Star Trek (the original series) was one of the first network shows to get a reprieve when the axe was about to fall. Fan outcry and demographic research saved it. Interestingly, it was on NBC.
A number of fan efforts have attempted to resuscitate TV shows over the years. I remember when 24 was on the block in its early years. Today, 24 and Star Trek are two of the most iconic dramatic television shows in history.
And, now it's Revolution, which may air for the final time tonight.
Social media and comment boards are ablaze with indignation that NBC has pulled the plug on the post-apocalyptic drama. Many point at NBC executives as being beyond clueless regarding the decision. One post acknowledged that, while recent episodes only attracted 3-4 million viewers, over 14 million had downloaded last week's show from the internet. It's not worth my time to track down the truth of this post...but, one would think NBC should.
For, if it's true, a pretty good show (I'd say great...but the supernatural story line has gotten old) will die needlessly.
It's one of only a handful that we make time to watch...and after tonight, it's gone.
Likely because NBC doesn't understand where its audience resides.
Bill, don't you think this really has more to do with how NBC gets paid? I'll bet they're keenly aware of how many downloads the show gets....but I'm also pretty sure they cannot charge their advertisers anything for the exposure from the downloads. Anyone with the ability (tech and ability-wise) to download the show knows how to FF through the ads. Except, of course, the ones they force you to sit through before you can actually access show content.
Posted by: Tim Morrissey | May 22, 2014 at 07:53
Not charge advertisers for future download value (even with fast forward...which I already do because I DVR most of my faves, rather than watch live) seems like they haven't gotten a handle on future value. Or, ad agencies won't let them get a handle. In the end, the linked article had it right. People who watch "Nashville" buy more stuff than people who watched "Revolution."
Posted by: Bill Geist | May 22, 2014 at 18:49