What happens when a show fails? Does the network pit in a warehouse?

[Yong Fang]

What does networks do with TV shows that failed? There is an old 1970's Norman Lear show I would like to see called "All that Glitters". What happens to the video? Do they keep it somewhere or just have it destroyed?

If they keep them in a dusty warehouse, why doesnt the networks offer them for sale? I know "Because it was a failure!"' fair enough, but someone like me wants to see "All that Glitters"!

[quincywagstaff]

Originally Posted by Yong Fang

What does networks do with TV shows that failed? There is an old 1970's Norman Lear show I would like to see called "All that Glitters". What happens to the video? Do they keep it somewhere or just have it destroyed?

If they keep them in a dusty warehouse, why doesnt the networks offer them for sale? I know "Because it was a failure!"' fair enough, but someone like me wants to see "All that Glitters"!

I doubt they would be destroyed, unless it happened accidentally, like the fire at Universal. The networks themselves would have nothing to do with the shows, unless their own studio produced them. They would belong to the production company. The reason shows like this are rarely released on video is the cost involved in releasing them. Considering the age of the show, each episode would have to be remastered (assuming they haven't deteriorated if they haven't been stored properly), copies made, box art designed, not to mention associated costs with distribution. That's assuming a Video company could be found to undertake the project. That all adds up to big money, which sales of a show like "All that Glitters" could never cover, given that almost no one under 50 have even heard of.