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by Angel Cohn March 30, 2009 2:11 PM

Chuck: Seven Reasons It Deserves a Third Season

It's spring and upfronts are on the way, which means that it's time for the networks to decide which shows they want to keep and which get cut. Chuck falls into the "bubble" show category -- series that do passably well, but haven't gotten a pick-up for next year yet, meaning that the outlook is uncertain. Which is a shame, especially since it's NBC, a network that will have five less hours of primetime programming available next year (given that it decided to give Jay Leno that plum 10 PM spot), so finding space for its existing slate of shows, as well as new pilots in the works, is going to be difficult. We're concerned for Chuck's chances, but we've got all our fingers crossed, hoping that it will work out. Here's why.

1. It's well-written.
For a show that blends action and comedy, it features some of the smartest and most quick-witted dialogue on TV, throwing in pop-culture references willy-nilly amid techno-babble and spy speak. And yet, it all works somehow.

2. There's a fun nostalgia factor.
Which other show is going to find a way to organically work in "Africa" by Toto? I can't think of one. Nearly every episode has some sort of inside joke or homage to culty classics, like Back to the Future, Tron, Dune or Ferris Bueller. That's not even taking into account all of the comic book, TV and computer references that appeal to our nerdier sides.

3. The Chuck/Sarah relationship
Hands down the most angst-ridden on-again, off-again, pretend couple on TV. The sparks fly between these two, but the writers always find ways to keep them apart (she kills people in cold blood to defend him, there's rules against inter-office dating, she's pretty much out of his league) while forcing them to constantly be together. We root for Chuck to get the Intersect removed from his brain so that he and Sarah can be together... but watching their "almost" moments makes it worth the wait.

4. The action sequences
They know how to do good explosions, but the more impressive stunts are the hand-to-hand battles that involve intense choreography, but look so realistic. There's a lot of care taken to show Chuck's ineptitude, without making the fights too one-sided or silly to watch. And there's nothing like watching Casey shoot someone in the head, or Sarah turn around and roundhouse kick someone. It's what makes all the best spy shows work.

5. The awesome cast
From the top down, this cast is fabulous. Zachary Levi is geeky, but in a hot and endearing way. Yvonne Strahovski is as sexy as a Bond girl, but can make us believe Sarah would actually fall for a nerd like Chuck. The entire Buy More clan looks like they actually stepped out of a big-box store. Adam Baldwin makes a perfect agent. And lets not forget Sarah Lancaster and Ryan McPartlin (Ellie and Captain Awesome), who give Chuck a life outside of his day job and his secret-agent Intersect work.

6. They know how to handle guest stars.
We're not huge fans of stuntcasting, but we're slightly more amenable to it when it's done well. And this show knows how to handle big names without letting them take over their show. What could be greater than watching Sarah beat the hell out of Nicole Richie, or seeing John Larroquette as a debonair retired Bond-type, or Dominic Monaghan as another rocker? Our favorite appearance was Reginald VelJohnson reviving his Die Hard role, complete with Twinkies. Though Tricia Helfer is on tonight, so we reserve our right to change our minds.

7. It's gotten better as it goes along.
While the first season was good, this show has really hit its stride in its second season. It takes more chances and has upped its spy-game antics. The character arcs are getting more elaborate and intriguing, and even the B-plots with the Buy More have been better-integrated. It's living up to its potential, so it would be a shame for it to get nixed just as we're really getting to the juicy bits.

Here's hoping that the powers that be see fit to give this original (if a little quirky) show another well-deserved season, because we'd love to see a quality show like this get a chance to keep on shining, and we really want to know more about the Intersect... and we'll be mighty ticked off if we're left on a cliffhanger.

TAGS: chuck

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68 Comments

March 30, 2009 3:10 PM

Michael

Hopefully Chuck gets A. another season, and B. out of that Monday timeslot of death. With what they're up against, I'm pleased it gets the ratings it does.

March 30, 2009 4:10 PM

Pixley

"Chuck" would be a bubble show on the old NBC...I don't think it has a prayer on this new NBC. Unless they decide to keep "Chuck" and punt "Heroes" (now getting relatively the same audience figures), but I'm not sure I see that happening...

I see no room for it on the schedule, assuming they'll keep their best-performing shows like "The Biggest Loser," "Law & Order: SVU," genuine original "Law & Order," "Heroes," "The Office," in addition to presumably several new shows. Unless they cancel 1/2 of their Thurs comedy block. Which means "30 Rock" or "My Name is Earl" are the odd men out...

March 30, 2009 4:32 PM

zapdsL

It's really sad to see the ratings dip for a show that continually gets better. Such is life, but at least we got two seasons out of this one. The fact that Heroes will probably outlive it makes it hurt even more.

March 30, 2009 5:18 PM

Videophile

If NBC doesn't want it, maybe they'll send it over to USA. It could have Monk's Friday night timeslot.

March 30, 2009 5:39 PM

Gregg247

That whole Jay Leno deal at 10:00 is the death knell for Chuck, I'm afraid. We can assume that they'll keep the following shows:

Heroes, Medium, Biggest Loser (1 hour) law & Order SVU, Law & Order, 4 comedies on Thursday, Dateline NBC and Football on Sunday. That leaves 1 hour on Wed., 2 hours on Friday, and 2 hours on Saturday (only if they start programming on Saturday again). That doesn't include a return of Deal or No Deal or Friday Night Lights. That's not much space for new shows PLUS a two year old show with declining ratings.

I love "Chuck", so I'm determined to enjoy each new episode we get this season, and not get my hopes up for next season.

March 30, 2009 5:40 PM

Gregg247

That whole Jay Leno deal at 10:00 is the death knell for Chuck, I'm afraid. We can assume that they'll keep the following shows:

I love "Chuck", so I'm determined to enjoy each new episode we get this season, and not get my hopes up for next season.

March 30, 2009 6:17 PM

luna_t

I guess I'm the only one who was kind of liking that Christian Slater show, and I'm still grieving my beloved Pushing Daisies. There are like 14 different shows on about offbeat geniouses who solve crimes by being weirdos but one about a totally average guy in adorably over his head might get snatched off the air? Why do they love to tease me and then bore me silly? The whole system is dumb. They should just buy 13 episode full-story shows, and commit to airing the whole thing. It's not that much to lose if the show doesn't find an audience, the whole story will always get told, and they'll always have the chance to strike gold with a show everyone loves, and then they can consider continuing running longer or more seasons of only shows that have proven ratings. Writers and actors will have the chance to work on new projects more often, there will be room for the different, quirky shows, and viewers won't have time to grow to hate once beloved characters, and writers won't get so bored as to have to make up Wile E Coyote style ways of killing people off and the world of TV will be a better, more interesting place. But in the mean time, give Chuck one more season, even if it's a short one, so they can wrap it up.

March 30, 2009 6:25 PM

tvgirl48

If I didn't already love you, Angel Cohn, I would now for this article. Chuck continually surprises me with how great it is with everything: cast, writing, romance, etc. And it has moved away from simple procedural and added some actual storylines (which networks loathe) which make the show even more rewarding. This is one of those shows that I know more people would like if they were aware of it. The strike kinda squashed any promotion it got and killed any of its initial potential thunder. Oh if only if only networks supported shows because of their quality rather than JUST ratings.

March 30, 2009 6:30 PM

Bissrok

I think it'd be a shame to drop the show.

I wasn't the biggest fan, but I think you're right in saying that it has gotten a lot better. Like Chuck's crazy spy poster. I thought that was a nice touch. It's just good to see the plot move somewhere. That does a lot to keep me interested.

March 30, 2009 6:38 PM

Boof

Thank you Angel for the Chuck write up. I LOVE this show and will be very sad if it does not return for a third year. If it does get the axe, I hope they are at least given a chance to wrap it up. (though given that it is already almost april, I kind of doubt it) I want to see Chuck and Sarah together!!

March 30, 2009 7:17 PM

Lyna

God. After what happened to Pushing Daisies (I too am still in mourning, and not being able to see the last three episodes is NOT helping, ABC!), it really hurts to have to worry about this show too. There's not going to be anything left that I truly love on TV if this goes...

March 30, 2009 7:18 PM

While Heroes got worse and worse to the point where I stopped watching it, Chuck has gotten better and better--it's really hitting its stride and I hope we get to see the story unfold. I've lent my season 1 DVDs out to friends and they love it and wonder why they never even knew this show was on! It's a brilliantly written and acted show, and it's NBC's own fault it doesn't have the audience it should. If NBC cancels Chuck, then I am done with NBC. Chuck is the only thing on NBC I watch; it's my favorite show on TV.

March 30, 2009 7:19 PM

March 30, 2009 7:32 PM

I would hate to live in a world where Chuck is canceled and Heroes lives on.

March 30, 2009 7:36 PM

Chuckstheman

Great article! Chuck is my favorite show as well. I think it really deserves at least a shot in a third season on a better night. Here's a link to a letter writing campaign for a third season of the show.
http://chucktv.net/forum/index.php?topic=544.0

Put your voice into print and make it heard!

March 30, 2009 7:37 PM

Chuckstheman

Put your voice into print and make it heard!

March 30, 2009 8:57 PM

writersblock

NBC has no clue what they are doing and Silverman needs to be canned. If NBC drops Chuck and does NOT send it off to the USA Network, no amount of love for "the Office" will get me to tune into NBC again.

Oh - and "Life" is another terrific show that is going to be canned because of Leno. Who stinks by the way. I hope his 10pm slot bombs. NBC deserves to slip in the overall ratings for devoting a prime slot to a cheaply made program like Leno will have.

Idiots...

March 30, 2009 9:22 PM

esprit15d

Angel - Brilliantly written. I agreed with every word. I can't believe someone who is not me could so acurately convey what I am feeling about this show. The writing is truly great. They don't even neglet green shirt dialog. Chuck is currently my favorite show, and I'm just gutted that more ppl don't watch it. I wax poetry about it at work, but I just don't know if anyone is tuning in.

March 30, 2009 9:49 PM

Brandy

I'd hate to see Chuck go, especially since it's in the worst time slot on television. Not it's fault. The quality is there.

March 30, 2009 10:12 PM

Brett

Thanks for the article, Angel. It would such a shame if this show were canceled. Good acting, good writing, good music, terrible time slot. Save Chuck!

March 30, 2009 10:47 PM

tvgirl48

And what kills me about this show is that I love every cast member. It's just cast perfectly. It's one of the only shows where I can honestly say that I enjoy everyone on it.

March 30, 2009 10:56 PM

Jill

Maybe I should thank the networks for freeing up so much of my time this year. They keep canceling good shows so I can go find other things to do. I've got movies piling up in my Netflix queue, I'll have lots of time to catch up once every show I've ever liked is canceled.

Chuck is such a great show in a time slot populated by other great shows. Mondays I find myself taping Chuck and Heroes while I watch House and 24 (really, people? we couldn't spread that out a little bit more to other nights?) and it's killing shows that don't deserve to die. I really hope Chuck gets a chance to continue.

March 31, 2009 12:00 AM

Natalie

It is such a solid show and one I look forwards to every week. Good scripted shows need to be given chances (seriously, we watch!), anything besides reality dreck. All the points here are correct.

March 31, 2009 12:06 AM

Rick

NBC is out of their MIND giving LenBLOW all of that prime real-estate. What the hell? I thought he was quitting or retiring? Why do we still have to look at his ginormous chin? If he wanted to stay on TV, why didn't he just stay on the Tonight Show and spare the world the horror of a Jimmy Fallon show?

I sincerely hope "Chuck" is renewed, or finds a new home. It is an absolutely awesome show, and it deserves better...like maybe a Thursday night slot perhaps?

March 31, 2009 12:24 AM

Natalie

It is such a solid show and one I look forwards to every week. Good scripted shows need to be given chances (seriously, we watch!), anything besides reality dreck. All the points here are correct.

March 31, 2009 2:46 AM

Gary

Now lets see you make the arguement for NBC's LIFE.

March 31, 2009 5:43 AM

Emmy-lou

I definitely want to see Chuck renewed for another season, so much so that I wrote a similar piece last week on my own blog, pieceoftelevisionpie.blogspot (sorry for the self promotion). Lets hope that NBC realise what a good show they have and that if it does get renewed then ratings will somehow go up.

March 31, 2009 7:46 AM

Cat

If NBC cuts Chuck, they cut the only reason I watch their channel. I love the show, while I'm not particually fond of the Buymore cast (I think they have gotten better). I love the interaction between Chuck and Sarah, and Chuck and Casey. All three together are great. I agree they do know how to handle guest stars better than some shows that have been on for years. I actually spend my time switching back and forth between Chuck and House, my two loves on regular tv.
I never got into Heroes, and they cut My Own Worst Enemy so they leave me with nothing. I don't watch Leno, and definitely not watching him at 10pm. I can happily go back to HBO and Showtime.

March 31, 2009 8:15 AM

Jule

As Jill pointed out up there, Mondays are on overload. Chuck, Heroes, House, 24, Big Bang Theory, and How I Met Your Mother all air on Mondays. I end up watching one and watching the others online later in the week, because I am a poor starving student and don't have DVR. I don't usually watch the shows online the night after they air, so I don't believe my viewing of them 'counts' towards ratings. It really is a shame, because nearly every show I like to watch airs on the same night, and the overload is killing a number of excellent shows - not to mention leaving me bored for the rest of the week. Chuck is one of my favorite shows hands-down, and I will be really disappointed if a well-written, up-and-coming show like Chuck is cancelled while crap-fests like Heroes and past-their-prime staples like 24 are allowed to keep limping on.

March 31, 2009 9:38 AM

Marianne

Thanks for showing Chuck some love Angel! I agree with everything you've written. Its a testament to the cast, characters and stories that I look forward to Mondays as much as I do.

March 31, 2009 9:39 AM

Ashley

I'm with you Cat. Chuck is the only reason I hit the NBC dial. My monday nights are specifically scheduled at home so I can tune in.

I guess I'll have to start knitting or something if it gets canceled.

March 31, 2009 9:58 AM

Kendall

This is the only show my 12 and 13-year-old boys insist on watching live. Even with the DVR recording it, everything else still has to stop Monday nights at 8:00 for Chuck. We even had a season premiere party with Chuck roast, Nerds and Bryce cream sundaes... I've started trying to brace them for cancellation, but they're going to be crushed. This is their "Adam-12" or "Eight Is Enough" -the show they'll grow up remembering.

March 31, 2009 12:18 PM

fastiller

replied to comment from Gregg247

"That whole Jay Leno deal at 10:00 is the death knell for Chuck, I'm afraid. We can assume that they'll keep the following shows"
- - Gregg247

Actually I think that the Leno five nights a week at 10pm is the deathknell for NBC full stop.

March 31, 2009 1:58 PM

Carey

I truly hope that NBC doesn't make the mistake of canceling this show. I'm trying to brace myself for disappointment, but I'll be crushed if this show is over. It's so incredibly well written and the cast is amazing. I actually look forward to Mondays for this show alone. I wish there was more I could do to keep it from getting canceled.

March 31, 2009 2:03 PM

Carey

March 31, 2009 5:04 PM

Chassy Cat

THANK you, Angel. After Veronica Mars and Pushing Daisies, you'd think I'd learn. Don't fall in love with a TV show! The network will let you down in the end.

That said, I concur with all the kudos for the awesome cast (pun totally intended), the well-written storylines (with adequate suspension of disbelief, naturally), the will-they-won't-they angst of Chuck and Sarah's relationship, and the pop-culture fun woven into every episode of Chuck. Oh, and Morgan. Can't forget the Morgan!

Despite my best efforts to harden my heart, I will be genuinely crushed if they cancel Chuck, my favorite show on TV.

March 31, 2009 6:15 PM

Elizabeth

Jay Leno I can definitely live without. I am so over Law & Order - about 5 years ago. Biggest loser, sorry no way. CHUCK live on. Please.

I swear, pretty soon I won't watch TV any more. All my shows are getting cancelled.

April 1, 2009 10:26 AM

nedibes

There is one more reason for NBC to keep Chuck, and I can't believe they haven't taken advantage yet:
AWESOME potential for tie-ins! Shameless product plugs seem to have kept 30-Rock on-air so far, so why not Chuck? What could be more natural than more shots of Buy-More employees selling GE products? And while they're at it, why not make their funny Buy-More website into an actual portal to sell GE stuff? Sure, it's a little sell-outy, but I would gladly have bought my new washer/dryer last year from the "Buy-More" if it would help keep Chuck on the air.

April 3, 2009 10:32 AM

Snark Shark

Chuck is screwed thanks to the Mighty Chin, as are other worthy shows like Life and Medium. Leno will KILL this network dead, no matter how much money he saves them short term.

There just aren't enough hours left in the programming week now, and Law & Orders will take 2 of them, Heroes another, Biggest Loser another (assuming they cut it to 1 hour and not 2), The Office and 30 Rock anywhere from 60-90 minutes, Deal or No Deal at least another hour, etc. etc.

Chuck is F@cked. And Universal doesn't have the BALLS to move it to USA Network or Sci-Fi, so that won't happen to save it either.

Enjoy it now and savor. It will be the last you see of it, short of a miracle. And even then, I bet it might only be a half order.

April 3, 2009 3:25 PM

Valerie

You nailed it--I never anticipated liking Chuck, but it's my favorite show on TV--consistently good/witty, and great character development!

April 4, 2009 10:17 AM

Kathym

I want to thank NBC for putting Leno on at 10pm. It gives me a chance to get to bed early. Will watch early local news at 10. Chuck is ONLY show I watch on NBC. Remainder of shows stink. If Chuck got half of ads as Dancing, between "news" shows & ads, would do ALOT better. WAKE UP NBC!

April 4, 2009 2:09 PM

Philippa

Total support for 'Chuck' here in the UK!

April 4, 2009 7:18 PM

Grace

Count me in as another big fan of Chuck! I've got my fingers crossed that NBC gives it a shot again in the fall.

(That said, if they don't keep it on NBC proper, I think a night of Chuck and Burn Notice back to back could be huge for USA.....!)

April 5, 2009 5:41 AM

Matt

Chuck will be back, I've seem the ratings but i've also seen the upcoming stories, its numbers will improve enough to get it a renewal. Personally I'd move it to Wednesday though...just me.

April 5, 2009 6:17 PM

The past few episodes I've found myself fast forwarding through the BuyMore sections. It's odd that the real life portion of the show is more unbelievable than the spy part.

April 6, 2009 4:24 PM

Charah

Chuck rocks. I personally think that it currently the best show on TV but has bleak prospects for a third season as those idiots at NBC prefer lunkhead shows like Leno and Heroes. If Chuck does get cancelled than I wish that NBC sinks alongwith Heroes and Leno.

April 6, 2009 7:03 PM

Jean

I have to agree with Jill about the networks freeing up my time. Since ABC cancelled Eli Stone and hasn't announced when or if they will air the last four episodes, there is not much else on except Chuck. It is truly an enjoyable show that has gotten better over time. I sure hope it gets another season!

April 8, 2009 5:52 PM

First, promotion for CHUCK was very bad, they don't advertise the damn thing on NBC during the week. Secondly, because I've seen this season's episodes I bought the first season on DVD being that I never watched last season's. Thirdly, most so called 'nerds' or teckheads watch TV online and thus Nielson usually don't pick up on the million extra viewers on Hulu and other sites. Fourth, I damn will stop watching NBC and never ever again commit to a show if Chuck gets canceled. Believe me on that, there are many things I can do with my time...

April 10, 2009 9:02 AM

nycdude

Chuck was going to be a favorite when I saw the promo for it 2 seasons ago because the premise was fresh and new. Two seasons later, I am totally hooked on it. I DVR it because I need to put my kids to bed and always miss the beginning. It the only show that I religiously watch on a regular basis on network tv.

April 10, 2009 4:37 PM

Jim

My 9 year old and I love Chuck. It's about the only thing on TV that we can watch together during prime time.

I hope they keep our favorite show

April 13, 2009 6:29 PM

Chuck is the only show i watch on nbc, and how things stand at the momment if we the fans dont do something about it its going to be the last thing i watch

if you want to join the fight to help give chuck a third season go to www.chucktv.net

April 14, 2009 12:46 PM

Tom

Lets pray that our heroes Chuck get his third seasons, this is the only tv shows i enjoy verymuch currently, after The Sopranos and Friends gone Chuck is simply my favorites. its better than Heroes,or any other CSI crap!

April 17, 2009 5:04 PM

Hannah

Thank you.

Very well written and convincing.

Chuck!

April 19, 2009 11:00 PM

Kat

I want NBC to keep both Chuck and Life. They are both better than much of what is out there. Well written reasons to keep Chuck around, now let's hope NBC listens.

April 20, 2009 11:15 AM

jen

I totally don't get it. Chuck is a great show.

April 20, 2009 1:58 PM

Jim

Keep CHUCK!!!!! Great chemistry amongst cast, great combo of comedy, action, and humanity. Besides, where else could Adam Baldwin find a show where his growl fits right in?

April 20, 2009 9:48 PM

Heather

replied to comment from luna_t

I LOVED that Christian Slater show and was PISSED when it was cancelled. If they cancel Chuck I will never get into another series EVER especially on NBC :P

April 20, 2009 10:22 PM

Laura

Chuck is hands down my favorite show on tv. It's the only one I have to see every week. It's light-hearted and funny, the cast has great-chemistry, and its a show I can watch with my kids in the room. Nothing better!

April 20, 2009 10:34 PM

Qiana

chuck has to have a 3rd season! It can't end!! I absoultly love the show chuck! Chuck and heros are my favorite shows in the world!! all i am asking is please don't end chuck it needs so many more seasons or at least 2 more but tons more!! PLEASE DON'T END CHUCK!!!

April 21, 2009 12:04 PM

tracie

replied to comment from luna_t

No way! Me TOO! I loved "My own worst enemy"........could have been a box office movie.......I love Chuck..... I know I won't be watching 4 hours of comedians M-F..... (starting with Jay Leno) just so the network can save money......I'm totally with you....I'm also sick of all of the C.S.I.'s and the Law and Orders...not to mention all of the mind numbing reality shows....blaaahhh....Biggest Loser good all others BAD!

April 21, 2009 5:32 PM

holly

I love Chuck, This show is so different from any other. NBC give it a chance, there are views out there who would hate to see it go.

Save the Nerd Chuck!!!!

April 22, 2009 11:58 AM

carist

replied to comment from Lyna

According to the Futon Critic, ABC will be burning off the remaining episodes of Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone and Dirty, Sexy Money on saturday nights, starting May 30.
http://www.thefutoncritic.com/guide.aspx?id=summer_2009

April 27, 2009 1:15 AM

fan

Please save Chuck!!!! Leno can suck it.

April 27, 2009 8:21 PM

ellen

Chuck is one of the best shows NBC has...they should definitely keep it... it's cleaver, witty and funny!!

April 28, 2009 8:43 PM

Ian

geez nbc is bad enough as it is if they take chuck off im gonna b so pissssseedddd

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