One year ago, on a Monday night, that the network became the network for games. Looking back....
The March line-up seemed to vindicate fans more level-headed about the changes. Large parts of the line-up were the same like they predicted.
However the June 14th line-up seemed to vindicate the 'Just you wait, soon there will be no more classics left and don't read anything in the 'Street Smarts' acquisition' crowd.
Chinks in the line-up happened almost from the start. Subsequent schedules in September and January were, if anything, an improvement. Various marathons and tributes also continued to mute criticism.
Now a year later the network is going back to a line-up that even the most optimistic fan would have said 'Never gonna happen' just a few months ago.
Finally, for the record (some titles & dates approximate. Not all new series & acquisitions listed):
Word Series of Blackjack: Did well and has been followed by more limited series of the same genre.
Extreme Dodgeball: Did well enough to stay on schedule through rest of '04. No word on its future.
The Mole: Gone in June
Fake-A-Date: Gone in June
Who Dare Wins: Gone in June
Next Action Hero: Pulled from prime time in July, gone in August (should be noted that the series did poorly on NBC as well).
Spy TV: Pulled from prime time in August but remains on after midnight Sundays.
Kenny vs. Spenny: Pulled from prime time in August, gone in September.
Vegas Weddings Revealed: Pulled from prime time in August, gone in September.
Average Joe: Stayed in prime time for entire two runs but ultimately gone in September
Star Search: Pulled from prime access in July, sent to early mornings in September & remains until 4/1
