YRU-Update

UPN/WB Team Up to Create Watchable Program

12/9/98

LOS ANGELES CA.-In a joint venture between the two fledgling networks, UPN and the WB network, they have created a program that they describe as "pretty watchable." This marks the first time that such a statement could be made by either network. "Up until this point, we really were just producing shit," stated WB chairman Carl DeMontare. "And we knew the same thing was going on at UPN. It was a crap factory." Low ratings and public outcry prompted talks of combining efforts. Two months ago the networks met and attempted to create a program that was fit to be aired.

The result was the new show Chillin' with the Family. Staring Sanford and Son's Demond Wilson as the single Father of two teenage boys in a rough neighborhood in Philadelphia. "It's a sitcom with a heart," states one of the shows creators, Jake Polocavitz. "It captures the heart of being black and poor. And it's funny too."
But there was still much skepticism about whether or not this was going to be the "quality show" that the two networks promised. The track record was poor, felt most people polled. 83% of people asked doubted that the networks could make a show that "they would even take a dump on," let alone watch. 12% did say that they would watch Malcolm and Eddy upon threat of torture.

Two networks join forces

Chillin's star
Demond Wilson
A memo received from the UPN network upon hearing of our poll called the results "disappointing," and claimed that if the audience would give Chillin' a "chance" that they could stand to view it.
Recent test audience results seem to bear out UPN's claim. The show has been tested in many markets across the country. The official word on the show from the networks is that people rated it fair to okay. "This is very promising news," said WB program testing head Mark Swanburg. "We haven't seen numbers like this since the first season of Sister Sister. People even stayed to watch the entire half-hour. It was very exciting."

When asked for comment, test viewer Penny Ferrenta had this to say. "It was alright you know. I think I laughed a few times. If I had to watch it, I suppose it wouldn't be that bad."
"I don't think I could write a better show myself, at least not very fast," said trucker Gus Valone. And secretary Susan Birch called the show "not horrible."

Sample audiece views show without disdain

I think we really hit it right this time," said the WB chairman. "I think we'll finally be getting the respect we deserve with Chillin'. I'm not gonna make any promises, but let me just say, Fox, you better watch your back."

Chillin' with the Family will begin airing 5 times a week on both networks starting the week of Dec. 21. Check local listings for times in your area.

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