More classic TV channels on the way? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Sal · 06-01-2013, 05:32 PM

Just what Americans need: more TV channels filled with classic TV sitcoms from the 60s to the 90s. (Life is not fair!!

)

It seems that a new company called Zeus Media Partners is rumoured to be considering a series of pay-tv stations that will provide classic sitcoms with each channel representing a different decade: 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Only shows from that decade will be seen on that station. For example, the 70s station might include Three's Company, All In The Family or MASH, but don't expect Bewitched or Family Ties. Those will be in their own stations.

It's all speculation at this point but you can read about it here:

Cable Nets Featuring Retro TV In Works

Patty Duke · 06-01-2013, 05:40 PM

I'd pay for it.

brtcmfn · 06-01-2013, 06:45 PM

Sounds good but here are the concerns :your provider has to carry it, cost?, bandwidth on each system, and more importantly when contract negations come up one, some or all of the channels can be taken down till agreement is reached between provider and affiliate. At least with Antennatv and MEtv these are not issues. and thumbs down for them to leave out the 50's.

mets82 · 06-01-2013, 08:45 PM

I'll believe it when I see it. I do think that when you make classic tv channels by decade, I think you water down each channel because you only have one decade to choose from.

yankeesrj12 · 06-01-2013, 09:19 PM

There is a reason networks like TVLand have gone away from classic programming: the revenue is just not there. A network won't be able to operate for years with only repeat programming. If it does come to fruition, I'd say it lasts a few years (at best) and then shuts down.

Zoneboy · 06-01-2013, 09:31 PM

This could work if they didn't shove the same reruns that have been crammed down our throats for years all day. However, I could live with it if they were aired uncut with the closing credits intact and no split-screens or voiceovers and those annoying-as-hell pop-ups in the screen. If this comes-to-pass, I hope they don't air just sitcoms plus I'd like to see shows that haven't been in syndication in years such as Occasional Wife, Love On a Rooftop, The People's Choice, Hennesey, Please Don't Eat the Daisies and many many more. They should also devote time to airing short-lived series as well.

Mr. Television · 06-01-2013, 10:42 PM

What I find funny is that classic tv aired on tv for over 30 years and was used extensively when cable tv first began. It was a major selling point of cable not to mention the beginings of N@N and TV Land but now the revenue is not just there.

TKMetal · 06-02-2013, 12:45 AM

A new company but the resumes of those involved speak highly. Should be interesting.

TMC · 06-02-2013, 02:05 AM

http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/gart...ve-1200490723/

Shows like "Three's Company" and "Lost in Space" aren't on syndication anymore, so these new retro channels would chance that.
Read more at http://www.hitfix.com/tv-tattle#3V1oVhFfMemkoliZ.99

Zoneboy · 06-02-2013, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMC

http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/gart...ve-1200490723/

Shows like "Three's Company" and "Lost in Space" aren't on syndication anymore, so these new retro channels would chance that.
Read more at http://www.hitfix.com/tv-tattle#3V1oVhFfMemkoliZ.99

What's the point of the second link?

It just takes you to that TV Tattle blog which links to the same article on Variety.

Schmoopie · 06-02-2013, 03:20 AM

This sounded like a good idea until I saw that it was Pay TV. I wouldn't pay for a retro channel unless it was included in my cable plan. I'd rather wait and see if the DVD's of my favorite shows come out and buy them.

Jack1000 · 06-02-2013, 03:38 AM

I love Classic TV, but am turned off by this for several reasons: (In addition to the following concerns)

1.) If the shows are not completely uncut and commercial free with no split-screens, the whole project is moot. You'll be seeing the same programs you can see on other networks, You-Tube, and Hulu.

2.) Few will pay for cut programs with commercials, not enough will pay to ensure longevity of the network.

3.) Are they just considering this because 50's-90's shows are cheaper to produce than current shows in a tight economy?

4.) Will each of the five genre's of shows, be offered as one set of stations for distribution? Or could buyers choose the 60's and 70's station, but not the 50's , 80's, or 90's?

Jack

biffbronson · 06-02-2013, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMC

Shows like "Three's Company" and "Lost in Space" aren't on syndication anymore, so these new retro channels would chance that.

Lost in Space is currently on MeTV, in their Saturday night lineup.

LUNCH · 06-02-2013, 12:12 PM

It sounds like a good idea,but the fact that they want to be Commercial cable/satellite channels means that they'll probably heavily edit the shows and load them with advertising.

mets82 · 06-02-2013, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack1000

I love Classic TV, but am turned off by this for several reasons: (In addition to the following concerns)

1.) If the shows are not completely uncut and commercial free with no split-screens, the whole project is moot. You'll be seeing the same programs you can see on other networks, You-Tube, and Hulu.

2.) Few will pay for cut programs with commercials, not enough will pay to ensure longevity of the network.

3.) Are they just considering this because 50's-90's shows are cheaper to produce than current shows in a tight economy?

4.) Will each of the five genre's of shows, be offered as one set of stations for distribution? Or could buyers choose the 60's and 70's station, but not the 50's , 80's, or 90's?

Jack

Not only do you have a cool name like Jack, which is my name, but your 100% right.
If they air the shows uncut, with not a lot of commericals, no end credit crunch, etc. then I think you'll find an audience but if its like Hallmark Channel, TV Land, forget it. They will be doomed from the start.

06-01-2013, 05:32 PM	#1
Sal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 20, 2001 Location: Oakville, Ont. Canada Posts: 6,170	More classic TV channels on the way? Just what Americans need: more TV channels filled with classic TV sitcoms from the 60s to the 90s. (Life is not fair!! ) It seems that a new company called Zeus Media Partners is rumoured to be considering a series of pay-tv stations that will provide classic sitcoms with each channel representing a different decade: 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Only shows from that decade will be seen on that station. For example, the 70s station might include Three's Company, All In The Family or MASH, but don't expect Bewitched or Family Ties. Those will be in their own stations. It's all speculation at this point but you can read about it here: Cable Nets Featuring Retro TV In Works

06-01-2013, 08:45 PM	#4
mets82 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Mar 14, 2011 Location: Connecticut Posts: 5,058	I'll believe it when I see it. I do think that when you make classic tv channels by decade, I think you water down each channel because you only have one decade to choose from.
	__________________ http://www.superbowlgreatness.blogspot.com/ Please check out my blog. I vent on all things. TV, sports etc. you name it. Its also a work in progress. Check out and see what you think.

06-01-2013, 09:31 PM	#6
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,349	This could work if they didn't shove the same reruns that have been crammed down our throats for years all day. However, I could live with it if they were aired uncut with the closing credits intact and no split-screens or voiceovers and those annoying-as-hell pop-ups in the screen. If this comes-to-pass, I hope they don't air just sitcoms plus I'd like to see shows that haven't been in syndication in years such as Occasional Wife, Love On a Rooftop, The People's Choice, Hennesey, Please Don't Eat the Daisies and many many more. They should also devote time to airing short-lived series as well.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

06-01-2013, 10:42 PM	#7
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,128	What I find funny is that classic tv aired on tv for over 30 years and was used extensively when cable tv first began. It was a major selling point of cable not to mention the beginings of N@N and TV Land but now the revenue is not just there.
	__________________ Sonny

06-02-2013, 02:05 AM	#9
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 125,458	4 retro cable channels in the works -- one each for the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/gart...ve-1200490723/ Shows like "Three's Company" and "Lost in Space" aren't on syndication anymore, so these new retro channels would chance that. Read more at http://www.hitfix.com/tv-tattle#3V1oVhFfMemkoliZ.99

06-01-2013, 05:40 PM	#2
Patty Duke Good night, John Boy Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 09, 2013 Location: The Land of Milk and Honey Posts: 788	I'd pay for it.

06-01-2013, 06:45 PM	#3
brtcmfn Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 10, 2002 Location: colorado Posts: 319	Sounds good but here are the concerns :your provider has to carry it, cost?, bandwidth on each system, and more importantly when contract negations come up one, some or all of the channels can be taken down till agreement is reached between provider and affiliate. At least with Antennatv and MEtv these are not issues. and thumbs down for them to leave out the 50's.

06-01-2013, 09:19 PM	#5
yankeesrj12 Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 09, 2008 Posts: 4,335	There is a reason networks like TVLand have gone away from classic programming: the revenue is just not there. A network won't be able to operate for years with only repeat programming. If it does come to fruition, I'd say it lasts a few years (at best) and then shuts down.

06-02-2013, 12:45 AM	#8
TKMetal Millennial Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 12, 2006 Posts: 280	A new company but the resumes of those involved speak highly. Should be interesting.

06-02-2013, 03:20 AM	#11
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	This sounded like a good idea until I saw that it was Pay TV. I wouldn't pay for a retro channel unless it was included in my cable plan. I'd rather wait and see if the DVD's of my favorite shows come out and buy them.
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

06-02-2013, 03:38 AM	#12
Jack1000 Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 05, 2001 Posts: 2,055	I love Classic TV, but am turned off by this for several reasons: (In addition to the following concerns) 1.) If the shows are not completely uncut and commercial free with no split-screens, the whole project is moot. You'll be seeing the same programs you can see on other networks, You-Tube, and Hulu. 2.) Few will pay for cut programs with commercials, not enough will pay to ensure longevity of the network. 3.) Are they just considering this because 50's-90's shows are cheaper to produce than current shows in a tight economy? 4.) Will each of the five genre's of shows, be offered as one set of stations for distribution? Or could buyers choose the 60's and 70's station, but not the 50's , 80's, or 90's? Jack

06-02-2013, 12:12 PM	#14
LUNCH Member Senior Member Join Date: Oct 23, 2010 Location: New York State Posts: 1,304	It sounds like a good idea,but the fact that they want to be Commercial cable/satellite channels means that they'll probably heavily edit the shows and load them with advertising.
	Last edited by LUNCH; 06-02-2013 at 12:44 PM.