While over on Fox, some viewers didn't get the message that no Game 7 meant the return of "Fringe" -- the series hit a dramatic series low. ABC won the night, with its lineup slipping about 4% across the board: "FlashForward" (8.5 million viewers, 2.6 preliminary adults 18-49 rating), "Grey's Anatomy" (13.6 million, 5.0) and "Private Practice" (9.2 million, 3.5). Both medical dramas won their hours.

*****

Returning after a two-week hiatus, Fox's drama lineup had "Bones" (8.5 million, 2.5) down 11%. At 9 p.m., "Fringe" (5 million, 1.7) hit a serious low, falling 23%. On the CW, "Vampire Diaries" (4.2 million, 2.0) admirably retained its recent gains. "Supernatural" (2.7 million, 1.2) continues to pretend like its not paired with a hit show, falling 14% this week.

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Marc Guggenheim Leaving FlashForward

Co-showrunner/executive producer Marc Guggenheim is leaving the freshman sf drama FlashForward. That will leave his co-creator/executive producer David Goyer as the only showrunner. The show claims that it was all planned.

The move follows a similar switch last week on CBS' freshman drama "The Good Wife." Showrunner/exec producer Dee Johnson, also brought in after the pilot, has departed, handing the reins to co-creators/exec producers Michelle and Robert King. Because of Goyer's limited hands-on TV series experience, "Eli Stone" co-creator Guggenheim was brought in after the "FlashForward" pilot to help with the launch of the mystery drama based on Robert Sawyer's novel.

After learning the ropes in a co-showrunner capacity on the original 12-episode order of "FlashForward" alongside Guggenheim, Goyer will fly solo for the series' back-nine order. Guggenheim will focus on development under his overall deal with "FlashForward" producer ABC Studios.

FlashForward is at a crucial time in the story arc. Fans are interested and like the show and the numbers are good. But some fans are already getting irritated at the slow pacing. We actually think the pacing is just fine and are looking forward to Dominic Monaghan's turn on the show as the mysterious Simon. But staff changes this early on can be problematic.

Posted on October 20, 2009
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