NBC Takes a Bite out of iTunes/Apple

As reported in Matt Mitovitch's column on TVGuide.com, NBC Universal announced that it will not be renewing its contract in December with iTunes to sell episodes of its programs, both on NBC and USA, because the network wanted to alter the prices. This is a big blow to iTunes/Apple, since approximately 40% of the shows currently being offered come from the peacock network. In response, representatives from the Internet site stated that all NBC Universal offerings will be pulled when the fall season begins.

While many of the shows that could be purchased on iTunes will be available to view online on the NBC website, this move is detrimental to the consumers who wanted to catch up on programs, such as the critically acclaimed Friday Night Lights and The Office, without the commercials. In fact, sometimes the networks' sites aren't compatible with all computers or browsers. I know that I have difficulty on USA's site (I use a Mac). Let's hope that this dispute over money doesn't cause damage to the success of struggling series.

It's a DNR order for Heartland

While TNT is celebrating the success of its original drama series The Closer (with Emmy nominee Kyra Sedgwick), Saving Grace (led by Holly Hunter) and the CIA miniseries The Company (starring Chris O'Donnell), it is pulling the plug, so to speak, on the medical transplant drama Heartland (with former Everwood star Treat Williams).

Despite being unable to hold up to the ratings of The Closer (which is the highest-rated basic cable program in history), this move surprises me somewhat. Only a few weeks ago did TNT extend the lives of The Closer and Saving Grace for the 2008 season (well before their current seasons ended). Therefore, it wouldn't be completely off the mark if the network resuscitated the medical series. However, the Grim Reaper of TV (aka ratings) wielded its lethal scythe and prematurely ended the average, but likable series.

One bright spot is that the cancellation now frees up series star Treat Williams to reprise his role as David Morton, the handyman who got hands on with Nora Walker (Sally Field) on the ABC family soap Brothers & Sisters. Though it has already been reported that Danny Glover is joining the cast as someone on Sen. McAllister's (Rob Lowe) staff who will romance the merry widow, what fun it would be for the Emmy nominee to field the attentions of two suitors.

Image courtesy of tnt.tv