Huh: NBC didn't promote 'Kings'

NBC promoted just about everything during the Super Bowl except its new drama series.

A promo for next month's midseason effort "Kings," starring Ian McShane, was notably absent from the network's roster of NBC Universal ads during Sunday's telecast.

Although a spot for the upcoming freshman series ran during NBC's pregame coverage, the network's five minutes of allotted self-promotion time during the big game itself was reserved for other programming.

"Heroes," "Celebrity Apprentice," "Chuck," "Medium" and “The Office" were touted. NBC even ran an ad promoting Jay Leno moving to 10 p.m., which doesn't happen until next fall, and an ad for cable offshoot USA Network. 

"There was a real debate internally about where to focus our energy," says NBC president of entertainment marketing, Adam Stotsky. " 'Kings' did get some exposure, just not in the game."

The network's other two new midseason scripted shows -- Amy Poehler's "Parks and Recreation" and John Wells' cop drama "Southland -- were also promoted during the pregame. But they don't premiere until April. "Southland" just got a series order, and "Parks" just started shooting, so both have scant video available.

NBC would rather viewers didn't read much into the decision to not promote their next new hourlong series during the biggest promotional platform of the year, but it's hard not to tea-leaf this a little. There's been a cloud over the show ever since NBC booted "Kings" from its planned high-traffic slot of Thursdays at 10 p.m. (replaced with "Southland") and into the more pedestrian Sundays at 8 p.m.

So for those who didn't watch the pregame, here's a trailer below.

Also: Pundits discuss NBC's Super Bowl ads 

Comments

[jake]

All I can is that I'm excited to see Southland because Ben Mckenzie, so superb in the OC, will be back on Television.

[Barb]

Ugh

If I was NBC I wouldn't promote this either. I'm sorry but it just looks terrible...

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawlEpdfsvdvR41GL-MMNH2kFVKpckdbC9LY]

NBC did not promote Life either. It is such a fabulous show and it looks dead after this season.

[Matt]

i wouldn't say Life is dead yet, this is NBC we're talking, and they already have a dead show airing on that night (that would be Knight Rider soon to be replaced by a disposable reality show.)but the future for life does indeed look gloomy....as its gonna be goin' up against Lost. However I would like to point out that something needs to go on Weds at 8 o clock in the fall...Life's survival might just depend on whether they feel one of their new pilots could work on Wed nights before Law and Order (which is almost certain to move up to 9 o clock when Leno takes over the 10 spot.) I may be optimistic here, but I think we might just see Life in the 8 spot on Wed nights yet.

[marian murphy]

looks like nbc missed the mark on the superbowl - kings looks amazing. in fact, i saw a number of promos for it during the biggest loser and dateline last night.
kings is ian mcshane, a heroes producer, the bible as source material and a handful of hot newcomers - what's not to love?

[demetrius]

ok, marian murphy is obv not a seeder for nbc.

i think kings looks different, which is a cool. it looks like there was actually some thought put into the show, as opposed to more reality crap.

and a note to Barb who said "If I was NBC I wouldn't promote this either." well, you're not NBC...but you are a retard. go back to your tub of chunky munkey and celebrity apprentice.

go kings!