I have noticed this phenomenon for many years, but it seems particularly pronounced right now. A science fiction program will open with great and/or spectacular ratings, and then those ratings will rapidly deteriorate over subsequent episodes. This has been most pronounced recently with the premieres of Flash Forward and V. Both opened up to great ratings, both had sharp audience declines in subsequent weeks. The ratings are also dropping for returning series Fringe and Heroes. If they continue to go down, we may be left awash in a sea of reality shows, doctor soaps and crime procedurals.
If science fiction was unpopular, it wouldn't get the initial ratings that it does. So my question out there to all my loyal followers, and the proud few who blindly stumble across this blog is WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT? What is it in the science fiction series that come on that make you sample but not stick? What is it that you're looking for but not finding?
Although some science fiction programs have had some success in the ratings, few have been consistent top ten programs. The X-Files had the most success in that regard. I think it worked because it was a crime procedural in scifi clothing. It also had a heavy case of the week feel. There were continuing elements, but they were almost secondary (at least for most of it's run). Lost flirted with top ten status initially, but now is more of a cult/DVR/demographic hit. It's emphasis on character and de-emphasis on scifi elements probably helped it early on. Burt as the story grew more complex and clearly scifi, it's fan base shrank some (although vocal and hard core).
Another trend I worry about is the USAfication of scifi shows. USA Network specializes in shows that are light, airy, built on amusing interplay between quirky but likable leads, with a de-emphasis on continuing elements. SyFy is gravitating to these kinds of shows, with Eureka and Warehouse 13. These aren't horrible shows, but they're nowhere near as filling as such greats as Battlestar Galactica, Buffy, Pushing Daisies, Firefly and hell, even Dollhouse.
Well, that's just some thoughts I have on a genre that I haven't blogged about until now, but it is a big part of my life. I really would appreciate some feedback from others as to what they may be looking for in science fiction television.
And then, later, maybe we can talk about comic books!
For the most part I agree, people are not happy with new science fiction that has a continuous plot. I would like to note that more people are watching these shows online or through DVRs, and that may not be relevant in the rating standings. I would also argue that these new single episode minded shows may be a trend in TV, it is not a new one by any means. I remember having a conversation with you a couple years ago regarding the invention of reality television (such as Survivor) and how it was dominating the TV market (much like crappy shows such as the Jay Leno Show and So You Think You Can Dance are doing now). But good science fiction shows came through, specifically Lost and Battlestar Galactica, and things will come around this time, it just might take some time. People are always looking for something intriguing and totally unknown to appreciate and watch and slave over waiting for the next episode.
ReplyDelete