Broadcast networks could be shut out of the best comedy series race for the 1st time - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 06-03-2019, 04:18 PM

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ra...s-race-1214282

As recently as eight years ago, broadcast comedies nabbed all the nominations for best comedy series. Last year, however, there was only one network show among the eight nominees for best comedy: ABC's Black-ish. "What changed?" says Scott Feinberg. "The networks, which were essentially the only game in town until cable took off in the '80s (the first non-network comedy series nominee was HBO's The Larry Sanders Show in 1993), still have the largest built-in audience on TV — they're free, after all — but have become less desirable places for top comedy talent to work." Feinberg adds: "Premium cable and streamers are less risk-averse. Their shows don't have to be as unobjectionable as possible in order to retain the largest audience, the better to generate the greatest revenue through commercials; in fact, these outlets often prefer shows that target narrower demographics, since those people may become subscribers. Moreover, their shows can say and show anything, rather than be neutered by standards and practices; can tell a story without constant interruption, which requires constant re-exposition; and can offer progressive stories, rather than requiring each episode to stand on its own so as to be marketable for eventual syndication. Thus, edgier people, including Emmy voters, tend to prefer them."

king of comedy · 06-03-2019, 08:15 PM

More choices. More interesting choices.

Mr. Television · 06-03-2019, 09:13 PM

TV Comedy is dead and that includes cable.

AMackII · 06-04-2019, 03:33 AM

Basically, The Comedies on ABC, CBS & NBC were that great back in the day.

Yong Fang · 06-12-2019, 08:38 AM

I watch my television online and will do so the rest of my life. I live in Asia and if and when I move back to the USA, I will not buy a television and watch my shows from my phone or IPad. I have two different websites to watch content, and this includes Netflix shows (not that I have liked many of them, CBS All Access (Star Trek Discovery and Twilight Zone) and whatever else. I can’t deal with the endless commercials selling burgers and garbage. I don’t need to anymore nor do I have to.

I think many people are doing this and so comedy and shows are working outside of this medium. Basically we are entering a post television world. Like Mr. Data said, TV will cease to be an entertainment medium by 2040.

06-03-2019, 04:18 PM	#1
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 126,062	Broadcast networks could be shut out of the best comedy series race for the 1st time https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ra...s-race-1214282 As recently as eight years ago, broadcast comedies nabbed all the nominations for best comedy series. Last year, however, there was only one network show among the eight nominees for best comedy: ABC's Black-ish. "What changed?" says Scott Feinberg. "The networks, which were essentially the only game in town until cable took off in the '80s (the first non-network comedy series nominee was HBO's The Larry Sanders Show in 1993), still have the largest built-in audience on TV — they're free, after all — but have become less desirable places for top comedy talent to work." Feinberg adds: "Premium cable and streamers are less risk-averse. Their shows don't have to be as unobjectionable as possible in order to retain the largest audience, the better to generate the greatest revenue through commercials; in fact, these outlets often prefer shows that target narrower demographics, since those people may become subscribers. Moreover, their shows can say and show anything, rather than be neutered by standards and practices; can tell a story without constant interruption, which requires constant re-exposition; and can offer progressive stories, rather than requiring each episode to stand on its own so as to be marketable for eventual syndication. Thus, edgier people, including Emmy voters, tend to prefer them."

06-03-2019, 09:13 PM	#3
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,133	TV Comedy is dead and that includes cable.
	__________________ Sonny

06-03-2019, 08:15 PM	#2
king of comedy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 31, 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,140	More choices. More interesting choices.

06-04-2019, 03:33 AM	#4
AMackII Member Forum Star Join Date: Oct 23, 2015 Location: St. Louis Posts: 17,221	Basically, The Comedies on ABC, CBS & NBC were that great back in the day.

06-12-2019, 08:38 AM	#5
Yong Fang Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 04, 2009 Location: Memphis Tennessee Posts: 3,073	I watch my television online and will do so the rest of my life. I live in Asia and if and when I move back to the USA, I will not buy a television and watch my shows from my phone or IPad. I have two different websites to watch content, and this includes Netflix shows (not that I have liked many of them, CBS All Access (Star Trek Discovery and Twilight Zone) and whatever else. I can’t deal with the endless commercials selling burgers and garbage. I don’t need to anymore nor do I have to. I think many people are doing this and so comedy and shows are working outside of this medium. Basically we are entering a post television world. Like Mr. Data said, TV will cease to be an entertainment medium by 2040.