TV Upfronts: ABC's 2013-2014 Schedule

Much like FOX, ABC decided to try out some new programs but pretty much crammed them in the same structure it used last season and ended up with a somewhat lackluster schedule for 2013-2014.

2013-2014 Fall Line-up (NOTE: New shows are in UPPER CASE and times are Eastern Standard)

Sundays
8-9p: Once Upon a Time
9-10p: Revenge
10-11p: BETRAYAL

Initial Thoughts: Last year, I was surprised when ABC put its two first year hits on the same night (Once Upon a Time and Revenge), and this time around I was surprised by the fact that they're still together. Ratings haven't been stellar for the two sophomore shows, and moving at least one of them wouldn't have been a horrible idea, but here were are with the exact same combo leading into a wannabe Scandal. Ho-hum.

Mondays
8-10p: Dancing with the Stars
10-11p: Castle

Initial Thoughts: Mondays would really be boring if not for the fact that ABC's trimming DwtS to one night a week. Other than that, same old stuff which shouldn't surprise anyone because it's clear that Castle will never leave its current home. Then again, it's not like Dancing's the juggernaut that it used to be so it's lead-out power has evaporated.

Tuesdays
8-9p: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
9-9:30p: THE GOLDBERGS
9:30-10p: TROPHY WIFE
10-11p: LUCKY 7

Initial Thoughts: Another head-scratcher from ABC: keeping its Tuesday night comedy block. It clearly didn't work last season, and it's probably going to be another bust by the looks of it. To be fair, I have no idea what Trophy Wife is about (probably about a trophy wife) but I don't care either. Ditto for a drama about poor people winning the lottery. Thankfully, there's S.H.I.E.L.D. but I'm not sure if this is the right spot for it.

Wednesdays

8-8:30p: The Middle
8:30-9p: BACK IN THE GAME
9-9:30p: Modern Family
9:30-10p: SUPER FUN NIGHT
10-11p: Nashville

Initial Thoughts: Since I'm a Maggie Lawson fan, I'm happy that her show was picked up. I would've preferred that it got the post-Modern Family spot, but it's blatantly obvious that ABC wants to grab onto Rebel Wilson's coattails so of course Super Fun Night gets the primo slot even though it sticks out like a show about six pretty people living in Chicago or a b---- in an apartment. And why is Nashville staying put? And where's Suburgatory?!?!

Thursdays
8-9p: ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND
9-10p: Grey's Anatomy
10-11p: Scandal

Initial Thoughts: Wonderland's probably D.O.A. since it's going to be on Thursdsays at 8, but that's fine by me. Of course Grey's isn't moving, but I seriously thought ABC would've used Shonda Rhimes' other hit to help build another night instead of keeping it in big sister's shadow. Whatever.

Fridays
8-8:30p: Last Man Standing
8:30-9p: The Neighbors
9-10p: Shark Tank
10-11p: 20/20

Initial Thoughts: What's a natural companion to Tim "The Toolman" Taylor? Wacky aliens, of course. All kidding aside, I don't think this Friday line-ups a horrible one, maybe a scattered one, but not the oddest of choices.

Mid-Season: The Bachelor, Killer Women, Mind Games, Mixology, Suburgatory, The Taste, and The Quest.

Once you look past the smoke and mirrors, it's pretty clear that ABC didn't really learn anything after another disappointing season. It just plugged up the holes left behind by its mediocre/under performing shows  with spackle rather than shake things up. I guess it's OK with being fourth place in the key demo over and over again.