Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Stupid Network TV Execs

I hate it when they cancel shows without giving them a chance to find an audience. I've had it happen to me several times now in rapid succession.

I started watching "Daybreak" last year when "Lost" when on hiatus. After three or four episodes I really got into it and really enjoyed it. Then all of a sudden it wasn't in the schedule. No explanation. Just a rerun of some other show I wouldn't watch. I mean, what the hell? Not only do they pull it, they put in something no one will watch anyway? How does that help the network? It was obvious the shows were made, why not show them? And how can they tell if a show is going to work after only four freaking episodes?

I was a bit pissed. Then I started watching "Drive" when it opened. I found it interesting as well. And yet again, suddenly it wasn't on, and from my recent experience, I knew right away it had been cancelled. Geez, after like only three or four episodes. Talk about avoidance of risk!

I just am so annoyed at stuff like that. Like TV execs can ever really predict what shows will be good or not. Then there was "Jericho" - I really liked that. And it was cancelled. At least they had the decency to let the season end. Then a minor miracle - the show was saved by a massive writing, advertising, and "nut" sending campaign. They agreed to do seven or eight episodes end of next season, and if it does well enough, they'll do more after that. I guess I should feel grateful for that, but I still have the bitter taste of other shows that were not so lucky. ("Firefly" being the most infamous of all).

Why can't they just let a new show "breathe" for a bit before pulling the plug? Piss me off enough and I'm liable to not watch any new TV programs - I already am hesitant because of what has already happened. So if the execs think it is all about the money, well, they are going to lose money from me if they don't quit this nonsense.

11 comments:

Larry Hamelin said...

I got rid of my TV 5 years ago and I haven't missed it since.

DBB said...

I've never taken drugs (and never will). I almost never drink. But it will be a cold day in hell before I give up my TV addiction. But then I do have breaks... crappy TV is all it takes to keep me off it. On the other hand, the DVR allows me to watch shows I wouldn't otherwise have the time or inclination to arrange to tape...

There are quality programs out there. Do you watch movies? I love movies as well. And yes, I do love books. I have thousands of them. I hope my love of reading will rub off on the little one. (The TV has already rubbed off, to the point where I try not to let her watch it when I'm watching her - my wife has other ideas there...)

Anonymous said...

Ok, speaking of books: Do you read any George R.R. Martin? Have you heard about his Game of Throne series coming to HBO in a year or two?

It seems like HBO is a channel that knows how to make some quality shows (Deadwood, Rome, Band of Brothers).

DBB said...

No I haven't. Thanks for the tip. I'm always on the lookout for more books (I am just about out of fresh ones...)

HBO - oh yes. All good shows you listed. They are making another 'Band of Brothers' mini-series for HBO now based on pacific stories.

But how could you leave off the ultimate show, what I consider the best TV EVER - 'The Wire'?

hedera said...

I'm with barefoot - I still have the TV but use it only to watch rented movies. I don't think I've watched a TV broadcast since September 2001 except in public spaces with TVs. However, given your complaints, you should become acquainted with the San Francisco Chronicle's TV columnist, Tim Goodman. I can't give you a current link because he's on vacation right now, but I think you'd find his column, and his blog, entertaining; you can find archives at http://www.sfgate.com, just look under "Columnists" in the navigation bar. I read him regularly so I can at least nod intelligently when people rant about "The Sopranos", he's very entertaining, especially when he puts on his Cranky Pants.

Anonymous said...

If you haven't read a Song of Ice and Fire (starting with A Game of Thrones) then you are really missing out.

Ok... What is "the Wire" I've never even heard of it?

DBB said...

"The Wire" is a show on HBO - it has had four seasons now, the fifth and last starts soon. It is the best tv show ever made, period. It has been called the closest to a novel a TV show can get. It really requires you watch every show, from the first, to really fully appreciate it. I can't recommend it enough. Start with season one (on DVD now) and you'll be hooked.

I've already added A Game of Thrones to my amazon to-buy list, so I may get it soon.

Anonymous said...

Well I'm adding the Wire to my Netflix Account... so there!

Maya's Granny said...

I loved both Firefly and Daybreak and was really put out when they were canceled.

armagh444 said...

I'm still recovering from the shock of finding out that the upcoming season of Battlestar Galactica is going to be the last one. Still, I feel quite blessed that SciFi gave the show some time to breathe and find a robust fan base. It never would have survived on one of the networks. Then again, Moore and Eick never could have been true to their vision and made the series as good as it is if they had to deal with the constrictions the networks would have placed on it.

DBB said...

I'm actually not that shocked to hear this is the last season of BG - they can only flail around for so long before you start to wonder why they aren't at Earth yet. It will be nice to see them reach a final resolution of that that isn't cheesy like G-1980.