Cable vs. Network

Mediaweek says that the big 4 networks have experienced a drop in viewers since the summer season started, while cable has more viewers than ever.

Well, no duh!

Networks are relying on the relatively inexpensive un-scripted shows, like Hell's Kitchen and Big Brother 1 Million, while cable is giving us shows like Burn Notice, Saving Grace, Army Wives, Slice of Life, and Damages, as well as returning shows like The Closer, Monk, Psych, Kyle Xy, The 4400, The Dead Zone, Rescue Me,... right...

Cable is hitting this one out of the park while the networks are stuffing their faces in the stands.

I mean, really, how do you hope to compare your viewership rates with reality and re-runs when cable's putting out brand new stuff that's well written? Yes, I love House and Bones and Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives, but what you're showing now is old news. Is it the new season yet? No?

Then I'm not interested.

There are a few reality shows that I can stand, nay, even enjoy. Hell's Kitchen and Gordon Ramsey's delicious potty mouthed meanness, On the Lot with the silver tongued Garry Marshall, somewhat confusing Carrie Fisher and Adrianna Costa (who I wish I could like but can't because I won't get over her poor clothing and hair choices) and film makers hoping to make it to that mecca that is Steven Spielberg, America's Next Producer, which plays into my love of television and creating for television, and Who Wants To Be A Superhero, which always captures my heart because I like seeing people trying to be better people and better citizens and that's what the competition is all about.


That's it.

What worries me is that the networks will continue to follow this completely unfeasible path. Oh, I know that cable can charge differently, for every viewing of the show, than network tv. And although I hate the re-run path, especially if viewers won't go online to watch or won't buy the show off iTunes, the next best thing is to watch during the summer. Except, if you can watch it in the summer, why can't you just watch during the fall?

In the summer battle, cable is winning. Of course, reality shows are more popular to others than they are to me. Yet even this doesn't make up for the fact that approximately 60% of viewers are tuning networks out and turning to cable for their summer entertainment needs.

But then again, I guess as long as there's something good on, I'll be there.