The Best Director

Chapter 327: If You’re Not Humble, Then Don’t Be Humble!

“HEY! Did you watch ‘The Big Bang Theory’ last night? It was so funny!” In lively schools and bright offices, this phrase became the latest way for friends and colleagues to greet each other and the newest topic of casual conversation, “I saw it, Wang Yang definitely did not disappoint!” “Sheldon was hilarious! I’m totally rooting for that actor.” “Check out my blog! I wrote a review, haha, it still makes me laugh just thinking about it.”…

“There really is string theory! It’s the coolest show I’ve seen.” Geeks and nerds from universities like MIT, CIT, UCLA, and others were abuzz with laughter. The drama ‘MIT-21-TEAM’ brought fame to the departments of mathematics, statistics, and econometrics, and now it was finally the physics department’s turn! Although this new series that had only aired two episodes wasn’t yet the talk of the town, it already had numerous hardcore devotees, including a host of IT professionals from Silicon Valley, employees at Blogger, Google, Yahoo, and more who were all chuckling in discussions—many of these IT folks were geeks themselves: “Yeah! Wang Yang’s cameo was so funny, the Force attack was a great idea.” “When do you think Google will show up?”

At the Google headquarters, known for its .2 governance index, a Golden Retriever roamed around while someone was engrossed in coding at their computer desk, another strummed a guitar, a group played video game consoles, and many others were sitting on sofas, drinking coffee and laughing about ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ The first two episodes featured ‘EverQuest’ and Blogger appeared several times; they had no idea if that counted as product placement. Now that Wang Yang had become a minor boss at Google, and considering how strong Google’s momentum was, they believed it would inevitably appear on ‘TBBT’: “I think the Playboy interview with Brin and Page might be something Wang Yang uses for humor,” “Haha!”…

“A lot of the scientific theories inside are really interesting.” “I feel like Wang Yang is mocking us with this.” Discussions about ‘TBBT’ were taking place in high school campuses across America. Those high school nerds who used to watch ‘Freaks and Geeks’ were now college students, and the new generation of nerds only knew about the new show ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ Some were excitedly joyful, and others were anxiously irritable and indignant: “It’s as if they’re saying he never got bullied by those jerks before.” “He can fight well, but mock nerds? Asians? Definitely not.”

“Please! You guys really don’t understand Wang Yang at all. He is a geek! You should check out his blog; just a few days ago, he revealed his own comic book collection; he also plays ‘World of Warcraft’, but I don’t know what his character’s nickname is…”

“Eternal Enemy number seven, haha! I wonder if Sheldon will grow to like ‘Firefly’ in the future?” “The two episodes yesterday were amazing; I just gave them 9.5 on IMDB.” ‘The Big Bang Theory’ had shaken the entire American geek community, not just schools and the IT industry, but also animation industries like Blue Sky Studios, comic book personnel, and many more… Everyone was excited and yet worried that it might get canceled, losing ‘The Big Bang Theory’ would be like returning to the dark ages!

That’s not all—if Wang Yang failed, what other movie studio or channel would dare to try a geek-themed comedy? Anyway, they couldn’t think of a funnier or more appealing approach: “Who are Sheldon and the others based on?” “I need to go to Wang Yang’s blog and ask about the odds of Sheldon & Penny!”…

But does ‘The Big Bang Theory’ only appeal to nerds and geeks? What about other audience groups? What were its premiere ratings?

“How much?” “Did it get over 18 million?” “What about 18-49?” At companies like CBS, ABC, and at the NBC headquarters in Rockefeller Center in New York, there was an air of tension in the entertainment department as people asked each other and sought the latest news—what was the Nielsen ratings report like? There were rumors that the first two episodes had averaged over 18 million, surpassing the initial target, and others said over 20 million; for the 18-49 demographic, some said it wasn’t particularly exciting, while others said it exploded, this uncertainty adding to their anxiety.

“Joey’s” pilot, as well as the internal screenings, weren’t very impressive. Following standard procedure, NBC invited the most loyal “Friends” viewers, along with non-“Friends” viewers, to evaluate internally. People of varying ages all showed little interest; some even bluntly called it “boring.” They all knew deep down that this series simply couldn’t carry the burden. It was just using up the last bit of popularity from “Friends,” which would soon expire if not utilized; after all, advertisers did fancy “Joey,” and there weren’t many good new shows, so it was merely a temporary solution—a shot in the dark.

“The Big Bang Theory,” on the other hand, possessed that championship quality. It was either “unbeatable” or a “Black Hawk Down,” and they decided to go all-in with it. Whether it could hold onto the Thursday PM 8:00-8:30 slot, whether it could beat out CBS’s “Two and a Half Men” and become the new darling of the masses—all would be determined by this show!

“Phew! Wang Yang, Wang Yang, Wang Yang…” The viewership report for Thursday, September 30, sat on the desk, yet Kevin Reilly hesitated to open it. He seemed to be chanting Wang Yang’s name like casting a spell, fidgeting with the knot of his tie. As New York entered October and grew colder, he felt a stifling heat throughout his body, his heart pounding unusually fast and heavy. Was Wang Yang’s Law still in effect? Success or failure hinged on this very moment!

“God bless!” Kevin Reilly bit down on his teeth and slowly opened the blue folder, then closed it again! The tension was palpable, a bead of sweat sliding down his forehead—he thought he saw a number starting with 2. The document also mentioned reorganization at the ABC executive level, promotions, dismissals, bonuses, villa mortgages… Suddenly, Kevin Reilly flipped open the document and looked at it. It was a good while before he took a long breath, leaned back in his chair, pressing his forehead, and exclaimed, OH-DEAR-GOD! He shook his head, laughing, “It still works…”

“It-Works! It-Still-Works! Ha!” ABC, upon seeing this viewership report, the new group CEO Anne Sweeney was thrilled. Of course, not because of the dreadful average viewership of 5.5 million across three programs in ABC’s prime time slot last night but because Wang Yang’s Law was still effective!!

21.28 million! 22.70 million! “The Big Bang Theory” scored a total victory with its premiere viewership, averaging 21.99 million for both episodes! The night’s peak viewership happened during the second episode’s final segment, the Chinese restaurant scene featuring guest stars Wang Yang and Bradley Cooper, which garnered over 23.65 million viewers nationwide! However, the most surprising was the number of viewers in the 18-49 demographic, reaching an exaggerated height, respectively scoring 15/23 and 16/24 points!

A set of numbers illustrates just how excited everyone at NBC was at this moment. In the ’94-’95 season, the first season of “Friends” averaged 14.88 million viewers, peaking in the ’01-’02 season with 24.50 million ranking first for the year, and last year’s tenth season had 20.84 million; NBC’s second trump card “Will & Grace” had an average 12.30 million viewers in its ’98-’99 debut season, and 15.20 million last year in its sixth season; CBS’s ace “Everybody Loves Raymond” had 10.60 million its ’96-’97 debut season, 15.40 million last season, and this year it’s over; “Two and a Half Men” averaged 13.30 million last year in its debut season.

“Prison Break” took out two of CBS’s sitcoms on Monday, and now “Prison Break” fans, “Friends” fans, Wang Yang fans…all gathered on Thursday, giving “The Big Bang Theory” the explosive energy it needed at its premiere! The fact that the second episode garnered higher viewership than the first indicates that viewers who watched the first episode continued to tune in, and new viewers switched over! Whether it was to see the magical director bring the “The Hangover” gang for a cameo or not, the extremely high viewership in the 18-49 demographic meant high advertising costs!

In an age when production costs for series keep rising and everything demands exceptional quality, it’s rare for a traditional multi-camera sitcom to create such outstanding premiere results for comedies and series in recent years! It looks like “The Big Bang Theory” has impeccably caught the baton passed from “Friends,” continuing the “Thursday NBC Comedy Night” tradition, and becoming another must-watch series for young Americans, is that correct?

Even with Wang Yang’s Law, it might still be too early to come to a conclusion. It seems we will have to wait for the third episode, the fourth episode…or even the end of the season to truly know. But for now, everyone is reveling in this joy, everyone except CBS.

At CBS headquarters in Black Rock Building, a gloomy pall hung over the Entertainment Department, as if it were the day after the premiere of “Prison Break” last year, the conference room filled with top executives fell silent.

If one were to simply look at yesterday’s ratings, CBS should not be so downcast because “The Big Bang Theory” secured only the second spot; the champion was “CSI” from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with 26.6 million viewers, while NBC’s second season of “The Apprentice” drew only 16.1 million viewers; from 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM, CBS’s “Without a Trace” again won with 18.9 million over NBC’s “Story of Emergency Room” with 15.5 million. Wasn’t it just their eight o’clock show “Survivor” that lost with 18.6 million?

“We need a capable producer like Wang Yang, we need new sitcoms, new pillars,” Nancy Tellem said slowly, seemingly aged overnight. The managers on both sides of the conference table nodded in silence. They missed it, completely missed it! They could have had the chance to get the amazing Yang, only if they were resolute. Now without “Prison Break”, without the Monday champions; without “The Big Bang Theory”, the new era of sitcoms might also be lost; perhaps even “Desperate Housewives.”

“Everybody Loves Raymond” was ending, “Two and a Half Men” was not quite mature yet, what else did they have? Nancy Tellem looked at the files for some of the new plans for the next year, “How I Met Your Mother,” “Story of Medical Home,” “Chasing Alison” — how were they?

“Yeah!” “Wow!” Thunderous applause broke out in the NBC Entertainment Department meeting room, Kevin Reilly, Paul Jones, and others celebrated with great excitement, as long as they held on to the amazing Yang, all the great ratings would come! They had no choice but to hold on. The shows that were just passing time on Fridays and Saturdays could not be counted on, and the old dramas on Sundays weren’t likely to burst out of nowhere. The ranking of prime time drama shows for the week included: “Prison Break,” “The Big Bang Theory,” declining ratings for “The Apprentice,” declining ratings for “Story of Emergency Room”…

“Tell us, Yang, do you have any other TV series ideas? If ‘The Big Bang Theory’ reaches a certain viewership, would you make another one?” After a round of cheering and celebrating, Kevin Reilly once again tempted Wang Yang, who was on a call from Los Angeles. The department heads, all grins from ear to ear, chimed in support, “Yang, give us another one!” “We’ll take Wednesday next season too!” Kevin Reilly added with a laugh, “We’ll agree to whatever you want,” which filled the room with joyful laughter.

“Thanks, guys, really appreciated, but no,” Wang Yang said with a mix of laughter and helplessness upon hearing their words. Managing two TV series was almost the limit for him unless he stopped making movies, or stopped taking vacations and spending time with his family; how else would he have the time? He loved his job, but he would never go to the crazy extent of neglecting his life, especially since there was also a major plan for having a baby next year. He said with a smile, “I’m very happy to achieve this result, let’s first concentrate on maintaining it!”

Another problem with having too many plans is the potential to mess everything up: more work does not always mean better. A balance between work and leisure, a happy life, is what creates the best state of being. However, Wang Yang was not optimistic “The Big Bang Theory” could retain all of its 21.99 million viewers — a post-high decline was inevitable. Even though the show was already peak mature, with each episode being a gem, it would take time and the right cultural moment for more people to grow to love this topic. If the first season could maintain an average viewership between 19 and 20 million, it would be extremely pleasing. But he believed that as elements like blogs, Google, video games, and other geek culture increasingly played significant roles in people’s lives, the viewership would also improve.

But Kevin Reilly wasn’t ready to let go of this Santa Claus so easily. He chuckled over the conference call, “Even if you’re not producing, could you give us some gifts?” Wang Yang asked, “What gifts?” Kevin Reilly laughed outright, “The new TV series from Flame Entertainment, the kind you like.” Amidst the laughter, Wang Yang feigned disappointment, “Oh, I thought you were inviting me on ‘Saturday Night Live.’ False hope indeed.” Kevin Reilly quickly shouted, “Of course you can, we would love it!” That was the truth; why not have the hilarious and highly popular amazing Yang?

“OK, I’ve noted that.” Wang Yang smiled and said seriously, “Everyone, if Firefly Entertainment has any new plans, we’ll notify NBC immediately and give priority consideration. As for whether or not I think it’s promising, does that really matter? ‘Friends’ didn’t have my vote of confidence at the beginning.” Looking ahead at the future film and television information database, NBC’s ratings were declining year by year, while ABC and FOX were on the rise, so much so that in just a few years, the blundering NBC became the laughing stock of everyone, and the management could hardly shirk the blame.

Now ‘The Big Bang Theory’ has taken over ‘Joey’ as the follow-up to ‘Friends’, saving the Thursday comedy night for the network; however, the ratings of other TV series have slipped across the board.

“Of course, we trust your judgment! Yang, there’s really no need to be humble with us.” Kevin Reilly’s enthusiastic and humble attitude had almost reached the limit for a CEO. They knew the situation well, but since other than the miraculous Yang nothing seemed effective, they had to cling to this young man and shamelessly plead for more TV series. Everyone agreed with laughter, why be modest! There’s no need for modesty! His performance on the small screen was simply more miraculous than on the big screen!

Wang Yang had no choice but to deal with them, at least the current collaboration was pleasant, with NBC and the Firefly Group becoming even closer. He laughed and said, “Let’s talk about this topic another time, right now I just want to finish today’s editing work, go home after work, and then, as you know, the weekend is coming.”

How could they not know? Perhaps the miraculous Yang was thinking about spending the weekend with his lovely wife, while Kevin Reilly and others were thinking about October 3rd, Sunday, when ‘Desperate Housewives’ was going to premiere on ABC. What kind of opening ratings would this magical series get? 12 million? 13 million?

“We’re not at all surprised by the results ‘The Big Bang Theory’ received, and we believe its potential is far from just this. It’s a comedy with superpowers.” In the routine media reception, NBC spokeswoman Rebecca Marks seemed to have been infected by the habits of the miraculous Yang and Sheldon, as she confidently and with the intent to rally the audience stated, “On Thursdays, NBC has shared a delightful and sweet decade with everyone, and ‘The Big Bang Theory’ will continue to bring joy, and even more joy, to every NBC viewer for the next decade.”

NBC could afford to be so complacent because they relied on the strong and powerful ratings result of an average of 21.99 million over two episodes; another support was the very high audience appreciation ‘The Big Bang Theory’ received! Naturally, it had to do with geeks loving to go online and onto IMDb, where ‘Freaks and Geeks’ scored 9.3 and ‘The Big Bang Theory’, after two episodes, scored 9.5 (from 8,962 users)—tied for third in history with ‘Band of Brothers’. However, the low user base for IMDb TV series ratings meant that a score of 9.5 only indicated the immense popularity of ‘TBBT’.

Yahoo Entertainment, ‘New York Post’, ‘The Washington Post’, and other media’s TV critics also provided their answers; in addition, numerous series fans expressed their opinions and critiques on rating websites like Metacritic and TV forums.

“Having seen just the first two episodes, I knew this was the most entertaining and smartest TV series in decades. It showcases how to use scientific theories and cultural knowledge from various aspects to make satire and jokes. It’s brilliant! Not everyone may get the same pleasure from it, but it’s a fresh, unique, clever, and captivating series, and I really can’t wait to watch the next episode, to see it every week!” said user AsabelP like this. (