Posted on 08/02/2018 3:12:37 PM PDT by EdnaMode
Tim Allen may be the man of the house when “Last Man Standing” returns to broadcast television, but he won’t be a vocal Trump supporter — even though one reason his show is coming back is thanks to “Roseanne.”
At the Television Critics Association press tour Thursday, Fox CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman told journalists the producers behind the 20th Century Fox-produced comedy will not feature any specific indication as to who the main character voted for in the 2016 presidential election — at least, not yet.
“Right now, the producers’ plans are simply not to address whether he might be a Trump supporter,” Walden said. While Mike Baxter (Allen) is “clearly a conservative character” in outlook, the emphasis is meant to be on how he has a “centrist viewpoint.”
As the main character of “Last Man Standing,” Mike is a sporting goods store executive and the patriarch of a family of daughters, who often “vlogs” about his political and social views (which, yes, veer conservative).
Newman went on to explain the decision to revive “Last Man Standing” for Fox, which original network ABC canceled last year despite solid ratings.
“We really had a desire to bring that show back because we really thought it was canceled too soon,” he said. “It was more about ABC wanting to program its Friday night with its own shows.”
But after Fox landed Thursday Night Football (which Newman deemed to be a valuable promotional opportunity to launch programming) and more importantly saw the success of ABC’s “Roseanne” relaunch, the time felt right for its return. Newman said “a strong family comedy with a strong point of view can play well in the middle of the country.”
He and Walden were also optimistic that “Last Man Standing” would pair well with upcoming new comedy “The Cool Kids,” starring David Alan Grier, Leslie Jordan, Vicki Lawrence, and Martin Mull.
“It’s a great show to combine it with. It happened organically,” Walden said.
“Last Man Standing” premieres this fall on Fox.
“because we really thought it was canceled too soon”
Cancelled too soon. It was their number two show. It was pure politics, there is no other explanation.
It would date the show and impact longevity for syndicated reruns.
I completely understand and support his decision.
I’m fine with a sit-com that doesn’t discuss politics. I wish there were more.
but they are discussing politics...they have decided to make him a centrist instead of a conservative.
I agree. It’s entertainment. On the other hand, a show that bills itself as having a ‘conservative’ main character cannot credibly be agnostic about Trump. In my opinion...
so he will say things like... while I support the second amendment...I understand that the drafters were only talking about muskets...
>>It would date the show and impact longevity for syndicated reruns.<<
The show was FULL of obozo jokes. The problem is they let their lefty SIL lie (”so how bad is it that we have such great ABCD under obozo?”) and would let the lie stand with a half-baked joke about the SIL instead of calling out the lies.
Right of extreme left is still left — which is why they won’t let Tim talk about Trump.
>>so he will say things like... while I support the second amendment...I understand that the drafters were only talking about muskets...
<<
THAT one they have taken head on on multiple episodes. In a proper and good way.
Already lost a viewer.
“I’m fine with a sit-com that doesn’t discuss politics. I wish there were more.”
I’ve seen only a few episodes, but I recall it being VERY political. I don’t remember them calling out any particular politicians, which is great with me, but it’s a political show.
Never liked Murphy Brown, but what little I saw turned into personal attacks against Quayle/Bush, in that order, with HUGE laughs. Disgusting.
Tim and Patricia Richardson from the "Home Improvement" spoof episode of Last Man Standing.
Dangerously funny!
Can’t see the forest for the trees I guess.. it simply states: ..will not feature any specific indication as to who the main character voted for in the 2016 presidential election — at least, not yet.
Time can be pretty subtle yet obvious and that’s what I expect.
Just sayin'
Have you ever seen the show. He referred to Obama and Romney for an entire season, he referred to Obama and Hilary for the show’s entire run, and you are worried his referring to Trump would date the show. Yeah. Right.
Just joking. They should try to keep politics out of entertainment shows.
I'll put my spin on it -- being conservative IS politically centrist. I know that is NOT how he meant it.
Where are the requests and demand that Allen should stop engaging in politics and just act?
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