NBC new line up

[42]

So on CNN, they mentioned that NBC is scrapping most of it's new shows and is dying in the ratings.

So my question is: If you could create your own televisions series, what would it be about and why would people want to watch it?

[Entsuropi]

Incidentially, can anyone tell me what kind of program tends to do well in the US? History programs are surprisingly strong here in the UK, along with the insipid "reality" shows and "trading homes" crap. Sci Fi is largely the domain of Sky one, and comedy is a firm favourite.

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

Situation comedies, crime drama, and "reality" are probably the most prominant. With game shows following it up. During the day soap operas and talk shows reign.

[42]

CSI is the strongest performing show in the US. Since starting its new season it has been at the top of the ratings ever since. CSI spin-offs are also doing well. Crime and court dramas do very well.

A flood of reality TV shows, that are really just game shows, thrive in number. And "makeover" shows are growing in numbers getting the rest of the nation to look like N.Y.C. or L.A.

Insidentally, the shows that NBC is scrapping are mostly British imports that have been Americanized.

[Entsuropi]

Eh. I don't watch or like them, so i disregarded them, but soap operas like Emmerdale, brookside, and the one set in london... damn, can't remember the name. But anyway, those have nigh-fanatical followings. 24 has been on, very popular. Crime dramas are also biggies, with A Touch of Frost, Inspector Morse and The Bill being old favourites.

History shows do get reasonably good slots on the BBC. The latest one has been "Time Commanders" where they use the upcoming game "Rome: Total War" to re-create battles from antiquity with a team of 4 ordinary joes trying to command the forces to victory. They usually stink abominabally. The show is only average, but it has attracted a lot of attention from wargamers and the like.

[Gemm: Rock & Roll Star; Born to Rock]

Man, what kind of tv show would I make.

Thats a very tough decision. But it would probably be something comedic. Without values, or any un-stereotypical theme. I would want to make fun of everything and anything. Focus on a rock and talk about something for a minute. I dunno, it'd be something cool though. I'd be the genre definning redefinition!

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

Gemm: Andy Kaufman on crack and angel dust at the same time.

[Entsuropi]

In other words it would suck.  

[Gemm: Rock & Roll Star; Born to Rock]

Heh, something like that SE. Maybe some something or such thrown in there too.

[42]

I think the "make fun of everything and anything" schtick has been done to much. Successful TV show creators are a little more focused than that. You also didn't mention why people or which people would watch it, which if you're going to create something for an audience that should be the first thing to ask yourself.

[Fellfrosch]

I like the idea of Time Commanders, or at least the impression I got of the show from Entropy's brief description. I'd get some seriously super amazing modelers and painters and such to do tabletop armies and scenery (no video games, all minis) and then have people off the street try to play through the scenario, with history/military buffs watching and doing commentary. You wouldn't show the whole match in real time, of course, just the good stuff edited down.

Either that, or something called Bikini Obstacle Course. I think that one's target demographic should be obvious.

[EUOL]

Is that an Obstacle corse that bikinis have to run, or a course made entirely out of bikinis that people have to navigate?

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

I *hope* it's wimmins in bikini's running an obstacle course. Any obstacle course that involves them running and jumping.

[Fellfrosch]

It's actually all of those: women in bikinis who have to run an obstacle course entirely made out of bikinis (and, occasionally, women in bikinis). Each event you win gives you access to other, better bikinis that serve no official purpose (much like DOA Beach Volleyball).

[Mistress of Darkness]

/me lights you all on fire

Burn! Burn!

Personally, I am a big fan of Gilmore Girls, Charmed and Judging Amy. Chick shows with a lot of emphasis on relationships, etc. But I'd also like to see shows like Monster Garage and Orange County Choopers come on at an earlier time so that I can remember to watch them. NBC should pick up those two shows.