John From Cincinnati: HBO’s Next Big Hit?
Now that The Sopranos is about to enter its final run on HBO starting next month, there has been plenty of talk about whether or not the cable giant can survive without its flagship series. Let’s face it, these are big shoes to fill; The Sopranos changed the face of television forever and made it a credible dramatic storytelling format on par with film. Chief executive Chris Albrecht isn’t worried however, insisting that the network will soon have more new programming than ever before.
Among the new material is a show called John From Cincinnati, a series that is being fast-tracked so that it can premiere in the coveted post-Sopranos finale timeslot. Clearly someone thinks this is going to be their next big hit… and maybe it will. After all, it was created by David Milch of Deadwood fame. But it certainly doesn’t sound like something I’d want to stake my network’s future on. In addition to the rather bland series title, it revolves around a family of surfers living in Imperial Beach, one of whom is a heroin addict, and somehow 9/11 and aliens figure into the plot as well. (I’m getting conflicting reports on whether we’re talking illegal aliens or space aliens… or both.) Did I mention that it stars Luke Perry?? This is probably too crazy a premise for any other network, but HBO hasn’t let me down yet so I’m sure I’ll give it a shot. Still, I can’t help but wonder… is this the beginning of HBO’s fall from grace? I suppose no one ever got anywhere in life by playing it safe.
» Related Link: New York Times
Comments (10)
Jeez, what the heck is HBO thinking? Instead of a new series why not expand on a couple of their smaller shows including the excellent “Big Love” and the completely under rated “Dexter” though now that I really think about it I think “Dexter” is a Showtime program…
Whatever. So ok, develop something new but not this. It just doesn’t sound interesting and lets face it, the reason “The Sopranos” did so well is because it’s a look at a way of life most “middle americans” have little in common with.
Posted by Marina on March 27th, 2007Big Love Season 2 is supposed to premiere after The Sopranos is done too I think. Other than that, I can’t think of any other shows they have going on right now. Another season of The Wire and Curb Your Enthusiasm I think.
Posted by Sean on March 27th, 2007Luke Perry will get his second wind at 42. Like the Housewives broads he will now became a famous superstar.
At least he knows how to do the troubled surfer thing, after years of knocking it out of the park on 90210. And he was an awesome leading man in Buffy as well!
Posted by Henrik on March 27th, 2007Thanks for the heads up on Big Love Sean. I’m hooked on that show.
I just had another though reading the title of the post. The show sounds like it should be a call in show. That would actually be a more interesting, at least to me, premise than surfers.
Posted by Marina on March 27th, 2007I don’t know, HBO never goes wrong. They have Entourage as well, which is premiering right after Sopranos on April 8th. I’ll have to see what the promos look like for this new one. However, I still won’t forgive HBO for canceling Carnivale. And Deadwood. AND ROME. All fantastic shows that weren’t given enough time. Either way, who knows. We’ll see, thanks for the heads up.
Posted by Nicki on March 27th, 2007There’s a new wiki about John From Cincinnati at Wikia: http://jfc.wikia.com — if folks are interested in the show, this could be a good source of information.
Posted by Danny H. on May 29th, 2007The first thing I’ve read from someone who’s actually seen “John from Cincinnati” is that it’s awful. Really awful.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=24&entry_id=17216
HBO made a huge mistake by not establishing another major series BEFORE “The Sopranos” ended. Instead, they’re throwing a bunch of unproven series against the wall, and hoping one sticks.
Sorry, but I can’t justify spending $13/month for HBO after June 10th.
Posted by Ron on June 2nd, 2007Actually I have watched all of the episodes so far and I think it’s great. Perhaps if I was a fan of the Sopranos or HBO’s other hits I might think diffrently, but this show has drawn me closer to HBO. Everyone seems to be against it but maybe they should read more or perhaps go out more and not rest happiness on these TV shows.
Bottom line if you don’t like it…change the channel.
Pretty easy huh?
Posted by Mark on June 20th, 2007I’m getting tired of hearing negative comments from those who haven’t watched the series yet. I’m also tired of hearing comments from those who seem intent on comparing this series to others. Open your eyes, open your mind, discover for yourself whether you love or hate it for itself.
I, for one, have truly enjoyed the three episodes shown so far. (But I’ll admit I’m having a hard time with Rebecca DeMornay cast as the grandmother of a 13-year old). The main characters (Mitch, Cissy, & Butchie Yost) are losing all that most humans consider important … they’re losing themselves, they’re losing each other, and they feel incapable of grabbing onto that which they most need. In their anger and hurt and rage, they hammer each other, further breaking that which is already broken. Despite the oddities and weirdness around them (or maybe because of it), the viewer senses opportunity for redemption.
In the third episode when John says, “See God, Kai”, the grainy images she sees aren’t of a long haired gent carrying a lamb, they are images of God as we experience Him in daily life … the gentle touch of a son’s hand on his father’s, friends caring for friends, survival in the most desperate of moments.
When presented with a miracle like that of Shawn’s recovery, we easily recognize the work of God’s hand. But God works miracles every moment of every day. We’ve just managed to obstruct our view of His wonders.
Personally, any show that gives me an iota of hope for mankind both individually and collectively will be one I tune into.
Posted by Leah on June 27th, 2007“j”esus “f”ucking “c”hrist
Posted by doga on June 28th, 2007this show will be a bbbblast
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