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Cable television broadcasting industry

Behind the Scenes of Fall TV: Unscripted Comments from Network Stars and Producers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

TV's newest fall shows are always touted as the next big thing, but in reality, the industry is plagued by commercialism, outdated casting choices, and a lack of creativity. During the recent Television Critics Association meeting, stars and producers let their guard down, revealing some startling truths about the television industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • TV shows are often prioritized for their marketability over artistic merit, with producers focusing on selling products like snacks and tennis shoes rather than creating compelling content. (D.L. Hughley)
  • The industry is increasingly focused on stunt casting, with some producers even suggesting absurd ideas like firing actresses out of cannons. (Michael J. Fox)
  • The emphasis on dating and young, beautiful women is overwhelming, with some producers even expressing frustration with the lack of diversity in TV programming. (Diane English)
  • Actors and producers often have to train to perform improvisational comedy, with some stars even comparing themselves to athletes in the process. (Colin Mochrie)
  • Networks have strict guidelines for what types of shows can be produced, with some producers describing the constraints as "the biggest creative hindrance." (Matt Williams)
  • Even established stars like Bruce Campbell, Bo Derek, and William Devane have to navigate the challenges of TV production, with some describing the experience as "rooting for someone to go down." (Bruce Campbell, Bo Derek, and William Devane)

Statistics:

  • The U.S. rights to a new four-hour miniseries on the life of Jesus are in negotiations with CBS, with a potential airdate in November 1999. (Variety)
  • The miniseries, produced by Lorenzo Minoli, has a budget of $17 million and a strong focus on realism over magic and special effects. (Variety)
  • Viewership for CNN's live coverage of the Capitol shootings peaked at 2.1 million households and was nearly three times higher than the combined audience of CNBC, MSNBC, and Fox News Channel. (CNN)

Sources:

  • "We're selling tennis shoes and potato chips. That's what shows are on television for." --- D.L. Hughley, star of the upcoming ABC sitcom "The Hughleys." (Source: USA Today)
  • "I would like the idea of combining stunt casting with actual stunts. Get Sharon Stone and fire her out of a cannon." --- Michael J. Fox of "Spin City." (Source: USA Today)
  • "The pants can only come halfway off." --- actor Brian Benben on the biggest difference between his HBO show "Dream On" and his new CBS comedy, "The Brian Benben Show." (Source: USA Today)
  • "We walked away from TNT because it wanted to fill the movie with magic and special effects, featuring a Jesus who flew through the air," executive producer Lorenzo Minoli said from Rome. (Source: Variety)
  • "We're like athletes, except we're older, fatter and we run like girls." --- "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" star Colin Mochrie, on training to do improvisational comedy. (Source: USA Today)

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