Opinion: Don’t Punish Your TV Show

Here’s Some Advice – Don’t Punish Your TV Show!

They waited too long between seasons. I’m not watching anymore!

Have you ever said something similar? Witnessed someone else become “fed up” waiting for their show to return for a new season? I have. A lot lately – And it’s the wrong way to vent your frustration. Don’t punish your TV show!

What am I talking about?

Think of your favorite TV show(s). Consider how the last season ends… Was there a big reveal? Surprise? Cliffhanger? Inevitably, the writers left you with something to keep you wanting more – and lucky for you – the show was renewed so you know another season is coming. You’ll get your answer.

Except 9 months pass. 10. 11. It’s been a year. Sometimes more. It sucks. No one likes to wait – we’re a society that loves our “instant gratification.” And so you become frustrated and start posting on social media about how impatient you are. Another month goes by – your TV show still hasn’t returned. Now, you’re angry and you want the show and network to know that you’re unhappy it’s taking so long. Out it comes: “I’m not going to watch it now!”

Let’s do some math

Whether a show garners 500,000 average viewers or 10 million – a majority of these viewers are ALL waiting for the return of the show. Here’s the kicker though… If just 10% of you all feel (frustrated) the same way… what becomes of the ratings for the show’s return? Typically, a season premiere will get the most live viewers – but with multiple seasons, there’s almost always a drop off from the previous season. It’s hard for networks to keep everyone watching.

Let’s take a show with 1 million viewers (average) in their first season. Season 2’s premiere will have a small drop typically – so now we’re down to 900,000. Now, we have the angry 10% that decide to punish the show. That’s another 100,000 viewers gone. We’re down to 800,000 people watching that premiere. Week 2 will experience another small drop – because some of the excitement has been fulfilled – and maybe this week they’ll catch up on DVR instead. So week 2 brings in 750K. We’re now down 25% from the previous year’s average. Ouch.

Perhaps this is an extreme example – but what if our angry 10% was really 20%… or 30%? Don’t punish your TV show!

It’s not your show’s fault

In fact, it may not really be anyone’s fault! Scheduling conflicts with the network, scheduling issues with the actors, production delays, story line changes – there are so many possible factors and things to consider with a show’s release date. Not to mention – don’t you want the show’s creator(s) and writing team to come up with another great season? It takes time! So does the filming, editing, and final production. Quality does not always come quickly.

In our above example of losing viewers – that hurts your show. Renewals are no longer based solely on ratings, but they are still a giant factor in that decision-making. So, while you may be frustrated, don’t hurt the show by refusing to watch in protest. That kind of protest only adds to the list of reason’s a show may not be renewed!

It’s not just a TV show

It’s just a TV show – who cares, right? Wrong. Yes, it’s just a show to keep us entertained – but that show remaining on air and earning additional seasons makes an impact on more than just viewers. Most television shows employ a few hundred people in various aspects to make everything run smoothly. And think of the local economies where shows are filmed. Millions are pumped into those economies.

A cancelled show doesn’t only upset viewers, it upsets a lot of dedicated and hard-working people. And while not viewing in protest isn’t going to be the main cause of cancellation, it certainly is part of it.

So what should you do?

Continue to support your favorite shows! Obviously watch live when it returns, but in the meantime – stay positive. Reach out to cast, crew, and creatives online via social media and let them know you’re still excited – even if it is taking “too long.” They want their show back on the air just as much (if not more) than you do! They’ll appreciate you talking/posting about the show! It’s possible they may even be able to share some tidbits about the upcoming season or reasons it’s taking a little longer to return.

Remember, you’re not alone in this – join forces with others to chat and discuss the show. It may help with some of those withdrawal symptoms you’re feeling. But whatever you do – Don’t punish your TV show. It just hurts everyone in the long run.

Thoughts?

Please understand, this is completely my own opinion on this subject. I’ve seen a lot of these types of negative comments lately and felt compelled to throw out some “reasons” why fans should reconsider these comments. I’m open to receiving your feedback – good or bad – on my thoughts. Feel free to shoot me an email or leave some comments below.

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