: SF has obnly done well in the US either in bad slots, or on cable. ::
One problem with your theory on why Sci-fi has done well in the US. The TV here sounds vastly different than there. First off. If it's a sport and it's not the supper bowl or a playoff --yeah!-- it's on a sports channel or cable. And cable is not a dirty word, in fact, it makes up a majority of the channels one can get on a regular night of viewing. Also, the main networks have a unique relationship with the independents. They have to, they aren't going away. Most sci-fi shows are on movie studio backed networks. Big money/ deep pockets. Most of the highly rated sci-fi is on channels like the WB (Warner Brothers)--Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Charmed, Roswell etc.-- or UPN (United Paramount Network)--Stargate SG1, ST Voyager-- or FOX (self-explanatory)X-Files, and more I'm sure.
They are syndicated, so that means the person who pays...plays. Main networks--ABC, NBC, CBS--are into developing their own stuff. That's why sitcoms and news shows like 20/20 and Sixty Minutes are still around after hundreds of years . The main networks don't try to compete in the same arena as the independents, that's why the shows are different. I'm not sure they want the bill for a show with FXs like Farscape. See, if the American Broadcasting Company makes a show, they can only show it on ABC. But a syndiacted one can be sold anywhere. I thought it brilliant of the movie studios to start their own channels. X-FILES kicked major butt for many years, and now many more sci-fis have popped up. Also, it's become a segregated world on American cable. You like sci-fi? Sci-fi channel. You like history?--history channel. You like sports?--ESPN. Home repair and design? HGTV. Movies? HBO-SHOWTIME-etc.--and even Home Box Office (HBO) is getting into the series market. The Sopranos/ Sex In The City/ Arliss are getting raves, and thye were developed by and for HBO.
And so on.
Thank God. If I see--on the main three networks-- one more news magazine show, million dollar game show, or voyeuristic day-in-the-life show, I may grab a pulse rifle and start shooting from the roof of my space module. LOLOLOL. The Sci-fi channel is a godsend, and I can't wait for the new programing they are developing. The DUNE mini series looks especially cool. William Hurt plays Duke Ledo! Not too shabby.
You just keep gripping, Aussies. Revolution can be a good thing.
lovetoadee
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