Confused about logic on cancelling TV shows
#1
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
Confused about logic on cancelling TV shows
I'm puzzled on the logic of how TV networks cancel shows. I know that a network normally sees the pilot before the up fronts in the spring and orders the show for 13 episodes. Let's say by the time the show airs in the fall and 8 or 9 episodes have been filmed thus far, but the ratings are bad on the 1st 2 episodes and the network pulls the plug. Now don't you think that's a serious waste of time and money. I would think it would make more sense to let the remaining episodes you bought and paid for air and just cancel your remaining order of the 13 that were never filmed. I know that sponsorship plays a role in this, but if your paying millions of dollars for stuff that's already been shot I would rather just let them burn off.
That would be like someone buying a combo meal and only drinking the soda and throwing everything else in the trash.
That would be like someone buying a combo meal and only drinking the soda and throwing everything else in the trash.
#2
DVD Talk God
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Directionally Challenged (for DirecTV)
Posts: 130,277
Received 616 Likes
on
495 Posts
If a network thinks that they can make up any loss by airing some other show that generates higher ratings and thus higher commercial ad time than the cancelled show, then of course they are going to do that.
#3
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Originally Posted by Red Dog
If a network thinks that they can make up any loss by airing some other show that generates higher ratings and thus higher commercial ad time than the cancelled show, then of course they are going to do that.
#4
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
The studio and production company that makes the series is making money regardless. Getting paid by the network to make the series and possible DVD sales.
But, for example on a show like 3 lbs that was just canned. Let's say CBS paid Paramount $1.5M per episode for the 8 that were shot. But, since only 3 have aired, your talking about $7.5M of lost money! I mean isn't a show still making money with all the commercials that air. Even on a deadzone night like Saturday, re-runs of CSI or NCIS are still making money just by them airing.
But, for example on a show like 3 lbs that was just canned. Let's say CBS paid Paramount $1.5M per episode for the 8 that were shot. But, since only 3 have aired, your talking about $7.5M of lost money! I mean isn't a show still making money with all the commercials that air. Even on a deadzone night like Saturday, re-runs of CSI or NCIS are still making money just by them airing.
#5
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by DJariya
I know that sponsorship plays a role in this, but if your paying millions of dollars for stuff that's already been shot I would rather just let them burn off.
That being said, I think that networks are far too quick these days to cancel shows. I think the competition from other media in addition to cheap programming alternatives (reality shows, game shows, the aforementioned L&O repeats) prevents networks from letting a show find an audience.
#6
DVD Talk Hero
• DJariya •
The studio and production company that makes the series is making money regardless. Getting paid by the network to make the series and possible DVD sales.
But, for example on a show like 3 lbs that was just canned. Let's say CBS paid Paramount $1.5M per episode for the 8 that were shot. But, since only 3 have aired, your talking about $7.5M of lost money! I mean isn't a show still making money with all the commercials that air. Even on a deadzone night like Saturday, re-runs of CSI or NCIS are still making money just by them airing.
The studio and production company that makes the series is making money regardless. Getting paid by the network to make the series and possible DVD sales.
But, for example on a show like 3 lbs that was just canned. Let's say CBS paid Paramount $1.5M per episode for the 8 that were shot. But, since only 3 have aired, your talking about $7.5M of lost money! I mean isn't a show still making money with all the commercials that air. Even on a deadzone night like Saturday, re-runs of CSI or NCIS are still making money just by them airing.
Do you play poker? One of the fundamental rules is not to chase your money. It's the same principle. Once you put money in the pot (or purchase episodes of a show), the money is spent. The pot odds of each betting round should be calculated based on what's in the pot, not how much of it was at one time yours. Same thing here. They already purchased the episodes, regardless of whether they air. Once the decision is made that the show will not continue, the ratings estimates (pot odds) should be calculated based on what shows are available, not what you spent at one time to get them.
das
#7
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Originally Posted by DJariya
The studio and production company that makes the series is making money regardless. Getting paid by the network to make the series and possible DVD sales.
But, for example on a show like 3 lbs that was just canned. Let's say CBS paid Paramount $1.5M per episode for the 8 that were shot. But, since only 3 have aired, your talking about $7.5M of lost money! I mean isn't a show still making money with all the commercials that air. Even on a deadzone night like Saturday, re-runs of CSI or NCIS are still making money just by them airing.
But, for example on a show like 3 lbs that was just canned. Let's say CBS paid Paramount $1.5M per episode for the 8 that were shot. But, since only 3 have aired, your talking about $7.5M of lost money! I mean isn't a show still making money with all the commercials that air. Even on a deadzone night like Saturday, re-runs of CSI or NCIS are still making money just by them airing.
#8
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
So, if I'm interpreting this correctly:
A) Network buys show, pays for 13 episodes.
B) Fall comes around, 2 episodes air, ratings stink
C) 9 episodes have been shot, network cancels show
D) Network throws up re-run of current higher rated show
E) Network making money off re-run that's already bought and paid for and has
made it's money back
F) Re-runs of shows that are already paid for and have made their money back
already will help recoup some of the losses on new show that was canned.
A) Network buys show, pays for 13 episodes.
B) Fall comes around, 2 episodes air, ratings stink
C) 9 episodes have been shot, network cancels show
D) Network throws up re-run of current higher rated show
E) Network making money off re-run that's already bought and paid for and has
made it's money back
F) Re-runs of shows that are already paid for and have made their money back
already will help recoup some of the losses on new show that was canned.
#9
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by DJariya
I'm puzzled on the logic of how TV networks cancel shows. I know that a network normally sees the pilot before the up fronts in the spring and orders the show for 13 episodes. Let's say by the time the show airs in the fall and 8 or 9 episodes have been filmed thus far, but the ratings are bad on the 1st 2 episodes and the network pulls the plug. Now don't you think that's a serious waste of time and money. I would think it would make more sense to let the remaining episodes you bought and paid for air and just cancel your remaining order of the 13 that were never filmed. I know that sponsorship plays a role in this, but if your paying millions of dollars for stuff that's already been shot I would rather just let them burn off.
That would be like someone buying a combo meal and only drinking the soda and throwing everything else in the trash.
That would be like someone buying a combo meal and only drinking the soda and throwing everything else in the trash.
*(outside of Lala-land that is )
#10
DVD Talk Hero
Pretty much.
CBS could replace any lowly rated show with a CSI and see improvements.
CBS could replace any lowly rated show with a CSI and see improvements.
#11
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Originally Posted by DJariya
D) Network throws up re-run of current higher rated show
E) Network making money off re-run that's already bought and paid for and has
made it's money back
F) Re-runs of shows that are already paid for and have made their money back
already will help recoup some of the losses on new show that was canned.
E) Network making money off re-run that's already bought and paid for and has
made it's money back
F) Re-runs of shows that are already paid for and have made their money back
already will help recoup some of the losses on new show that was canned.
#12
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Southside Virginia
Posts: 6,457
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just a couple of things:
* First of all, a DVD release is not the issue in many cases. You're likely not going to see 3 LBs or even The Nine go out on DVD. I say that because of the shows like The Inside and Eyes that haven't been released.
* The other big thing is that subbing in the rerun of a proven show is often less about making more money to recoup the loss and more about delivering the ratings that the advertisers for that hour have already paid for so they don't have to give them make goods. I imagine the extent to which this is the case has a lot to do with how much inventory they held back for spot. I think I read NBC held back a ton of inventory for spot this year, and that might have something to do with their willingness to stay with Studio 60 or Friday Night Lights.
* First of all, a DVD release is not the issue in many cases. You're likely not going to see 3 LBs or even The Nine go out on DVD. I say that because of the shows like The Inside and Eyes that haven't been released.
* The other big thing is that subbing in the rerun of a proven show is often less about making more money to recoup the loss and more about delivering the ratings that the advertisers for that hour have already paid for so they don't have to give them make goods. I imagine the extent to which this is the case has a lot to do with how much inventory they held back for spot. I think I read NBC held back a ton of inventory for spot this year, and that might have something to do with their willingness to stay with Studio 60 or Friday Night Lights.
#13
DVD Talk Reviewer
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: WAS looking for My Own Private Stuckeyville, but stuck in Liberty City (while missing Vice City)
Posts: 15,094
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your first mistake is implying there's logic when it comes to television networks..