It’s perfectly normal for a series to be cancelled when the ratings drop, and the number of viewers dwindle. It’s all about making money.
But isn't it time for the show-runners to show some respect to their (potential) audience?
Respect the Audience
But isn't it time for the show-runners to show some respect to their (potential) audience?It’s all about making money, which requires paying advertisers. And if a show isn’t popular, there’s less money to be made, so let’s get rid of it.
True.
But isn’t it also true that sometimes shows need a little time to find their right place, to ‘settle’ down? I personally have the feeling some shows are killed off too early. Just like Etta. Still, even when killing off makes sense, try to make the most of it.
Viewers (not the downloading crowd, I’m now referring to the real target audience) associate a program with a station (brand), and vice versa. Especially the moment it ends. And if it doesn’t end properly, that will reflect badly upon that network or station.
Imagine a viewer who has made a serious investment (time wise) into a series, seeing that series cancelled. Without a proper closing. Such a cancellation would certainly leave a bad taste, and the heavily involved viewer would and will voice his or her discontent.
Remember: there’s money to be made.
First, there’s the (long line) retail and digital distribution. Both can provide channels to distribute old shows, even with profit. It’s better to make a little money than no money… The amounts might be minimal, but money is still money. People will eventually buy stuff (boxed sets), especially to relive good memories.
Second, and more important, are returning customers. Customers that are happy with their previous investment (time or money wise) and are willing to invest yet again. Isn’t that your target audience? The avid, eager viewer, who’s longing for yet another episode?
You want an enthusiastic audience. You want an audience willing to switch to your channel to check out your latest offering.
Oh, it’s hard to put an economic value on any such efforts. And it’s clear that none of these considerations would play any role in the (short term) mind-set of a show runner. But perhaps it should.
Prepare for the End
No, not the Mayan calendar one :-)
Instead of pissing off your audience, why not address the issue properly: plan for a final episode, and what comes afterwards…
- Prepare a script
- Reserve some budget
- Make an arrangement with your actors
- Arrange distribution rights
- Prepare for long line retail (boxed sets)
- Piggyback advertising on digital distribution
… and always seriously consider your cliff-hangers. If you cannot resolve them in one or two episodes, then how do you deal with an unforeseen premature ending?
Examples
Sometimes, shows simply have to end. Heroes, which started out great, worked itself deeper and deeper into the mud. Terminated for its own good.
Fringe, with ever declining ratings, had to end someday (but it did have a good run). So the station gave it a final ‘half’ season, a somewhat proper ending, and I know I will buy the boxed set some day.
Farscape was a similar tale. Said to be discontinued, then continued, then suddenly discontinued again. Pressure from the fans may or may not have led to a Peacekeeper Wars mini-series (but definitely not thanks to Syfy). Strangely, it’s impossible to find an affordable boxed set.
Buffy had a proper ending after seven years. (And some comics to boot.)
I never watched Dollhouse while it was on the air (and I don’t think it ever aired in the Netherlands) but it turned out a bit better than expected. Both seasons had interesting endings, kudos to Jos Whedon for that.
Firefly (another Jos Whedon project) was discontinued after a year. I think it could have lasted for a good five year run or so, given the chance and its episodic nature. Fortunately, community pressure resulted in one final movie. Good stuff, though a bad decision by Fox to kill it.
Stargate SG1 was never my favourite, but it was okay. It and its spin-off Stargate Atlantis had an ending (no comments on those endings). Stargate Universe started out poorly, but just as it was gathering some momentum it was suddenly killed off. It’s doubtful there will ever be a Stargate series again. Perhaps a remake in 20 years or so…
Alphas is a good example how not to do it. Tell your viewers you don’t know if it will be continued or not. Then keep it in Limbo for a few months. No money to be made on the boxed set. And bad for your reputation, Syfy. Pure luck the last episode is acceptable as a show end, in spite of one of the biggest cliffhangers possible.
There are many examples of other shows killed of ‘before their time’ or without proper ending. Think about all that wasted market(ing) potential…
The New Cable
Actually, it looks like things are even getting worse. We got rid of cable (with those endless commercials) and us, the customers, are willing to pay for ad-free services... but we end up with a zillion different streamers, that all increase their pricing and do their best to push more and more ads down our throats. Where are the days of cheap cable television and illegal downloads?!?
What Next?
Dunno. I don’t think there’s one series at the moment that has captured my attention as much as Farscape or Fringe did… Perhaps do a rewind and start watching all over again?
Or… perhaps I should apply for a job at Fox, or Syfy, or some other channel, as a ‘post-series continuity consultant’. I can’t do much worse than their current staff 😕
Not if it would make me a wad of money 😎
(Dapper #128 / TellTales! #68)
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