Death of the Power Network

originally published in the Gonzaga Bulletin 2009

Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here in honor of a fallen friend. For years, it served us well, entertaining us; making us laugh, making us cry. But now it’s time to say goodbye… to the big network power lineup. In the recent past, the big time networks (NBC, ABC and CBS) have provided us with solid, four episode power blocs that dominated the TV markets and captured our collective attention. However, with the rise in premium cable show cult followings, the popularity of lesser-known networks, the prevalence of syndicated shows and a growing obsession with trashy reality shows, the primetime cable lineup is a dying breed.

Gone are the days when NBC would dish out four quality shows in their primetime lineup, ending with veteran powerhouse mainstay, ER (undeniably a resident geriatric show gasping for its final gasp on life support). ABC never fails to provide us with forgettable formulaic comedies and family laugh tracks and CBS seems to be using a scramble play, flooding the market with more CSI:s than we know what to do with. Suddenly, we are faced with the unfortunate decision between watching a comically absurd David Caruso skulk around South Beach on CSI:Miami or suffer the pain of watching has-been B-listers crack carpool jokes on ABC.

To be fair, there are a few bright spots still remaining on these networks. Lost, The Office, 30 Rock and House all continue to impress with innovative humor and engaging plotlines. The recent Screen Actors Guild Awards shined upon these shows, clinging to the vestige of a commanding primetime.

Taking the place of the old network dominance starts with a growing popularity of premium cable. Once a mysterious force in the television world, premium cable channels like HBO and Starz have become more commonplace as digital cable and satellite are found in more homes across the nation. Shows like Flight of the Conchords, Entourage, Big Love, Weeds and Californication have accrued cult followings and an undeniable cultural importance. Premium cable shows are highly recognized and infuse their influence in common vernacular, dress and style.

Similarly, the bigger network shows are getting passed up for shows on previously lesser-known networks like AMC, TBS and TNT.

Mad Men, the AMC sensation features a suave and sexy cast of hourglass figures, crisp cut 60s suits, impeccably slicked hair and enough hard liquor to drown a seasoned dockworker. Mad Men is bringing back the cigarette, the pin curl and the three-martini lunch- and they’re doing it with style.

In the same way, TNT and TBS bring viewers to cable with underdog shows that have become supremely popular like Monk, The Closer and Saving Grace. These shows originally started quietly, amassing more loyal viewers every week, eventually winning major accolades such as Emmys, Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild awards. Although Monk has been on air since 2002, it has fully come into its own as one of the more popular shows on television.

Syndicated shows are enjoying a newfound resurgence in value. More and more people are turning their TVs to channels including the CW, TBS and Bravo where they can watch older episodes of perennial favorites like Scrubs, The Office and Project Runway. With a seemingly constant stream of syndicated shows playing on these channels, viewers are more apt to watch a repeat of a beloved series than a new mediocre episode to which they hold no loyalty.

Lastly, trashy reality shows still hold sway over our every free minute. Whether it is watching burnt out strippers fawn over Bret Michaels on Rock of Love Bus, taking bets on which one of the Ikki twins will find “true love” on a Double Shot at Love or delighting in the schadenfreude that is The Biggest Loser, we have to admit it- we are suckers for awful “reality” TV. Like syndicated shows, these reality shows are on all the time, taking the attention off of primetime shows when you must tune in at a certain time.

The demise of the big network power bloc has been a long time coming. It has not been a quick downfall, but rather a long, slow battle against alternate sources of popularity in a world of ever expanding channel choices. Likely, these changes are only the beginning and the face of television will undoubtedly continue to morph as time passes. As we sit down, grab the remote and tune in- one thing is certain, television as we know it is changing right before our eyes.