tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post3127701935583429844..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Is there "Too much television?" By Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-17580827997540087552015-08-16T18:22:58.494-07:002015-08-16T18:22:58.494-07:00I agree with what he said. 100%I agree with what he said. 100%XJillnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-82186645024825598842015-08-11T11:40:19.088-07:002015-08-11T11:40:19.088-07:00AMEN! to everything. Especially that The Comedians...AMEN! to everything. Especially that The Comedians was an awful awful show. I love Billy Crystal and Josh Gad, but couldn't sit through an entire episode. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15492158155689359194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-7682099266604167422015-08-11T09:32:27.846-07:002015-08-11T09:32:27.846-07:00How do you know that the readers of this blog are ...How do you know that the readers of this blog are above average intelligence?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-23284352098594649162015-08-10T22:36:27.811-07:002015-08-10T22:36:27.811-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Arneynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-53026574262348169022015-08-10T21:21:24.656-07:002015-08-10T21:21:24.656-07:00Indeed The Comedians was a disappointment. I wante...Indeed The Comedians was a disappointment. I wanted to like it, but it was just freaking annoying! Especially the character Josh Gad played. Hell!Pete Zuckernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-46160197804087307042015-08-10T19:31:29.487-07:002015-08-10T19:31:29.487-07:00Current quality scripted shows also have to compet...Current quality scripted shows also have to compete with older quality scripted shows. That time I spent this year watching BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and THE SHIELD -- each the first time for me -- meant that I wasn't watching as much current programming. <br /><br />And there are too many good books. Not even Burgess Meredith with unbroken glasses would have enough time to read them.Charles H. Bryannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-13609830710114128292015-08-10T18:37:44.700-07:002015-08-10T18:37:44.700-07:00The days of plugging in a TV set and getting the b...The days of plugging in a TV set and getting the broadcast networks for free aren't gone for me. Granted, I did it because of a medical disability that makes it hard-to-impossible for me to tolerate light and noise, but I was thinking about it before my illness because I ended up watching 3 channels, 2 of which are broadcast networks. Granted, I know I'm in a big time minority, but I only miss TCM. Otherwise, I've got Netflix and had Amazon Prime before I got sick.Jake Mabehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01908036270824377919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-56060070770654355662015-08-10T18:33:15.831-07:002015-08-10T18:33:15.831-07:00The days of plugging in a TV set and getting the b...The days of plugging in a TV set and getting the broadcast networks for free aren't gone for me. Granted, I did it because of a medical disability that makes it hard-to-impossible for me to tolerate light and noise, but I was thinking about it before my illness because I ended up watching 3 channels, 2 of which are broadcast networks. Granted, I know I'm in a big time minority, but I only miss TCM. Otherwise, I've got Netflix and had Amazon Prime before I got sick.Jake Mabehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01908036270824377919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-64313808696667852162015-08-10T18:02:21.094-07:002015-08-10T18:02:21.094-07:00Never been a Billy Crystal fan (dating back to SOA...Never been a Billy Crystal fan (dating back to SOAP), so never saw a minute of THE COMEDIANS.<br />It's frustrating at times that there is so much good television and not enough time to watch it all. I haven't seen THE AMERICANS since the first season. Never seen JUSTIFIED. I only caught up to BREAKING BAD after Season 3. Fortunately there's Netflix and On Demand, so maybe one day I'll catch up. Maybe. <br /><br />Not a Friday question. Just a question. Why do I no longer have to match meats or desserts to prove I'm not a robot? Wondering how I earned that distinction. MikeK.Pa.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-67026187884468620852015-08-10T15:13:24.693-07:002015-08-10T15:13:24.693-07:00I enjoy Playing House on USA. Not sure it is a se...I enjoy Playing House on USA. Not sure it is a series, it is more like a meteor storm, only is on occasionally, without much warning.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16880646894752760905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-41514996713298978042015-08-10T15:11:54.870-07:002015-08-10T15:11:54.870-07:00The quality control comment has been misinterprete...The quality control comment has been misinterpreted. <br /><br />There are 30 MLB teams now. There used to be 16, before expansion in the early 60's. With the addition of many new teams (and all of the their respective farm teams), there was a dilution of talent that took years to overcome. Some old-timers (AKA curmudgeons) still say that the talent level in MLB isn't what it once was because there are too many teams. <br /><br />With the rapid expansion of scripted shows by many programmers over many different platforms, the experienced and capable talent at all levels gets stretched thin. All of that affects quality control and, in turn, quality. How could it not? <br /><br />With 400 scripted shows, who can possibly keep track of it all, much less watch more than a fraction of it? Are there 400 talented showrunners? <br /><br /> Jon B.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-25441931165558185342015-08-10T14:17:15.507-07:002015-08-10T14:17:15.507-07:00I don't get the idea of not being able to main...I don't get the idea of not being able to maintain quality control. If you hire the right people in the first place, that's done! If, to pick a name at random, Ken Levine is your showrunner, you don't need to hold his hand (unless you're feeling particularly affectionate).<br /><br />What do these programming people do when their new season of shows is in place that doesn't involve micromanagement that most likely makes their programming worse instead of better?<br /><br />One problem, though, is a glut of networks. Right now, for instance, with Letterman gone and Colbert not airing yet, and with BIG BANG in reruns, the only CBS programming I watch is SUNDAY MORNING and sometimes 60 MINUTES. And I record them and watch them later while going through the commercials/promos, so it's going to be tough for them to let me know what they're doing this fall. I know about SUPERGIRL because I'm a geek and read about it online, but other than that, I have no idea.<br /><br />Off topic, why does SUNDAY MORNING re-air earlier segments in the summer? The 24 hour news channels seem to come up with new programming and plenty of local stations do weekend morning news with new material. The Murrow network, the so-called Tiffany network, can't spare a few more correspondents to come up with another ten minutes or so of programming a week?Dave Creeknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-37493204929727028722015-08-10T14:09:04.021-07:002015-08-10T14:09:04.021-07:00Terrific discussion. Specifically towards Jon B...Terrific discussion. Specifically towards Jon B's comments; Will the high costs of producing quality programming mean a stop to the good shows or could it have the effect of thinning the herd of the junk? Or is that naive because the junk is cheaper to produce and thus more profitable?<br /><br />Maybe the only way affect change is for the viewers to ween themselves off the time consuming crap and only watch what matters. Perhaps this is naive as well because most viewers are morons? Most readers of this blog are of above average intellect so maybe we're preaching to the choir.<br /><br />I agree with Ken's post. Maybe FX couldn't find the audience for The Comedians because most of their other shows pander to a completely different demographic. Take Billy Crystal, tat him up and stick him on a bike armed to the teeth, then it's an FX show. <br /><br />AlohaH Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12482221297668464504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10619200156935052262015-08-10T13:26:11.037-07:002015-08-10T13:26:11.037-07:00I have to agree that The Comedians started poorly....I have to agree that <i>The Comedians</i> started poorly. The first good episode, the first one really worth watching, was "Billy's Birthday." It was everything that the series should have been from the start. Too bad it took them until episode 7 to find their sweet spot. By then, it was much too late.thirteennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-48554359289491616752015-08-10T12:44:54.610-07:002015-08-10T12:44:54.610-07:00I have to agree. The Comedians just wasn't ve...I have to agree. The Comedians just wasn't very good. I love all the choices we have now. Of course, it's increasingly harder to free up space on the DVR!chuckcdnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-55071438904073339652015-08-10T12:34:47.313-07:002015-08-10T12:34:47.313-07:00Ken, I found Landgraf's comments to be refresh...Ken, I found Landgraf's comments to be refreshingly candid. I have no idea if his prediction will come true, but it sure seems plausible. When you think about it, how can there not be a shakeout? All of these networks and delivery systems cannot possibly continue to churn out high quality scripted shows and turn a profit, can they? Eventually(sooner rather than later, according to Landgraf), the high cost of producing those programs will deter many from continuing if the ratings/revenue don't support it. <br /><br />Other than his use of THE COMEDIANS as an example, what really is there to disagree with? <br /><br />Jon B.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66058295249431205272015-08-10T11:23:06.164-07:002015-08-10T11:23:06.164-07:00To Jay Walker and your crazy rant:
AMEN!
We peasan...To Jay Walker and your crazy rant:<br />AMEN!<br />We peasants are seething with unrest and high cable bills.Whereas in the course of human events we get pissed...<br />Bill Avenanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-18155082801788717212015-08-10T11:06:28.699-07:002015-08-10T11:06:28.699-07:00>Sorry, but when an audience tunes in, is disap...>Sorry, but when an audience tunes in, is disappointed, and doesn’t return don’t blame the better shows the viewers watched instead.<br /><br />So if they had canceled Cheers after season 1...<br /><br />It just means 'America voted.'<br />MikeNnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-28229203605628004652015-08-10T10:36:30.708-07:002015-08-10T10:36:30.708-07:00Husband and I were talking about this very thing -...Husband and I were talking about this very thing -- no advertising of shows. We'll see something -- a blurb, a pop up ad while we're watching something else.... and be amazed to find out something we've never heard of is in it's fourth season.<br /><br />And -- I'm home during the day. And thanks to my tinnitus, the tv is on all the time. There's LOTS of shows that could be on.... and yet -- everyone is doing blocks of shows. On TNT Bones and Castle. They play them in order, and even thought they might have 9 or 10 years of episodes, playing 5-7 eps a day means you lap it in a month and a half. And start again.<br /><br />On USA -- it's NCIS. Four years ago I fell and screwed up my knee, and found I could watch NCIS almost 24 hours a day from four channels.... just crazy. <br /><br />I don't understand this. These stations provide their own programming and could program the crap out it is, but we get the same stuff, over and over and over and over.<br /><br /><br /><br />Jeannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-4254999842072918652015-08-10T10:36:11.268-07:002015-08-10T10:36:11.268-07:00It's funny that Stu brought up "Manhattan...It's funny that Stu brought up "Manhattan," because I think it made a similar basic marketing mistake as "The Comedians." No matter how many options we have, if we're browsing on cable, most of us have a dozen or so go-to channels. For everything else, we're just scrolling through titles. <br /><br />WGN America is not on the radar for many viewers. I'm not even sure how it or if it differs from the Chicago-based superstation famous for Cub games and Bozo the Clown. I can't be the only person who saw "Manhattan" on an unfamiliar channel and assumed it was the late 70s Woody Allen film with Mariel Hemingway. Even "Manhattan Project" would have been better, though sacrificing the inscrutable single-word title presently in vogue.<br /><br />"The Comedians" didn't appeal to me, and I did know what it was about. But the title sounds like one of those 1 a.m. Byron Allen shows with a panel of stand-ups. Though he might not be hip, Billy Crystal does have a large amount of goodwill with the older half of the American public. Promoting him, possibly even in the show's title, would be the most effective, cost-free way of getting the most eyes to the show, at least once. But "The Comedians" came and went with millions of Crystal fans never even knowing he had a show on the air. Not everyone reads the high-level TV websites to know what's happening on 100 different channels.<br /><br />But Landgraf (whom I agree is a top TV executive) and FX didn't just want to succeed, they want to do so in a very specific way, one that fit with their narrow conception of the network's "brand." Part of that was giving the show an anodyne title rather than something that referenced Crystal. They were so determined to sprint away from Crystal's old/corny reputation, that they abandoned people who might have been willing to watch him in a different type of role and a show that fit their brand. <br /><br />That's their right, and maybe it's what you need to do these days. TV Land seems to be going through the same process. But if they're both great shows, I don't see why watching a corny comedy on Tuesday will dissuade me from watching a gritty crime drama on the same channel Wednesday. Clearly, Landgraf believed in "The Comedians," but him complaining that it's impossible for a show to find an audience is like a baseball manager carping that a pitcher is unhittable after benching his four best sluggers. <br /><br /><br /><br />michaleennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-29607927441340405042015-08-10T10:27:22.318-07:002015-08-10T10:27:22.318-07:00Too much scripted television? I don't think so...Too much scripted television? I don't think so. Maybe too much bad scripted television and then, as Jay Walker noted, certainly waaaaay to much 'reality' TV (side note: why do they call it 'reality' TV when it is obviously so fake?).<br /><br />With the eight million or so shows out there to choose from, my family and I have found more than enough good television to watch. Fore sure the pile of shit is a lot higher to sift through now-a-days but the diamonds are still there. For that TV executive to say what he said, he is either tired and needs to quit or he's spouting the b.s. he gave to Billy Crystal when he cancelled his show. If he truly believed it was a good show, he could have manned up and left it on until the audience found it.<br /><br />And by the way, anytime one of my superintendents say they can't maintain quality control, I can them.<br /><br />AlohaH Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12482221297668464504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-34046446142023337592015-08-10T10:21:29.820-07:002015-08-10T10:21:29.820-07:00Knowing nothing about the TV industry, my understa...Knowing nothing about the TV industry, my understanding of Landgraf's comments is that he's describing the problems of an overall production budget that is both capped & shrinking (as with UK TV).<br />To first order, the population is constant and cable TV is saturated in that anyone that wants a subscription already has one. So each new cable TV broadcaster reduces the revenues to the existing broadcasters.<br />Earl Pomerantz has a saying of network (pre-cable) TV: "In the US, you need programmes to make money. In the UK, you need money to make programmes." If UK TV made 22-episode series, the number of different series made would reduce four-fold. And I suspect that the economics of US cable TV are similar to those of UK network TV.<br />For me, there are far too many channels and limited resources are being spread far too thinly.<br />I'll guess that non-scripted TV is sports and that sports programmes subsidise drama/comedy.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06248182899977033579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-34301245505222165842015-08-10T10:08:53.684-07:002015-08-10T10:08:53.684-07:00I agree with Ken. It's strange that FX is com...I agree with Ken. It's strange that FX is complaining because they're very very good at picking shows. I watch a lot of FX and so I saw the ads for The Comedians and it looked stupid so I didn't watch it. If there'd been a groundswell of support for it from friends or sites I read (see Bojack Horseman, an *amazing* show) I would have given it a try, but it sounds like I saved myself some wasted time.Fictahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00454264303050808127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-77544196095689239942015-08-10T09:27:20.030-07:002015-08-10T09:27:20.030-07:00(repost) As a "Former" television viewer...(repost) As a "Former" television viewer I can honestly say the glut of so called reality shows drove me away from network television. When networks sank to the all time low of "Honey-Swamp-Trailer-Duck-People" I gave up and have not been back. Network executives need to learn the hard lesson we in radio learned decades ago, once the audience no longer has interest in even tuning to your delivery system, you are DONE. No amount of promotion will bring them back as the audience is no longer shopping your wares and are unavailable to view your self promotion.. Old Hippyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08282387739067480806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-85330289752030074232015-08-10T09:23:52.297-07:002015-08-10T09:23:52.297-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Old Hippyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08282387739067480806noreply@blogger.com