So I'm back for Easter, and naturally I'm avoiding revision by any means possible, even including trips to the gym (against my better judgement of course). One of those ways is of course my favourite of all my 3 hobbies; lying in bed watching stuff. You can't beat a lazy weekend, and this past weekend has been no exception, having managed to catch up with something I've been meaning to watch for some time now; Pushing Daisies.
Created by Bryan Fuller (the same guy who made Dead Like Me) and started airing on ABC back in 2007, this excellent show has been hit by many a shortcoming in it's relatively small run on TV. The show was struck by the unfortunately pithy complaints of the Writer's Guild of America back in it's first season, cutting the season order down to only 9 episodes. However, hopes were high as the show was one of the most watched new shows of that year. Instead of trying to complete the first season after the strike was over, it was decided to simply move on and start work on the 2nd season. Unfortunately for the show, airing on ABC means that ratings are by far the most important factor in a show's survival. Never mind a large fan base or being nominated for 12 Emmy's. No no, those things don't sell adverts, and so with a decline in viewership (possibly due to the long wait between seasons), the show was cut to only 13 more episodes (only 10 of which have been aired) and cancelled.
What American networks need to understand is that with a population of around 300 million people in America, there's bound to be a high percentage of idiots. It is America after all. American Idol, now in it's 8th year, is still the most watched show in America, much like many of the regurgitated Pop Factor nonsense shows are in this country. Unfortunately, this leaves new and upcoming shows that are both original and entertaining a much higher chance of being canned in it's early stages, in favour of something old and safe. And yet the American population still lap it up, blissfully unaware that brilliant TV is slipping through their fingers.
I can't help but think that had Pushing Daisies been broadcast on one of the premium channels such as HBO or Showtime, who focus much more on producing award winning and intriguing content rather than viewership, the show would have had a much longer run. The style of the show had a sense of dark humour, especially concerning the fairytale-esque look and feel that was produced. It's just a shame that the show was cut before it's time, and if Dead Like Me can get a follow up movie, I don't see why this shouldn't helping to tie up loose ends left by the unfortunate departure of an excellent show.
~ Lazy
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
pushing daisies is a show that i'm really glad exists, as you worded with your words, its got a really unique look and sense of humour.
ReplyDeletei don't watch it very often, but whenever i do i think, "why don't i watch this whenever it is on!?"
and what's more, sarah doesn't like it, which makes your view even more correct!