CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- NBC is making good on at least one of its pre-sweeps promises as its hiatused drama "The Lyon's Den" is set to return to the Peacock's schedule on Sunday, November 30 at 10:00/9:00c.
NBC topper Jeff Zucker told reporters in late October that while "Coupling" and "The Lyon's Den" would not air during November sweeps, both would return after the key ratings period. Since said promise, the Peacock axed "Coupling" (read the story) while "Den" has gone through some creative changes.
The show's creator, Remi Aubuchon, stepped down as showrunner on the series due to creative differences with Brad Grey Television and 20th Century Fox Television shortly before NBC pulled the show (read the story). Aubuchon reportedly wanted to delve more into the murder mystery mythology established in the pilot while the studios were pushing for more close-ended legal stories. All parties say NBC itself didn't ask for the change however was supportive of the decision. Aubuchon remains as a writer/producer on the show.
For its five airings this season, "Den" averaged 10.1 million viewers, off slightly from "Boomtown's" 10.7 million viewer average during the same period last season. Repeats of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" will continue to fill the Sunday, 10:00/9:00c hour until "Den's" return on November 30. "Intent's" November 2 repeat broadcast snagged 10.8 million viewers, the time slot's best numbers since "Den's" pilot episode (12.3 million). This past Sunday NBC aired its telefilm "Saving Jessica Lynch" where it scored 14.9 million viewers.
|