TV WASTELAND

In television, the rule for networks seeking new shows seems to be to see what else has been a hit on other networks.
Take FOX’s mega-hit “Glee.” While Oxygen created a reality TV show for the fictional series, other networks such as NBC are following the musical theater trend.
In early 2012, NBC will debut its new series “Smash,” which follows a group of thespians putting on a Broadway show.  
While “Glee” and other theater shows seem to be the big trend, networks are turning to another hit show to find a winning formula. AMC’s “Mad Men” has been a hit since its debut in 2007.
Networks and audiences have come to realize that the setting and the costumes of a show hold just as much importance as do the characters and their actions. Set in the 1960s, “Mad Men” follows the advertising big-shot Don Draper (Jon Hamm) and the notoriously beautiful people in his life.
It has catapulted such actors as Jon Hamm and Christina Hendricks to the forefront of Hollywood stardom.
After seeing the enormous success of this AMC original series, other networks are starting to follow suit. Networks began looking for dramatic series that emphasized the setting of the action just as much as the action itself.
HBO debuted its version of this period piece last September with “Boardwalk Empire.” The show chronicles the happenings of Atlantic City politician Enoch “Nucky” Thompson and his encounters with notorious mobsters, politicians, government agents and the people he so justly serves.
His co-star? Prohibition. The 1920s luxury and glamour of Prohibition creates tension with the stirring of the Great Depression. This era contributes to the action by adding conflict and tension with the characters.
This fall, basic cable networks are also picking up on these cues. ABC is bringing “Pan Am” to one of its primetime Sunday slots. To distinguish itself from “Mad Men,” however, “Pan Am” will introduce audiences to a different industry: the exotic, luxurious and young commercial airline industry of the 1960s.
All three shows rely heavily on the glamour and luxury of their eras, but NBC’s new show “The Playboy Club” may take that role even more seriously. With such an iconic name as “Playboy” in the title, it’s no doubt NBC is adding some serious sex appeal to its Monday night line up when it peeks into the infamous '60s club.
But audiences will have to tune in to see whether the glitz of “Playboy” is enough substance to keep this show afloat.
The networks need to remember that even though they may be utilizing AMC’s winning formula, that doesn’t guarantee success. What have these shows taken from “Mad Men”? To keep up with “Mad Men,” though, these shows will have to bring legitimate acting and writing to the table.
After all, “Mad Men” just won its fourth consecutive primetime Emmy for “Outstanding Drama Series.”
To the shows trying to mimic their success, good luck!