Changing channels

This week, the cable TV network TNT announced that it was developing at least 14 new original programs, all of which they hope to have on the air by 2010. TNT is hoping the programming will contribute to an all-original primetime slate.\nTNT’s move into more original programming – it already has hits like “The Closer” – is just another sign that the idea of the big four networks (ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX) controlling all the quality shows is as good as dead. In fact, it’s arguable that the major broadcast networks are no longer the primary source of upper-echelon TV shows at all. The migration from broadcast networks to cable and pay-channels like HBO isn’t a new concept, but in today’s scheme of things, it’s more evident than ever.\nWhen asked, many critics would say the best shows anywhere on television are on premium channels. These would include “The Wire” and “Big Love” on HBO; “Dexter” and “Brotherhood” on Showtime; “Mad Men” on AMC; “Damages” and “The Shield” on FX; “Monk” on USA; and the aforementioned content on TNT.\nWhile that’s not to say there aren’t really great shows on network TV – “Friday Night Lights” and “Lost” primarily – it’s just \nthat the chances of building a successful and thorough narrative are much slimmer.\nThe primary reason for producers taking their shows elsewhere is due to the ever-suffocating pressure of advertisers and the FCC. Combined, the two make running a show an immense struggle on the creative end, so moving to less affected outlets seems smart. Being on one of the major networks also opens shows up to constant barrages of outcries from parent and other interest groups that simply don’t bother on lesser-known channels.\nAll of these issues lead to shows being canceled far too quickly without being able to create and sustain both a great storyline and a fan base. The corpses of many good shows lie at the feet of the majors because they weren’t able to get comfortable in their time slots or attract the right ad revenue.\nSo, as Turner Entertainment Networks President Steve Koonin says, the creative people are now coming to the non-major networks and looking to develop programming. Shows on these networks can be freely created and not see their counter-culture ideas scrapped. However, it wouldn’t be fair not to note the downsides of airing a show on a network like A&E or Showtime. Clearly, the ratings pale in comparison and the general public isn’t going to know about the show immediately. Additionally, the budgets are often going to be a bit smaller. But these sacrifices have been and should continue to be made. Smaller networks will be more satisfied with tinier ratings because they don’t expect as much. And as long as a steady audience is present, the production costs have seemingly worked out in the end.\nUntil the major players are willing to compromise with content and censorship, the migration to lower-profile networks is something that will only continue. Maybe in a few years when FOX is trotting out another anemic season of “Prison Break” and TNT combats it with a stellar show, someone will wake up.