Leno's Move Rocks Hollywood

For the industry players whose livelihood depends on the health of TV's scripted biz, it was yet another lump of coal in an already ugly holiday-season stocking. "It's a bummer for the writers who are writing for drama," said one agent. "Five less scripted drama shows at 10 p.m. is bad for the business ... Some leaders at NBC said there hasn't been a 10 p.m. drama that's worked in three or four years. But no, they just haven't developed the best dramas."

Writers have already felt the primetime pinch in recent years, as the networks devote more hours to reality programs -- as well as repeats on dead nights such as Fridays and Saturdays. "The more reality shows and talkshows the broadcast networks do, the more that dramas will go to cable, where they can be done properly," "The Closer" exec producer James Duff said this week at a Hollywood Radio and TV Society panel.

Veteran producer Steven Bochco, who's latest series, "Raising the Bar," airs on TNT, said the move may actually benefit producers - by convincing them to move to cable.

"I think what NBC's done is smart for them, at least in the short term," he said. "And, contrary to a lot of doom and gloomers, I actually think what they've done is good for drama producers. It will, of necessity, force them to cable, where the atmosphere is far friendlier and the creative environment more conducive to doing original work."