Chapter 254: 254 Huge Confidence and Interest

“Prison Break has been a huge surprise. In the past few days, I have received many invitations and words of encouragement to try my hand at producing a situational comedy, which has been incredibly touching. As someone who grew up watching TV, I have significant attachments to shows like Knight Rider and Friends, which brought countless moments of joy and happiness into my life as I was growing up.

Now, in a different role, Prison Break is set to accompany millions of lovely young people as they grow up, and I’ve found that feeling to be quite wonderful. What about trying to bring laughter to everyone once again? Regardless, the enthusiasm and support from everyone have given me massive confidence and interest in television programming. If the third episode of Prison Break exceeds twenty million viewers, I will produce a sitcom, and this is no joke! We’ll see the outcome next Tuesday. Thank you.”

The latest proclamation from Miracle Yang! Just as the media thought he was becoming humble, out comes a calm yet arrogant new statement. Having been posted in a blog, it was initially only covered by quickly updating online media. TV.COM said, “Yang aims to boost ‘Prison Break’ ratings with sitcom promise, his words show extraordinary confidence.” Yahoo Entertainment said, “‘Great confidence and interest’, does Miracle Yang aim to dominate TV prime time?”…

A new series with twenty million viewers, does that mean 19,999,999 doesn’t count? Is this threatening the audience?

Fans have had mixed reactions to this. Comments on the blog post ranged from great surprise to some disdain. Papamurrth exclaimed with joy, “Awesome! I love this game plan, I’ll definitely be watching the third episode! I believe it will lead to a new show.” Alexey said, “I breathed a sigh of relief, it’s time to start looking forward to it! What kind of show will it be?” Blade said, “You say YES, you say NO, who cares?” TarikT said, “I hope ‘Prison Break’ makes it, then the new sitcom turns out not to be funny at all.”…

But someone does care, and apart from the countless drama fans, it’s NBC who is most surprised. Prison Break breaking twenty million viewers and Miracle Yang producing a new show are both things they urgently need and have long dreamt of—now they have one, they have the other!

Can Miracle Yang really create a hilarious classic sitcom? If faced with this question, NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly and head of Entertainment Production Paul Jones, among others, would nod seriously: “Yes, definitely.” Why? Their uniform answer: “Because he is Miracle Yang.”

When September 15-21 became the past, and a new Monday arrived, signifying the end of the first week of the autumnal season of 03-04, the flagship shows from various major networks had returned to the air. In the weekly ratings chart for that week, the top spot went to CBS’s Thursday ‘CSI’, with 24.17 million viewers and a 15/23 rating; second was CBS’s Thursday ‘Survivor: Pearl Islands’, with 21.67 million and a 12/21 rating; third was NBC’s Thursday ‘Friends’, with 21.16 million and a 13.5/21 rating…

‘Prison Break’, with its premiere score of 18.4 million viewers and a 10.4/18 rating, entered the top ten in fifth place, becoming one of the three spots occupied by NBC, with another spot being held by ‘Story of Emergency Room’ with 19.14 million and a 12/18 rating.

Though hit variety shows like ‘American Idol’ wouldn’t be returning until next spring, putting them out of first-week judgments for the year, debuting in the top five in the first week undoubtedly stands as one of NBC’s best drama premiere performances in recent decades, especially considering how they’ve been pressed by CBS in recent years, making this a triumphant moment for them. Current top executives were naturally ecstatic. Their trust in Miracle Yang was not misplaced!

A look at media magazine comments with words like “creative”, “revolutionary”, “most innovative” to describe ‘Prison Break’ reveals that these aren’t just for show. Of course, the NBC group’s own promotional system took the opportunity to sing high praises, but from the president to the cleaning lady, everyone knew ‘Prison Break’ was a treasure—a treasure capable of entering the twenty million viewer club.

“We thank everyone on the ‘Prison Break’ team, especially Miracle Yang, who always brings exciting surprises,” said NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly happily to the media. He joked about the latest developments to boost viewership: “We’ve already confirmed that we will order a full season of ‘Prison Break’ Season Two, and Yang will continue as the creator and chief editor. We will follow his lead, ha ha!”

Discussing the magic of Wang Yang and sitcoms, Kevin Reilly laughed heartily, “We are working hard, we are all looking forward to making this a reality, and we believe that Yang can bring even more surprises and excellent work.”

On Monday, September 22, at 9:00 PM, CBS’s “Everybody Loves Raymond” continued with its eighth season’s second episode, and NBC continued with the third episode of the first season of “Prison Break,” an episode that countless drama fans had been looking forward to for a week, their minds wrapped up in all sorts of cliffhangers for a week, maintaining that tension and excitement for a week, eager to fast-forward through that week to the third episode! As soon as the TVs across thousands of North American households clicked on, there came the sound: “Previously on Prison Break.”

When they heard Wentworth Miller’s magnetic voice, the audience on their chairs and couches suddenly perked up, and some female fans were already beginning to swoon with dreamy “Wow”s; Rachel, however, was not included among them, as she sat eating a peeled apple, her eyes slightly widened and she mumbled vaguely, “Toes are gone, toes are gone.”

Just as a gangster was about to cut off Michael Scofield’s toe on the television screen, a shout came out of nowhere stopping the act, the toe wasn’t cut off! Rachel was taken aback, rolled her tongue to swallow the apple bits, and chuckled, “Oh, I get it, it means letting the toe walk away.” It seems the prison guards aren’t completely useless, so what will happen next?

The audience had just breathed a sigh of relief, having carried a week’s worth of suspense on their shoulders, when only a few minutes later a new crisis arose, plunging them once again into that irresistibly thrilling state. Whether the pacing of the third episode was faster than the second, or the tension had just built up to a certain point, viewers found themselves unable to change the channel even for a second.

Even during commercials, no one dared to switch away, fearing that they would miss a second, miss the suspenseful buildup before the commercials ended. It turned out that concerns about the third episode of “Prison Break” being worse than the premiere, or that the premiere was just a ploy to get viewers hooked, were unnecessary; they only needed the ambiance of other series’ finale episodes, which had been building up over a dozen episodes, and this was only the third!

Unsure whether it was the tension that made time fly, the danger, the return from commercials, the suspense, the return from commercials… until the scrolling credits at the end, countless viewers swallowed a mouthful of relief.

“Oh my God, another week before I can see the fourth episode!!” “If ‘Prison Break’ releases a DVD now, I’d buy it for 500 bucks a set!” “Why don’t I know Wang Yang? I’m so jealous of his friends, they must be able to watch it in advance!” The audience each murmured as they left their sofas, and Rachel in Toronto also let out a sigh, savoring the plot of the third episode and the final cliffhanger, murmuring softly, “Impressive.”

She glanced at the cell phone on the coffee table and slowly reached out her hand, a struggle visible on her face, and muttered to herself, “Going to break the rules again? NONONO… something unfortunate has happened!” She turned off the TV with the remote, stood up, and headed for her bedroom, thinking, “If there’s another sitcom next year, won’t I be finished? But sitcoms don’t seem to have cliffhangers, so that’s fine…”

“Prison Break” Season One was scheduled to continue throughout the season. With the continually high quality of the third episode and the golden signboard of the magic of Yang, viewers had every reason to believe this level would last until the final episode after next year’s winter break, perhaps even getting better, which was utterly exhilarating.

Discussion was heated on various television series forums, not only about the cliffhangers within “Prison Break,” but also the suspense over viewership. The most pressing topic for countless fans was whether the incredibly exciting third episode surpassed 20 million viewers. Just 1.6 million new viewers were needed! Then they could see the joyful “New Magic Yang Show” next season.

As netizens in mainland China and overseas eagerly awaited the resources for the third episode, and the translation of subtitles, to return to that world of thrill and tension, Nielsen’s viewership data report for the 22nd was delivered to the various TV stations.

Looking at the document on the table, executives at numerous TV stations took a deep breath, their expressions tense due to the same person, different attitudes. NBC goes without saying; but channels like CBS, ABC, FOX certainly did not want to see Yang stir up the sitcom market again, turning everything upside down. They had barely waited for “Friends” to end, and now came “The most humorous Best Director in history”? No—!

In different bright offices, the president of CBS Entertainment, Nancy Tellem, opened her file, ABC Entertainment president Robert Iger opened his file, and NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly opened his file… If there were any TV cameras present, it would be like an award ceremony, only to see Nancy Tellem woodenly press her forehead, lean back into her chair; Robert Iger silently moved his lips as though beginning with an ‘F’; Kevin Reilly’s eyes bulged as he clenched his fists and suddenly leaped up, “YES! YES! YES!”

21.36 million viewers!! A 12.5/20 viewership rating!!

“Prison Break” continued to sit at the top of Monday’s viewership rankings for its third episode, far ahead of the second place “CSI: Miami” with 18.6 million viewers, and the third place “Everybody Loves Raymond” with 15.18 million! It even surpassed last week’s tenth season premiere numbers for “Friends,” setting a new season record for NBC viewership, hot on the heels of “CSI” with its 24.17 million viewers!!

The hard work of promotion, perfect reputation and quality of the series, and finally the explosion of “magical director” energy, not only retained the initial 18.4 million viewers but also attracted 2.96 million new viewers, most of them young people! This time, NBC truly found favor with the goddess of luck, Santa Claus, and God all at once!!

“20 million!! 20 million!! Hahaha hehe haha——” Kevin Reilly laughed hysterically as if afflicted with madness, since there was no one else in the office, he excitedly pounded his chest with his hands, “Hahaha——” It would be difficult not to become the president of NBC, or any other channel, or even a movie company president with such a successful series deal!

He laughed non-stop, then twisted the red tie on his chest, indeed feeling his blood burning, filled with vitality and drive! It wasn’t just the leads and creators of “Prison Break” who had a bright future, he had one too!

Suddenly Kevin Reilly calmed down again, it wasn’t enough, he had to hold on tightly to this great opportunity with Wang Yang! Now NBC’s dramatic series were rejuvenating, having the momentum to return to their throne; but “Friends” was about to end, seemingly about to lose the crown of the sitcom realm. He really couldn’t place all his hopes on the “Friends” spinoff “Joey,” wondering how much popularity would remain once those six characters split up. But Wang Yang…

No matter what, NBC had to secure the first broadcast rights for this series! Kevin Reilly hurriedly sat down, picked up the phone on his desk, and dialed Wang Yang. As soon as the call went through, he chuckled, “Hey, Yang! The viewership for the third episode is out, 21.36 million viewers! 12.5/20! This is just astonishing!”

“Wow!” In Los Angeles, ready to go out with Jessica to prepare for their engagement party, Wang Yang suddenly laughed out, clenched his left fist and swung it down with force. Now he had no regrets! He laughed, “Hearing such great news first thing in the morning, thank you!”

“It is us who should thank you!” Kevin Reilly exclaimed repeatedly, “I don’t even know how to describe my feelings, it’s just… oh my god! But congratulations to you and your team, you’ve become the superstars of TV!” Wang Yang chuckled, “Thank you! 21.36 million viewers, they will be happy.” Kevin Reilly immediately asked with a laugh, “So now you’re making a sitcom, huh? Yang, whatever the subject matter, NBC books a season! You know our sincerity!”

“Yes, I promised on the blog.” Wang Yang laughed and nodded, excited and looking forward to the series project, he laughed, “If the third episode surpasses 20 million viewers, then I must keep my promise to do a sitcom.” Seeing Jessica, dressed in a floral autumn dress, coming towards him, he gave a thumbs up, covered the phone, and shouted with a raised fist and a laugh, “21 million!”

“Oh, that’s crazy!” Jessica immediately showed her bright teeth, excitement written all over her face, as she quickly walked over and hooked his arm, listening to his continued phone conversation, “I hope it will be on the screen next season.”

As they walked outside, Wang Yang said earnestly, “Of course, I’m most inclined to work with NBC, and both Jessica and I really like ‘Friends.’ It would be an honor to fit into its time slot, but to be honest, there are still many details that haven’t been finalized, so can we give everyone some time?”

He knew that in the end he would probably end up partnering with NBC anyway. Flame Group had many business dealings with them, and NBC’s sincerity was indeed very high and satisfactory, as long as he didn’t have his own TV channel, he would choose NBC. But it wasn’t possible to agree right away, as that would leave too little room for negotiation regarding price and contract terms. If channels like CBS and ABC were also interested and put pressure on NBC, Flame’s position would be even stronger, making them even more “precious.”

“All right, just let us know your plans as soon as you have them!” Kevin Reilly naturally understood these rules, as it was a perfectly normal request. Mighty Yang wasn’t just some “unknown producer,” he was the one and only Mighty Yang in the entire American film and entertainment industry, a “privileged producer” with an unmatched ability to attract money, having earned 323 million US dollars on a 10 million investment, with an unbroken winning streak in both film and television.

If channels like CBS and ABC entered the competition and things got too heated, NBC might even commit to a full season without needing a pilot. Such was Mighty Yang’s privilege. Thinking about this, Kevin Reilly then heard Wang Yang laugh and say, “Kevin, that’s it for now? Jessica and I need to go pick out our engagement cake, we’re getting engaged in a couple of days.” Kevin Reilly laughed and replied, “Sure, bye-bye!”

After hanging up the phone, Reilly shook his head lightly. Mighty Yang didn’t need to do this, what demand of his would NBC Entertainment refuse? But this time CBS and ABC surely wouldn’t make the same mistake again, Reilly breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that this big tree had an “NBC complex”!

“Yang, Nancy Tellem just called asking if you’re planning to produce a sitcom? ABC and FOX also inquired,” Paul Emery’s voice came through the Bluetooth.

Hearing his agent’s voice, Wang Yang couldn’t help but remark, “That was quick!” Jessica looked at the slowly retreating street scenery outside and laughed lightly, “No, it’s slow like a tractor.” Wang Yang stepped on the gas pedal and, while steering, said, “I got it, I’ll definitely be producing. As for who specifically to partner with, let’s hold that thought for now.”

After further verification, the TV channels announced their figures, “Prison Break” drew in 21.36 million viewers! Fans who saw this news online immediately celebrated with joy; many shrieked, overjoyed at the tremendous success of “Prison Break” and the anticipation of a new show next season!

From the hand that produced “Juno” and “The Hangover,” the funniest Best Director Mighty Yang’s sitcom!

But he wouldn’t go back on his word, would he? However, any concerns the fans had quickly vanished, as Mighty Yang surely never broke his word. As night fell, he finally updated a post on his blog.

“Thank you to all 21,360,000 viewers of the third episode of ‘Prison Break.’ I don’t know your names, but with your support, ‘Prison Break’ has achieved incredible results! Thank you all, I’m so excited! My confidence, my interest, they’re exploding! I’m putting together a team for a sitcom, it’s going to be ‘hahaha,’ and we’ll meet on TV next September! It’s a promise!”

The keen observer would notice the use of “TV” rather than “NBC”; nonetheless, the equally excited fans didn’t care whether it aired on NBC or CBS—they could just switch channels; they were only interested in what kind of genre and content this “hahaha” series would have. What about the “interesting lives of a few people” Mighty Yang mentioned in an interview? What kind of characters? (