Although I certainly think networks should give some shows a chance to find an audience, there's a lot to be said for being willing to bite the bullet, and quickly cancel a show that is clearly circling the drain. I mean, this wasn't anything new--just another doctor show trying to clone the edgy style of House--and failing.
There is no inherent virtue in keeping a low-rated show on the air just for the sake of saying "We gave it a chance." That rarely works out. If it's something really special, and there are extenuating circumstances (like a bad timeslot) give it another try, sure. ABC should have given Cupid (the drama with Jeremy Piven) a full season--and a better timeslot than Saturdays at 10pm. But most of the 'Brilliant But Canceled' crowd frankly didn't deserve to get the green light in the first place.
All you do by keeping a show like this on the air a while longer is encourage the people who do like it to get attached--then they get mad when it gets axed. TV fans have no sense of gratitude--well, why should we?
I can understand when stuff gets cancelled quickly, however, I don't understand why we wouldn't get the chance to watch the remaining episodes already completed - even if on cable. I don't like to sit and watch shows on my computer so I don't consider that much solice - especially since the quality is poor compared to TV.
OK, I agree, I am not in the business, but I have to say...cancelling Smith after 3 episodes when 9 were funded and produced was stupid to me. You can't get back that money spent anyway. But now, supposedly CBS has turned around and made another knee jerk reaction after 3 weeks to 3 Lbs.?? I understand it is all about advertising dollars....but this is ridiculous if you ask me.
I have never seen 3 Lbs. but it seems a little early to be cancelling it. What happened to the good ol' days of letting a show find an audience? How lame of a network to cancel a show after only three episodes.
Posts: 9 | Location: Michigan | Registered: 03 November 2006
CBS has no reason to keep a struggling show on like 3 lbs (or eps-I like that) when they can air repeats of the CSIS and do better. And if so many people are complaining about a new show getting the ax early, then why do more people watch repeats of the hit shows?
Originally posted by adammc80: I have never seen 3 Lbs. but it seems a little early to be cancelling it. What happened to the good ol' days of letting a show find an audience? How lame of a network to cancel a show after only three episodes.
I think another part of this quick decision was the outcry from the Brain Surgeons (or some group like that) who said the show did not reflect them accurately. (I believe this to be the same reason Crumbs got such a quick ax - with the mental institute people, not the brain surgeons.)
You got it right, Schleprock. I dont' get these networks!
quote:
Originally posted by Schleprock: OK, I agree, I am not in the business, but I have to say...cancelling Smith after 3 episodes when 9 were funded and produced was stupid to me. You can't get back that money spent anyway. But now, supposedly CBS has turned around and made another knee jerk reaction after 3 weeks to 3 Lbs.?? I understand it is all about advertising dollars....but this is ridiculous if you ask me.
On another board, I'm known as the resident CBS cheerleader, and at this point, I'm at a total loss over 3 lbs and CBS' schedule at midseason. This week would have been a perfect opportunity to try and lure new viewers to the show with a special presentation after NCIS, and they could have at least tried to air an episode after CSI while ER is in repeat status.
Also, why do you premiere a show during a sweeps period with very little promotion. The only support that 3 lbs received was a bombardment of commercials on CBS right before its premiere. Where were the print ads? Why weren't the stars on any of the daytime talk shows?? CBS could definitely learn alot from ABC's promo department.
Finally, I've read a couple of articles that are starting to refer to the timeslot at the "Amy Curse". Maybe CBS should consider giving a series order to Barbara Hall for her new exorcist show that is currently in development? If she can get Tyne Daly to star in it, I know the perfect spot for it.
I'm still not sure why CBS axed Smith (which averaged 10.06 million viewers and a 3.4/ 9 among adults 18-49 in the time period) so quickly. Maybe if the network had more holes elsewhere, it would have been more patient.
Originally posted by Marc Berman: I'm still not sure why CBS axed Smith (which averaged 10.06 million viewers and a 3.4/ 9 among adults 18-49 in the time period) so quickly. Maybe if the network had more holes elsewhere, it would have been more patient.
Marc,
I heard that Liotta was stirring up alot of problems behind the scenes and CBS just didn't feel that the numbers warranted the headache that he caused. Knowing Tucci's history, I'm wondering if this could have been a repeat situation??? Regardless, I think that it may be a while before CBS goes after projects with "movie stars" as leads for quite some time.
Maybe CBS should consider giving a series order to Barbara Hall for her new exorcist show that is currently in development? If she can get Tyne Daly to star in it, I know the perfect spot for it. 