Cult Followings Shape Shows /Tim Cain column
source: http://www.herald-review.com/entertainment/local/article_00bd9e7a-cfc9-11de-859d-001cc4c0328...
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- remanns
- added this
The discussion about television shows' cult followings has always fascinated me.
I've been a part of a few disappointed cults who have seen "their shows" disappear from the airwaves. Most notably, I was crushed when "Twin Peaks" was canceled, although I admit the show's quality dropped in its closing episodes.
(And "Sports Night" died well before its time. ABC executives, may karma bop you solidly on the head and in the soul for both of these poor decisions.)
FOX faced a decision last spring. It could bring back one of two cult shows: "Dollhouse" or "The Sarah Connor Chronicles." It decided on "Dollhouse" but has not necessarily been rewarded with droves of viewers. In fact, FOX has announced it will air 13 "Dollhouse" episodes but will probably not commission a full-season order of 22 shows.
"Dollhouse" was created by Joss Whedon, the creator of (among other shows) "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly," a couple of other programs that had devoted and fanatical followings, but probably not in the numbers their TV networks would have preferred. In fact, "Buffy" started on the WB but spent its last three years on UPN.
(At least Whedon has outlasted those two networks.)
"Sarah Connor" was an extension of the hit movie (and cult favorite) "Terminator" series.
In theory, the devotion these shows drew would be more beneficial to advertisers than shows that viewers simply enjoy. "30 Rock" may be a viewer favorite, but its audience won't memorize sponsors the way (in theory) a fanatical base would.
But it hasn't worked out that way. So science fiction devotees are left with a short season of "Dollhouse" and whatever is on the SyFy Network.
It's an interesting discussion and one that will continue to be around and even grow as time goes on.
http://www.herald-review.com/entertainment/local/article_00bd9e7a-cfc9-11de-859d...
http://static3.podnapisi.net/ovitki/5420e07b0d26b73ed6a5ba6da268030f.jpg
I've been a part of a few disappointed cults who have seen "their shows" disappear from the airwaves. Most notably, I was crushed when "Twin Peaks" was canceled, although I admit the show's quality dropped in its closing episodes.
(And "Sports Night" died well before its time. ABC executives, may karma bop you solidly on the head and in the soul for both of these poor decisions.)
FOX faced a decision last spring. It could bring back one of two cult shows: "Dollhouse" or "The Sarah Connor Chronicles." It decided on "Dollhouse" but has not necessarily been rewarded with droves of viewers. In fact, FOX has announced it will air 13 "Dollhouse" episodes but will probably not commission a full-season order of 22 shows.
"Dollhouse" was created by Joss Whedon, the creator of (among other shows) "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly," a couple of other programs that had devoted and fanatical followings, but probably not in the numbers their TV networks would have preferred. In fact, "Buffy" started on the WB but spent its last three years on UPN.
(At least Whedon has outlasted those two networks.)
"Sarah Connor" was an extension of the hit movie (and cult favorite) "Terminator" series.
In theory, the devotion these shows drew would be more beneficial to advertisers than shows that viewers simply enjoy. "30 Rock" may be a viewer favorite, but its audience won't memorize sponsors the way (in theory) a fanatical base would.
But it hasn't worked out that way. So science fiction devotees are left with a short season of "Dollhouse" and whatever is on the SyFy Network.
It's an interesting discussion and one that will continue to be around and even grow as time goes on.
http://www.herald-review.com/entertainment/local/article_00bd9e7a-cfc9-11de-859d...
http://static3.podnapisi.net/ovitki/5420e07b0d26b73ed6a5ba6da268030f.jpg
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- groups:
- current cult, SF&F and Comics
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- tags:
- TV and Film, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, 18 more
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remanns
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DOLLHOUSE PETITION
- 2 years ago
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remanns
