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Broadcast nets borrow 'Dexter' and other killer cable shows

Jan 15, 2008, 03:24 PM | by Annie Barrett

Categories: Television, Writer's Strike

Dexter_l CBS' impending new reality-TV slate may have made Mandi die inside, but another of the network's mid-strike decisions is a good one: CBS will air episodes of Showtime's Dexter (pictured) beginning Feb. 17. And thats not the only cable-to-broadcast move brought upon by the current dearth of scripted series. NBC plans to air full seasons of USA's Monk and Psych starting March 2, and studios are shopping other cable series, like The Closer, Nip/Tuck, and Mad Men for placement on major network TV.

Though it kind pains me to imagine a heavily edited version of Dexter, sans blood/gore and everyone's favorite aspect of premium channel series — the swearing! — I'm all for the cable shows getting the chance to find larger audiences on network TV. I guess this sounds lazy, but when I page through my DVR listings for the week, I rarely depart the "Channels 2-10" region unless I've made a specific note to do so. I've missed most episodes of plenty of great cable series this way. What about you? Will having small-time cable shows on the major nets make you more likely to watch them? Or would you rather have these shows stay put in all their unedited glory?

Denise Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 03:34 PM EST

Someone should pick up Burn Notice from USA. It's just brilliant!

Mel Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 01:11 PM EST

I'm against anything that is going to prolong this strike. I'm not watching the new reality junk that they're using as filler for the shows that are on strike, and I won't watch Dexter or the like, either. Dear God, please let this strike end!

Snarf Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 03:59 PM EST

Luckily I live in Canada where shows like this tend to be played in there un-edited glory at 10pm anyways. Woo Hoo!

bbc Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

This idea is totally dependant on the show. Dexter will work as an edited show. Nip/Tuck was mentioned as an option. No Way! The fun of that show is all the depravity, which cannot be edited enough for network TV. Damages or The Riches would be cool though.

Catherine Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 12:12 PM EST

I'll watch. Oh my gosh, just please give me something besides reality shows.

MJ Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 10:56 AM EST

It's a good decision but i wish that nbc would play top chef or project runway

Frances Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 10:41 AM EST

I'm all for bringing cable shows to network television! I don't have cable (it was a choice between then and the internet, so I made a tough decision). I've wanted to see Dexter for a while, since my friend raves about it.

Sally in Chicago Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 09:31 AM EST

Do the actors get paid extra if it shows on network TV?

nfofa Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 04:54 AM EST

Love the idea of more people getting to know Dexter - best show on television - but what are they going to do with foulmouthed Jennifer Carpenter's character? The idea of editing Dexter pains me!

Crystal Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 11:38 PM EST

I am a weird one as I have only basic 2-20 channels, but also subscribe to HBO & SHO, so I don't care about those as I've already seen them.

They should show the last season of BSG since it has been so long since it was on. I am excited about Psych, as I can't buy it on itunes anymore. I've also heard good things about Burn Notice so that would be cool to see.

Nix Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 09:33 PM EST

I'm no fan of gore and body parts (CSI is a bit too much for me), but I just started watching the (presumably well-censored -- this is South East Asia, not a wellspring of liberterianism) episodes, and I have fallen in love with the man. God do I love psychopaths.

Eric Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 08:02 PM EST

Editing Dexter shouldn't be too much of a challenge and the story lines won't suffer that much. You really want to impress me; edit a show like Deadwood. Wouldn't an edited episode run a total of 4 minutes including title and credits?

Mike in Moncton Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 07:57 PM EST

WHAT?! EW actually mentioned Dexter??

Why has this show been ignored by EW for so friggin' long anyway?

Keri Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 07:53 PM EST

They're not only going to edit out extreme violence and language-- they're going to have to ax about 10 minutes of each episode! (Trying to make a 52-56 min. Showtime episode fit into the standard 42-44 minute slot that makes up an hour on Network TV) That is what I have the major problem with. Dexter has some wonderful supporting characters who's story-lines will likely be cut out. The show is too amazing to watch any other way- wait for the DVDs.

Aleks Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 07:53 PM EST

When I heard Dexter was coming to CBS, I was a little miffed. I paid to watch Dexter, now everyone else gets it for free?! Whatever. I'm over it.

And instead of importing cable shows to broadcast networks, I'd rather resurrect the first three seasons of Veronica Mars. If The CW re-aired them, I'd totally watch.

Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 07:30 PM EST

Battlestar Galactica!
A lot of it seems appropriate for network(frak anyone?) so I don't think there'd even be some much editing needed.

SH Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 07:23 PM EST

I'll take edited Dexter over poorly acted Criminal Minds any day. However, I do enjoy myself a good "f***" or "s***" out of my cable series.

Anonymous Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 06:22 PM EST

This is kinda of a silly thought. But what happens when the strike ends. Do they keep on showing edited episodes of these Dexter and co. or do they just cut them off and folks who are hooked are s**t out of luck.

Heather Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 05:59 PM EST

If only the networks would start to pick up BBC America shows as well. Life on Mars definitely deserves a broader audience.

Rose Tyler Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 05:55 PM EST

Question. Will Dex's sister have any lines once they edit? She has the mouth of a sailor. Also I think NBC should air Battlestar. With all the sci-fi on the networks already and the return of Lost I think it's the perfect time. I also like the idea of more people getting to know and love Mad Men. Though it may not be as fun edited either.

Danny Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 04:37 PM EST

I'll be watching Dexter, because I don't get the premium channels, and they'll only edit the sex and swearing, which doesn't bother me that much. I hope other networks follow suit with shows like Battlestar Galactica, Burn Notice, The 4400, The Riches, etc...

Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 04:37 PM EST

I'll be watching Dexter, because I don't get the premium channels, and they'll only edit the sex and swearing, which doesn't bother me that much. I hope other networks follow suit with shows like Battlestar Galactica, Burn Notice, The 4400, The Riches, etc...

Robin Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 04:27 PM EST

I could benefit from watching these shows but only if they start from the beginning (or the beginning of a specific season)... I hate that I've missed most of Mad Men and The Closer because I simply didn't realize they were on. I think the premium channel shows, however, should stay on HBO and Showtime. I don't mind paying extra for the "privilege" in that case.

Kathleen Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 04:24 PM EST

I'm psyched. I've been sans cable a couple years now, and it sucks to hear coworkers spoil a plot point for you because the show isn't available on DVD yet. I certainly would prefer to watch the shows unedited, but I'd rather watch a swear-free Dexter than Ashton Kutcher telling some frat boy to take off his pants in a McDonald's.

Nick Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 04:21 PM EST

Why doesn't NBC snatch up Battlestar Galactica. I would even withstand a delay of the premiere if they would start now with season 1 and go all the way through 3.

paige Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 04:17 PM EST

if you have these premium channels and dont watch these shows but prefer to watch them on basic channels cause you're too lazy to "depart the 'Channels 2-10' region"... then not only are you super lazy but youre a f***in idiot!

:o) Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 04:10 PM EST

I personally prefer to watch these shows unedited and glorious I don't mind the networks borrowing them and editing them so that the fan base can increase and the shows can get more exposure.

Zan.Bee Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

Major networks only edit "sexual content" al la Sex and the City. Dexter's gore is no more sinister than any L&O:SVU, CSI and Criminal Minds!!

Shirl Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 03:53 PM EST

Unedited glory. Network tv sucks the life out of really good shows.

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