Back at the end of 2005, I predicted that we'd start seeing more original sci-fi and fantasy content on the major TV networks. In my annual end-of-the-year predictions post, here's what I said:
10) Resurgances of sci-fi/fantasy TV showsThe recent success of Battlestar Galactica and Lost, and the big money that the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises generate cause network television studios to start prepping more science fiction and fantasy content. A friend of mine thinks I'm daft to predict this -- we'll see. If not next year, then 2007. Or not.
Turns out that I wasn't so daft at all. Wired has an article reviewing the upcoming 2007 TV season and it's chock-a-block full of nerdy delights.
From slick sci-fi to tired nerd clichés, the networks' "geek TV" offerings run the gamut from engaging eye candy to unwatchable dreck this fall. Read these reviews of show pilots, then set your DVR on "geek out."Read the whole article (Wired.com)
I just wish I had bet Alex something...at least I'll get a solid "told ya so" out of this.
Now, as the Alex in question, I have some comments...Now, as the Alex in question, I have some comments...
No, TV is not ready for being geek-centric. Examples:
1. Shows that premiered in 2006 that had some sort of Sci-Fi stuff ("Threshold", a good one, and "Surface", a bad one), have folded.
2. "BSG" was almost canceled due to low ratings. So, it was abbreviated to only one extra season. Sci-Fi channel, in its infinite wisdom, is considering breaking up the last season into two parts, with a one year interval between them. I see "Farscape" signs here... Another great show that the Sci-Fi Channel scheduling killed.
3. "Heroes", which is probably THE success story for fans of geek TV everywhere, sucks in its second season, despite some recent improvement in the last episodes. The audience has been falling every week. Now, if only the show's creator could keep track of all the powers his characters have, that would be cool (he needs to hire "Lost's" database people). Bad writing, bad writing, bad writing!
4. "Chuck", which is probably the best geek show right now, has struggled to find an audience. It was thankfully renewed by default (thanks to NBC low expectations), even though it keeps losing the ratings battle pretty much every week.
5. "Bionic Women", RIP. When the best part of the show is its villain, by far, it is time to go. Lindsay Wagner, where are you?
6. "Reaper" has never evolved, despite a promising start. All six of us that keep watching it (thankfully, the CW really does not have great expectations) are getting very tired.
7. Journeyman, DOA.
8. The "Big Bang Theory" is probably the only show with some geek factor that has been successful and it is a sitcom for crying out loud. The vampire show at CBS is also doing OK despite an anemic audience in general. But, hey, we probably had better "monster" shows with "Buffy" and "Angel" anyway. So, we have actually regressed...
So, I stand by my initial comments. TV is not becoming geek paradise. The US audience would probably be happier with "CSI: Cincinnati" or "Children's Practice", where a group of hot young doctors have sexcapades between treating children from horrible traumas. It's poignant, its sexy, it's identical to all other medical dramas on TV.