him on ‘Desperate’ in some capacity until the end of the show,” McPherson said. “He’s always said he’ll end the show next year, but he realized that I’d probably lock him up and not let him do that. Not only will he be a part of ‘Desperate’ but he’ll develop new material for us. He’s got some stuff he’s noodling on.”
Also at the ABC portion of the tour:
- McPherson said he was “pleased” with NBC’s decision to strip Jay Leno at 10 p.m. next season and that ABC could benefit from the move.
“Ten o’clock is such a coveted slot; talent like to be in that slot,” he said. CBS’ Nina Tassler and I “have different brands, so we’re both looking at it and excited that there will be viewers left by the wayside that we can grab.”
McPherson said he hadn’t expected Leno to remain at NBC but that it allowed ABC to start discussing the future of “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
“It’s a changing landscape, and we’re looking at everything,” he said.
- ABC will announce the rest of its midseason launches sometime in the next week. McPherson — who said he wanted to see full cuts of the net’s new shows before making final sked decisions — hinted that animated comedy “The Goode Family” may launch in May.
- McPherson continues to express concern about Nielsen’s measurement, noting that the ratings behemoth still doesn’t count viewers in spots such as bars and hotels.
- “King of the Hill” won’t be coming to ABC despite rumors. McPherson said he had no plans to pick up the animated comedy, which Fox canceled late last year.
Although other outlets have also kicked the tires on “King,” including NBC, 20th Century Fox TV insiders believe the show is over. But, they add, in the world of animation, shows are never really over (witness the revivals of “Family Guy” and “Futurama”).
- The fate of “Scrubs” continues to be uncertain, although McPherson hinted that a renewal is unlikely.
“I think it would be hard to do the show without Zach (Braff),” he said.
It’s probably also curtains for “According to Jim”: “I think this is probably the final run, but you never say never,” McPherson said.
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