A bit surprising. I never watched the show, but it has garnered a lot of critical acclaim.
I'm guessing this doesn't bode well for "Kevin Hill" another one of UPN's low-rated but highly-thought-of show. I don't see them sticking with both shows.
This is really good news. Veronica Mars is an hour of television a week I not only look forward too, but I'm glad I watch. Sure, the ratings are low, but UPN's ratings are low across the board. They may never have a top 10 show, or even a show in the top 50. Ratings don't tell the story here.
Veronica Mars is a terrific show. Well written with excellent acting from Kristen Bell and her supporting cast, and an interesting premise (season-long murder mystery of the conspiracy surrounding the murder of Veronica's best friend) that works alongside the weekly substories of Veronica's troubles in high school. It's not groundbreaking television, it's not event television, it's not reality television (Thank God), it's just really good television.
Veronica Mars benefits greatly by being the right show at the right time, as UPN is trying to find a different identity beyond the black sitcoms, wrestling and Star Trek it's known for. How long the show can last is another story entirely (I feel that shows set in high school should end when high school ends, and Veronica will be a senior next year) but a second season with a whole new central mystery for Veronica to tackle is something I'm definitely on board for in the fall. I'm glad UPN is backing this show. Good television series are hard to find nowadays.
I hope the season one DVDs come out sooner rather than later.
(edited by John Orquiola on 11.4.05 1104) "Strong words. Strong words from a strange man." - Kent Brockman
I've watched bits and pieces of a few different episodes, and it's not a bad little show from what I've seen. It's nothing I feel I just can't miss, but on the other hand, were there nothing else on, I would probably watch it.
I think UPN feels that this is the show that can be their Buffy (yes, I realize they already had Buffy). Lowish rated, critically succesful, but a show that ultimately speaks to its demographic and in turn, builds up an extremely loyal fanbase. It's one of those shows that for a small network, could be pointed to as it's flagship of creativity so that when they put a bunch of other shit on, they can say, "Yes, but look! We're the network that shows Veronica Mars!:
Tonight I wanna ruin my life, I wanna throw it all away, In a spectacular way