Hit Cable Series on the Rise as Broadcasters Suffer Record-Low Ratings

[Purveyor]

Amid a backdrop of record-low ratings for some broadcast shows, cable is feeling pretty good about its prospects in this year’s upfront advertising sales derby.

For the season, ad-supported cable as a group has opened up a bigger ratings advantage over the Big Four – and has beaten the broadcasters in the 18-49 demo on a regular basis in a handful of timeslots. But cablers still feel slighted by Madison Avenue because they rarely command ad rates that are commensurate with broadcasters.

That may not change this year, but the tipping point feels like it’s getting closer.

Cable has made headlines with monster numbers for its graphic zombie drama “The Walking Dead” — which is as big as anything on broadcast among young adults — and some hot reality shows like A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” (pictured above) and History’s “Pawn Stars.” At the same time, the Big Four — especially NBC — have endured media coverage that constantly refers to “record low” weekly averages.

“Cable has done a good job of hitting us where we ain’t (with male-skewing, cutting-edge shows),” says one network research exec. “But the breadth of the broadcasters’ top programs can’t be matched at this time.”

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http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/hit-cable-series-on-the-rise-as-broadcasters-suffer-record-low-ratings-1200329213/

[Tommy_Carcetti]

1. Cable has some great scripted shows.

Especially on HBO and AMC.

But reality shows are typically crap, whether they be on broadcast or TV.

[hlthe2b]

2. Got to give a nod to FX for bringing us Justified

and even TNT for bringing back Dallas.

Networks...bleah. I watch a few shows, but generally the acting and quality scripts are lacking. I blame all those years depending on ridiculous (but cheap) reality shows. It really stripped the big three networks of any remaining creativity.

[truebrit71]

3. I really enjoy the stuff on TNT, Franklin & Bash, Southland, Major Crimes...

...Falling Skies, Perception, all very well written and highly enjoyable...

[hlthe2b]

4. Yes... Southland is a particular favorite of mine & I too am enjoying

Major Crimes...

I like Suits on the USA network as well.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

5. Walker bait right here. eom

[Initech]

6. I bet I couldn't name two shows on regular network TV anymore.

OK - the Simpsons and Family Guy.

But cable and premium have so many better shows it's not funny:

- The Walking Dead (AMC)
- Breaking Bad (AMC)
- Mad Men (AMC)
- Dexter (Showtime)
- Psych (USA)
- White Collar (USA)
- Burn Notice (USA)
- Falling Skies (TNT)
- It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia (FX)
- Justified (FX)
- The League (FX)
- Archer (FX)
- Tosh.0 (Comedy Central)
- Workaholics (Comedy Central)
- The Daily Show With Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)
- The Colbert Report (Comedy Central)
- Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
- Game Of Thrones (HBO)
- Real Time With Bill Maher (HBO)
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)

The only network show I can think of that has been as enjoyable is 30 Rock but sadly the series finale aired not too long ago.

[City Lights]

7. I absolutely love The Walking Dead.

Never watched the others mentioned.

I watch Criminal Minds, Law & Order: SVU, Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, The Walking Dead and The Americans.