Are the Networks Afraid of Sci-Fi?
If you come from space and you're a reptile in human guise, you're an alien. Rumor is that ABC doesn't agree.
“News of the unique rollouts for Day One and ‘V’ comes amid rampant speculation that the broadcast networks are starting to reconsider the viability of sci-fi dramas (in fact, one rumor making the rounds is that ‘V’ characters aren’t even allowed to use the word alien to describe the visitors that arrive via spaceships, though ABC denies this),” writes EW.com. “Worries about the genre are certainly warranted: Fox dramas Fringe and Dollhouse are showing double-digit drops in viewers this season and both are steeped in sci-fi lore. A network like ABC, which appeals to a broad audience with character-driven dramas like Desperate Housewives, can’t exactly afford to air a niche performer. Even the FlashForward producers are hesitant to call their drama a sci-fi; they recently hinted to EW that the global catastrophe which caused everyone to black out may have been caused by a natural occurrence.”
On the other side of the argument, audience analysis from media-buying firm Carat Shari Anne Brill muses, “There’s not going to be a (sci-fi) show that pulls in 20 million viewers. But I absolutely think there is a place for them. If there’s good mythology and good storytelling, it can be done.” For the complete story, click HERE.
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