Wednesday’s “sneak preview” of “Go On” will be a litmus test for NBC, which has been promoting the sitcom virtually nonstop during the network’s Summer Olympics coverage.
And why not? It’s smart to take advantage of a built-in audience of 35 million viewers a night. But whether the strategy will work remains to be seen — especially for a new show airing at 11 p.m. following four hours of Olympics coverage. And “Go On” won’t return until Sept. 11.
In years past, networks traditionally waited until September, and sometimes October, to premiere their new shows (with the exception of Fox, which started the growing trend of summer bows).
But not anymore. Joining “Go On” in the “sneak preview” category is NBC’s “Animal Practice,” airing this Sunday at 11 p.m. after the closing ceremonies in London. Like “Go On,” this sitcom has been promoted like nobody’s business during the Olympics — and it also won’t air again for a while (Sept. 26 at 8 p.m.).
Fox’s “Ben & Kate” and “The Mindy Project” will also offer early premieres (both online, Aug. 27) before their broadcast debuts.