'Genius Bar' TV Pilot

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Hollywood Reporter notes (http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=televisionNews&storyID=2006-09-29T022725Z_01_N28211602_RTRIDST_0_TELEVISION-GENIUS-DC.XML&WTmodLoc=EntNewsTV_C2_televisionNews-1) a new comedy Pilot that has been given the go ahead by CBS.

Based on an idea by consumer marketing expert Krishnan Menon, the project explores the interactions between people who work at a place similar to the Genius Bar at the Apple stores and the cool, hip and beautiful employees at a nearby Abercrombie & Fitch-type store.

The idea reportedly drew strong interest from ABC, CBS and NBC but finally ended up at CBS. The show will be written by Josh Sternin and Jeff Ventimilia who were executive producers of Fox's "That 70's Show" (http://www.that70sshow.com/).

The show is based on an idea by "consumer marketing expert" Krishnan Menon who had previously been involved with the launch and marketing of the iMac and iPod for Apple.

[tkidBOSTON]

Interesting idea but I dont see something like this taking off

[jrv3034]

As always, it all depends on the writing.

This could be crap, or gold. Here's hoping to gold!

[mechamac]

That's so weird.

[arn]

Before people get confused... it seems like it would not be a real "Apple" store in the show

"at a place similar to the Genius Bar at the Apple stores"

Apple probably isn't involved in this thing at all. Instead it will be a Apple-ish setting...

Kinda like how Studio 60 TV station is "NBS" (not NBC)

arn

[twoodcc]

well i hope it ends up good

[iMikeT]

I don't know. The writers are from Fox. Enough said.

[x86isslow]

I don't know. The writers are from Fox. Enough said.


Dude, Fox Entertainment is different from Fox News. Fox gave us Family Guy, Simpsons, Prison Break, 24, and I believe Arrested Development.

[zap2]

If its the people who made Simspons, Family Guy and Arrested Develupment...I think the show would be gold!

[NewSc2]

Dude, Fox Entertainment is different from Fox News. Fox gave us Family Guy, Simpsons, Prison Break, 24, and I believe Arrested Development.

yeah, but those writers aren't writing this show. I wasn't a big fan of That 70's Show but it wasn't too bad... I don't really see that same format succeeding with the outline above though.

[mahonmeister]

The Apple connection is a bit of a stretch don't you think?

The co-founder of Apple was on the Colbert Report last night but that isn't front page news.

[bigandy]

hmm... methinks this isn't the greatest TV idea ever. I'll just stick to Studio 60. :D

[twistedlegato]

SWEEET!!!

Apple Television!

[intlplby]

one thing we know for sure is that if it is successful FOX will cancel it after one season as it does with all its other decent shows..... they need to make room for shows like "When Goldfish Attack"

[bob15487]

hahaha... I work at an A&F that is right down the way from an Apple store. I go into the Apple store just about every day on my break to check my email, etc... I couldn't stop laughing when I read the idea of the show...

They better write it well! haha

[arn]

The co-founder of Apple was on the Colbert Report last night but that isn't front page news.

If you think a story should be on the front page, you should submit it (http://www.macrumors.com/site.php?mode=submit), not complain in the comment section.

And the show is called "Genius Bar", I think it is clearly Apple-inspired.

arn

[polyesterlester]

one thing we know for sure is that if it is successful FOX will cancel it after one season as it does with all its other decent shows..... they need to make room for shows like "When Goldfish Attack"

It won't be on Fox, it'll be on CBS.

[Rocketman]

Before people get confused... it seems like it would not be a real "Apple" store in the show

"at a place similar to the Genius Bar at the Apple stores"

Apple probably isn't involved in this thing at all. Instead it will be a Apple-ish setting...

Kinda like how Studio 60 TV station is "NBS" (not NBC)

arn


I agree the "brand confusion" possibility is a negative. I would dislike the "genius bar" concept going the way of Kleenex, and being perceived as generic.

Rocketman

[ghall]

Well, I think TV generally sucks. Once in a while, though, there's a stroke of genious. My prediction is that this show will suck, but people will watch it anyway, just because it exists.

[Kingsly]

And the show is called "Genius Bar", I think it is clearly Apple-inspired.

arn
Would that mean that CBS has to license the term "genius bar" for this show? If so, why not go ahead and actually set the scene in a real (well, on a sound stage) Apple store.

[mahonmeister]

If you think a story should be on the front page, you should submit it (http://www.macrumors.com/site.php?mode=submit), not complain in the comment section.

And the show is called "Genius Bar", I think it is clearly Apple-inspired.

arn

I apologize. I wasn't trying to complain, just was backing up my argument with an example.

Anywho, I'll not upset the Gods. Story submitted.

[Cheese]

Using the phrase, "Genius Bar" will make it a household word, (like iPod). People who do not know that the Genius Bar is a unique part of the Apple experience may get the idea that every peece store in every mall has a genius bar. The same way I hear people calling their generic MP3 player an iPod. For the most part, they don't know there is a difference, and aren't willing to learn about why the real thing is better.

[(L)]

Well, I think TV generally sucks. Once in a while, though, there's a stroke of [genius]. My prediction is that this show will suck, but people will watch it anyway, just because it exists.

Yes.

I couldn't help but to burst out laughing. So true.

[capone2]

a huge hit !!!

[iMeowbot]

In his blog (http://www.brutalclarity.com/index.php/weblog/more/a_put_pilot/), Krishnan Menon notes that "The Genius Bar" is only a working title. It could end up with an entirely different name later on.

With the BOFH series of stories in mind, I think this could work.

[SilentPanda]

I wonder if it'll be on the iTunes store... :D

[puuukeey]

cashing in on the fantasies of computer geeks and geek chic

[mdntcallr]

sounds fun, but honestly we need it to be good, or Apple may just JUMP THE SHARK

[Cloud9]

There is no way the final title will be Genius Bar. None at all. Apple wont allow it. Apple is too easy to make fun of. Apple customers are even easier to make fun of. We drink too much Kool-aid.

[brucku]

are you kidding?

This show is going to suck. We all love apple here, but are we big enough dorks that we'll actually enjoy a tv show thats about the amazingly interesting happenings that go on at either abercrombie or the apple store. No. It's a stupid as hell idea. First episode Plot: What happens when Josh, the dorky apple store manager catches 2 of the abercrombie sales people making out in the stock room. He can't tell anyone, but he captures them on his isight and sends a capture of it to the store manager. Bla bla, damn that would be boring.

[Jamie87]

The ? store I work at is right across from an A&F. I cringe at their thumping techno beats each time I walk by that place. lol. So, I will probably think this show is funny even if it isn't.

I dunno if it the general public will find this to be a very funny concept though.

[sushi]

Might be interesting.

Fox has done some great shows/series.

The story (writing) will be the key.

[Stridder44]

Wow this just brought together a couple of my favorite things. Im all for it!

[kylephoto760]

It isn't that the show can't work - it's just that CBS isn't the place for it. Fox, possibly. CW... a little warmer (and maybe that's where it'll ultimately end up when CBS realizes it isn't their demographic to mix those things together.) Really though, this is almost an MTV idea.

[YoNeX]

I believe that Apple Store in Passadena, CA has an Abercombie store right next store to it. So I guess it would be a believable story, now how to make a good show out of it, is a totally different story.

[MacCutie]

the term "genius bar" was likely to be trademarked according to this old news piece. anyone know if it ever was? if so, they couldn't call it "genius bar."

http://www.ifoapplestore.com/stores/genius_bar_trademark.html

[iMeowbot]

the term "genius bar" was likely to be trademarked according to this old news piece. anyone know if it ever was?
Yes. (http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78083392)
if so, they couldn't call it "genius bar."
They still could call it that, under certain circumstances. They probably won't, though.

[Foxglove9]

Not something I would ever watch, especially if anyone involved from that 70's show are behind it.

[shabbasuraj]

This has FLOP written all over it.

[sushi]

This has FLOP written all over it.
Why do you say this?

[Am3822]

That doesn't sound promising -- product placement galore. Is Apple going through a 'meet John Doe' scenario here?

[killmoms]

It isn't that the show can't work - it's just that CBS isn't the place for it. Fox, possibly. CW... a little warmer (and maybe that's where it'll ultimately end up when CBS realizes it isn't their demographic to mix those things together.) Really though, this is almost an MTV idea.
Maybe, but CBS is the one pursuing it. Unless they sell it to Time Warner (which owns CW) it wouldn't end up there. I guess it could end up on MTV though, since Viacom owns CBS (and Paramount Pictures).

Ah, the joys of media ownership.

[SeaFox]

I wonder if it'll be on the iTunes store... :D

Hey, they can do a paradox episode!

"Next time on Genuis Bar:

Karen [one of the Ambercrombie and Fitch employees] cannot sync the episodes of "Genius Bar" she bought on her MacBook with her iPod!"

[zwida]

Yes. (http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78083392)

They still could call it that, under certain circumstances. They probably won't, though.

Right. Given Apple's aggressive stance toward protecting its trademarks, I can't imagine CBS sticking with this title.

Of course, a lawsuit would provide a nice publicity bounce for the series launch...

[Silicon Jedi]

Maybe, but CBS is the one pursuing it. Unless they sell it to Time Warner (which owns CW) it wouldn't end up there.

Ok, I'll give you a hint. Time Warner owned the WB. C W. Where did the C come from? CBS. It merged with UPN which was owned by CBS/Viacom.

[killmoms]

Ok, I'll give you a hint. Time Warner owned the WB. C W. Where did the C come from? CBS. It merged with UPN which was owned by CBS/Viacom.
Ah, interesting, I looked it up, apparently it's a "joint venture." How about that. How bizarre.

[Allotriophagy]

How many episodes of a show like this could a person watch, though? Every week the same thing happenes - the logic board is replaced, even though there is nothing wrong with it.

Perhaps in A Very Special Episode, a MacBook could get scratched.

Tedious.

[zelmo]

This is a show that could work, but so is any other premise. As always, the success of a sitcom boils down to creating characters that people are interested in seeing every week.
There's no way this will be Apple affiliated, though. Can't you imagine Steve Jobs needing to sign off on every actor, every line, every lighting change? It'd have to be a spoof. I'm not sure that there are enough people out there who would get it, the occasional SNL skit notwithstanding. That being said, a good parody of Steve would be funny even to people who don't really know his image all that well.
Apple lawyers, start racking up your billable hours.:p

[screensaver400]

I've never watched much of "The Office" but this strikes me as a similar premise. A show about nothing, really. Almost seinfeld-esque.

[Teddy's]

I hate abrecombrie & Fritch.
If they relate apple with A&F, it would be a shame and I hope the pilot fails.

[JoshH]

I hate abrecombrie & Fritch.


Agreed. That place turns my stomach.

I'll be surprised if Apple lets this working title through. Wouldn't they have some trademarks registered for the name "Genius Bar." It's not like the title of the show is a sly nod and wink to the Apple stores... they copied it straight.

And as a huge fan of "The Office," that's the show I first thought of, too. I think that without that show leading the way, they're be no "Genius Bar."

[sparks9]

Why is this on macrumors? :mad:

[kingtj]

When they go to the local CompUSA customer service counter and try to ask questions about their applications or computer they bought a year or two earlier - they'll quickly resort to calling it the "idiot bar".

:P


Using the phrase, "Genius Bar" will make it a household word, (like iPod). People who do not know that the Genius Bar is a unique part of the Apple experience may get the idea that every peece store in every mall has a genius bar. The same way I hear people calling their generic MP3 player an iPod. For the most part, they don't know there is a difference, and aren't willing to learn about why the real thing is better.

[bobbyuggles]

... episodes.... tops.

It's a good concept for a movie, but after you have exhausted the obvious jokes, you're left with (at best) another relationship show... i.e. lovecom.

[extraextra]

The co-founder of Apple was on the Colbert Report last night but that isn't front page news.

?! Was this a rerun? Because new episodes of the Colbert Report only come on Mon-Thurs.

It could work, you never know. Friends was basically, ""6 friends living in New York," and it did spectacularly well. As others have said, it all depends on the writing.

[ThunderLounge]

Interesting concept idea, but zelmo said it best. It will have to create an interest in the characters.

Everyone is looking for the next "Friends", "Seinfeld", etc, and it could be possible with this type of set-up. Not to say it wouldn't flop, it does indeed come down to writing. If it was something that blended together an "Office Space" type humor, with a "Seinfeld" character/life interest, it might work. However, they will definitely have an interesting time plots.

Since "Genius Bar" is the working pilot title, I would expect it to change. The downside is if it spoofs on Apple, and tries to make it a running joke. The upside would be if they purchased the rights to use Apple's TM's in a positive, yet subtle, product push.

After all, they're going to have to have some kind of machines in the "store". However it might be a high price to pull off the usage of Apple's TM's. Then again, maybe not as expensive as one would think if it would translate into a subtle 30 minutes of positive product exposure.

Time will tell I guess, but here's to a hope of it being done right. Else if they want to make fun of a computer, there's plenty of PC's to choose from and their "OS" provides an almost endless supply of jokes.

[nemaslov]

I for one would find it interesting and funny to watch someone trying to restore a frozen iPod for thirty minutes. Also another episode of a plethora of iPod purchasers returning their iPods because "Apple" just released a newer and better one.:cool:

Every one could wear black turtlenecks

:p

[Doctor Q]

We've seen over and over again that you can't predict the success of a TV show from a brief synopsis. It depends more on the talent of the writers, the actors, the production values, the timeslot, the amount of good/bad publicity it gets, and plain old-fashioned luck.

I predict this show will have a running gag where people come into the "Apple" store saying their laptop case is too big, and the geniuses will say "just cinch it!"

[edcrosay]

They should put the pilot on ITMS (or is it ITS now?) to give it some pre-publicity.
This actually sounds like an alright concept. I liked That 70s Show (except for the last season) and, although it's not the smartest comedy in the world, its a show you can just pick up and watch whenever.

[sonnys]

This is SO doomed to fail. I'm certain that Apple was approached in the early stages to underwrite some part of the effort in order to put its name out there, and no doubt Apple saw nothing redeaming about having its name associated with this series. 'Nuff said.

[pianoman]

i'd watch it to see if it's any good. CBS has a few good comedies (i'll admit i like "two and a half men") and this seems like an interesting idea. as said earlier, though, it'll all depend on the writing.

[risc]

<cough>rip off of the BBCs The IT Crowd</cough>

This just sounds like it will be an Americanised version of The IT Crowd. Lets move the story from the IT Dept to a retail store and we can just copy the scripts like we did with The Office... ;)

[WCat]

OK, bring on the "computer geek" stereotypes!

I'll also bet you all 50 cents there will be a "Kelso" good-looking-idiot-type character featured prominently.

MoronTV

[Doctor Q]

OK, bring on the "computer geek" stereotypes!Some of us computer geeks don't mind our image (smart but clueless, badly dressed, poor at romance, inept at sports, etc.). We spread those jokes ourselves and laugh along with everyone else.

In fact, the time I feel most comfortable making fun of people as a group is when I'm part of the group (men, programmers, Californians, etc.). A show that exaggerates the stereotype wouldn't bother me at all.

I like the show "Monk" because I have some of the same bad habits that the series pokes fun at. They exaggerate and that makes it all the more fun

[kadajawi]

one thing we know for sure is that if it is successful FOX will cancel it after one season as it does with all its other decent shows..... they need to make room for shows like "When Goldfish Attack"
Yeah, if FOX would show the show, then yes. *cough* Firefly *cough*

I think it has some potential... :)

[alec]

did anyone read the synopsis? this is a show based on the interaction of people at a computer store and the people at an A&F. which means gary the nerd falls hard for the cheerleader babe but is unaware that someone of such pathetic social stature should be picking his fruit from the bottom of the tree!

ps i hope someone gets caught masturbating on an isight

[CEAbiscuit]

Why is this on macrumors? :mad:

Great question. Why?

[Doctor Q]

Great question. Why?It should be obvious. It is of interest to some in the Apple community. If it's not of interest to you, we have plenty of other threads you can post in.

[macb]

Using the phrase, "Genius Bar" will make it a household word, (like iPod). People who do not know that the Genius Bar is a unique part of the Apple experience may get the idea that every peece store in every mall has a genius bar. The same way I hear people calling their generic MP3 player an iPod. For the most part, they don't know there is a difference, and aren't willing to learn about why the real thing is better.
Right.

So the smart thing for Apple to do is to sue the network. Cause the last thing they want is free publicity.

(Don't ask me why, I'm just basing this on recent behavior.)

[mackiwi]

It would be cool if they get that guy from the apple TV ads to be in it. Maybe get the guy that plays PC too.

could be funny.

[technicolor]

His last name is menon, must mean meroms tuesday!:rolleyes:

[SiliconAddict]

Stupid. Very stupid. I'd sooner watch reality TV. :rolleyes:

[winmacguy]

are you kidding?

This show is going to suck. We all love apple here, but are we big enough dorks that we'll actually enjoy a tv show thats about the amazingly interesting happenings that go on at either abercrombie or the apple store. No. It's a stupid as hell idea. First episode Plot: What happens when Josh, the dorky apple store manager catches 2 of the abercrombie sales people making out in the stock room. He can't tell anyone, but he captures them on his isight and sends a capture of it to the store manager. Bla bla, damn that would be boring.
Agreed. That sort of thing would only really be funny to Mac users, even then it would be a bit of a stretch.:rolleyes:

Some of us computer geeks don't mind our image (smart but clueless, badly dressed, poor at romance, inept at sports, etc.). We spread those jokes ourselves and laugh along with everyone else.

In fact, the time I feel most comfortable making fun of people as a group is when I'm part of the group (men, programmers, Californians, etc.). A show that exaggerates the stereotype wouldn't bother me at all.

I like the show "Monk" because I have some of the same bad habits that the series pokes fun at. They exaggerate and that makes it all the more fun
Monk is a very well written and acted show, as was the English version of 'The Office"

[winmacguy]

Why is this on macrumors? :mad:
Do you understand the meaning of the words "Mac" and "Rumor" ?;)

[mac-er]

Maybe, but CBS is the one pursuing it. Unless they sell it to Time Warner (which owns CW) it wouldn't end up there. I guess it could end up on MTV though, since Viacom owns CBS (and Paramount Pictures).

Ah, the joys of media ownership.

Viacom doesn't own CBS anymore.

CBS Corporation now owns the CBS Radio network, CBS-TV, Paramount TV and half of the CW network.

Viacom owns CMT, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, Paramount Pictures, VH1, etc.

Viacom was originally founded in 1971 (split from the original CBS Corporation), it was reincorporated in 1986, and the current Viacom was spun off (re-founded) from CBS Corporation (which is, formally, the 1986 Viacom renamed) on January 1, 2006. (from Wikipedia)

[wyatt23]

i like the idea. a well written show will be good regardless of the setting. the setting just will just define the characters. genius bar will give you all the tools to define the characters. i'm sure by the title, there will be an apple type store in a mall and an abercrombie type place. this will setup things like the hot but superficial girl at abercrombie, the nerd who is a nerd but likes the girl, the girl who likes the nerd but helps him out, the airhead at abercrombie who knows the girl, but is friends with the nerd, then all of the people who surround the nerd, minor friends, managers, parents, etc., i think if the show is well written, it would be gold. just like any show.


for god's sake, they wrote a show about nothing for 9 or so years.

[shadoloran]

all I can think of is 'clerks'!

they should get randall on there as one of the geniuses. :)

[SiliconAddict]

all I can think of is 'clerks'!

they should get randall on there as one of the geniuses. :)


Oh god no. Randall would start loading up Macs with Kinky Kelly and the Sexy Stud pr0n!! :eek: :eek:

[Neuroguy]

We need to get our hands on the script and see if Merom MBPs are mentioned!

Here's hoping for tomorrow!!!

Neuroguy

[Swarmlord]

Interesting idea but I dont see something like this taking off

I don't know. I suppose if you read the synopsis of a series like Sienfeld, Cheers, or Wings you might come away with the same feeling, but look how those worked out! Great writing and casting can make something like this really entertaining.

[longsilver]

This is reported by a thoroughly unreliable source to be a still from the set where they're filming the pilot. Honest :)


http://www.freefilehosting.org/files/5707/Skangerland/geniusbar_skang_thumb.jpg (http://skangerland.blogspot.com)

[SiliconAddict]

This is reported by a thoroughly unreliable source to be a still from the set where they're filming the pilot. Honest :)


http://www.freefilehosting.org/files/5707/Skangerland/geniusbar_skang_thumb.jpg (http://skangerland.blogspot.com)


Fake. Just looking at the picture its pretty obvious.

[Doctor Q]

I think it might have been a joke. Just maybe.

[Foxglove9]

I just busted out laughing when I saw that photo. Not just because it's a bad fake but seeing Steve behind the "bar" like that.

[longsilver]

Well done on spotting the fake, SiliconAddict...
And Doctor Q, you might just have something there. Maybe :)

What I think might be fun would be any suggestions for captions? Or even speech bubbles??

[dual64bit]

Hahahaha if only the picture was real and the show would be about that......

[Doctor Q]

Well done on spotting the fake, SiliconAddict...
And Doctor Q, you might just have something there. Maybe :)

What I think might be fun would be any suggestions for captions? Or even speech bubbles??Making up captions would be fun. Start a new thread in the Picture Gallery forum and we'll do just that.

[leddedup]

Oh boy, let's give the "Geniuses" something else to crow about. They already think they can eat corn and poop gold. Having the fifth episode of 'Star Wars' memorized and living in your mom's basement does not make you a genius. Just send my PowerBook off to the warranty center to get more second-rate Chinese-made garbage Logic Boards replaced and send me on my merry way.

By the way, I'm not a fan of the 'Genius Bar' or Apple service in general (although I'm never going back to a PC).

[omahajim]

Hey, they can do a paradox episode!

"Next time on Genuis Bar:

Karen [one of the Ambercrombie and Fitch employees] cannot sync the episodes of "Genius Bar" she bought on her MacBook with her iPod!"Kinda like what "Studio 60" is approaching. NBC (the real network) is trying so hard to say that Studio 60 is not a direct parody of SNL, yet Studio 60 dialogue includes mentions of actual existing NBC (the real network) shows that supposedly air on NBS (the fake network). C'mon, either it is or isn't a meta-SNL show.

Besides that whole Bradley Whitford smug thing is a little tired this time around. I think West Wing explored that sufficiently enough.