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Is the end in sight for ‘Friday Night Lights’?
As for Austin-based “Friday Night Lights,” I could never quite commit to putting in the time with the show. I had heard about what a great show it was from people whom I respect, but I could never get around to checking it out until last month, when I borrowed Season One from a friend. Thanks to a head cold and a lot of couch time, I plowed through the first season with vigor. I thought the acting — much of it improvised — was superb, appreciated the multiple-camera style and admittedly enjoyed seeing scenes of Austin. Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler make one of the best married couples in recent TV history, and while some of the younger actors have their weak moments, overall I thought the first season was fantastic. Now, just as I am about to start Season Two (which I have heard takes an unfortunate turn toward the melodramatic), it seems, one again, the show will be off the air before I can catch up all the way.
According to an Entertainment Weekly exclusive, the fifth season of the show will be its last. For those who have not been following the story of the Little Local TV Show That Could, the third and fourth seasons debuted first on DirectTV (Season Four actually ends tonight) before re-airing on NBC (Season Four is scheduled to premiere April 30). Season Five will be premiering on DirectTV in the fall, but, if form holds, likely won’t air on NBC until next year. So, while the end is in sight for the high school football drama, it will still likely be a part of our TV lives for another year or so.
As for me, I can enjoy running out the string as long as I like, I reckon. But, please, no spoilers.
(What follows are a few bullet points from the EW exclusive.)
While there was always the possibility that the critical darling could continue for a sixth season, no one connected to the show really expected it to. In other words, though we may sniffle and sob, the cast and crew have already gotten that out of their system by now.For the show’s MVPs, the timing is great: Pilot season is just kicking off, so the actors are free to attach themselves to new fall shows with no availability issues. As I mentioned, production on season 5 is expected to wrap in June or July, right around the time most broadcast shows start up production. (My God, can you imagine the bidding wars that’ll ensue over the services of Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton?)
The timing of the announcement is also great for behind-the-scenes quarterback Jason Katims and his fellow producers. Now they can call their final plays knowing that they’ll be their final plays.
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By Liz
February 11, 2010 9:03 AM | Link to this
BEST SHOW ON TELEVISION!
By V
February 11, 2010 2:02 PM | Link to this
Even though it’s been a good 20yrs since my H.S. days, I love this show! Kyle Chandler & Connie Britton as a married couple are fantastic. They feel so real. I will miss this show.
By Joe
February 11, 2010 10:37 PM | Link to this
Just finished catching up on all the seasons. Awesome show and can’t wait to see what’s coming up