Weekly television shows have been part of American tradition since the 1950s and continue to this day. But the television-watching experience has changed since the technology was first became popular.
While there were only a few channels in the beginning, now there are close to 1000. During that time, the content on television became varied as well, and the audience has grown to want something different. New ideas are a plus in today’s society, but the major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX shy away from anything risky, and it puts the companies out of touch with the public.
Currently, many of the shows people are watching and anticipating are on cable. On AMC alone, viewers hold their breath for each new episode of the final season of “Breaking Bad” as well as the return of “The Walking Dead.”
The same cannot be said of network television. While some shows like “The Office” and “30 Rock” have had large followings, both series have ended and are being replaced with a generic family sitcom, each with its own star and slightly different spin.
While NBC has a better track record with comedies, its two returning cult classics, “Parks and Recreation” and “Community,” are moving forward with uncertainty. “Parks and Recreation” is losing two of its stars, Rashida Jones and Rob Lowe, according to Entertainment Weekly. And while things are looking better for “Community” with the return of Dan Harmon , it does not have a premier date beyond winter 2014.
Other network channels seem to be following the money.
CBS, for example, is rehashing old ideas into new shows because the original series were so popular. Both “CSI” and “NCIS” have spawned other series with the same exact idea based in different cities. The unwillingness to let go of big shows extends to “Two and a Half Men,” which continues to move forward after losing Charlie Sheen and Angus T. Jones. While any other show would be dead in the water, “Two and a Half Men” trudges into its eleventh season.
Network channels’ reluctance at new ideas shows the companies don’t want to take any risks whatsoever. While some might watch a generic family sitcom with Robin Williams or Michael J. Fox, is there any chance of it being something other than a casual weeknight filler?
It would appear shows that garner large cult followings are gone. Even though those shows didn’t have massive ratings, nothing groundbreaking has replaced them.
The fact is, network television is out of touch with the general public and what they want from their shows.
While networks continue to repeat the same formula and milk every last penny they can from dying shows, cable television is doing the opposite. Original shows are emerging and gaining a following, and channels are willing to take a new idea and give it a chance.
As mentioned earlier, AMC is more than willing to take ideas like “Breaking Bad,” “Mad Men” and “The Walking Dead” and make them into successful TV shows. While these are in their later seasons, and in some cases their last, they are prime examples of shows that network channels would not take chances on.
AMC is not the only channel either. FX, Comedy Central, HBO, Starz and Showtime have all shown they are more than willing to put out shows that push the edges of what can be seen on television. Unfortunately, network TV channels don’t have what it takes to give a chance to something edgy or groundbreaking.