{"id":436,"date":"2012-09-18T15:04:56","date_gmt":"2012-09-18T15:04:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf594\/?p=436"},"modified":"2012-12-12T21:44:28","modified_gmt":"2012-12-12T21:44:28","slug":"programming-program-development-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bejone03.expressions.syr.edu\/trf594\/2012\/09\/18\/programming-program-development-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Programming & Program Development"},"content":{"rendered":"
by Rebecca McGovern<\/pre>\n
The vast landscape of television has been drastically altered this fall. Not only have the networks flooded this year\u2019s lineup with an uncharacteristically large number of new shows, several of which emerged with uncharacteristically large numbers. Nets have also beefed up the number of projects in development, greenlighting several projects that have big names behind them.<\/p>\n
Drama<\/h1>\n
Once the anchor of primetime programming, dramas still make up the core, but are slowly being surpassed by reality shows and situation comedies as top draws for viewers \u2014 particularly in the age 18-49 demographic (1). Six of the shows cancelled so far on broadcast this season have been new dramas \u2014 CBS\u2019s \u201cMade in Jersey\u201d, ABC\u2019s \u2018Private Practice\u201d (a returning series cancelled amid its 6th<\/sup> season), ABC\u2019s \u201c666 Park Avenue\u201d, ABC\u2019s \u201cLast Resort\u201d, the CW\u2019s \u201cEmily Owens, M.D.\u201d, <\/em>and Fox\u2019s \u201cThe Mob Doctor\u201d <\/em>(2).<\/p>\n
\"\"
NBC’s Revolution set a ratings record with 11.7 million viewers a 4.1 key demographic rating (14).<\/p><\/div>\n
Some new shows, however, have given a strong showing. NBC\u2019s new drama \u201cRevolution\u201d, created by J.J. Abrams (\u201cLost\u201d), which proved to be an unexpected ratings winner, and the only new drama in the top 20 in the age 18-49 demographic. CBS\u2019s \u201cElementary\u201d <\/em>is also proved to be a ratings success, consistently gaining numbers in the age 18-49 demographic, as well as coming first in total viewers most airings (3).<\/p>\n
One of the biggest challenges to the success of primetime broadcast network drama programming is the rise of cable networks, and the quality of their own programming. Because they don\u2019t have to \u201cneuter\u201d their dramas to appeal to a wide audience, cable networks can take more risks when developing their dramas, and thus have the ability to garner critical acclaim. FX\u2019s \u201cAmerican Horror Story\u201d, which premiered last fall and aired a completely re-vamped and re-cast season two this fall, is a testament to the relatively newfound strength of cable programming. Shows like \u201cAmerican Horror Story\u201d make it difficult for broadcast networks to reel in that segments of audiences who prefer the highbrow dramatic programming of cable networks, and challenge and impede the success of broadcast shows like the now-cancelled \u201cMob Doctor\u201d, which can offer an intriguing presence, but which shy back in terms of execution and contact in order to keep the program high concept (4).<\/p>\n