Comments on: Barring Disaster, Mad Men Will See a Season 3

By: Gina

Gina — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:55:52 +0000

I wonder why the ratings are so low. I haven't watched “Mad Men” because I remember AMC running a series long ago that was all about corrupt people and the havoc they caused (“The Lot”), and I found it was depressing the heck out of me, so I quit watching it. And this seems to have some similarities. But that's just my own personal quirk, and I wouldn't think it would apply to huge numbers of people. Especially not with a show that everyone says is so well made.

On the other hand, I was a HUGE fan of AMC's first original series, “Remember WENN.” So I know they've had quality offerings before, and I understand the worry over the ratings. (Not that they treated that one well when they had it. I'm still angry over that.)

By: Robert Seidman

Robert Seidman — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:18:08 +0000

Chris -- it was easier to do a whole post to respond to your comment: http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/08/06/would-a-ne...

By: Steven

Steven — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:06:06 +0000

30 Rock's problem is that they fall to Ugly Betty.

By: Gina

Gina — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:55:52 +0000

By: Robert Seidman

Robert Seidman — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:18:08 +0000

Chris — it was easier to do a whole post to respond to your comment: http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/08/06/would-a-ne…

By: Chris Merrill

Chris Merrill — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:39:00 +0000

I posted this on an older news item, but i figure there is a better chance of people seeing it here.
I wonder if the high income viewers will save the show, even if on the face of it the ratings stink. Like you said, luxury retail loves the $100k plus crowd. That is why CNBC day time and golf make all their money. (CNBC’s viewers are, on average, the richest on TV). Sometimes its not about how many are watching, but who is watching.

As for the critically acclaimed argument, most shows that I think about staying around for that reason have shorter runs compared to hits. Arrested Development was loved by critics and was around for all of 3 seasons. In the end, the viewers need to be there. It all comes down to profit. Maybe the feel good effect means the executives will accept less profit, but they will not tolerate a loss