April 3, 2008...12:45 pm
The TV Market’s Newest Spin-off
Finding good television that’s not about murder, espionage, mindless humor, or warped “reality” is getting tough. Drama is not exactly in fashion. That’s probably why Friday Night Lights has been a viewer fave, even if it’s not NBC’s biggest money maker.
The suits know that the people who “love” the show, REALLY love it, despite advertisers’ lukewarm buys. So, they’ve kept it out of the CANCELLED pile for now. But, here’s the catch: NBC has agreed to air the new 13-episode season exclusively on Direct TV this coming October. Network viewers will have to wait until Feburary ‘09 to see the season.
Considering NBC was thinking about killing the show, zealots will probably prefer waiting a few extra months than never seeing Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and the boys ever again. And, this opens up a whole new marketing channel for the networks. No longer is cable programming the only thing offered exclusively to paying viewers. Now, network shows are joining the pay-fray.
Could this be the beginning of people shopping for TV service based on who airs their favorite shows? Will “premium packages” give you a menu of shows as well as channels soon? This is probably going to get more complicated before long. Sorta makes you long for the days of 12 channels, rabbit ears, and snow at midnight.
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