Instant access online, Ipod's playing what we want when we want, and DVR to skip the commercial. We no longer take the time to let things grow into their own. I understand television is a business. However it is the business of entertainment. Ever since Seinfeld was a major hit after only three episodes most networks will not buy more than three episodes. Television, especially dramas, takes time to grow and develop an audience. Television has always been a little quick to pull plug on shows that do not work. This has been the case since the very beginning I assume. Whether it was the 1980's cult hit that spawned three movies Police Squad, or the fun and in depth look at teens in the 80's Freaks and Geeks, the new Miami Vice known as Fast Lane, or most recently Jericho. Television is about making money, but executives do not seem to understand that audiences need time to build with these shows. When would you rather get paid a lot now and little later or a constant stream of incoming cash? Not everything can be decided in three or four episodes. A show like Jericho was rushed to get some action going and they lost what the show was about in the process, a group of people attempting to survive a great tragedy. This whole war with the other town should not have come up until season 3. Season 1 should have been nothing but survival, season two a return to normalcy, or as close as you can get it, and of course season three the war with Newbern. Because there is a rush to make it hit and big many shows push into season three material with out proper set up. Our fast paced gotta download it now viral video sound bite society is killing many things: politics music and of course television. Because of this combined with lower production cost is why we have all this reality junk on television. To many people are afraid to invest in their enjoyment. All we seem to want is fat people getting thin, stars dancing, and of course how much would screw up your life for $500,000. Of course my favorite is Me Wanty, Deal or no deal. Remember when you had to know something to win money? Now you just have to pick a number and leave when you have hit your mark. Is this what TV has become? Is this all we get? Is TV, like radio, dead?
I am an active TV viewer. Analyzing all I see
Comments
double_agent 03/24/08
Yes, yes, yes. Have you seen the primetime lineups lately? American Idol? Survivor? Dancing with the Stars? Big Brother? Are you kidding me? Whatever happened to shows like Cheers, or M*A*S*H? All in the Family? It truly is sad that people follow such incompetent shows. That's why I'm only watching 24 and Lost.
outlatrbdr 03/24/08
anything scripted is better than most of the so called reality televsion. i miss the days of Night court, family ties buffalo bill. when tv meant something.
TheTimeBandit 03/25/08
I agree TV IS DEAD. The sitcoms have become extinct to what has been called "reality tv", which I like to call "Fast Food TV". Everybody wants the quick fix. We have become brain lazy. There are only a few of us left who like to really think about an episode and ponder what might happen. Instead of talk about who was just voted off the show. There are probably more eligable voters who vote on these so called reality tv show that actually vote for the presidental elections.
outlatrbdr 03/25/08
it has been shown that more people vote in American Idol than in the American election.
t3hdow 03/25/08
...what? What happened to the debates that TV surpassed going to the cineplex? Where did the discussion go that talked about the advantages of developed plotlines over a hit-and-rum theatrical experience? How quick we are to forget.
Wait, I think I know why: the writer's strike.
Although you've made some interesting points, it sounds more like fatigue from the reality TV heavy aftermath, caused by the strike. Granted, I find nothing wrong with delving into the occasional reality show. Hell, I think networks should take advantage of the insta ratings gained from them to financially support scripted dramas that need time to grow (at least that's my ideal). In any other year, we would have a lot of great scripted series to counteract it, but it's a different case in 2008. That doesn't really mean TV's dead yet. It just needs time to rebuild. The networks aren't foolish enough to think the public doesn't need scripted series.
Need proof? Look at the reception after American Idol season 6 and Lost season 3, which aired on the same day. While the former, much more numerous group griped about an overly long ceremony that cut off for TiVo users within the final, important minutes to declare 2007's AI, the Lost viewers, jaded after an uneven season, witnessed a spectacular conclusion that not only resurrected the show, but evolved it. No kind of instantly gratifying reality show can pull that off.
Scripted series aren't going anywhere and TV's far from going six feet under anytime soon.
P.S. I blame Jericho's demise more on CBS's addiction to crime dramas than reality TV (which haven't received many ratings lately). Also, since when did Seinfeld become a major hit in three episodes? The last I recalled, it didn't receive high ratings until the second half of its nine year run.
outlatrbdr 03/25/08
While I agree that some reality television can be good it has done nothing for television except boil it down the Joe Friday version. Just the facts ma???am. CBS has always been good about allowing shows to grow. This show strikes a chord in America today. This show needs to be left on the air. Art should be free. And I would willingly spend a summer watching who wants to marry America???s next top idol making a deal or no deal to help pay for shows like Jericho. We spend too much time worshipping at the alter of the dollar and not enough time seeking what is truly important. We want it now and there is no other way.
PS
If the producers do not annihilate Cheyenne and its corrupt government I will have absolutely no respect for television writers at all.
TheTimeBandit 03/25/08
It is really sad to see a modern day version of the Revolutionary War removed from tv. I loved how the grandfather broke down the similarities of the ongoings in the world of today to the past events of the Revolutionary War. Television show like this will be sorely missed.
TheTimeBandit 03/25/08
I agree Cheyenne must fall.
josher26 03/25/08
121.5 million people voted in the last presidential election.
Last time I listened, 35 million votes were cast on AI, and since they allow multiple voyes (and some people power vote), I'd be surprised if the actual number of voters is more than 5 - 10 million.
scarsandstories8 03/25/08
you must also consider the fact that a lot of people don't vote. i'm the only one in my family that doesn't. (i'm talking american idol, not the presidential election, lol).
scarsandstories8 03/25/08
sorry...
**i'm the only one in my family that does
And, by the way, my entire family watches the show, so that right there is four people that watch and don't vote
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