Summertime television may be back to normal – or close to it – this year.
NBC has announced a prompt start for two audience favorites (“America’s Got Talent” and “American Ninja Warrior”) and a critics’ darling (“Making It,” shown here).
“Ninja Warrior” will start Monday, May 31, with “Talent” the next night. “Making It” is two days later, on Thursday, June 3. That compares to last summer:
– “AGT,” which holds auditions well in advance, did start early (May 26), but later made pandemic-related adjustments.
– “Ninja Warrior,” by comparison, didn’t start until Sept. 7.
– “Making It” has been sporadic. The first season was a quick, six-episode run in the summer of 2018. The second had eight episodes, all airing on December of 2019. The third will be 18 months later.
– Other networks also pushed back their summer shows. CBS delayed “Big Brother” until Aug. 5 and “Love Island” to Aug. 24. Other shows were pushed to the fall season, including CBS’ “Amazing Race,” ABC’s “Bachelorette” and Fox’s “Next” and “Filthy Rich.”
Propelled by “AGT,” NBC has topped the summer ratings for the past 10 years.
Unlike the ratings-grabbing “AGT, with its glitter and glitz, “Making It” is a low-key, low-money show, amiably hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. Each season has received Emmy and Television Critics Association nominations for best reality show.