How TNT, Good Behavior are perfect model for Stana Katic’s Absentia
Because of this, our mind has fluctuated all over the place when it comes to the right potential homes for the show. If we are thinking strictly in terms of networks that would generate the most viewership, you have to think that CBS would be the ideal home for it. However, if you’re looking to see a network home for the show that would be able to air the content largely unedited, it’s almost completely tailor-made for TNT.
We’ve been watching a really fun show this fall on TNT called Good Behavior, and while preparing our coverage for it a thought almost immediately came to mind: Is there really a better home out there for the series in terms of what they are trying to do? Good Behavior is a similar show in some ways — both have episodes that sometimes run longer than 45 minutes, and both have content that at times may be a little racy for broadcast TV. On basic cable you have a little more flexibility as to how long your episodes air and what you can get away with. While networks still control your content of course, they’re also a little more lenient.
We also do think that Absentia is a show that would benefit heavily from taking over the Good Behavior timeslot once that show is over. Think about it this way: Sunday nights at 10:00 p.m. Eastern is not the most competitive time slot out there, so it wouldn’t have to contend with any network TV steamrollers elsewhere. Beyond that, the show also would not have to worry about NFL football — at least once you got to the other side of the Super Bowl.
Would we watch Absentia anytime, anywhere?
Absolutely, but if you are looking for a network home that won’t change the show much and a timeslot that makes sense, TNT may be able to provide both. They’ve also got a history of broadcast with Stana Katic programming given how often that they’ve aired episodes of Castle over the years.
Also important to note here is that the network has been very supportive of Good Behavior, giving it a second season even though the ratings are not great. Absentia is both edgy and very modern — therefore, it’s the sort of programming that TNT is coveting right now under programming head Kevin Reilly.
What do you think: Is TNT still at the top of your list of favorite potential homes for Absentia? Share now in the comments section below!
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Naomi B.
November 15, 2017 @ 9:17 am
Matt, one other thing regarding TNT being the new home for Absentia is that Kevin Reilly only wants shows they have ownership in. From what I am seeing, the show is owned by Sony, so unless some kind of deal could be worked out, I don’t see that happening. Now that you have me investigating this show (and it does look fantastic) why wouldn’t you consider something like Epix or Fx?
Sammy
November 15, 2017 @ 12:37 am
At this point I’d be happy to know who this US network is and said network needs to announce when they actually plan on airing Absentia. I am a fan of Stana Katic since Castle and I can stand a few months of waiting but it seems to be taking, F.O.R.E.V.E.R.
I am seriously beginning to think that this show is never going to be aired in the US in the near future. I don’t know what kind of PR plan this supposed network has for the show but speaking myself it seems pretty lousy. I hope that those who have seen it are enjoying it, but my patience is starting to wear very thin. The network needs to announce it soon or I’m considering giving up on it before it even starts.
Karellen 32
November 14, 2017 @ 7:11 am
Yes. TNT would be perfect for this show. And they’re good about airing repeats, as well. ?
Gloria Allamby
November 14, 2017 @ 6:56 am
TNT would be great for Absentia.
Naomi B.
November 13, 2017 @ 6:44 pm
Matt, you paid attention to the ratings for Good Behavior? Not great doesn’t even begin to cover it. I don’t think I’d be comparing this show to Good Behavior. Even SpoilerTV who was GAGA (like over the top) for GB is calling it all but dead. There are more residents in the town that I live than watch that show! And this is Reilly’s New Direction.
warpheads
November 14, 2017 @ 10:16 am
Really? Well, it’s been renewed. The ratings I’ve read shows it doing well. Remember, good ratings for TNT are different/lower than for premium channels. Another good reason for Absentia to go there! By the time the US has seen all the spoilers and eps on YouTube it can survive the lower expectations of a TNT!
A good thing!
Naomi B.
November 14, 2017 @ 12:13 pm
Ummm yeah…it hasn’t been renewed for season 3. It is in season 2 and really close to competing with Will for #howlowcanyougo ratings. I don’t know what ratings you are reading, but .13/500k total viewers…AIN’T GOOD! Fox News’ Media Buzz even beat them in the ratings last week. As I stated…even SpoilerTV, who was so DISGUSTINGLY sweet (almost to the point of I wondered if they were getting kickbacks), has written off the show. Remember, Kevin Reilly was brought on AND given an open checkbook to put them in a “new direction”. That “new direction” has resulted in shows toileting early on in their tenures. Will was cancelled right out of the gate and Good Behavior is a total flop being only renewed because of its Reilly’s Pet Project status and/or no other shows in the pipeline. It has struggled with ratings since the day it first aired. Let’s not even discuss the f’ up with Tales from the Crypt. My belief is that Animal Kingdom is the next to fall, but at least they got 3 seasons out of that one. Even Kevin Reilly has stated in his last two interviews if he doesn’t get a hit soon (and btw…this isn’t a hit), he is out of a job.
Catherine J. DiBernardo
November 13, 2017 @ 6:11 pm
Yes,I absolutely agree that TNT would be the best home for Absentia,I hope and pray that this happens AND soon!
Scott Harder
November 13, 2017 @ 5:26 pm
As a Canadian viewer that doesn’t get to view TNT, all I can hope for is that the series does get a chance to be shown without editing. In Canada Showcase is the network that has the rights to show “Absentia” and is of the same personality as TNT. This can only be good for the network and the show! BUT, please hurry and decide on an air date as the suspense is killing me!!