Strike tactics: Why don't networks call up shows from the minors?

Heather Tue, Dec 18, 2007 at 10:31 PM EST

Battlestar Galactica! The show is so amazing, and yet its name and its "SciFi Original" designation keep potential viewers away. I know I had to be practically forced to watch it, and now I'm addicted. Showing it on NBC could really increase the fan base, which is what SciFi (and thus NBC) has wanted all along!

Sienna Scorpio Sat, Dec 8, 2007 at 11:38 PM EST

How about showing Project Runway Canada when those episodes run out (Iman hosts). British programming is a good choice, but it would have to be edited (since many don't show commercials and have more mature subject matter). I like:
Life on Mars
MI-5 (like 24 and the Unit)
Torchwood
Doctor Who
Waking the Dead (Cold Case)
Bad Girls (female Prison Break)

We can also see other Canadian shows like:
De Grassi: The Next Generation (way better than most to teen shows on US TV).

I also don't have cable and I would like to see:
The Tudors
The Riches
Robot Chicken
The Wire
Battlestar Galactica

And when the soaps end in January/February how about soap fans voting for their favorite episodes and reairing those. Then the newer generation can experience:
Luke and Laura, the early years
Sonni/Solita storyline on GL (with BG's Michelle Forbes)
Nikki as a stripper when she met Victor on Y&R
Clint traveling back in time to the Old West on OLTL.

Greg Fri, Dec 7, 2007 at 06:50 PM EST

None of the above.

The networks are being greedy enough already. Why encourage them to drag out the strike further by cannibalizing their own programming?

Angie Fri, Dec 7, 2007 at 04:50 PM EST

I straight up live for The Shield. I would be SO excited to see it on network TV, but its a harsh and gritty show so it would have to be edited. And everyone is right, after seeing the hack job done to SATC, I suppose I'll have to take my Vic Makey on FX and discuss it with the only other person I know who watches the show... my father. Sigh. Its just not the same.

shawn Fri, Dec 7, 2007 at 12:11 AM EST

GREEK!

JP Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 03:55 PM EST

BSG, Mad Men, The Riches, Weeds

Candace Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 03:01 PM EST

Sleeper Cell (Showtime)
Curn Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
My Boys (TBS)!!
Monk (USA)
Psych (Psych)
The 4400 (USA)

Any of the old or current seasons of these shows would be better than crap reality TV.

P.S. Been thinking for a while USA/TBS shows should get a little play on Popwatch.

Katy Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 01:46 PM EST

Given how sentimental Gen Xers seems to be for the pop culture of their childhoods, why not crack open the network vaults and unearth some great series from the '80s? I'd much rather tune into a rerun of "Knight Rider," "The A-Team," or "The Fall Guy" than watch Patti LaBelle lead a local choir to win a...choir-off? Sigh.

Tipper Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 12:33 PM EST

All the USA and Sci-Fi shows! I'm so with all of you on that. Monk, Psych, Burn Notice from USA, and Eureka, Stargate Atlantis and BSG from Sci-fi. I'd watch them all over and over!

fc299 Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 11:48 AM EST

Instant Star - it isn't just a teen show!!

aa Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 11:47 AM EST

psych and it wouldn't even have to be edited. as the world turns, bold & beautiful and guiding light aren't on soapnet so they could be reaired in primetime. on that note resurrect dark shadows.

Brian Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 11:12 AM EST

GREAT idea. I'd love to see 4400 and Eureka get some "national" exposure. At this point why not restart Stargate Atlantis or Damages on the big 4 (sorry CW/UPN but your don't count yet). Best idea i've heard in awhile.

Hamburger Royal Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 10:57 AM EST

Now would be the perfect time to bring Life on Mars (the BBC series) to mainstream US audiences. Other than that, Firefly is always worthy of a second try, as would be My So-Called Life.

Stef Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 10:44 AM EST

BSG would be wonderful. Eureka is good family fun. PR also a great choice. I wouldn't mind seeing Stargate: Atlantis moved over either. Right now it's only on my broadcast channel at 12:30am on Saturdays. Hey, maybe NBC could bring back the "Sci Fi Friday" that they butchered on Sci Fi channel by moving Battlestar to Sundays. Adding in Torchwood & Dr. Who would work, although I think Torchwood would need editing for language, if the bad language can be understood by anyone. I'd love to see my cable shows on broadcast!

Rachel K Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 10:39 AM EST

Why don't the networks show reruns of shows that have gone off the air, in sequence as if they're being aired all over again. But this time, with more cast commentary or something to spice it up. I guarantee that if the CW showed Buffy again, its cult followers would flock in droves to the TV set. Or, re-play The West Wing and relate it to the current political debates for presidency before each commercial. I like the idea of jazzing up cable tv shows (The Closer in particular) but just thought I'd throw something else out there.

Katie Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 10:28 AM EST

Carnivale and Dead Like Me. Two fantastic shows that most of my friends have never seen but would love if they ever actually watched them. Maybe a nice sized audience would actually inspire them to finish telling the story of Carnivale instead of leaving it hanging like it is right now.

Emoney Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 10:19 AM EST

I don't have more suggestions -- all the USA and SciFi shows are a good idea. But I feel compelled to object to any broadcast destruction of Dexter. The show is perfect the way it is -- editing it would ruin it.

eventgal Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 10:01 AM EST

Although I would enjoy seeing Dexter get a little more exposure, I am 100% against it going to network TV. Editing it would only ruin it - I think that goes for any pay-cable show. Look at the hack job TBS did to Sex and the City!

Andy Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 09:56 AM EST

Why not bring back an old serial show that was before its time like the first season of "Murder One"

Iockly Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 09:47 AM EST

The Closer? More little league than minors, I'm afraid.

Mike Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 09:47 AM EST

Ditto the comments for Psych, Monk, Burn Notice and The 4400. All four of these shows are as good or better than anything presently on network TV, and they would require no hack-n-slash editing, no post-production shenanigans. Get with it, NBC!

LisaMama Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 09:34 AM EST

Burn Notice
The Closer

And, just because they were some the greatest TV shows ever, and to remind people that TV can produce amazing stuff:
Homicide
X-Files

Jessica Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 07:45 AM EST

Mad Men from AMC
Burn Notice and Psych from USA Network

mike Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 05:56 AM EST

Cable shows would be a good idea, but how about British shows? This could be a great chance for some of the British talent to get seen on American screens

bd Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 03:10 AM EST

The 4400 on usa network. No one watches it but it had 4 stellar seasons. Never hasa show surprised me more in the way it's evolved. No 2 episodes are the same.

Oh and this too: the entire cast is sexysexysexy. I'd love to see the show build an audience.

David Thu, Dec 6, 2007 at 12:06 AM EST

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which Fox has even shown on their channel before, why not do it again?

MikeknaJ Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 11:30 PM EST

"Would I rather NBC air the first season of Battlestar Galactica in Heroes' timeslot..."

-- Best idea I've heard all day!

Shelley Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 10:21 PM EST

Okay...not to take the thread totally off track...but I can't help but wonder what toll the strike will take on the overall network programming. Even if the strike is settled soon, there will still be a lull in show production and new episodes. I've already begun keeping my t.v. off more nights than not as my favorite shows, one by one, run out of new eps. I wonder whether some shows will suffer from the strike...fledging shows fall off the radar...or new shows that maybe had an audience but weren't around long enough to garner loyalty from viewers. Will this strike change the face of television with beloved shows taken from cable or weaker network shows losing footing? If the strike lasts for months on end, is there a chance of people darkening their sets permanently? Or...even worse...this upsurge of more reality shows (shudder) gaining popularity and further lowering the overall quality and creativity of that glowing box we all hold so dear?

MattR Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 08:57 PM EST

The CW could probably get away with doing an Adult Swim night. Maybe even with Home Movies, since it was UPN to start...

t3hdow Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 08:55 PM EST

Ames, the Wire's been edited and re-aired on BET for months.

SDA333 Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 08:19 PM EST

Veronica Mars is better than anything on the air, with Battlestar Galactica running a close second! Go for it!

Caitlin Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 08:02 PM EST

ok, i realize it's a reality show, but i would LOVE for NBC to show Project Runway. I don't get Bravo while I'm at school, so I'm in Tim Gunn withdrawal. I make my roommate tell me to make it work when i'm jonsin' for some Tim. (is that sad?)

Ceballos Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 07:57 PM EST

I agree that it's a good idea to take some cable shows and air them on networks, but I have no interest in a hacked up, I mean edited for content "Shield" or "Dexter". None at all.

However, putting on shows like Psych, Kyle XY, Burn Notice, bringing back L&O Criminal Intent, even rerunning Damages on Fox is a swell idea.

to Dana Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 07:57 PM EST

I second Dead Like Me reruns and Doctor Who being on network.

Kissmykiester Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 07:39 PM EST

Firefly. Nuff said.

tia Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 07:36 PM EST

I agree with Project Runway- Even though it's on cable, out cable provider doesn't run Bravo. I really want to see this one...

Dana Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 07:07 PM EST

Torchwood, the Tudors, Doctor Who, Degrassi the Next Generation, oh and maybe they could bring back Arrested Developement, Dead Like Me, and Veronica Mars reruns

Jane Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 07:06 PM EST

Well, I've been saying for some time (mostly to myself) that there are many shows on cable that would certainly find a larger audience if aired (or re-aired) on broadcast television. My list: 1)Battlestar Galactica, 2) Burn Notice, 3) Psych, 4) Kyle XY, and 5) Eureka. Several years back I realized I liked cable shows better than most broadcast shows - now's the time for the two universes to collide!

Smokey Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 06:59 PM EST

Wait, how about a run of the Sci-Fi miniseries "Tin Man"? I wanted so badly to watch it, but I can't afford the cable!

Smokey Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 06:58 PM EST

BSG. Without a doubt. I know people that own the first two seasons on DVD and would still tune in!

Laura Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 06:28 PM EST

BATTLESTAR BATTLESTAR BATTLESTAR.

Peggy Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 06:13 PM EST

I vote for The Wire. Although I don't know how they could edit the language without butchering the feel of the show.

GOB Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 05:59 PM EST

I vote for Psych, Burn Notice, and Veronica Mars repeats.

Kaitlin Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 05:49 PM EST

I would love to have project runway on network TV. My parents don't get Bravo any more and I have to keep copies of it on my DVR box for when my mom comes to visit. I would LOVE it if they would so that I could stop doing that.
Also Burn Notice and Pysic whould be awesome to try and get some bigger audiences.
Networks keep buying and launching cable networks but while they repeat their stuff on cable they never go the other way. I would love them to try.

Jen Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 05:48 PM EST

OMG Weeds!! That is the greatest show! But they'd probably never put it on network television because it's 'controversial'

Em Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 05:37 PM EST

It's Always Sunny in Phila would be my bet. But really, I would tune in in a heartbeat if they'd show Veronica Mars in CBS like the first season did during the summer.

Dan Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 05:36 PM EST

BSG would be great. NBC could show it in HD just as it should be (and as it's shown on Universal HD, but not SciFi).

Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 05:35 PM EST

Its always sunny on fx is better than any comedy fox has in their line up right now

DanOregon Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 05:33 PM EST

Monk, Eureka and Psych would be quality pinch-hitters for NBC.

1000Steps Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 05:12 PM EST

Love The Wire, Rescue Me and The Shield. Unfortunately they would be ruined on network TV... Keep 'em where they are, screw the closed minded networks. As far as I can tell, Life and Friday Night Lights are the only good dramas on Network TV anyways

daisyj Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 05:07 PM EST

What do you suppose are the chances that the unaired episodes of dropped series will make the schedule. Yeah, I know they already failed, but they'd be an improvement over the all-reruns-and-reality schedule we're about to get real tired of, real soon.

Jai Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 05:06 PM EST

Has anyone watched the re-cut Sex and the City on network television? It's horrible. Jagged stories, dropped punchlines, odd pacing. Poor "Weeds."

Francisco Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 05:05 PM EST

BSG, Rescue Me, The Shield, Damages, Eureka, Ghost Hunters, Thief

Cara Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 04:59 PM EST

A freaking ton of people watch "Project Runway" on Bravo already--it would be an easy, smart import. Yes, it's reality TV, which is not exactly a step forward in the conditions of the strike, but I would be happy to watch old seasons of quality reality TV rather than, er..."Clash of the Choirs".

Other than that: "Battlestar Galactica", "The Riches", "The Wire".

APFN Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 04:59 PM EST

Project Runway seems like a no brainer even though it is a reality competition. It's still one of the best. Also, why not resurrect some that are dead and gone like Freaks and Geeks.

Ames Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 04:58 PM EST

I'd like to see The Wire so I know what everyone is talking about.

AA Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 04:57 PM EST

Okay, not quite what you're looking for, but, bring back Arrested Development! And maybe some Lost repeats!

snarky Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 04:56 PM EST

As much as I would love to see "Rescue Me" get a wider audience, I don't want to see it all hacked up and ready for "prime time" How about "I Love New York"???

Rahul Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 04:53 PM EST

NBC should definitely put 'Battlestar Galactica' on. It's time to build some major buzz for a great show entering its final season.

Shelley Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 04:46 PM EST

I never understood why Kyle XY wasn't on the regular network channel anyway. I have to admit...it's one of my guilty pleasures. Love that show. I think it'd gain a bigger following if it moved from ABC Family.

Jamie Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 04:44 PM EST

Air the first season of The Riches!