Using Emmy noms/wins as a basis:
From 1996-2005 network drama crushed the Emmys every year in the "Outstanding Drama Series" category, with 41 Nominations and 9 Wins. Compared to 9 nominations, and 1 win for cable (all HBO)
But from 2006-present the layout is as follows (including the upcoming Emmys)
Network Dramas, Nominations: 17 - Wins: 1 (No nominations since 2011, no wins since 2006)
Basic Cable, Nominations: 19 - Wins: 6
Premium Cable, Nominations: 21 - Wins 3
Public Broadcast, Nominations: 5 - Wins 0
Streaming, Nominations: 5 - Wins 0 (just since 2013)

What's caused this? Is it shorter format and more concise story telling (with cable dramas ranging in the 10-14 episode per season range, while network dramas still have for the 18-24 eps/season range)? Have the best writers/directors/showrunners simply moved over cable? Or is there something else that is preventing real quality network drama, and can networks ever bounce back from their slump?

I think it's way easier to have a quality show when you only have to put out 10-14 shows (cable) versus 18-24) on a network. Plus, cable shows can be more "edgy". Add to the fact that most actors nowadays don't want to commit to an hour long drama show that puts out 18-24 shows (it becomes your whole life) and therefore those actors are more drawn to cable. It's sad. I've always loved the network dramas with lots of show. I feel I can get "more into" the shows.

In addition, cable and streaming channels can present content that is not age limited like they have to do to please the advertiser that want only 18-34 demographics. Use to be 18-45 but they just do not have the free spending money anymore! If programming attracts the 50 and over, over the air will loose money since advertisers do not want them and show get canceled even if it has decent rating overall!

Network Dramas days are over. The shorter seasons (quality over quantity) and the creative freedom that cable and streaming brings make for better shows. Good riddance.:wave:

I'm not a big drama fan, but it seems like there's just the one show, right? A police procedural that dwells on really gruesome crime without any signifcant attempt at humor?

The cable/streaming shows are crappy, too: the Emmys just follow the f-word and naked boobies.
I know which show you mean and it is time for it to go. Time for the cop show to die.

Many dramatic cop shows are now medical investigation shows now with the evidence in the last 12 minutes of the show based on DNA test or results! Totally stupid endings and no plots at all in these shows. I talking about Hawaii-5-O, Blue Blood, Law and Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, Bones, Chicago P.D and even Elementary! I hate the modern day cop shows! It boring!

To me, the only drama that is really worth watching these days is Blue Bloods.

God bless you always!!! :) :) :)

Holly

P.S. My other favorites are shows of the past: 7th Heaven, Walker Texas Ranger, and The Glades.

In addition to cable dramas having more freedom to do what they want with content and quantity of shows, they also attract a more higher caliber of actors which is more attractive to Emmy voters, and they also take a chance with relative unknowns as opposed to the tried-and-true roster of TV actors the networks gravitate to, which can ultimately get boring. Casts can also be more diverse on cable dramas as well.