Fall TV: NBC Orders Full Seasons for Revolution, Go On & The New Normal

It was just a matter of minutes before this news hit. As the first network to make a move this Fall TV season, NBC has announced Tuesday afternoon that they have ordered full seasons for three of their freshman series – Revolution, Go On and The New Normal. Neither of these pickups really come as much of a surprise after strong debuts this season and, more importantly, maintenance of those strong ratings.

Go On premiered with giant ratings with a special preview during the Olympics and that momentum was not amiss when the show premiered in early September. With help from The Voice, Revolution has given NBC some of it’s best numbers in years and shows no signs of slowing down. With the vote of confidence from the network, viewers might now be more inclined to stick around and see the story told.

NBC Chairman Robert Greenblatt notes the success post-Olympics and attributes strong ratings to that platform. “The strategy for this season was to draft off the promotional platform of the Olympics and then begin our season early and strong. I think we’ve accomplished both of those goals, yet we know it’s a long season and there’s much work ahead of us. We are so appreciative of all the great talent that is working so hard on these shows.”

NBC reminds us that Revolution is averaging a 3.6 rating, 9 share in adults 18-49 and 9.8 million viewers in “live plus same day” results through its first three telecasts and that it shattered records with its debut with the highest 18-49 rating (4.1) for a premiering drama on any network in three years (since ABC’s “V” on October 3, 2009, 5.2) and the highest for a premiering NBC drama in five years (since “Bionic Woman,” September 26, 2007, 5.7). Revolution has also held its own against established dramas Castle and Hawaii Five-O.

NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke noted in a statement

“We’re impressed with the imagination and creative direction of the entire team on ‘Revolution,’ not to mention the immediately strong response we got from the audience. Ordering the full season of this show is a pleasure. Thanks to J.J. Abrams, Erik Kripke, Jon Favreau, and everyone at Bad Robot and Warner Bros. Television for their dedication to making a truly unique series. And I personally love to escape into a world where there is no power, the phone doesn’t ring, and the pace of life slows down — if only for one hour a week! We’re also very proud of our new comedy block of ‘Go On’ and ‘The New Normal.’ In partnering with Matthew Perry for ‘Go On,’ creator Scott Silveri has created a comedy with a highly original voice that deftly combines humor and emotion. And Ryan Murphy and Ali Adler have created a truly unique family in ‘The New Normal’ that is reflective of the changing dynamics of the world we live in. These shows are both welcome additions to our new lineup!”

This news comes on the heel of NBC winning premiere week (yes, I swear it’s true!) for the first time in nine years. No word on any network cancellations, but we’re predicting Partners (CBS) and The Mob Doctor (Fox) are on the block to be the first casualty of the season…and we’re thinking the news might come sooner than later.

What say you about the news? Sound off!