ERIN UNDERHILL: We were beyond happy.
Weve heard so much chatter about the decline in broadcast.
UNDERHILL: For the holidays, we definitely took a break.
(Clockwise from top left) ‘Law & Order,’ ‘FBI,’ ‘The Equalizer’ and ‘Chicago’ franchises and (inset) Erin UnderhillMaarten de Boer/NBC
I feel like it was a mad dash.
Im not saying people didnt work weekends.
DEADLINE:You didnt have any scripts banked, so this was starting from zero, right?
UNDERHILL: This is from ground zero.
So yes, we hit the ground running when the strike ended and material came fast and furiously.
DEADLINE:Why do you think have the ratings been held up so well?
Was it extra anticipation created by the delay due to the strikes?
And I think also theyre well told stories.
So theres that flexibility in viewing as well, which I think was a plus.
DEADLINE:The procedurals nature of close-ended storytelling has been part of their ratings resilience.
Thats another thing Dick Wolf is known for, producing efficiently.
Is this part of why you think so many Wolf shows have been around for so long?
UNDERHILL: I think you hit the nail on the head.
They are very disciplined in terms of how they spend their money.
The money is on the screen, that is for sure.
The shows have carried on and continue to do well.
Why is that and why are there so many casting changes?
Sam Waterston coming back toLaw & Orderwas a great get, and I think fans loved that.
So I think its twofold.
Back in the day I worked onERas a current executive, and we would do the same thing withER.
A little like a tweak in the foundation, if you will.
You are facing renewal negotiation with CBS where the previous four-show, two-year deal came after some tense conversations.
What do you expect this time?
You also have theChicagoandLaw & Orderseries up for renewal at NBC.
What can you tell us about the status of renewal talks?
UNDERHILL:Well, we are in early discussions and I feel really hopeful.
So Im very optimistic that there will be a path forward for another season.
And the same here at NBC.
DEADLINE:Have you started talks with both networks already?
UNDERHILL: I think its probably a little premature to talk about that.
DEADLINE:Dick Wolf has nine series over three broadcast procedural franchises.
I think he has hinted that his goal is four franchises, 12 shows.
Has he pitched another franchise?
Does he have one more big procedural franchise in him you think?
He is always creating and thinking about whats next.
I 100% believe that there will be more ideas to come about, another stack, another franchise.
I have high hopes for that.
DEADLINE:What aboutQuantum Leap, which is on the bubble.
Do you have hopes that the show will continue?
So were optimistic but we wont know anything with certainty until I think probably April.
Are they 90% of your drama business as a studio on the broadcast side?
But even that show will have episodic stories.
DEADLINE:Based on UTVs dramas performance, what are your expectations going forward?
UNDERHILL: We were really excited and pleased to see the strength of the Universal Television procedurals returning.
So we feel great and really optimistic about the season ahead and the season to come.
UTVsFBIdramas air new episodes tonight, followed byOne Chicagotomorrow, theLaw & Orderlineup Thursday andThe Equalizeron Sunday.
