NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- NBC Universal's top executive thinks the network can be patient about rebuilding its once dominant Thursday night lineup, The Hollywood Reporter said Monday.
The paper said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Wright told New Yorker writer Ken Auletta NBC Universal can afford to be patient while the network restructures its Thursday programming because the company has good momentum in its other divisions.
Wright spoke to Auletta Friday at a public session organized by Condé Nast and the Newhouse School. He said NBC "had a great run" in prime time, but is now "in one of those periods" where it has to rebuild.
NBC's Thursday schedule has traditionally featured such powerhouse shows as "Friends," "Seinfeld" and "Cheers." Wright said that Jeff Zucker -- president of NBC Entertainment, News and Cable Group -- doesn't have to worry the whole company's fate depends on his finding the next "Seinfeld."
He said the network has shows in development that might work out, and he is happy with the performance of such shows as the freshman comedy "Joey" and the second season of "The Apprentice."
