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Friday, October 23, 2009

SUPRISE HIT OF THE FALL

An article by Michael Starr in today's NY Post.  Because of the fans.  Thank you.

Sons of Anarchy," the hardcore series about a gun-running motorcycle club, is starting to leave tire tracks all over the competition.
Without a lot of fanfare, "Sons," now in its second season on cable channel FX, is outdrawing nearly all the competition Tuesdays at 10 p.m. -- even NBC's Jay Leno (in adults 18-49).
It's averaging 4 million viewers each week, making it one of the top-rated shows on cable -- and the surprise hit of the season.
"Sons," in fact, is one of the rarest phenomenons on TV -- a genuine word-of-mouth hit.
"It has a strong voice and a hot look, two elements that resonate on TV," says Todd Gold, who covers pop culture for TV site fancast.com. "It provides an intense look into a sexy subculture."
Sons is about members of the close-knit Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original -- nicknamed SAMCRO -- who more or less run the town of Charming, Calif. (even the cops fear them).
The show's central figure is young Jax (Charlie Hunnam), who questions the club's code and wants to ease SAMCRO into the mainstream.
The gang makes its money mostly by dealing illegal guns -- but they have a strong internal code that has made fans compare the show to "The Sopranos," another show about bad guys you can root for.
"There's a sense of danger, and the illicit, that has an allure," says Gold. "It's the kind of show you watch and then want to talk about the next day at work.
"And people have always been curious about motorcycle gangs."
"Sons" creator Kurt Sutter has watched while his show -- which debuted last year to solid reviews but not much buzz -- has picked up a growing number of loyal and vocal viewers since it returned for a second season in early September.
"What I love is how committed the fans are," says Sutter, who's married to the show's co-star, Katey Sagal. "I get notes on Twitter and on my blog . . . [the fans] are plugged in and really invested in it and I think that can't help but get people to tune in.
"And this was the perfect storm for us," he says. "FX really spent the dough and did a really fabulous job promoting it . . . When people tuned in, there was enough going on that they decided to come back."
Sutter acknowledges the "Sopranos" comparisons -- while at the same time distancing his show from that series.
"Our show is much more of an ensemble piece . . . just by the nature of outlaw clubs . . . 'The Sopranos' was really Tony and everyone else in his orbit," Sutter says.
"I think what really appeals to a lot of viewers is ['Sons' '] sense of camaraderie about a band of guys -- and their dedication, commitment and love for each other."

28 comments:

Unknown said...

Thing about this show is every single character is some one I care about and want to find out more about them..Not just the main characters...I yelled at the TV when Chibs was caught in that explosion..Same thing with Juice getting stabbed..It's the first show in a long time that's gotten that much of a response from me...

Mark Vega said...

Right on the money Kurt. I hope other writers find this entry. The ones who have the balls but got them caught in the pilot / reshoot / first few episode trap that you escaped. If we encourage them to stay in the game...to embrace their own concept of "redwood origial"...then I think we'll be moving toward an abundance of quality programming again. Love SOA from pitch through today. Thanks and keep her going.

Prolo said...

Seems like everything is going in your direction Kurt! You and the show deserve all the praise you've been getting. The show is definitely better than anything else on TV at that time, almost all the time. Thank you for giving us a great show. Congrats!

rudz said...

What i find interesting is that I'm finding more and more people who watch the show at my work = Johnson Space Center (NASA). People talk the next day about what happened on the episode...just like when LOST had all its millions of fans.

Been a fan since the very 1st episode, love the show.

Anonymous said...

We're doing our best to spread the word about SoA, thank you Kurt

Abby said...

Thank goodness the public is finally waking up and tuning in. We need everyone to stayed tuned in, so FX keeps the show going. I love this show and tell everyone about it!

Urno Talbot said...

Geez, I was just gonna post that, Kurt you're too fast. Tuesday's show was so friggin good, I just cant believe it can get better. Mark Boone is my man! too bad he doesnt know it, lol.

FreddywithaY said...

Great Show and all that shit Kurt! But you already know all that! . What I am all fired up about today is tomorrow night I am heading to Cleveland to here and see Audra Mae Play. You all remember her rendition of Forever Young that Kurt put in the show when Tig capped Donna thinking it was Opie.
Fucking A, Audra Mae Live!
Forever Young Baby!
Long Live the Sons!!!
OH Y?Y

Denise Shelton said...

My husband, son, and I watch together. We love the show. Thanks for caring enough to put up with the crap necessary to produce a quality product. By the way, we think Ally Walker deserves a nomination for that guest star award they give at the Emmys. Her turn as the Fed is brilliant. Katey and Ron should be looking for nods, too. As for Charlie, he's a fine actor(and I do mean FINE. Robert Pattinson better watch his back.)Charlie's the calm in the eye of the storm (okay, sometimes)Outstanding work. Cheers!

Whinecooler in Phx said...

We hate waitin' 7 days for the next dose! SP in PHX

WI_Debi said...

I really don't get what all the hoopla is about...Surprise hit??
Those of us that have been watching since the beginning aren't surprised a bit nor should you be. I suppose it's nice evey once in a while to be recognized by your peers but you know where the real love comes from..except when you take our favorite characters and make it look like you're going to kill them off, then we call you names, out loud, in our living rooms (or is that just me??) ;) Then the following week we have to apologize....Can I just say sorry for the rest of the season now and be done with it?

Anonymous said...

Hey man,

I really dig the show. Wish there was more like this on tv. Keep up the good work.

-Rob

XAJJAX said...

Kurt We love the show. Does JAX have the scythes on his collar because of John Teller? He is the only member with that. Every week is better and better-thanks for the tip on the podcast-Watchers of Anarchy"It's Our Soap Opera" Great Fun

Carm said...

The best way I can explain to anyone about this show is this...

There are times (and not often for me)when you'll go watch a movie and walk out of the Theatre and feel like you were inside every minute of that film with every single actor or actress. You feel inspired, or moved, or touched by the story. Sometimes it's because it's a lot like your life and you can relate. Sometimes it's because it's how you wish your life was, and sometimes it's just because the writer did a kick ass job of grabbing you by the balls (or heart) and thrusting you into this 2 hr movie that has you on the edge of your seat.
Did you notice how I said Theatre and Movie....ya that's cause in my 37 yrs of life I've never had that experiance with a T.V show. NEVER. Some shows are good. Yup. Some shows I'll tune into watch cause I liked them and wanted to know what would happen next week...but for the first time in my life ..I watched a 60 min T.V show and felt just like the few times in my life when I was walking out of a threate with that feeling deep inside that said " That WAS Fuckin AWESOME !"

Thanks for " Our fukin Soap Opera Kurt" You've done an excellent job ..and those hard ass bikers up in Canada ..are freezing there asses off and tuneing in weekly !

Anonymous said...

Kurte, tvůj seriál je skvělý. Pokaždé trpělivě čekám na další epizodu a jsem vždy unešen. Pro mě je Sons of Anarchy nejlepší zrovna vysílaný seriál.

Pointman said...

This is just the start of it~ Season 2-
The story, cast, crew, and motorcycles combine to give the viewers an identity with SOA from the beginning episode.
I find myself racing home from work to catch the Tuesday showing at 10/11pm and 1am...
No other series has caught me like this, I hear people discussing it at work, in bars, in offices, and of course the Internet!
Kurt's in the lead position of this formation, and I'm enjoying the run!

Daryl said...

Thanks for a great season so far- really good to see the guest stars you've got this season.
I'm also happy to see Ally Walker return. I hope she plays a major part in this season's story line. I loved the emotion playing on her face when she realized Jax might know something about the other agent's "disappearance".

Patti said...

I started watching because I'm Ron Perlman's biggest fan. I can tell you that I'm probably the last person who would have even given SoA a chance under normal circumstances but I've come to love every character on this show. After the last episode my husband was driving me to work and I turned to him and said, "I feel so sorry for poor Opie's kids!". To which my husband replied, "You do relize they aren't real". Honestly, for a moment I had forgotten.

Kudos to you Kurt and your cast.

Send Ron my love ;)

Kimmy said...

Thank you Kurt, for the shout out to your blogger and Twitter readers! Your fans are totally committed to this show, and your vision. I admit, after ER, Sopranos and The Shield ended, I was torn if I wanted to get into another drama. Those shows had me on the edge of my seat, and as a fan, I was drained!! When I started watching Sons of Anarchy, I was taken instantly by the show. But that is not all! The connection and insight that you share with us goes beyond the hollywood money maker. People can tell when there is REAL HUMANS and passion to a project. The way you, the cast, crew, and fans connect feels more like a family. Not only does the story come into our homes on Tuesdays, but into our lives every day. For me personally, the talent and the fans that I have connected with on Twitter, Facebook, and even the blogging world, has made a difference in my life. In my heart, I think the success of Sons of Anarchy is so much more than the televisions that are turned on FX on Tuesday! Congrats to all!

Bonnie said...

I can't decide which show I love more..SOA or Deadliest Catch? Damn good thing they dont overlap, I'd be screwed! It's my Tuesday Night Guilty Pleasure :)
Thanks Kurt for creating this show and bringing your Men of Mayhem into our lives!!

Paulo said...

SoA makes history in Portugal too:

http://sonsofanarchypt.blogspot.com/2009/10/soa-2x06-falx-cerebri-eleito-episodio.html

We're very happy!

Congrats, Kurt and all SoA cast and crew!

Unknown said...

Wow! Great review, well deserved. Of the few of my friends who do not watch 'Sons', they are getting Season 1 for Christmas. Love it!

Leadsled70 said...

Hey here is a thought, how about you bring in someone like Chuck Zitto for some cameo's? You could make him a nomad member of soa. He could even be cast as Tig's dad, an original member who was forced into nomad status because of his radical ways. He could be called back by Clay to help take out Zoebel. You could bring him in at the end of the season right at the end of the show, he walks into the clubhouse and as everyone looks amazed Tig could say "Hey Pop". Just throwing that out there. Great show, the only thing I watch on the idiot box.

Mel said...

My husband and I love the show. Keep it up!

Doug said...

I've been in the biker world for the past 30 years or so now and started watching from the premier on due to the theme.
I live in Canada so I have to d/l the show but I'm really enjoying it. It's more than just a biker show, it's a great drama.
Keep up the good work.

Respect,

Maddog78

Michael A. said...

I fully identify with this show. My wife and I watch it regularly and without knowing you wonder how you could know so much about this subculture. Your accurate portrayal of this lifestyle is unmatched. My father died 11 years ago at the age of 39 and was a prominent and respected leader of a 1%er organiztion. I rode with his club directly after his death for 4 years (never joined) while I attended/graduated from college. Looking at this club from an outside perspective I always thought these stories should be shared, but how do you do it without recieveng death threats or thugs pressuring you for money after you succeed. Reading your blog I understand that this is an issue you contend with. I wish you the best of luck and continued success. I have never even thought about reaching out like this before but I thought I would share the love and respect. Thanks for taking the risk following your heart and getting this out to the mainstream.

Anonymous said...

SOA is one of the best shows ever. Right up there on my list next to the Sopranos and Six Feet Under. The Shield was great also but this is so much better, fucking amazing!
/Helena in Sweden

LegalPlanGirl said...

Well said Kurt. I am committed to the show. I love the show because I love the central character relationships to one another, and Gemma's bad ass. Very powerful writing that leaves me thinking about it for the following week. I don't dare miss an episode, it's too edge of my seat viewing!