Why don't more networks take ...
Question: Why don't more networks take an approach to their shows like FX does? They show the majority of their dramas in the same time slot (Tuesdays at 10 pm/ET) but rotate them throughout the year. This seems to work for their hit shows like
The Shield,
Nip/Tuck and
Rescue Me, so why don't networks like ABC try it for their shows? ABC could alternate 10- to 12-episode half-seasons of shows like
Desperate Housewives and
Grey's Anatomy between a given time slot. One could start in late August, run for 11 weeks straight, let the next one take over until the end of December, switch again for the second half in January, and then trade places one more time in March for the other half of the other show. It's a little confusing, but I think it could work in the long run, especially for those who don't like constant repeats throughout a regular season.
Answer: Shared time slots work on cable and even (to a lesser degree) on mininetworks like WB. But as frustrating as repeats are, they're part of the reality of network TV, at least for the moment, especially where megahits like
Housewives,
Anatomy and
Lost are concerned. ABC can't afford to air originals year-round, but it also can't afford to have the shows just disappear, either. But here's some good news: Since last we brought up this nagging subject of repeats, an ABC spokesman weighed in with the following clarifications. There will be no more
Lost repeats for the rest of the season. (
Lost will be preempted April 19 for the two-hour return of
Alias.) Likewise,
Desperate Housewives will be in originals (save for an April 9 preemption) for the rest of the season through its May 21 finale. And despite my scoffing that
Invasion would air a marathon on, of all places, ABC Family, that's exactly what's going to happen. On April 15, the Saturday before it returns with original episodes (in its Wednesday time slot as of April 19), ABC Family will air a 10-hour
Invasion marathon starting at noon ET.
