ABC has also launched some equally acclaimed shows which have not reached the rating highs of the shows mentioned above. Life on Mars, Pushing Daisy's were critically praised and earned the network respect and awards. ABC did not seem to care very much. As much as they take risks when putting on a new show, they don't seem to be able to follow it up with much support and protection. It is like taking care to find the right puppy for your home only to bring it home, tie it in the backyard and ignore it.
One such show ended last night. Some might say that Ugly Betty was done well by ABC. I would disagree. ABC should have known Betty never would get the ratings a Desperate Housewives would get. Betty was a success, a huge one. Just not big enough for ABC. Betty was well written, well acted and unique. It was embraced by critics and had legions of fans. While some might simply say the ratings dropped I would argue what was dropped was the ball...by ABC. Betty was special show a show that required attention, love and protection. It needed careful scheduling and publicity. ABC seems to have set this show adrift last season and never bothered to look for it. The cast of Betty was amazing and certainly cost much less than the huge cast of Grey's. Betty deserved better. Betty deserved at least another season or two. Betty deserved to reach 100. Betty, it's cast and it's fans though are far too nice. Sweet really, like the show the fans, although sad it is going are grateful for the 4 seasons it was given. I am angry. Angry that ABC does not see that by yanking good shows with decent ratings off the air. Who is going to commit to a show on ABC knowing the network shows such little faith in its gems.
Goodbye Betty. Your finale was quiet, understated and hit a perfect note. You will be missed.
4 comments:
When I was a kid,we didn't even need to check the t.v.guide at night.Shows were on the SAME night AND time EVERY week,for years,in most cases. None of this put a show on for two weeks then move it to another night for a few weeks then move it to a new night AND new time....then yank it off for a few weeks and then bring it back again expecting viewers to look for it and continue to watch only to have it go on "hiatus" and never return. Obviously times are different now,with God only knows how many channels out there but seriously,when a show actually has loyal viewers,their reward is to have the show canceled for no reason! Insane.....Networks blame the bad ratings as the reason for shows getting canceled....Well if the viewers can't FIND the shows,how are they supposed to watch them?!
Actually, they are better than NBC. At least ABC gave it a GO. NBC is becoming a reality network. Many of their shows are past their prime. Even with the Tonight Show fiasco, and bringing back Leno (who shouldn't have lost the show in the first place since it was their only #1 show), they appeared to have cut his budget, since the old band Leno had was much bigger, now it appears to be a quintet, and Leno's guests are bottom of the barrel.
The only network that is striving is CBS. FOX is not far behind, though they only have two big hits: AI and Glee.
Did you know, back in the early 60's, TV shows averaged about 30 episodes a season (today it is roughly 22)? A hour show ran approximately 50-51 minutes, including credits with about 9 minutes of commercial interruption. Today, a hour show is approximately 40-42 minutes, they flash through the credits, and you get 17-20 minutes of commercials, and product placement within the show.
Another problem with network TV is they seem to love serials (ie. nighttime soaps). The reason many daytime soaps are failing is simple...at one time women stayed at home, therefore, they watched soaps. Nowadays, women work, thus, they are not home to watch the 'soaps'. This is the same problem at night. People work, they can't commit to a serial, which is why you never see a serial in the top of the ratings. A show with a beginning, middle and end, like CSI, The Mentalist, etc. are always up in the ratings because you don't HAVE to watch it week after week.
Hope this all makes some sense.
I also loved the show. Betty and co will be missed badly :(
I have no problem with them canceling Betty. The ratings speak for themselves. If no one is watching then why continue to air it? They don't want to end up like NBC and the cw and settle for mediocre ratings. I think maybe bravo should have tried to acquire it. It's a very niche show which belongs on a niche network like bravo.
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