For the past decade or so, network TV has been struggling to deal with the realities of the Internet as an entertainment and multimedia outlet. Recently, the situation has become critical, and many pundits are saying that network television is a dying medium, soon to be replaced by a seemingly unlimited amount of entertainment choices online.
New studies show that more and more people are watching TV episodes and films online, and the networks are even losing viewers to online video sites such as YouTube and Metacafé. In response to this, TV executives are beginning to look at the Internet as not only an advertising medium, but a method of distributing entertainment content.
A good example of this is the new CBS series “Big Bang Theory.” CBS took the unusual step of debuting the first episode of the sitcom online in its entirety, BEFORE it appeared on network television. The experiment paid off in the case of “Big Bang Theory,” racking up 90,000 online views, and over nine million viewers when it eventually debuted on network TV last September.
Big Bang theory, a comedy about two physics geeks and a sexy girl next door, was tailormade for this type of experiment, as the show appeals to a younger, tech saavy demographic. But CBS isn’t the only network experimenting with online content. Both ABC and NBC are also taking a chance by releasing selected episodes of their more popular shows online.
Networks are also discovering that online content delivery is a great way to increase their advertising revenue. Over the past year, online advertising revenue for all three of the big broadcast networks has nearly doubled, and advertisers are finding out that their money may be better spent online than on traditional broadcast TV commercials.
One reason for this perception is because the Internet is by nature interactive. If the viewer becomes interested in a product being advertised during an online TV episode, they can immediately click on a link to take them to a web site providing more information about the product. In many cases, they can even buy the product online instantly and return to their TV episode without missing a beat.
ABC has discovered that streaming episodes of Lost or Desperate Housewives online is creating significant advertising revenue, as product manufacturers are hungry for the type of mostly-well educated and Internet savvy viewers who would watch these programs online.
With online ad revenues on the increase, it is clear that all the major networks will continue to experiment with online episodes, further blurring the line between television and the Internet.
They say that the attention span of the average American continues to shrink. Books, films and even television shows must get to the point right away, grab the viewer or reader’s attention, and wrap things up in a timely manner. After all, people are busy, right? Everyone’s got 10 or more things to do at any given moment, or so the rationale goes.
Television is a good example of this, and the success of the standard 30 minute sitcom (which actually contains only 22 minutes of programming, along with eight minutes of advertising) is often pointed to as an example of the shrinking American attention span. But forget the bog-standard 22 minute sitcom; imagine a world full of five-minute mini-sitcoms, broadcast both online and on cable television. Disney is imagining just such a scenario, and has produced the first ultra-short form sitcom: called “Squeegees.”
Squeegees is being produced by Stage Nine, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Disney Corporation which is dedicated to integrating online and television content. Stage Nine’s mission is to exploit the popularity of Web video sites such as YouTube and Myspace, and develop original programming designed to bridge the gap between online and television entertainment.
The new mini sitcoms are approximately 5 minutes long — and that’s including commercials! They will be debuted on both YouTube and ABC.com. Squeegees is a comedy about four characters who wash windows for living, clinging to the edges of high-rise buildings in Manhattan.
But is it possible for viewers to grow to love and empathize with characters they see only briefly in five-minute intervals? The verdict is still out on that question, but it is clear that a new generation of comedians and short film producers have been creating quite a buzz on sites like YouTube over the past couple of years with 5-minute comedy sketches.
The comedy troupe known as “Handsome Donkey,” for example has produced several side-hurting comedy shorts that can only be found online. And interestingly enough, Handsome Donkey is also behind Disney’s Squeegees, both writing and starring in the mini-sitcom.
But where many of the comedy troupe’s short Internet comedy sketches succeed, Squeegees appears a bit overproduced, and in some ways, as if it’s trying too hard. One hilarious aspect of many online comedy sketches is the rough nature of their production and editing. When a company — Disney for example — tries to clean up these skits and add a smooth polished to them, they often lose much of the low-tech funkiness that make them funny to begin with.
If Disney wants to succeed with the five-minute online sitcom, it will need to take lessons from many of the most popular contributors on YouTube: keep it simple and keep it real.
You have to love the Federal Communications Commission — or hate them. The FCC is now proposing a $1.4 million indecency fine against ABC television because of a 2003 episode of NYPD Blue, which the Feds say crossed the line of decency, by exposing a partially nude woman.
Yes, this is how the American taxpayer’s money is being spent — by going after so-called “indecent” TV footage from five years ago. The episode of NYPD Blue in question aired February 25, 2003, and according to the FCC, contained “patently offensive” material. So what exactly was the “patently offensive” material that has led the FCC to pursue this case for five years and now threaten a million-dollar fine?
“The side view of a human female breast”
Yep, that’s it. The FCC has spent five years and millions of taxpayer dollars pursuing an indecency case over the side view of a female breast. And it’s interesting that the Federal Communications Commission considers the side view of a female breast to be “patently offensive.” I don’t think it takes a brain surgeon to figure out that the FCC is run and controlled by males of a “certain” age. I’m not sure how many women would consider the side view of the female breast to be “patently offensive.”
But the FCC sees themselves as a friendly watchdog, and they repeatedly claim their mandate is to “protect children” from being exposed to indecency on television. A logical question that arises from this thinking is, “are there any children in the world that have not seen the side of the female breast?” Of course not — the idea is absurd.
Along with Janet Jackson’s so-called “wardrobe malfunction” during the Super Bowl halftime festivities a few years ago, the 2003 NYPD Blue episode has remained a bone in the throat of the FCC, and the commission has spared no expense in pursuing the “breast incident.”
Meanwhile, you can practically hear the Europeans laughing all the way from here! The puritanical, and let’s face it, impractical, attitude of the Federal Communications Commission has now reached absurd proportions. The commission now appears to have the respect and relevancy of a heard of clowns filing out a Volkswagen.
Perhaps it’s time that American citizens realize that the FCC is an outdated, Victorian institution that no longer deserves federal funding. The Federal Communications Commission doesn’t add anything to our culture, and doesn’t “protect” anyone from anything harmful. Ergo, there is really no need to continue funding this bloated, patronizing institution.
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You are probably aware that the Writers Guild of America is on strike. If you aren’t aware, you may have been wondering why late night talk shows are in reruns, now you know. The Writers Guild of America has been on strike and they have stopped writing for major networks and many favorite television shows. As of date, there is no sign that the strike is going to end soon and because of this, many shows are soon to stop airing new material and will simply be in reruns.
The first shows to feel these affects were the late night talk shows with the daily talk shows next in line. There has been a great outpouring of support from many actors and actresses, with some of them even taking to the picket lines with the writers. Jay Leno, Sally Field, and Julia Dreyfuss have all been seen showing their support for the writers who’ve made their shows a success. However, there is one television talk show host who is standing behind her series and making new shows in spite of the protests of the Writers Guild, Ellen Degeneres.
First, I should say that this is a very tricky situation. I think that the real issue at hand isn’t the Writers Guild or Ellen’s lack of support in the writers that work for her. I believe the party that has led to Ellen’s actions is none other than Oprah Winfrey. You see, Oprah Winfrey does not hire writers from the Writers Guild; she has her own writers (I think she has her own everything). Anyway, it stands to reason that if Oprah Winfrey’s show is continuing in new material and Ellen Degeneres is on the back burner that it is more than possible that Ellen could literally lose her viewing audience permanently. Oprah and Ellen are on the same time slot and the loss would be a huge victory for Oprah and could pose a possible (yet I believe very minimal) threat to Ellen’s livelihood. Personally, I believe that if Ellen could come back from her Iggy breakdown without missing a beat she is pretty much invincible but who knows, celebrity status is a very delicate thing- take a look at Britney Spears.
I truly feel that Ellen is thinking in the long run and trying to keep her show going because quite frankly, she doesn’t want to lose out to Oprah. I seriously doubt that a woman who cares so deeply for a dog that was ripped away from her hairdresser’s daughters is so cold hearted towards her writers.
When I first heard that Oprah had her own writers and would be virtually unaffected by the writer’s strike I immediately thought, “Oh, no there goes Ellen.” But what also came to my mind, was how I truly believe that Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and the rest of the late night crew along with Ellen Degeneres have the capability of carrying out their shows without the assistance of writers. I know that I am not part of this industry, but some of the funniest moments that I’ve witnessed on these shows aren’t in their opening monologue sessions, but when they begin talking to their guests one on one, and you can see that their natural humor surfaces. These celebrities have written their own material for years, I would personally find it interesting just to watch their shows and see how they performed without the assistance of a writing team, but of course I support the Writers Guild’s decision. I just feel that many of the talk show hosts have the capability of carrying the show without them and would relish the chance to watch their shows completely unscripted.
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There’s no denying that Star Wars is an entertainment juggernaut. George Lucas’s breakthrough science fiction series has amassed millions of fans around the world, and spawned countless imitators. But now there are rumors from Hollywood that Lucas is in talks to create a live action series that is “loosely based” on the Star Wars series. Has the world gone mad?
In an interview with The Los Angeles Times earlier this week, Mr. Lucas said he had begun work on a live action series that would feature “minor characters” from the Star Wars series. We can only assume that this rules out the Skywalker’s, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Yoda, or even Jar Jar Binks. Of course, this begs the question, “which minor Star Wars characters are interesting enough to support an entire television series?”
Even though the Star Wars feature films have been hugely successful for decades now, Hollywood insiders still consider the TV series to be a real gamble. The real question is whether the die-hard Star Wars fans will support a primetime television program, or will they consider it a slap in the face to the series and characters they have grown to love?
Additionally, science fiction programs of this stature tend to be mega-expensive to produce. With the per-episode cost likely to be quite high, the new series will need to be an almost instant and undeniable success in order to make money. Perhaps this is why Lucas told The Los Angeles Times that he has had considerable trouble convincing the network brass in Hollywood to back his new Star Wars TV series.
But Lucas has always loved a good challenge; back in the 1970s he had a great deal of trouble arranging financing for the original Star Wars film. 20th Century Fox eventually caved in and agreed to back Lucas’s fledgling “space opera,” and the rest–as they say–is history.
Surprisingly, the biggest obstacle facing the new Star Wars TV series may not be funding at all, but “programming.” Hollywood network executives are said to be having a difficult time finding a “slot” for the new series to fit into. After all, they can’t exactly squeeze it in after “The Office,” or “My Name is Earl.”
But assuming the network big-wigs can find a suitable time slot for the new series, you can expect the new Star Wars-inspired program to appear sometime in 2008, on a television screen near you. Whether hard-core fans will support Star Wars on the small screen or not remains to be seen.
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Prison Break is an excitingly addictive TV series, created by Paul T. Scheuring, introduced by Fox Network in 2005, and which has gained quite a following. Naturally, from the title, you can already surmise that the story is set in prison. But its concept is quite a turn-around from the regular shows and movies where actors and lead characters try their best to escape from prison. In fact, it’s quite the reverse.
The Plot
The story revolves around two brothers. The first, Lincoln Burrows, played by Dominic Purcell, has been convicted of killing the Vice President’s brother, been sentenced to death and was consequently sent to Fox River State Penitentiary to wait for his execution. The 2nd protagonist is Lincoln’s brother Michael Scofield, played by Wentworth Miller. He is convinced that his brother is innocent and was an unfortunate victim of an elaborate conspiracy. In order to save his brother from getting executed, he hatched a plan to break into prison in order to get his brother out. As the story unfolds, Michael needs to overcome insurmountable obstacles and threats to his own life in order to pull off his escape plan. A female heroine, Veronica Donovan, played by Robin Tunney, aids him on the outside.
The originality of the plot is a huge attraction for TV viewers. However, some viewers can’t help but compare its style with that of “24” and “Lost,” both suspense-driven shows that keep viewers hanging at the edge of their seats for the continuing episodes in the season in order to unravel the story. It also has that “time-element” of which “24” is famous for.
However, some of the details in the story, those that are already revealed in the first two seasons, border on the unbelievable and incredible. For instance, what are the chances that the man who is responsible for building the prison is the same man whose mission was to save his brother from getting executed in the same prison? Also, if you’re the type of viewer who’s sick of government conspiracies and the fact that the Secret Service seem to be anti-Superheroes with their abilities to kill off anyone and to blame their horrendous activities on seemingly innocent bystanders, then you may find yourself changing the channel too. But, if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief and just allow yourself to be taken by the flow of the story, then you’ll find that Prison Break is one TV series that you’re going to become addicted to.
Cast and Setting
An important ingredient in a successful TV series is the compatibility and believability of the actors playing their roles. In this case, the casting agent did a good job in casting Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller as brothers because they sure can pass off as that, especially during the prison scenes.
With such a seemingly preposterous premise to start off the show, the series is carried on a successful tide by the worthy acting talents of Purcell and Miller. Stacy Keach in his role as Warden Pope, also lends an air of authority in the series.
Another factor that gives the show its unique appeal is that they shot on location in the 147-year old Joliet Prison in Illinois. It gives the show that dark edge especially if you consider that the prison cell that Lincoln inhabits in the show is the actual cell where the infamous John Wayne Gacy used to stay in.
Restrictions
Considering that you’re dealing with prison life and that Lincoln isn’t the only person in the prison, you’ll be exposed to some graphic and violent scenes, involving the “inmates.” Some scenes may be too bloody for regular viewers so discretion is advisable if you’re watching in the presence of younger children.
Also, since this series involves a very intricate plots and subplots, those viewers who miss an episode or two may have some trouble catching up. The fun in watching the series is in figuring out if you’re on the same page with the writers of the show. It just might be the attraction of the show, if the viewers can predict the direction the show is going.
Anyway, following the show as it progresses is entirely up to you. If you find that you’re fed up with its seemingly endless possibilities and you’re no longer happy watching it, then no one’s stopping you from surfing other channels. However, there are those who, when they start something, always want to finish what they’ve started. Let’s see, if they can stay with the show for as long as it’s on the air.
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Arguably the most popular TV show to date, American idol can truly claim to have at least added a significant deal to the luster of reality television. Currently in its sixth season, the show boasts of being able to produce Award winning artists. And not just music award-winning artists but even big shot acting award-winning artists. The likes of pop sensation Kelly Clarkson, R & B favorite Fantasia, and the most recent Grammy winner of the bunch, country crooner Carrie Underwood, were all ‘Idols.’ And, how can we forget that one of this year’s Academy Award nominees for Best Supporting Actress is none other than seventh placer Jennifer Hudson. All these artists began their quick climb to the top by taking that first Idol step. Yet, despite this seemingly stellar track record, American Idol today is not without its numerous detractors.
A look at the current season’s contestants is already indication for many critics that the Idol star is fading. Complaints that this year’s batch lack that ‘it’ factor, that appeal, chutzpah if you may, are prevalent. Alright, it may be too soon to tell if there is a Carrie or Bo lurking there somewhere or a Jennifer or a Clay happy to take the supporting role on the show but destined for greatness nevertheless. But, at first glance, the 12 boys and 12 girls do seem unsurprisingly and disappointingly normal. An avid fan cannot help but go back to the fabulous first season, where a surprised waitress won and sang her heart out for a televised audience. Where is that one singer, whose life is so burdened with hardship, yet now bettered by winning the crown? Furthermore, who can forget the incredible chemistry that was the signature of American Idol season four? Who didn’t want a seat on performance night, any night, where one had up-close-and-personal time ogling Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood. Will there be a performance as incredible as Bo’s acapella in the penultimate episode of season four this year? Critics say, judging from the bunch this year, this is doubtful.
And it isn’t even just about the contestants. Even the judges seem a lot less shiny than they used to be. More and more they appear a little worse for the wear, frayed around the edges, like old, kept photographs. Where fans used to wait in eager anticipation over Simon’s next cutting remarks, now what they have to look forward to are remarks that seem at first cutting and then constructive. Paula Adbul had graced many a tabloid cover over the span of her Idol stay and it has not always been positive. Disappointed fans tune in every week to hear her give one compliment after the next wondering when she will actually find fault in a contestant. And Randy Jackson seems to have become more interesting for the after effects gastric bypass surgery rather than his critique of contestant’s singing ability.
So what is in store for this mega-popular show? One thing is for sure, people will never tire of tuning in to see someone else do something, anything, for everyone else to see. So whether the show remains true to what it claims is something we can only look out for.
“To the world, he’s dead. But soon, he’ll be the most wanted man alive.” Who on earth will ever forget this amazing tagline of the series 24. This series is a real time story on a very bad day in the life of Jack Bauer.
The plot is an action packed show of complexities and adventure. Here, Jack Bauer is a federal agent of the Los Angeles Counter Terrorist Unit. As such, he stops all sorts of unfortunate events from happening. Some of these are bombings, viruses, assassination attempts. He also does all these while saving the people he cares for the most. What makes this show impressive and unique is its 24 hour real time sequence. Every hour of the very bad day is shown and completed within one episode. To complete the story, 24 episodes are shown.
24 is definitely one of those all time soon-to-be classics. People will surely love to watch this amazing show over and over again. What’s more, they will surely crave to experience another hour in the day of agent Jack Bauer. From his intellectual means of embattling evil to his dramatic life saving affairs, 24 hours surely isn’t enough for anyone to enjoy this amazing series.
The special effects of the show are also an astounding addition to its already superb storyline. Here, the explosions, lighting and other elements are always in tiptop shape. Even the stunts involving bombs, flying cars and others also add to the visual satisfaction viewers get from simply watching this show.
An amazing ensemble of actors can also be seen in this series. Playing the lead is veteran actor Kiefer Sutherland. Other actors and actresses you will find in this series are Carlos Bernard, Tony Almeida, Mary Lynn Rajskubb, Dennis Haysbert, Elisha Cuthbert, Reiko Aylesworth and Kim Raver. All of them have performed their roles in the most believable ways any actor can ever imagine.
Unlike other series, 24 is a very well rounded one. It’s not stuck in the all action type of television shows which only involve nonstop punching, gun shooting and explosions. However, it’s also far from the tearjerkers which talk and bawl about love and frustrations all of the time. It’s just somewhere in between. What makes it more flavorful though is the rich and complex story on which the whole series stands.
If you haven’t experienced the action yet, then you better start watching the latest season 6, which air on the Fox channel every Monday. This is one heck of a series you will surely love. If you would like to start with the previous seasons, 24’s first season can be viewed as reruns on some American and international regions as of the moment. You may also avail of the complete first season of 24 by purchasing DVDs or VCDs of the series. These are inclusive of 24 episodes, and sometimes some additional features like behind the scene shots, cast interviews and others.
Watch it now and relive Jack Bauer’s worst day ever! Remember… pure and non amalgamated viewing pleasure is just “24″ episodes away.
Oprah Winfrey, the queen of daytime television, is now poised to enter the reality television arena. Winfrey’s production company is currently working on two prime-time reality tv shows. Tentatively, they are being called “The Big Give” and “Your Money or Your Life.”
The premise of “The Big Give” is an honorable one - 10 people are given money and other resources with the challenge of helping out other people. The person who does the best job and comes out as the winner will supposedly see their wildest dreams come true. The Big Give will air on ABC in the United States at a yet to be disclosed time and date.
“Your Money or Your Life” will feature families who are undergoing a crisis situation, and have come to a point where they must either change or take the risk of being “consumed by disaster.” This series is still in its development stages, so few details are yet available. It is unclear what network it will air on, or when it will air.
Oprah Winfrey is certainly no stranger to television, or to movies for that matter, however a television series, and especially a reality one, is an area that she has not yet touched. It marks a significant move, which may help her name not only dominate daytime tv, but prime-time as well.
ABC Entertainment’s President, Stephen McPherson, is also confident in her abilities and excited at Winfrey’s new prospects. He also stated that her move to make a television series was “monumental.”
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