Why Broadcast Scrapped US Shows ???

I know that we have hundreds of tv channels here now and the tv companies must be desperate for programming to fill the broadcast times - but I think it shows a lack of thought about their viewers when they start showing US series which were scrapped after only a few episodes.

Examples of shows like this are Smith on ITV4 and Kidnapped on E4.

When I saw that Smith was starting here in the UK, I wrote to ITV4 to ask why they had bought a series that was scrapped after only 3 episodes had been broadcast in America and only 7 shows were ever created ? I also asked why they classed it as a 'hit' series during their promotional previews under these circumstances ?

I think their reply says a lot for how they see their customers............

Thank you for your email.

They used the word 'hit' as the programme was well received by some
critics.

We can confirm that ITV4 has acquired 7 episodes of this series. There
will be an on-air announcement when episode 7 is shown that it's the
final episode of the series.

Regards

ITV Duty Officer - TT


An announcement AT THE END of episode 7 !!! Bit late then for anyone hooked on the series !! It's not like there will ever be any more to wait for.

As for Kidnapped, only 5 episodes were ever broadcast of this series and only 13 were ever made. What will E4 do when this series suddenly ends with no storyline closure ???

So just be alert when you see a new US series coming to a channel near you and look up on some site like tv.com to make sure it's going to be worth watching it.

It's fairly common these days for channels to buy programmes before they are shown in the US. It then causes them problems when the series is not as popular or as good as they were promised

Yes the channels acquire these shows probably after viewing the pilot. They are all clambering around for the next Lost, sometimes they get lucky sometimes not.

But even with the duds, why not show them ? If you can get advertisers to buy space around them at least get some return back from your investment.

There's another one as well going out at the moment, BBC One are showing '3lbs' a medical drama, only ran for 3 episodes on CBS, 8 made in total.

Yep, almost all series are bought before they debut - but most axed series nowadays do end up filling the schedules on the digital channels, so it's quite surprising Kidnapped has been given a primetime slot on C4 - though as only 1m watched it, it won't be for long.


Also, just because a show is axed in the US doesn't mean it's not good. There are a few classic series that never got beyond one series in the US.


The same can also go for series which are struggling in the US and seemingly destined for the axe - if they begin to pick up a following abroad the US networks will look upon their future more favourably.

As it happens, I was really enjoying both these series in America last year when they suddenly stopped. Maybe that is why I'm taking their showing here so personally !!

I did not realise UK companies buy shows so early and so yes, it makes sense to show as many as they can to recoup their money via advertising. I can see I'm going to learn much from this forum...........

And I guess if they mentioned up front that only 7 or 13 episodes exist, no one would bother to tune in at all.

Why is it a lack of thought? Lots of programmes become popular with an international audience when they fail to appeal to mainstream American viewers. The fact that only a dozen episodes were ever made makes it more special to the fans. Its like Fawlty Towers - only twelve episodes of that were ever made and its regarded as being one of the best sitcoms ever made.

In some cases the programming becomes popular internationally because the host broadcaster didn't treat it right - such was the case with American Gothic. CBS aired all the episodes in the wrong order, which considering the production "followed on" from the previous one confused everybody. Therefore it was considered a flop.

Fawlty Towers had an independent and complete storyline in each episode; the US series I mentioned had an ongoing plot and so ending it suddenly after only 7 or so episodes will ...............................

You know.....never mind. Wasting my time on this. Watch them all and enjoy.
i just thought someone might appreciate getting back an hour of their lives every week.

Yeah but they are throwing their money away if they don't show it.

In a normal situation of course they would be able not to pay the US broadcaster as they failed to fulfil their contract of making a series.

But that's the dreadful US tv system for you.

there was that programme sitcom on Five about harry warkle and only had oen season

Family Guy is a classic example & a rarity that a shwo was cancelled TWICE and bought back for a third time.

DVD sales and international audience figures mad Fox (or whatever network it was on at the time) to rethink & they bought it back on air.

Futurama is also another example although I think Matt Groening has rather grudgingly bought it back, I remember when he was originally interview that he said he would never bring it back & was a bit annoyed with the network IIRC but DVD sales & international audiences are going to see its return

Probably the same thing that they did when Invasion finished—sod all.

Although it was originally on Fox, a new season is being made for Comedy Central, and its not that big in the US, not that popular at all But it proved popular in the UK & Australia, even now with reruns & DVD sales so that is one the reasons its coming back.

Slightly off topic but many shows (British & American) I feel ended before their time and had potential for more, whilst too many others have been or were done to death.