The Culture Edit: Oct. 12

In decades past, the broadcast networks rolled out their new shows with much fanfare. They made you want to stay home. Even the returning shows had big-name guest stars and “very special” episodes. A catchphrase wrapped it up, and in certain years, there was a preview show that fueled interest.

When cable entered the picture, bigger names flocked there – and drew audiences away from the networks. That started the drain. 

Suddenly, game shows and nighttime sports got the spotlight. Fewer TV shows were in the premiere week mix and the need diminished.

Worse, cable (and later, streaming) started airing series. They pulled attention and introduced a new wrinkle: premieres all year long. Instead of holding new ones for “mid-season,” they just aired them whenever.

Fall premiere season? It isn’t a thing for streaming services. They offer new content every month. And they don’t hold a producer to 22 episodes. Eight or 10 is enough.

Now, the networks have a lot of similar shows (the “Chicago” and “Law & Order” series on NBC, “NCIS” and its siblings on CBS, “911” and “911-Nashville” on ABC) and few “very special” moments.

Premiere week exists – but at different times. All the shows don’t start on one week. Some even wait until November or December to appear. 

An all-star preview is rare and won’t have network stars singing and dancing to an original song.

At best, it’s something that runs Friday or Saturday between reruns.

Creating a TV family with reality shows, interchangeable athletes and two or three new series is unlikely. But imagine the ratings that could result?

We could be on to something.