Networks will announce fall schedules next week
Starting next week, the broadcast networks will unveil their fall programming lineups in what is known as an upfront presentation, or upfront, for short. These are really more for the advertisers than the general public -- after all, they're primarily showcases that allow the networks the chance to sell significant chunks of their ad time before the new season starts. More than a few lofty promises and premises will be delivered by the head of the network (if not a couple of out-and-out apologies as well), a few executives will trumpet the superiority of their network's demographics (one possible example: "We're up 2.3 percent with Women 25-34 on Friday nights versus two of three opposing networks!") and some of the bigger shows' stars will make brief (and sometimes painfully awkward) appearances. There will be trailer-length versions -- and occasionally, full episodes -- of new programs shown to the audience, some of which will be met with rapt, almost stony silence, others with rich, hearty guffaws. (Pity the network whose comedies' clips achieve the former, and dramas the latter. And fear for the executive who picked them for the lineup.)