With the advent of the Tivo/FauxVo/DVR comes the concept of waiting on high-concept shows. Waiting to see if they find an audience, waiting to see if they find a creative direction, and waiting to see whether or not the show is a go. If you were like me, then you got burned on 'Eyes', 'Reunion', and 'The Nine' in recent years. All three were good shows, all three had serious potential, and all three were yanked before they made it to Thanksgiving. WTF?
Remember 'Emily's Reasons Why Not'? Do you? One episode last year and it got the hook. I just don't get how a network can put in all that time and effort and money and give a show less than a month to find its way. Cheers was the lowest rated TV show on the Neilsons after its first year. Seinfeld was basically cancelled and sent to burn-off over the summer before people found it. Sometimes I wish they would just wait and see. The money has been spent and the marketing effort put forth - just relax and let it play out. Kind of like the Vikings with Tavaris Jackson -- ok, bad example.
Enter DVR and the '3 Episode Rule'. Just let them collect, see how it goes with the critics, ratings, and word of mouth - and if it makes it to four shows, then enjoy your mini- marathon!!! Good times for all.
Why do I bring this up now? CBS cancelled Viva Laughlin after 2 episodes in different time slots. High concept? Yes. Silly premise? Yes. But did you even give it a chance to catch on? No.
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Good theory. However, this doesn't always seem to work. Take for instance a favorite show of mine "The Loop." This show has appeared now for 2 years in a row for about 4 episodes and then magically disappears only to pop-up again a little later on. Please explain...
I hear you on the Loop. I don't really like the show very much, but someone at FOX sure does. They have kept it around as a space filler. From what I hear, they have about 14 episodes in the can, and when they need fill a slot later this year you will see it -- and then you won't -- and then maybe you will again.
I have no idea what to call this phenomenon other than to say FOX is the only one who does this.
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