The AP Reported yesterday that My Network TV was essentially getting out of the business of producing original content in the fall. This created some speculation as to the possibility that Gay Blackstone's original series "Masters of Illusion" would not return to complete its' thirteen week run. Though we had not yet spoken directly with Gay at that time, we did speak to Ed Alonzo who told us what he'd heard from a MyNetworkTV Publicist. UPDATE: Having just gotten off of the phone with Mrs. Blackstone, I can happily share the following:
- Masters of Illusion has consistently beaten the ratings received my the Masked Magician show airing on the same network and ratings have increased by at least one point per week with each airing. In addition, with the help of Associated Television International's programming, MyNetworkTV has ranked fourth place among major network ratings and has occasionally bumped NBC and taken the third slot.
- Because Masters of Illusion was shot entirely in HD, it requires two and a half weeks per show to edit. This time is also used to overcome the challenges that HD presents when filming magic (Flashing, etc...) The addition of four days of street magic filming also contributed to an already heavy workload in post production.
- The decision to rerun the first four episodes was planned by the network from the beginning, and for good reasons, all complimentary to magic and the popularity of Masters of Illusion.
- Episodes 5, 6, 7 & 8 will begin airing for Sweeps Month on March 2nd.
- Beginning with Episode 5, the show will move to the more favorable time slot of 8PM EST.
- Episodes 5, 6 & 7 will be re-broadcast beginning on April 6th.
- Episodes 10, 11, 12 & 13 will begin their run (again in time for Sweeps month) on April 27th.
- Show 8 will be re-broadcast on May 25th.