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Does network TV have anything left to offer?
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Author:  Mister Ecks [ Sat Aug 10, 2019 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Does network TV have anything left to offer?

Seriously, outside of a few special circumstances, I can't see how network TV will ever be able to compete again with cable or streaming services.

Perhaps the biggest deterrent for me is the number of episodes per a normal network series. It was always a chore to sit through 22-25 episodes a season, but now with shows like Barry, Stranger Things and Game of Thrones doing more with less episodes, the 20+ episode seasons are excruciating. I end up liking the pilots for certain shows, and then by episode 2, I can see exactly how things will proceed and I can't do it. For example: I liked the pilot for Whiskey Cavalier. Reminded me a bit of Alias. Not perfect, but a fun hour of action and light comedy. By episode 2, I could tell where it was going and I was dreading the procedural, week-to-week nature of it.

That's not to say I haven't gotten anything out of network TV in the last five years. I still enjoy This is Us (although they, smartly, do 18 episodes a season). And I loved The Kids Are Alright, The Mick and Trial & Error, all of which were, not surprisingly, cancelled way too soon.

But overall, network TV seems beyond antiquated. And if the new series previews I've seen are any indication, it isn't getting any better.

Author:  Flava'd vs The World [ Sun Aug 11, 2019 12:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

No. Pretty much anything on the original four networks is a pass from me, with The Good Place being the one exception in the last four years. I don't like the "case of the week" structure, I don't like the constant fear of low ratings and I don't like 22 episode seasons, it's way too many. I really don't like the cut to commercial every ten minutes editing style either, but I'm not giving up on basic cable just yet.

Author:  Shack [ Sun Aug 11, 2019 4:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

The shows I care about the most who's first season aired this decade

Once Upon A Time
Community (late 09 debut]
American Horror Story
The Walking Dead
The Mindy Project
Broad City
Halt and Catch Fire
Louie
The Good Place
Barry
This Is Us
Succession
The Boys

Comedy is better than drama but I prefer networks decade to the trio of assflix/Amazon/Hulu, although Amazon is stepping up

Author:  Chippy [ Sun Aug 11, 2019 5:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

Is the CW network TV? lol because I'm still a fan of a lot of their stuff.

BUT... I've said this before...

NOT A SINGLE SHOW should be more than 16 episodes per season. 16 is even a chore for an hour long series, but it's doable.

The sooner network TV realizes this, the sooner they can save themselves.

Also, they put themselves in this box like "X is not allowed on TV!" umm... yes it is. They literally already do "X" on cable/netflix. Just do it.

Author:  MadGez [ Sun Aug 11, 2019 11:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

22-24 episodes can only work for good/popular comedies and procedural "story of the week" type shows.

And really - let's be honest - network TV is on its last legs.

Author:  Mister Ecks [ Mon Aug 12, 2019 3:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

Chippy wrote:
Is the CW network TV? lol because I'm still a fan of a lot of their stuff.

BUT... I've said this before...

NOT A SINGLE SHOW should be more than 16 episodes per season. 16 is even a chore for an hour long series, but it's doable.

The sooner network TV realizes this, the sooner they can save themselves.

Also, they put themselves in this box like "X is not allowed on TV!" umm... yes it is. They literally already do "X" on cable/netflix. Just do it.


Network TV should have transitioned a few years ago from September to May programming to August to December/January to May programming. Have a set of shows run from late summer to early winter, then take a holiday break, and do a winter to late spring run of other shows. This would require more shows and more hits, but they could supplement certain areas with reality shows, game shows, sports, etc. So much time is wasted with shows that debut in January, March, April, even the summer, with minimal success from these shows that are basically viewed as "couldn't cut it for a September debut".

Author:  Jiffy [ Wed Aug 14, 2019 2:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

I watch The Good Place and Superstore.

Author:  Flava'd vs The World [ Wed Aug 14, 2019 10:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

I just remembered that the Good Place takes a long hiatus every year and then comes back with the final two episodes a few months later. So network TV sucks even when it doesn’t.

Author:  Chippy [ Wed Aug 14, 2019 11:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

Yeah, Network TV, who has been doing TV scheduling for DECADES... has no fucking clue what they're doing.

Author:  Mister Ecks [ Wed Aug 14, 2019 12:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

Jiffy wrote:
I watch The Good Place and Superstore.


Superstore is probably the most underrated network series. It filled the workplace comedy void left behind by The Office, and it seems those that like it really appreciate what they're doing, but I feel like the vast majority has no clue Superstore even exists.

Author:  Rev [ Wed Aug 14, 2019 2:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

Other than SPORTS... nothing

Author:  nghtvsn [ Wed Aug 14, 2019 6:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

Specialty lineups like ABCs comedy and game show night and sporting events .

Author:  Thegun [ Sat Aug 17, 2019 4:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

Of course they do. Maybe in another 10 years, but Network TV still dominates ratings, and that is all the ad buyers care about. Too many of the last few generations are too set in their ways. My parents love the new tech but they just find all the different things confusing.

I think the biggest breakthrough is when the streaming sites start really actively giving more accurate numbers. Also remember that most cable stations are owned by a lot of big network companies owned by other bigger companies.

Author:  Jiffy [ Sun Aug 18, 2019 2:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

Mister Ecks wrote:
Jiffy wrote:
I watch The Good Place and Superstore.


Superstore is probably the most underrated network series. It filled the workplace comedy void left behind by The Office, and it seems those that like it really appreciate what they're doing, but I feel like the vast majority has no clue Superstore even exists.


Yeah, it's really a shame, although the ratings aren't too bad in the current dire network context.

Author:  j_forest23 [ Sun Sep 01, 2019 11:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

Chippy wrote:
Is the CW network TV? lol because I'm still a fan of a lot of their stuff.



Dynasty is AWESOME! Damn shame the network isn’t doing anything to promote it. At least there’s Netflix haha (where I watch it)

Author:  Shack [ Tue Oct 15, 2019 11:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

My article on network TV http://wokj.worldofkj.com/how-did-network-tv-blow-it/

Author:  Thegun [ Fri Oct 18, 2019 12:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Does network TV have anything left to offer?

I honestly don't get your argument. All you really talk about is Sunday Programming, and while HBO and AMC have killed it in the lull of scripted TV, The networks still pull better ratings with sports and even 60 Minutes most nights.

Network TV will never disappear for the mere reason you just stated. People love those shows, but families that only have nights and weekends together, can't necessarily watch Vampire/Dragon porn shows or Zombies/Gangster gratuitous violence and non stop cursing. And believe it or not, there are many people that love commercials still, it means they can talk or take a piss in between such shows.

NCIS still has more viewers than what Game of Thrones Finale did. Part of the other reason why streaming doesn't work is that you have an entire show right there for binging. It takes a lot for a show to hold onto viewers for almost 6 months for multiple years. As a result you end up with simple safe background entertainment. But there's still good shows on there.

Personally, If I'm working I usually have ION or Food Network on. Need a break you can literally jump right in. Same with shows like Pawn Stars (Though that is so bad now with the extended scripted parts)

And before you make an argument they aren't network TV. Keep in mind WB owns HBO, Adult Swim, CNN, TBS, TNT, etc. It's all a funnel system in the end. Network TV is just not the primetime it once was, money still comes to them.

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