Networks and Cable Companies.

Dec 19, 2009 23:23

Understanding that I don't know all the differences between Network Corporations or Cable Channel Companies, I have noticed one thing that is the same between them.

They are canceling almost all the good sci-fi shows they start.

Here's my short list of shows that I've tried to follow since 2005, just five years ago, that were cancelled. And understand that there aren't THAT many sci-fi series.

Angel
Firefly
Enterprise (Star Trek)
Threshold
Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles
Jeremiah
Jericho

Yet, Ghost Hunters is becoming a reality television show? Ghost Hunters Academy? Maybe reality show is the wrong term, but they seem to have come a long way from MTV's "Real World", the progenitor of the great discovery that American's love watching other people go through ridiculous melodrama, and then get what they deserve, kicked off. Or perhaps they prefer to get irate about watching their 'reality' hero take an unfair loss. I mean, that's definitely a hero we can all empathize with, as we all feel screwed over at some point.

It is true Sci-Fi will never have the following of mainstream drama/dramedy/sit-com/etc. But then the followings for the show sometimes take such a fanatical level as to be described as cult-like. I think that's where the term 'cult-classic' comes from. Small groups who show and have a deep appreciation for entertainment that is NOT mainstream, because a lot of us aren't into watching cop and crime shows, or Jerry Springer clones, or Reality/Fame contest shows. Some of us don't even watch sports.

I find it just sad, that in a time of such technological innovation, where humanity seems to be racing through the discoveries it can make almost like it's a race to see how quickly we can reach technological superiority, shows that deal with some of the very things that are unique to our new found technological and social evolution are often cancelled. Long before losing half its viewership, a drop of 10-30 percent after an off season, or a show hiatus, in the first couple episodes will bring about the cancellation.

I wonder when I can fall in love with a sci-fi series, and not have to hold my breath wondering if the next season will actually get here. I can only complain so much, as I'm against complaining about something you aren't willing to fix. But I would be interested in donating some of my money, if not my time, to purchase episodes made by private internet television companies. As long as the fan base can actually afford to have the shows made, and profit the actors and the company, then why not?

Yes, Television is 'free', well, used to be. But lets face it, being free, we have to depend and be subject too the decisions of those people who put up the money. And since that money is advertisers and media companies, we don't really get a say. Why not change that. There will always be 'free' television, if you want to watch whatever the big dogs put out, and hope like hell it's not another year of crap. But I think to support the interests that fall outside the areas that the networks don't want to risk money in, and I can see their reasoning, even if it is self-defeating there, a new system should be put in place.

Entertainment is not the most important thing in my life, but it IS an important part of it. It's how I unwind, it's what I do when I'm not trying to eek out a living, or working hard towards my goals. I suppose you could say, "Hey, why don't you send some of that money to starving people in other countries." Good point, and that's a very ethical look to it. And I think with such a suggestion, people SHOULD do that, who wish to. But we pay for medical care, and we don't even get to pick our own doctors or facilities half the time. We pay for electrical and water and basic things in life, and have to take whatever cost the single company in the area that provides it thinks is fair. At least let me watch a t.v. series without canceling it.

What do you think?

~Jera
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