"Coupling" USA: From The Horse's Mouth

Now we know why the American version of "Coupling" was an unmitigated disaster when it aired in the fall of 2003 (and lasted for only a few episodes). That is, if you believe its creator and head writer, Steven Moffat. He happened to be in the States this past week for the semi-annual TV Critics Tour, promoting his series "Jekyll" (which will premiere on BBC America next month).
So the critics had the chance to ask him about the adult relationship sitcom that somehow lost its way from the UK to the US. Here's his answer:
"I can answer it with three letters: N-B-C. Very, very good writing team. Very, very good cast. The network (blanked) it up because they intervened endlessly. If you really want a job to work, don’t get (then-NBC President and now chairman of NBC-Universal Group) Jeff Zucker’s team to come help you with it … because they’re not funny. All right? There you go."
CRITICS LAUGH
“I can say that because I don’t care about working for NBC, but I think I’m entitled to say that because I think the way in which NBC slagged off the creative team on American ‘Coupling’ after its failure was disgraceful and traitorous. So I enjoy slagging them off. That’s the end of my career in L.A. I’ll be leaving shortly.”
So, was it a diatribe that was on the mark, or a bit of sour grapes. I did a little research and found some quotes from the main parties after the swift cancellation of the US "Coupling." From Mr. Zucker (according to "The Hollywood Reporter" for November 5th, 2003):
"Some of our programs just sucked....We didn't develop the characters well enough. If we had listened to the research, 'Coupling' would not have been on the air."
Two days later on the BBC America website, came this retort from Moffat:
"I have no knowledge of the research. Truth is, I don't have much knowledge of anything. I was barred, by NBC, from attending the taping of the second pilot, as was Sue [his wife, and 'Coupling' producer, Sue Vertue], and we were told, quite firmly, to take a creative 'back seat' thereafter. So! Four episodes in and cancelled. Well done at the wheel, guys! See that thing on the horizon over there? That'll be our fourth U.K. season. See ya!"
Moffat went on:
"U.S. 'Coupling' was commissioned by NBC, promoted as the new 'Friends' by NBC [we asked them not to], promoted as the sexiest show on TV by NBC [we begged them not to], promoted as the 'show you're all talking about' by NBC [no one had seen it, how could they be talking about it?], scheduled by NBC, noted to death by NBC, cancelled by NBC, and publicly blamed and disowned by NBC. Tell me -- please, I want to know -- at exactly what level of involvement would they take it personally?"
So, let's see: Steven Moffat's career as a producer and writer was NOT harmed by the American "Coupling" fiasco. Zucker's upward mobility at NBC was NOT hindered by the "Coupling" episode. My guess is that the only losers were the viewers (heck, I didn't like the US "Coupling" either). Truth to tell, both Moffat and Zucker (and their respective teams) have only themselves to blame. But it's 2007. Time to move on. Just a hint. (By the way, the UK "Coupling" is a hoot and worth the time to seek it out on DVD or on BBC America if you live in the States.)
Until next time, happy viewing.