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July 17, 2024 5:52 pm  #1


Another Sign Of Free Network TV's Decline

If you ever needed a sign that the days of free network TV is in decline, it came on Wednesday morning. That's when the Emmy Award nominations came out, and in all of the major categories, Best Drama, Comedy, Actor, Actress, etc., one - and only one - network show was even acknowledged.

ABC's Abbott Elementary and most of its actors was the only one that got any Emmy love, while every other major show was on either cable or one of the big streaming services. It's not surprising, but it is kind of sad. None of the Chicagos or the FBIs received even a sniff, and there are other free over-the-air series that were snubbed, including hits like CBS' Ghosts or ABC's Will Trent. All of these still do OK in the ratings, but it's almost as though Hollywood has decided they no longer exist. 

Only game shows and reality programs on so-called free TV got their due - and I suspect, it's primarily because there simply aren't many of them on the major streamers. 

I used to love the Emmys when I was a kid, because I was a big fan of TV as it existed back then and I rooted for my favourites - like Hill St. Blues or St. Elsewhere - to win. Now, with so many shows I've heard of but have never seen, I don't even bother to watch it. 

Emmy Nominations List

 

July 18, 2024 9:17 am  #2


Re: Another Sign Of Free Network TV's Decline

I believe there have been some years where no scripted programming from any of the four major US networks were nominated for an Emmy.  Last year Abbott Elementary was and did win an Emmy but they were the only network scripted show nominated.   Abbott Elementary doesn't even do that well in the ratings. 

There was talk last year as to why the Emmy Awards are on network TV at all.  For years now none of the four major OTA networks have been winning any or very few Emmy Awards, or even nominated.  Any traditional network broadcasting the awards show is just promoting all of the programming that they don't carry.  The only consolation would be that some of their related streaming services are nominated and do win awards, so in that respect the corporate owners likely don't really care.

The real problem for ABC,FOX,CBS and NBC is that scripted TV in the US can only go so far.   FCC restrictions don't allow swearing and limit any nudity or adult situations.  Watching Only Murders In the Building on network TV had any swearing deleted and the actors mouth was blurred over when the forbidden word was spoken.  The swearing in this show was appropriate and added to the humour of the situation. The censorship took away from the scene and the blurring was unnecessary.

 

July 18, 2024 10:51 am  #3


Re: Another Sign Of Free Network TV's Decline

No worries about swearing.

It'll be all-Christian broadcasting, 24x7, by the time the madness south of us is over.

 

July 20, 2024 9:49 am  #4


Re: Another Sign Of Free Network TV's Decline

I saw where Shogun received 25 nominations. I watched it. Well deserved.