A bad sign for major networks

Last week NBC cancelled a show called GOOD GIRLS.  What shocked me is that it was cancelled after four seasons.  Why am I shocked?  Because I had never even heard of this show.  How can a show be on the NBC television network for four years and I’ve never heard of it?

Says something about how much I watch NBC, doesn’t it?  

NBC also cancelled these shows I’ve never heard of:  CONNECTING, DEBRIS, and MANIFEST.  These might have been great shows.  I have no idea.  I don't even know what they're about. 

ABC cancelled UNITED WE FALL, whatever that was.  

FOX cancelled something called NEXT, THE MOODYS, and FILTHY RICH.  Never heard of any of ‘em.    They renewed THE GREAT NORTH for season 3.  What’s THE GREAT NORTH?  

And the CW doesn’t count.  No one knows what’s on that network besides superhero shows.  

Even twenty years ago it would have been unthinkable to not know what shows were on the major networks.  You maybe didn’t watch them, but you were aware of their existence.  There were enough promos on the shows you did watch that they were on your radar.   

To me this is yet another sign that broadcast networks are on borrowed time.   If a show is on NBC for four years you would think it would be some sort of a hit.  It doesn’t have to win Emmys — WEBSTER and FULL HOUSE never won Emmys — but it should at least be known.  Don’t you think?  Four years?  Yikes.  

At least people heard of AfterMASH.  Wait.  That might not be a good thing.

from By Ken Levine