Friday brings a lot of changes, including the only slot all week (8:30) that is all-new. There are five new sitcoms and four sitcoms that are in new slots, while three new drama come to Friday in addition to three dramas that arrive from different nights.It's an all-new Friday for everyone except UPN, which brings back the "UPN Friday Night Movie." The night is up in the air, big-time. Every slot seems to offer something different. The only close comparison is between "Boomtown" and "The Handler."
The Alphabet keeps "George Lopez" in leadoff for the 'everything old is new again' TGIF. The two new sitcoms, "Married to the Kellys" and "Hope & Faith" are between "George" and the returning "Life with Bonnie." If just one of those sitcoms catch (I'd guess "Hope & Faith"), ABC could be in for a literal TGIF.
The Eye launches an all-new Friday night, anchored by the former Tuesday staple, "JAG." (Interestingly, Friday is the night NBC debuted "JAG" back in 1995 -- the only season it was on NBC. That makes two shows that NBC debuted on Fridays since 1989 that became megahits elsewhere. The other? A little show called "Baywatch.") Before "JAG," "Joan of Arcadia" has a girl who is conversing with God. Post-"JAG" brings "The Handler" and a decent audience. "Joan" is the wildcard, but the night has potential.
Fox still has "Wanda at Large" in the pole position, followed by the new "Luis." It moves "Boston Public" to Friday; a move that I feel spells the final chapter for the Boston highschooler.
The Peacock has been promoting Alicia Silverstone's "Miss Match" heavily -- and they have even been pronouncing her name correctly (remember, it's Alee-cee-a). I think this is the one to beat in the 8pm hour. "Dateline" is now down to two editions and Friday is one of them. "Boomtown" moves to the old "Law & Order: SVU" slot and will probably be not watched by the at least the same number of people that didn't watch it on Sunday.
"Reba" returns, albeit an hour earlier to kick off the Frog's Friday along with the saved from Fox "Grounded with Life" at 9pm. The new "Like Family" is between them while ending the night is the also new "All About The Andersons." The night is wide open and with a strong lead-in from "Reba," Friday could score some points.
