An open letter to Fox Exec Kevin Reilly
Dear Kevin,
In The Hollywood Reporters latest “Live Feed” roundup, they have this picture going with the article:
That’s their tag. Not mine.
But hear me out. I want to say something about the handling of the show.
There’s not enough of an audience on Friday night to sustain a Sci-fi genre show. You know that. I know that. And, Joss knows that. I hear in 2002 he got it tattooed on his body in a Memento fashion. But, you know, look at the numbers. The drop off would actually be acceptable if it had launched with big initial numbers. It doesn’t lose viewers during the actual live episode airings. (In fact, episode two, it gained viewers according to the Nielsen half hour figures). As I’m sat typing this, I just checked – it’s still #1 on Hulu with the latest episode, and the latest episode is #3 on iTunes. There’s likely a show there underneath it all, but on Friday night, it’s not going to stick with the current setup.
So here’s an idea, put together by people far smarter and just a bit prettier than me: move episode 6, “Man On The Street”, and pair it up with American Idol or another similar show as a one off special event.
Why? Reason one: that episode is currently against the extended series finale of Battlestar Galactica. The biggest geek TV event ever. There goes a portion of your Friday audience.
Maurissa and Dichen want you to watch DollhouseReason two: the episode does a good job of reintroducing the world, and it’s also where the show starts to spin in it’s own direction. Reason three: after that point, the show starts to get a bit swallowed in it’s own mythology. The show needs some core viewers by that point, or the investment has been pissed up a wall.
It’s a chance. It’s a shot. I don’t think you’ve got anything to lose, and if you can launch a Joss Whedon show I think long term you’ll get the benefit. You’re a smart guy. You know that. So here’s the chance to pull it out the bag. Take it.
Sincerely,
Kevin
2 Responses 
That’s the smartest move that they should do with Dollhouse, but my faith is gone.
I really agree that FOX needs to give this show a shot on another night. Air Dollhouse after Idol or House and I guarantee it will get good ratings and get people aware of the show. Any show that airs on Friday night is going to suck because most people are out on that night. There is definitely an audience for the show because look at all the downloads on itunes and hulu. I will never watch FOX again if they cancel Dollhouse!!!