My wife and I have had a steady stream of bad luck luck lately when it comes to latching onto new TV shows. As soon as we decide that we really enjoy enjoy a show, the network up and decides to can it. While reality show after reality show continues to flourish and spin-off, we are left hoping that the episode we're watching of one our favorite non-reality programs isn't its last.
Over the past couple years we have tuned in weekly to watch the untimely demise of such quality shows as Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Life on Mars, My Own Worst Enemy, Eli Stone, The Unusuals, and Pushing Daisies (although that last one was more a favorite of the wife's, but I would tune in every now and then). It seems what all these shows had in common was that they were a little different from other shows on TV- quirky, with interesting characters, and bold, if not off-beat storylines and plots. Heaven forbid we get a little variation from the norm! It doesn't say much for those making the decisions at the networks these days, or for that matter the audiences making the decisions of what to spend their time watching. It's a rather narrow spectrum, I fear, that both groups seem to dwell in.
I realize it's all about the money. These shows didn't test well, or what have you- and got yanked because of it. It's just too expensive to keep shows on, with the hope that that just may catch on and gain a following eventually. And some of these shows that stay on for four and five seasons... I just have to scratch my head. Are people really watching this, or is it just that cheap of a show to keep churning out episodes? Perhaps I'm just a snob... Perhaps I can live with that.
As crappy as it is to see these shows go by the wayside, perhaps I should thank these network bigs. After all, the DVR still winds up full most every week with enough shows for my wife and I to barely keep up with. I still hold out hope for quality TV, but in the meanwhile will hunker down with the tried and true staples... and let's not forget syndication. There will always be re-runs! What better way to enjoy the present state of television, than by reliving its glorious past. It might just be better than looking to future.
