ABC Entertainment

ABC Entertainment is a network production company owned by ABC.

History

In 1999, Walt Disney Television Studio, including Buena Vista Television Productions, were transferred out of the Disney Studios to ABC Television Network^[1] to merge with ABC's prime-time division to form ABC Entertainment Television Group.^[2]

On January 22, 2009, the change in viewer’s preference and economic disputes resulted in ABC’s decision to combine the television network and production studio into a single unit.^[3] During that period, the network was scaling back and deepening in recession resulting in dismissing 5% of its workforce.^[4] The company’s audience was shrinking and their advertising revenues were falling. Moreover, the production costs for drama and comedies continued to climb. In June 2009, ABC Entertainment announced a new organization effective immediately^[3]

ABC Entertainment is now largely dominant aside from its production. Today, the company is a leader in in-house television and theatrical productions. The production catalogue holds a large variety of programming such as America's Funniest Home Videos.^[5] Previously, it produced shows such as My So Called Life and H.E.L.P. Since Disney's acquisition of ABC in 1996, virtually all of Disney's adult entertainment programming, such as Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy, have instead been produced by the larger ABC Studios unit. ABC Entertainment is responsible for the networks primetime and late night programming. The programming varies from inclusive scripted dramas and comedies, alternative series, specials, movies, and mini-series.

Within the entertainment industry, "ABC Entertainment" is more often understood to mean the ABC network division responsible for ordering and scheduling. Nevertheless, the network does not produce entertainment programming. For example, the president of ABC Entertainment, Stephen McPherson, responsibilities include the network's primetime schedule but not the aforementioned production company.^[4]

ABC Entertainment content is available across several mediums. The production company provides on demand-customized content, which appears in mobile video offering.

ABC Entertainment's programming consists of television shows offered directly to customer’s mobile phones. Also, the on-demand features allow the customer to select content from "The Jimmy Kimmel Show" and "The View," allowing the viewer, for instance, to watch only Kimmel's monologue or a particular "The View" celebrity interview. The mobile arrangement offers updates, teasers, and content drawn from ABC's programming.

GoTV is a mobile content firm specialized in making made-for-mobile television programming.^[6]

ABC Entertainment Management

As of July 2010, Paul Lee acquired the presidential title at ABC Entertainment Group. Lee's responsibilities include all creative and business operations for ABC studios. Also. he is required to oversee programming, marketing and scheduling operations for ABC Entertainment. Moreover, his roles include entertainment programming for syndication and ABC Daytime via Times Square Studios. He reports to Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group.^[7]

"During the 2011-12 season (September 19, 2011-May 23, 2012), ABC had 3 of the Top 10 scripted shows among Adults 18-49: Modern Family - No. 1, Grey's Anatomy - No. 5 and Once Upon a Time - No. 9. ABC claimed TV's No. 1 comedy in the young adult demo with Modern Family, the No. 1 drama with Grey's Anatomy and the No. 1 new drama with Once Upon a Time. The network was also home to the critically acclaimed fan favorite, Revenge.^[7]

For the 2012-13 season, Lee shepherded in new series with industry heavyweights and veterans, including Alyssa Milano (Charmed, Melrose Place) and Yunjin Kim (Lost) in Mistresses; Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights) and Hayden Panettiere (Heroes) in Nashville; motion picture producer Lorenzo DiBonaventura (Transformers, the G.I. Joe franchise, Salt, Red) for Zero Hour; country music superstar Reba McEntire and comic legend Lily Tomlin (Laugh-In, Nashville) in Malibu Country; and writer Dan Fogelman (Cars, Tangled) for The Neighbors.^[7]

However, Paul Lee announced with the New Year that he was "disappointed" there were “no big, breakout hits” on ABC this fall – or on “any of the networks." (Guthrie, 2013). This assessment is questionable according to NBC’s Bob Greenblatt since the show Revolution is the No. 1 New drama.^[8]

ABC sits in the fourth place among its broadcast competition for the reason that they struggled to build a viable comedy block on Tuesdays. Even though the network had very high hopes for their show, "Nashville", it received only middling rating.^[8]

Also, fresh dramas such as 666 Park Avenue and Last Resort have been canceled. ABC Entertainment was astonished that 666 Park failed. However, Last Resort was alienated because it did not connect with the network’s core female viewers. The network’s future for the returning comedies such as: Happy Endings and Don’t Trust the B---- in Apt. 23 is optimistic. Nevertheless, Lee said the network is double-running them on Sundays and Tuesdays to increase “sampling." But both comedies fizzled when they bowed in their new Sunday slots during the course of the week.^[8]

ABC Entertainment Programs 2011–2015

The programming includes the following series:

References