Sunday, January 22, 2006
Something Was Lost During Winter Hiatus
The television season. September to May, right? WRONG. September to November, then January, then 2 episodes in March, 4 weeks off and then a 5 episode sprint to the season finale during May sweeps. Wait, what about December? The month in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we also mourn the passing of televsion shows about to be overshadowed by mid-season pickups.
Some, deservedly so, never show their face again, except to be released as a "Complete Series of" DVD in time for next holiday season. Others are axed unfairly before their completed 13 episodes can air and before a certain murder can be solved.
I was one of roughly 3 million people that watched the show 'Reuinion' on FOX religeously during the September-November mini-season. Basic premise was in 2006 a close-knit circle of 6 friends attend their 20 year high school reunion. One is murdered, one walks away as the murderer, and we instantly flash back to 1986 and witness important events of each year, one per episode.
First, let's talk about one thing. When a network decides to pick up a show like this, episodic with a definate end; shouldn't they commit to producing and airing all episodes? Yeah, 3 million viewers is barely reason to keep a show on UPN, much less FOX, but to cut it before even worse performers such as That 70s Show or Malcom in the Middle?
Second, although soapy and campy by nature, the overall idea of a television show that isn't destined for continuing after its one season stint is over is just as cutting-edge as reality tv, shows that go by in real time for 24 weeks, comedies about dramatic housewives (or dramas about funny housewives), and pushing a button every 108 minutes due to a fear of the smoke monster (sorry, speaking in LOST language.)
Why are TV execs so afraid? The only reason why typical sitcoms and cop dramas continue to do well in the ratings is because at the end of the day (or season) that's the only damn thing on. For every Reunion, there are 4 knock offs of The OC (four of which are on The WB.)
People will watch greatness if that's what they are exposed to, people will watch absolute dog shit if it's on every channel.
Some, deservedly so, never show their face again, except to be released as a "Complete Series of" DVD in time for next holiday season. Others are axed unfairly before their completed 13 episodes can air and before a certain murder can be solved.
I was one of roughly 3 million people that watched the show 'Reuinion' on FOX religeously during the September-November mini-season. Basic premise was in 2006 a close-knit circle of 6 friends attend their 20 year high school reunion. One is murdered, one walks away as the murderer, and we instantly flash back to 1986 and witness important events of each year, one per episode.
First, let's talk about one thing. When a network decides to pick up a show like this, episodic with a definate end; shouldn't they commit to producing and airing all episodes? Yeah, 3 million viewers is barely reason to keep a show on UPN, much less FOX, but to cut it before even worse performers such as That 70s Show or Malcom in the Middle?
Second, although soapy and campy by nature, the overall idea of a television show that isn't destined for continuing after its one season stint is over is just as cutting-edge as reality tv, shows that go by in real time for 24 weeks, comedies about dramatic housewives (or dramas about funny housewives), and pushing a button every 108 minutes due to a fear of the smoke monster (sorry, speaking in LOST language.)
Why are TV execs so afraid? The only reason why typical sitcoms and cop dramas continue to do well in the ratings is because at the end of the day (or season) that's the only damn thing on. For every Reunion, there are 4 knock offs of The OC (four of which are on The WB.)
People will watch greatness if that's what they are exposed to, people will watch absolute dog shit if it's on every channel.
// posted by ProudJock Matt @ 11:12 PM 
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]