OldBoy

you know those shows with perhaps an outlandish premise and you wonder how they worked and were successful...

for me:
The Big Bang Theory

just doesn't seem like a show that would be successful in my eyes. i think it is enjoyable, but so repetitive. seems like same jokes over and over, but likable cast...

Paff

Good call on Big Bang Theory, especially when you consider that its biggest fans are non-geeks who don't even get the science jokes or nerd culture references. I know a lot of women who know nothing about science or Star Wars yet love the show to death.

Shannon Nutt

When I saw the thread name, BBT immediately popped into my head. Of course, I'm not sure how ANY CBS comedy becomes a hit. They're all pretty borderline, at best.

Red Dog

Zombie/Vampire/Ghost shows. I just don't get it.

Crocker Jarmen

The Walking Dead. Not only did it work, but became one of the most popular shows on television.

Given how complicated it is to keep straight what's going on (at least for me and most people I've talked to) I'm surprised (yet very happy) Game of Thrones is doing so well.

GoldenJCJ

Especially since they have no problem killing off anyone and everyone the audience roots for.

Rockmjd23

Cop Rock



Oh wait, shows that worked...

writer106

I agree with the previous posts on TBBT. When I first premiered, I thought it would have lasted a season.

leeta

I'm surprised that Hart of Dixie is still around.

UAIOE

I'm actually surprised most of the shows on the CW have lasted as long as they have.

I don't think I ever questioned TBBT, until I figured out the guys are "generic nerds". They are pretty much into almost anything nerdy that the joke calls for.

Xiroteus

Because it's the CW?

Sometimes I wonder if that's the only reason some of my shows are still around. (I watch a handful there)

Jimmy James

Gilligan's Island and Green Acres both have pretty wacky premises if you ask me

PenguinJoe

Hogan's Heroes.

Unclejosh

Any of the CSI or NCIS shows. Any lawyer show in general too.

Red Dog

I saw the blonde who apparently is on it as a guest on Whose Line it is Anyway last night. I'm not surprised.


In hindsight, I think pretty much any 1960s sitcom would qualify.

RichC2

Game of Thrones has two groups of people, those that get into it, and those that just enjoy the challenge of following everything that is going on. I'm not surprised it's popular, but I am surprised it's as popular as it is.

TBBT confuses me as well since most people that get the references and jokes they make don't actually like the show. It also isn't very good and is hugely popular which always boggles the mind, but I let that slide. On the other hand it fits into the CBS line-up (haha look at the: fat people, nerds, single mom, slutty teacher, etc; )

Gizmo

IIRC, Big Bangs pilot was a free download on XBL and many members here hated it. Now....it's really popular.

Michael Corvin

CSI brought the gritty look and feel of Seven to the small screen on a weekly basis. After 15 years it's easy to be a bit jaded because of the dozens upon dozens of spin-offs and copycats(and just changing the look of a lot of shows in general), but at the time there was nothing like it on tv. Couple that with an amazing cast and it's no real surprise it was a hit.

NCIS, on the other hand being a spin-off of a moderately successful show and lasting as long as it has, is more surprising.

robin2099

I still don't get how SVU managed to not only outlast Law and Order but also become more popular than Law and Order. I also wonder how Saved by the Bell has been able to maintain it's popularity for over 20 years.

The Questyen

The only real life people I've met that love The Big Bang Theory are over 50. I've seen two episodes while at other people's houses and it's one of the worst shows I've ever seen.

Red Dog

I agree. L&O is one of my favorite all time shows (at least the first half of its run). I watched SVU for a few seasons but I grew tired of it. I really liked L&O: Trial by Jury, but they really didn't give it a chance. Hated Criminal Intent.

As for SBTB - Kelly Kapowski.

UAIOE

I didn't even like "Saved by the Bell" during its original run, so to see it so loved so much now boggles my mind even more.

And I think its worth mentioning "2 Broke Girls". Why this is still here is puzzling.

The Questyen

The average person likes easily digestible entertainment. That's why the top of the charts in movies, music and tv is littered with these types of entertainment.

TomOpus

I could give two, rather large, reasons but let me think about them... errr.... it a little more.

writer106

I think Saved by the Bell got popular during its original run due to it being on Saturday mornings and it appealed to kids and teens who didn't want to watch the cartoons. I was an elementary school kid at that time and I remember my sister was a teen and some of my cousins who were teens watched due to female and male eye candy. They knew that show was cheesy, but they didn't care too much.

I remember in the mid 90s, TBS aired reruns and the popularity carried on because of that. MTV2 and E! were still airing reruns last year and MTV2 also aired the short lived College Years show. Somehow the show manages to maintain a cult following. I think that Nickledeon show Victorious had a SBTB vibe.