When the free to air basic broadcast television networks are playing endless reruns in the summer months it is the time for the cable networks to increase their viewership. These networks include USA, A&E, TNT, AMC, FX and HBO- they all have niche shows that do very well at this time of year. Several renewal orders have gone through this past week for shows that will be around at least for another season.
TNT has ordered a 15-episode second season of its reboot of the once very popular show “Dallas.” The franchise with the new episodes is set to air next year. The show is basic cable’s #1 new series, and is currently averaging 6.9 million viewers in its first season. This one seems like a no brainer “Dallas” was a HUGE show for about 20 years so if they can rope in the a % of the old viewers while also generating interest from a younger demographic then this is a WIN-WIN across the board.
TNT has also renewed their popular “Rizzoli & Isles” TV series for a fourth season of 15 episodes to air next Summer. The third season is averaging 5.38 million total viewers per episode. Now I must admit I’ve never watched an episode of this show but from the commercial advertisements it does look very appealing. And furthermore going off the ratings I would say this show is going to be around for several more seasons.
AMC, a network that boast a very formidable line up of show that includes the Award Winning Mad Men, The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad and The Killing– is becoming a network television juggernaut on sorts. Breaking Bad which has been a strong performer in ratings for year premieres with its new season on July 15th.
A&E as renewed its modern mystery western drama “Longmire” for a second season. The decision comes only four weeks after the series premiere pulled in 4.1 million total viewers for the network. Those numbers are very solid for a western style television series because all attempts over the past few years haven’t done very well. If they show starts to struggle they could always see if Chuck Norris would be willing to do guest spots and reprise his role of Walker Texas Ranger… (joking)
The major broadcasters are trying to get in on the Summertime action as CBS has brought back “Unforgettable” a show that was once cancelled. No word on what caused the rebirth of the show perhaps it was a favorite of one of the big wigs at the network and they took it on as a “pet project.” CBS will renew the Poppy Montgomery-led procedural for a 13 episode second season run which will air Summer 2013.
Finally, ABC’s cop drama summer series “Rookie Blue” has also been renewed for a fourth season. The show is the top drama on the major networks in the key demographic over the Summer period.
Mad Men is very good.