I'm sure it started with another channel, but probably the best known is MTV. Formerly known as Music Television. When it first came out, it was nothing but videos, VJ's and not much more. Radio on TV. Now, it's old hat to make fun of MTV for never showing music videos any more. I think there's a few hours in the morning that they do. That's it. Tons of reality TV now make up a majority of their programming. Bring back more videos!
When Sci-Fi Channel changed their name to SyFy, the groans could be heard all around the universe. They had some great Sci-Fi on there. Most notably the critically acclaimed Battlestar Galactica. Some new shows are doing well for them like Warehouse 13 and Eureka. Definitely sci-fi shows. However, it was just announced that they cancelled the BSG prequel, Caprica. If a sci-fi show can't be allowed to grow on a supposedly sci-fi channel, then what chance does any future show on the network have? They've started having wrestling in their programming as well. I've got nothing against wrestling as I was an avid fan as a kid all the way into my 20's. Just don't think it belongs on this channel. And they have these badder than B movie style original movies that are shot for nothing. Yet, Caprica can't be given a chance. I'm guessing that's why they changed the name to SyFy. Sure it sounds like sci-fi, but for the complainers like me saying there isn't enough actual sci-fi on the channel, they can just say, "Hey! Our name just rhymes with it so we don't have to show it!" Give real sci-fi a chance, SyFy!
And now we come to Cartoon Network. They've started showing some live action shows. I happen to like a few of them, but again. Just don't feel they belong on a network that was started to just show cartoons. CN hasn't gotten that bad about it yet. But I fear it's going to become the norm to add more live action shows.
What's next? The Food Network will have show about computers? QVC will have a mystery theater? I know there are exceptions to the rule, in a sense. AMC has done some amazing moves into the scripted drama genre with hits like Mad Men, Breaking Bad and the upcoming sure to be hit/you know I'll be watching The Walking Dead. On paper, I don't agree with their move into this area. Perhaps just have a spin-off channel for these shows?
I realize it all comes down to profit. Networks don't want to give a struggling show a chance but see practically guaranteed money in some reality show or sports event, so they put that on instead. (Seinfeld struggled the first few seasons but NBC gave it a chance. That would never happen in today's TV landscape). And I also realize that I'm nobody to question. I'm all for good entertainment but just wish some of the more genre networks would stick mostly to their original programming.
So say we all!
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