Why were some shows re-titled for their syndication runs? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Dr. Thong · 10-24-2013, 05:16 PM

It doesn't happen anymore, but back in the '70s, some sitcoms were re-titled for their initial syndication runs.

For example:

The Andy Griffith Show became Andy From Mayberry
Happy Days became Happy Days Again

I know there were others, but you get the point. My question is: why were these shows retitled when they first went into syndication?

Zoneboy · 10-24-2013, 06:07 PM

I always thought it was because when they went into syndication that first run airings were still being produced and the names were changed to prevent viewers from confusing the repeats with the new episodes. In other words, the networks thought the viewers were too stupid to tell the difference if the name of the shows stayed the same while in syndication.

Dr. Thong · 10-24-2013, 06:26 PM

You're probably right. Even as a kid, I knew that the new episodes aired in prime time and that reruns aired during the mornings and afternoons/early evenings.

Marvo301 · 10-24-2013, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

You're probably right. Even as a kid, I knew that the new episodes aired in prime time and that reruns aired during the mornings and afternoons/early evenings.

Especially a problem for long running shows. This is the reason repeats of Bonanaza were titled Ponderosa.

Dr. Thong · 10-24-2013, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

Especially a problem for long running shows. This is the reason repeats of Bonanaza were titled Ponderosa.

How is that a problem? Don't people have enough sense to figure they're watching a rerun?

tlc38tlc38 · 10-24-2013, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Thong

How is that a problem? Don't people have enough sense to figure they're watching a rerun?

In all honesty, no, people in general aren't all that bright.

Zoneboy · 10-24-2013, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc38tlc38

In all honesty, no, people in general aren't all that bright.

Exactly that's why our minor league baseball team, the Greensboro Hornets changed their name to the Bats to avoid confusion with the Charlotte Hornets. The teams co-existed fro 1988-1994 until the NBA decided that some people in NC might confuse the 2 and asked the Greensboro Hornets to change their name.

treky · 10-24-2013, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

I always thought it was because when they went into syndication that first run airings were still being produced and the names were changed to prevent viewers from confusing the repeats with the new episodes. In other words, the networks thought the viewers were too stupid to tell the difference if the name of the shows stayed the same while in syndication.

that's what I always heard.
As to why some shows did it but most didn't; I have no idea.

10-24-2013, 05:16 PM	#1
Dr. Thong a/k/a "ACK!" Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 10, 2001 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 5,546	Why were some shows re-titled for their syndication runs? It doesn't happen anymore, but back in the '70s, some sitcoms were re-titled for their initial syndication runs. For example: The Andy Griffith Show became Andy From Mayberry Happy Days became Happy Days Again I know there were others, but you get the point. My question is: why were these shows retitled when they first went into syndication?
	__________________ "Sunday has been cancelled due to lack of interest. That is all."

10-24-2013, 06:07 PM	#2
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	I always thought it was because when they went into syndication that first run airings were still being produced and the names were changed to prevent viewers from confusing the repeats with the new episodes. In other words, the networks thought the viewers were too stupid to tell the difference if the name of the shows stayed the same while in syndication.
	__________________ '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.

10-24-2013, 06:26 PM	#3
Dr. Thong a/k/a "ACK!" Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 10, 2001 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 5,546	You're probably right. Even as a kid, I knew that the new episodes aired in prime time and that reruns aired during the mornings and afternoons/early evenings.