I took two chickens out of the smoker and carried them into the kitchen, where Anne was mixing up some potato salad and heating a couple cans of baked beans. Ryan and his girlfriend walked into the house, with Nolan shortly after them.
“Are you excited?” Anne asked me.
“I … guess? Not really.” I began to carve the chickens for our dinner.
“Why not?”
“The excited part is when I’m on the stage in front of the audience, everything else is various levels of anxiety while I wait.” My incredibly sharp knife slipped in my hand and cut my finger. “Ow! Shit!”
My finger began to bleed, and I wrapped a towel around it.
“Okay, so … this is going to take a few more minutes before it’s ready,” I said.
A few minutes later, we all sat down to eat dinner, while we waited for the first episode of The Wil Wheaton Project to come on.
As Heroes of Cosplay ended and little versions of me popped up on the screen reminding people to stay tuned for my stupid face, I turned to Anne. “Okay, I just got excited.”
I did a little dance when the show started, and enjoyed myself through the entire thing. My kids thought it was really funny, and my son’s girlfriend, who had never seen any of it at all, told me that she loved it. “It would have been very awkward if I hadn’t,” she told me.
We celebrated with some ice cream cones, the kids left, and Anne and I celebrated with some champagne.
Before I went to bed, I looked at Twitter, prepared for people to hate it, and me, but most everyone seemed to like the show, which made me feel good.
When I woke up this morning, I looked at the news for reviews, and found that most places liked it (we got a B from the AV Club, which is like an A+ anywhere else), some really didn’t, and some were sort of “meh” on the whole thing. It’s about what I expected, but I wasn’t expecting the reviewers who didn’t like it to complain that I wasn’t mean or snarky enough. It’s disheartening that people would tune into a show expecting and hoping for someone to be mean, but if that’s what they want, this isn’t the show for them.
Some of the feedback was really useful, and lined up with my own thoughts: My energy at the beginning of the show was way too high (I wanted to keep it lower and more like myself, but I was directed to be BIGGER BIGGER BIGGER, so I’m trusting my instincts and being more myself next week), and the audio was weird in places. Some people complained about a laugh track that doesn’t exist (we shoot in a small stage with a full audience that’s very loud, which is good), but overall, the feedback was generally positive.
The biggest disappointment for me is our ratings numbers. They were not as good as I’d hoped, and I don’t know why. Though we did better than anything that’s been in our time slot before, we lost about half the audience that was watching Heroes of Cosplay, which surprised me. People who understand that stuff better than I do told me not to worry, because shows like ours usually start out with a small audience that grows, as word of mouth spreads. I hope they’re right. There’s also something called “Live +3” which is the total ratings number that includes people who watch the show on their DVR in the three days after the show first airs, and we expect those numbers to grow.
This whole ratings thing seems outdated and irrelevant to me, because it doesn’t take into account cord-cutters, who I know are a significant part of the audience, and I guess the fact that two different topics associated with our show were trending on Twitter doesn’t count for anything, either. What this says to me is that the industry needs to rethink how it scores things, and networks especially need to find ways to get their programming to people the way those people want to see it, whether that’s on demand, on a site like Hulu +, on Apple TV, Google Play, or whatever else the damn kids today are into. There’s a very real chance that I won’t get to do more than 12 episodes of this show because so many people who want to watch it don’t subscribe to cable, and that makes me really sad.
Overall, though, the things that I had a hand in, and the things I could control from a creative point of view, seemed to land on the majority of the audience in a good way. People expecting me to be a dick.0 didn’t like it, and that’s totally fine with me. Now that I’ve had my brief moment of excitement (and it was genuinely awesome to watch the show with my family, and find out from thousands of people on Twitter that they liked it), I’m back to the focus and varying levels of anxiety that come with getting ready for the next one.
Don’t think you can count ratings for your show till the online numbers come in. I know I wasn’t in a place where I could watch it live and caught it this morning when it went up, I imagine a good portion of the audience has/will as well.
Congrats, Wil. I watched, not knowing what to expect, and really enjoyed it. I’m sure you’ll hear the comparisons to Tosh.0 (I compared it to that myself on Twitter), but I found it much more enjoyable (and less racist and mean).
Well done, sir. Well done indeed.
I really enjoyed the show, but I did tape it (yes I have old technology, but my VCR continues to work) and watched it today.
I’m with you all the way on reworking ratings. I’d love to be watching the show, but as a cord cutter, I’m SOL (legally speaking).
I watched Heroes of Cosplay (against my will) just so I wouldn’t miss your show!! I don’t have a ratings box here in my office, but I loved it. It felt very “The Soup”, which I love.
Also, Drunk & Stoned NDT had me laughing REALLY hard. =)
Keep your head up Wil. Someday old people (50+) will understand that the Internet is where TV lives and that household sets are the radios of their lives. Keep spreading the positive geek vibes! Excited for more!
Hey a lot of us old people (someday you’ll flinch when labeled old after 50) are well aware of this. Now, if you want to talk about the REALLY, truly senior citizen (65+) then that makes the most sense. Seriously. 🙂
I, for one, am glad you didn’t go in a dick.0 direction. There are enough of those shows out there.
I JUST got done watching (had to wait for Hulu+, then get Actual Work done today), and I really enjoyed it. Here’s hoping it finds its audience and gets many more seasons!
I for one loved it and the fact the my pal Felecia is on next week will make me tune in for sure. Now you just need to book The Doubleclicks and Nerdvana will be complete.
I think you have a built-in audience that will find its way to your entertaining show. (Also, you have a huge shadow-demographic of old people, in case you didn’t know. On the west coast, some of us are tired by the time you come on.)
I was shocked– shocked! — that you didn’t have an ORPHAN BLACK reference.
Wil, I loved the show. I cheered along with the audience when you came on! You have what it takes, and I know there are many others that loved it, too. I can’t wait for next week’s episode 🙂
I was looking forward to the premiere, as I’ve started following you based on your BBT appearances (my wife and I were lucky to attend one of those taping (episode 7/19, “The Indecision Amalgamation”). During the first ten minutes of the show, I have to admit, I looked at my wife and said “maybe we just don’t get some of the references”, but once it got going I was laughing out loud. Often. Looking forward to next week’s episode.
I watched it after I watched Fargo and it was like a nice sorbet after you’ve had something heavy, like beef wellington or stroganoff. I belched during the whole Malkovich thing.
Plus, beard.
I think the biggest problem was having Chris come out. He is so polished on these things and it made for a large contrast. I believe you will get to that point as you become more comfortable with being yourself in front of this type of audience.
The show itself seemed awkward, but then again AOTS was awkward and I consider that the pinnacle of this type of show (may it rest in peace). Having had the pleasure of seeing you in person, it seemed like you were being directed to be someone you are not in certain places (as you mention).
I think if you just continue to trust you own instincts (they got you this far), the show will be a success. Keep up the good work.
The fact that I did actually watch it on my DVR the day after it aired is actually a really big deal. I usually wait until Saturdays to watch everything I’ve recorded through out the week.
I thought it was great, would really like to see more things we love in addition to the funny barbs at the silliness that exists. Please powers that be, less Kardashians more Wil Wheaton! I’ll stick with you and be sure to watch the DVR in less than three days!
DStone — You mean I can watch it on the interwebs, any old time I want? Wow!
Wil, I think you are smarter and kinder than Tosh, and your show is funnier.
just need to get SyFy to fix their TV listings, our TiVo has recorded every single repeat of this episode…
Same here. TiVo seems to think that every episode is new and I’ve got 6 copies of the same episode already.
You did good. I laughed aloud several times, and the clips were well chosen. I’m personally in love with drunk/stoned NDT.
Deep breaths.
Oh, and #poopwheaton.
I’m one of the cord cutters you mentioned. I would have watched it if I could.
Our cable went out after a semi ran into something significant to the cable company :(. Is there a reliable online viewing method that will also get your ratings cred like syfy.com for example?
Not sure how this plays out ratings-wise, but you’re on during the last half hour of Fargo, so I had to catch you on the DVR right after. But you’re right. Just be you…it’s who we love….I have to agree with Megatron though; Drunk & Stoned NDT is Epic.
I watched your show online today, and *really*enjoyed it! Loved it in fact, and plan on continuing to watch it!
Yes I watched it online, I don’t have cable, or satelite anymore as a cost saving measure. These media companies are just charging so. much. money for their service it’s just annoying.
One thing I have been thinking about my current tv viewing is that I find it hard to get into a show, not because it’s bad but because don’t give shows enough of a chance before they cancel them so I have been finding myself not wanting to get invested in the program until I know from people of various kinds telling me it is indeed worthwhile, and even then the Firefly Syndrome hits, and it’s gone. I wish more networks would cancel many of their shows with a season of at least a handful of episodes to wrap up story lines. some shows I understand it’s not possible but for ones with decent followings it should try to happen.
I sincerely hope that your show gets picked up because I thought it was definitely fun, and I loved the guest stars (CH & NDT) and hope that sort of thing continues.
Best of luck!
You were also up against the end of a pretty nasty Rangers/Habs game. I was super excited to watch, but had to DVR, because of the game. Watched shortly after! We loved it, beginning to end. As others have said, in the beginning, you seemed to be “forcing it” a bit, and we thought it was just first episode jitters, but then you hit a stride and it was golden after that. Can’t wait for next week!!
I’m a cord cutter and plan to watch weekly. So ratings dont tell the whole story. Loved it…..
Mind if I ask what site you are watching it from?
I loved the show!!! I didn’t know what to expect and loved every minute. My favorite parts were Drunk & Stoned NDT. I hope he enjoyed them too! I would’ve been very disappointed if you had been a dick. I’m so glad you weren’t!!! You brought the right level of sarcasm 🙂
You sir are what a role model is meant to be. You are unabashedly enthusiastic about the things you are passionate about. You have a great deal of fame, yet remain humble. You strive for equality. You don’t “bow down” to the expectations of others. You are not perfect, and don’t pretend to be. You are honest.
When people moan about celebrities I point at you and say “There are still good ones out there”
You keep being you, and you’ll stay that reminder that it is ok for us, the SciFi geeks, to keep being us.
FYI I can only watch the show by downloading it from the Pirate bay, so count some ratings there as well 😉
How do they deal ratings on a show like this that will be shown about a dozen times this week (which really confused my DVR btw). I didn’t watch last night because of reasons, but I DVRd and wasn’t really worried about missing even if the dvr crashes because it will be on so much. Now I am not Nielsen family, so my view won’t count, but if a substantial number of counted viewers watch sometime this week, does that help or is it just first airing that counts?
Hi Wil,
Very happy for a successful first show! I’m glad everyone is liking it. Serious question…Do you think the show will run in Canada either on Space or the Comedy channel? Should I write to anyone about that? Do you know who? We get Heros of Cosplay on Space so maybe your show would be appropropriate for Space. Looking forward to your answer. Congrats again.
Dawn
Maybe they need to do more promo for the show? I follow you on tumblr and was aware your show was going to be starting at some point but I didn’t really see any ads etc. other than one tv spot I caught a while back.
I am about to be a 63yr old woman and I watch both the actual TV and I am a cord cutter. I enjoyed the show, look forward to the next one and am glad you are not a dick and mean. It’s one of the reasons I love you.
If it doesn’t go more than 12 episodes, maybe it will lead to a lead role on Community!
I haven’t had a chance to watch it. … not from lack of trying! I don’t have cable. I have told every single person I know to watch and I will as soon as I figure out how to get it to play on my tablet! If they even think of canceling the show before it has had a chance to grow I will be so mad! You are awesome, just remember that first and foremost.
I enjoyed it. I appreciated that you weren’t being excessively snarky – that starts to weigh on me after a while. Keep up the good work. Oh, I’m one of the Live + 2 hours viewers.
Wil, I know this is beyond your control, but do you know if/when the show will be available in Australia? Syfy still have geocoding going on, so I can’t watch it online
I’m looking forward to next week. I loved the show. I have come to not trust people who rely too much on cynicism and sarcasm. People I know personally who do, tend to have superiority complexes. I think your positive cheerful attitude was a breath of fresh air. I do agree with toning down the enthusiasm, but I still enjoyed it anyway. I also felt like your show was made just for me. Especially, since I just came off Comicpalooza in Houston this past weekend. Keep on truckin’ Wil. Word it spreading and I am doing my part to spread it. 🙂
I watched the show on syfy.com, since I don’t have a cable or satellite service. Hopefully that counts! I found Tabletop on Youtube a few months ago and binged the entirety. That’s the Wil Wheaton I like, incredibly humorous and entertaining. Trust your instincts, they serve you well!
All I keep hearing in my head is, “Don’t be a dick!” Why would anyone tune into Wil Wheaton and expect him to go against his mantra of “Don’t be a dick!” All he wants for his birthday is for people to not be a dick! I know, from experience, how easy it is to think about all the comments like that and they find a way to find a tiny corner to set up residence, coming out to visit at your most vulnerable, but I hope all the amazing tweets from fans and the positive industry reviews and comments fuel how awesome you are, through and through. Anyone tuning in looking for a snarky mouth-runner needs to reflect on why they would want to watch someone be a jaded jerk.
Dealing with middle school kids every day and working with them through their terrible attitudes towards each other and seeing how so much of the negative reality television influences how they interact with each other, why would we want more of that negative vibe? You weren’t being snarky to John Malkovich; you were drawing attention to how unique he is and how that brings a smile to our faces when we take a moment to see that.
And after a long day of trying to right all the wrongs of the world in my classroom and even with myself, coming home to a positive and smart show like The Wil Wheaton Project was a really great way to end a night on a positive note and go to sleep without the anxiety and stress of daily life.
I know you know this and I write this out of whatever teachery-need-to-uplift-attitude I have, but I hope that no matter what happens with the show. . . you know that you put smiles on the faces of hundreds of thousands of people (I don’t know what numbers are like or I’d say millions). So honestly, thank you for all that you’re doing all over the place and keep your chin up. Don’t give in to the negative nancies who only understand the language of dicky douchebaggery.
First episode was great!!! I was laughing so hard!
We laughed. A lot. It’s like The Soup, but about things relevant to us. Sadly, though, we are a cable free household so it’s hard to be counted in a way that would be meaningful to the future of the show. Besides emailing the network, is there any other ways to support it?
I for one am GLAD you didn’t take the mean and snarky road. I enjoyed the show so much more for that. I’ve watched it twice now and enjoyed it both times! I have a few more chances to catch the episode again, too!
And DStone–as a 50+ old person, I watch shows on TV instead of on that new fangled interwebz thing because of Time Warners obnoxious connections in my area. Top of the line equipment and desire do not a pleasant experience make if the fundamental source is lacking…
Anyway, looking forward to future episodes. I’ve discovered a lot of cool things that I enjoy because of your writing about them so keep doing what you’re doing. Even us old geezers like it! 😉
Congratulations and kudos for taking the high ground and not embracing mean and snarky. I don’t know when sneering became such a popular pass-time, but we need less of that and more of what you’re doing in general. Live audiences, eh? How do I get in on that?
I watched your show i enjoyed it however i feel the issue may be the format of the show. I feel the whole green screen stage might be overplayed maybe cause of the intital ratings. Shows like Talk Soup, The Soup, Web Soup, The Dish, Tosh.0 tend to blend together and lose its uniqueness. But I’ll continue to watch i’m a fan of you work on geek and sundry
I had the same thought you mentioned, it did seem very amped up. But I was generally pleased with the show. I think it is a good thing to be able to make fun of things without totally slamming them.(People do work hard to do the work whether it is well done or poorly done) I think the pace of the show could improve but this is something easily grown into as the season progresses. I hope it gets picked up for future seasons. If it does, perhaps some hour long specials on a single topic: Star Wars, GoT, LARPing, etc..
Good luck with the show and until next time PLAY MORE GAMES!
I am watching it on demand now. I work early, so watching it at the time it normally comes on is hard for me. I really like the new show!
Congrats, Wil! I can only imagine how exciting it must be to have your show come on TV. I’m a big fan of TableTop, so anything else you get to create is all right by me. As far as cord cutters go, I am one, so I agree with you–the TV folks need to figure out a way to score views from people like me. (I don’t even remember the last time I watched a show that wasn’t on my laptop.)
Will the network count torrent numbers?
you’re kidding, right
I asked them to, because I think that’s useful information.
I’m a +3, watching on DVR after work today (East coast 10pm-past my workday bedtime). I thought it was great, and my hubby (not a sci fi fan, but a fan of ‘The Soup’) was entertained as well.. Keep up the good work- can’t wait until next week!
Just reiterating what some others said: Don’t worry too much about the initial ratings, i for one liked the show quite a bit, but didn’t actually watch it until today (on SyFy’s website).
I’ve pondered what I’d say if we were friends and not total internet strangers…
So here it is: Dude, chill. You’re fun, witty and creative. You seemed a little like someone who has practiced their first speech way too many times. Beyond that, you’ve got a format you can make work and have it be completely your own.
I enjoyed your first episode and I’m pretty intolerant of the standard clip show.
As for those who think you aren’t snarky enough, screw them. We already have an asshole *cough*Tosh*cough* on TV. I like Rob Dyrdek (sp) because he’s not a dick. He’s got some sarcasm and bite but he’s not a dick and neither are you. I’m glad you’d rather not bend to that.
Have fun. The rest of us will too. You’ve become my favorite geek fanboy (Sorry, Chris H) because you’re just like the rest of us who geek out and let it show. That’s why Syfy is the right place for this show.
Wish you all the best. I’ll be watching.