Did ABC botch ‘Once Upon a Time in Wonderland’? A discussion
When ABC first announced that they were creating a companion show of sorts to “Once Upon a Time” in “Once Upon a Time” in Wonderland,” we were thoroughly excited (especially since we are huge Alice fans). This was an opportunity for the show to try and tell a story that was separate from what was going on with our main characters, and give us a deeper look at a world that we have only spent a tiny amount of time in over the course of the flagship show’s run.
But then, we turn to the issue of scheduling. When we first heard that the show was going to be airing on Thursday night, it was definitely a cause to raise an eyebrow. What in the world was ABC thinking? The timeslot before “Grey’s Anatomy” is a deathtrap on this network, and has been for many years now. Sticking a spin-off, which may have a limited audience of new viewers, up against “The Big Bang Theory,” “Parks and Recreation,” “The X Factor,” and “The Vampire Diaries” (all shows with devoted audiences, even though three of them are pretty small) felt crazy.
In the end, seeing the ratings performance of this show today more or less just reinforced the thinking that this is a show that should have aired as a fill-in during the early part of the year. Even if it was just an eight or ten-week limited series that went from early January until the middle of March when you bring the flagship back, it would have still made more sense given that it would keep the fanbase engaged in that time with a different show, rather than forcing them into committing two hours a week to their franchise. We also liked that idea more since you could do it every year with a world that you don’t get to see too much of on the show, like the black-and-white one of Dr. Frankenstein or the world that Giancarlo Esposito’s Genie first came from.
Now, the best-case scenario for this trip to Wonderland is that it airs the entirety of the season, since it’s not getting renewed with the ratings. While airing on Thursday may give the show a higher episode count, sometimes having a smaller story can be best if you can also keep around viewers.
What do you think: Did ABC make an epic blunder when it comes to “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland”? If you want to read more news when it comes to the show, we suggest just taking a look at the article over at the link here.
Photo: ABC
Hillary
November 8, 2013 @ 1:41 pm
This is one of my favorite new shows this season. It is idiotic that they placed it in the time slot they did. I am so curious as to how the Red Queen got into power and the romance between Alice and Cyrus is so sweet. I think it would have been smarter if they put it after the original OUaT on Sundays but I do understand that Revenge has been successful in that spot and I know it is always dangerous to move a TV show to a different day and time.
Crystal
November 2, 2013 @ 3:13 pm
I loved this show. I thought it was very optimistic in the face of massive barriers and struggles. I enjoyed finding out about how Alice fell in love and also about how the Knave became like he is. I wasn’t too fond of the Queen but Jafar was excellent.
I am very disappointed that I had to chose between Vampire Diaries and this. I am sure if it would have been a different time or day it may have done better. Most people who may have been interested in this show would not have given up watching a different show that they have a history with for something new. I am very disappointed that it is not continuing. I at least kept up with it on-line.
Mrs. M
November 2, 2013 @ 3:15 am
Can’t speak to scheduling, I only hope it survives. I do think this show does not appeal to those who like the original OUAT. I am one who DOESN’T like the original OUAT, but I am enjoying OUATiW. This pattern seems to be the same with other people I know.
Joanie
November 1, 2013 @ 4:22 pm
The show has not captured my interest at all and that from a huge OUAT fan. I liked Jafar but the rest of the show was boring. I wound up fast forwarding through most of it and haven’t seen the other eps yet. That’s probably not a good sign.
NONNIE
October 31, 2013 @ 8:23 pm
I personally do not like the show… too over wrought and not fond of the characters … do think Jafar is a good bad guy … but have not cared for the story line. If they had the same shows that I have seen during the hiatus… I doubt I would watch it even then.
YOU are right that the scheduling does not help it… BIG BANG THEORY is my 5 year old grandson favorite show… he loves SHELDON and it is one of the few shows he sits through even though he does not under half of the humor. I do not plan to give up the time I have watching BB with him.