PUSH

In 1998, ABC commissioned 7 episodes (not including the pilot) of the Columbia TriStar TV drama 'Push' for a trial run on Monday prime time opening hour (8 o'clock). 'Push' would to replace 'America's Funniest Home Videos' and shown opposite rival programs such as 'Melrose Place' and 'Everyone Loves Raymond'. The show centered around 7 Olympic-level students-athletes on a prestigious university athletic program (in track and field, swimming and gymnastics) at the fictional California Southern University. Jaime Pressly and Adam Trese played the coaches. 

It was reported, "The entire cast underwent a rigorous 6-week physical training regimen before filming began in San Diego. And they continued training after production got underway." Eddie Mills made the observation, "It's amazing what athletes go through. We trained together. All of a sudden you're on strict diets, taking care of yourself, and whatever bad habits you had have to go away." Jason Behr added, "Definitely lay off the coffee and cigarettes - that's one of my other weaknesses. But just being consistent. If you get out and you go to the gym at least every other day and you're consistent about it, you're going to make a difference. And eating healthy is probably another plus. I mean you are what you eat, and if you keep on putting stuff in your body like fat - that's what you're going to become." 

The executive producers were Laura Gregory and Andy Morahan of the Guess jeans campaign, and Mark B. Perry from 'Party of Five'. After 2 episodes (including the pilot) which attracted only 4.5 million viewers (or 8% share of the audience), 'Push' was pulled from the line-up. Laurie Fortier recalled, "The show aired for like 5 or 6 episodes and then they canceled it, but they wanted to finish out the order." 

Soap Opera Digest: ABC's 'Push' was pulled after only 2 airings (in April 1998). 

Aaron Spelling: How could you find out anything about it? That must be so heartbreaking for its producers and the cast. 

Although the network relaunched 'Push' in August 1998, only one episode (the 2nd episode) was shown. Michael Logan of 'TV Guide' believed, "There are new standards of what a success is, and it does get more and more microscopic as time goes on. We also need to get enough distance from the '80s. No one's ever going to get those types of ratings again." 

On reflection, Maureen Flannigan remarked, "I thought the concept of a show about Olympic athletes, a show about something other than cops, doctors and the downside of life was really inspiring." 'Push' was one of those "adult-oriented" shows aired at a time period theoretically earmarked for general viewing. "At first I thought, 'Wow, it's 8 o'clock,'" Maureen expressed. "When I saw this show, the way it's shot, it's controversial, but it's not all too much for anybody to see. That's what I love about it. It leaves a lot to the imagination. I miss that in film and television today (in 1998)."

Jason Behr, Maureen Flannigan and Eddie Mills all shared the same birthday (December 30th). Jason told ABC, "Isn't that amazing? It's really weird - 3 Capricorns. I've never met anybody with the same birthday as me. I felt sorry for myself on holidays, but now I can share my sorrows with other people. When we figured out that all of us had had the same birthday I honestly didn't believe it. I asked to check IDs. And I think we all have different traits with the Capricorn thing. We're all very different people but we all get along very well. I mean, Eddie and Maureen are really good friends of mine."