Why did they not air WHN?

Well?

I'm sure it was shopped to them but given that first-run syndication was hot and heavy, it was probably an easier path to go in syndication. Mama's Family went into first-run syndication after it was canceled in 1984 but revived in 1986. That's My Mama was also strongly considered for a 1986 revival given the success of WHN (the show did poorly on ABC) but not enough stations signed up for the broadcasts. Also, with Clifton Davis committed to Amen, the dynamic would have changed as a new Clifton would need to be cast on TMM revival.

I'm sure it was shopped to them but given that first-run syndication was hot and heavy, it was probably an easier path to go in syndication. Mama's Family went into first-run syndication after it was canceled in 1984 but revived in 1986. That's My Mama was also strongly considered for a 1986 revival given the success of WHN (the show did poorly on ABC) but not enough stations signed up for the broadcasts. Also, with Clifton Davis committed to Amen, the dynamic would have changed as a new Clifton would need to be cast on TMM revival.

Yes! They may have shopped it also to the other two networks, but there was no interest. There are usually higher budgets given for network shows, (at least at the time) so first run syndication is usually a secondary option to allow the project to move forward, rather than being scrapped.

It's a living was also another success after being canceled by ABC after two short seasons. Three years later after it was canceled, it was brought back and it went on for another 5 or 6 years featuring new episodes.

Yes! They may have shopped it also to the other two networks, but there was no interest. There are usually higher budgets given for network shows, (at least at the time) so first run syndication is usually a secondary option to allow the project to move forward, rather than being scrapped.

It's a living was also another success after being canceled by ABC after two short seasons. Three years later after it was canceled, it was brought back and it went on for another 5 or 6 years featuring new episodes.

I strongly believed that WHN could have fared better on the upstart Fox Network had it waited until 1987 for a revival as Fox could have started building itself around a 'What's Happening Now' on Fox and could have lasted at least until 1994. WH was still very popular (and still has popularity today) in syndication at the time so it could have really had a mutual benefit. First run syndication doesn't market their shows heavily and relies on the locals to push them but Fox would have spent the dollars to promote themselves like WB and UPN did when they launched