quote:

Originally posted by mushu_jj:
I believe that was some reality show they aired on Saturday night a few years ago that premiered against NFL playoffs. The Will I believe was the name of it and it had like a 0.9 demo rating.

According to Marc's ratings the 01/08/05 episode of The Will tied in futility with a 1.2 18-49 rating. It was cancelled after one episode, though, so I guess it beat Viva Laughlin in that respect.

quote:

Originally posted by mushu_jj:
I believe that was some reality show they aired on Saturday night a few years ago that premiered against NFL playoffs. The Will I believe was the name of it and it had like a 0.9 demo rating.

I honestly think that CBS - after seeing the ending probably had something to do with this decision to pull it as well. I watched it online (actually online through my TV) and it was one of the worst possible conclusions to an awful concept to begin with.

Excellent question! I will address it tomorrow.

quote:

Originally posted by TV-aholic:
Marc,

With all the new and expanded ratings, what numbers will be used for archived, or final, ratings for show. In 10 years, when we look at the top 100 shows for 2007-08, will the list state Live Same Day ratings, Live +3, Live +7, C3, any other?

What are the Fianl FINAL rating numbers now?

Thanks!

CW seems to be having a down year and it doesn't seem they'll be getting out of its rut anytime soon. Even "America's Next Top Model" is down from last season and now not even the most-watched CW show of the season ("Smallville" is).

Would it be wise for the CW to look into sports programming, like perhaps college football or basketball, to provide a bigger promotional platform for its shows? The CW may have a decent crop of shows, in terms of quality, but I don't think many people know they're on the air currently.

They need sports if they ever want to get put on the map. Perhaps college basketball games of the week through CBS?

quote:

Originally posted by Douglas:
CW seems to be having a down year and it doesn't seem they'll be getting out of its rut anytime soon. Even "America's Next Top Model" is down from last season and now not even the most-watched CW show of the season ("Smallville" is).

Would it be wise for the CW to look into sports programming, like perhaps college football or basketball, to provide a bigger promotional platform for its shows? The CW may have a decent crop of shows, in terms of quality, but I don't think many people know they're on the air currently.

Since we are on the subject of The CW, I have a question.

With ratings getting worse for the The CW, how much longer and local stations "afford" continuing to air CW programming? How long are the contracts Between the CW and its affiliates? Are there any outs for either side? Were certain viewing levels promised?

It's only a matter of time before CBS-Warner shuts down.

What else do the affiliates have to air? I doubt independent stuff would do much better for many. The fact that they're CW affiliates is why many of them get decent dial spots on the cable systems. Local independents would look a whole lot less appealing.

quote:

Originally posted by TV-aholic:
Since we are on the subject of The CW, I have a question.

With ratings getting worse for the The CW, how much longer and local stations "afford" continuing to air CW programming? How long are the contracts Between the CW and its affiliates? Are there any outs for either side? Were certain viewing levels promised?

Got two for ya Marc:

1. With so many shows going into early off-network runs, how important are 100 episodes in this day and age? Does a fourth year show still get a major advantage for renewal from being in a syndication year?

2. With the broadcast audience getting older, will adults 18-49 stop being the most important demographic anytime soon? If so, what demo will take its place?

Marc, which recent cable program(s) would work best and/or may become at least a modest hit for each of the five broadcast networks, if the strike enters well into 2008? Just wondering.

Hi Marc, this is my first ever post at PIFeedback, despite me reading the column and listening to the podcast every day! Anyway, this is my question:

If the strike continues, do you think the networks could air some programming from other English-speaking countries (e.g. - the UK). For example: NBC could air the original, British version of "The Office".

Good question...I will address it on tomorrow's podcast.

quote:

Originally posted by Count Chocula!:
Hi Marc, this is my first ever post at PIFeedback, despite me reading the column and listening to the podcast every day! Anyway, this is my question:

If the strike continues, do you think the networks could air some programming from other English-speaking countries (e.g. - the UK). For example: NBC could air the original, British version of "The Office".

Here is a question that came up on the forum this week.

When is a regular series program considered a "special" and when is it not?

ABC is showing its Thanksgiving Day programs as Specials even though Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy aired in their regularly scheduled time slot.

I remember ABC tring this before with LOST and airing a clips show in its regular time slot, but wanting it classified as a "Special".

Who make the determination if a regular series program is a "Special" Or Not and what are the rules/guidelines for that?


Thanks and keep up the great work!

TV-aholic

One year from the exact date of this post, TV will go to an all-digital signal.

Marc, now it's time to play psychic: what do you think this February 17, 2009 digital shift will mean for the entire scope of television in 2009 and beyond, especially with viewership? Do you think viewership for cable programs will dramatically increase or will there even be an increase? Just curious to see if your outlook now will be correct in 2009.

I think the switch to digital will help cable and hurt broadcast TV. The switch will reduce the number of TVs/homes that can get by with over the air reception so more people will sign up for cable. Once they have cable, those people will be more likely to check out the myriad of offerings rather than just watching the 4 main nets.