Lebron's 'Decision' show to become part of ABC's fall lineup

New York, NY--The Walt Disney Company, which owns both ABC and ESPN television networks, was thrilled with the ratings for NBA superstar LeBron James' hour-long free agency decision show. So much so that ABC has signed the show to a long-term deal--at least, long-term for a new show.

It has been estimated, by Philadelphia based Cooper-Sinclair Ratings, Inc, that for every 10 households watching tv last Thursday, 8.7 were tuned in to ESPN to learn of the "King's" future team.

The show will become part of the network's Thursday night lineup in an effort to challenge NBC's current dominance over one of tv's most popular viewing nights. LeBron's Decision, as the show will be called, will be an hour-long program focusing on one or two choices, large or small, facing mega-star.

"What will LeBron have for dinner on the flight home from Salt Lake City?" asked ABC executive Paul Lizmore. "I don't know, but I'm certainly going to tune in on Thursdays at 9 PM to find out. He has to make a decision about what in-flight meal he'll have and ABC will be there when does. Will he put the tray table down or decide to leave it up? But it's not just a show on what food he'll eat or how far back he'll put his seat."

Lizmore confirmed that this is an all-access show. There are no limits, as the network will have 24-hour access to James five days a week. If James is unavailable, however, a friend or family member will be the subject of the show for that particular week.

It's possible that one episode could be entirely about what type of orthodics the small forward chooses to wear, if he chooses to wear any at all. When a buddy calls and asks for a ride, will LeBron choose to go pick up the friend, who may or may not be waiting in the rain somewhere, or will he continue to play Wii for another hour or so?

"I thought the show last Thursday went really well," said a goggle-wearing James, while taking a break from riding the Miami Heat's team swamp boat in Everglade National Park. "ABC approached me about possibly continuing the show in the fall. I decided to make a 20 episode commitment. This is going to be a blast. So, tune in America. Will I put mustard or ketchup on that hot dog? Gotta tune in to find out."