Reply #60: Traditionally, When Networks Fall To 3rd Place or Worse, They'd Start Innovating

[Yavin4]

Network TV is cyclical. You get a couple of hit shows and ride them in the ratings until they get stale. Then, when the ratings are in the toilet, you start innovating.

Back in the 80s when NBC was in 3rd place, NBC did exactly this. It started with Hill Street Blues and LA Law, the Cosby show, and then Seinfeld.

The problem is that innovative TV is going to premimum cable where creative talent has a lot of freedom, and because of that freedom, they're able to attract better acting and writing talent.