The Hollywood Strikes Seemingly Factored Into So Many Shows Getting Canceled This Year – But Not For The Reason You’d Think

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The Hollywood Strikes Seemingly Factored Into So Many Shows Getting Canceled This Year – But Not For The Reason You’d Think

As a long-time CBS viewer and avid gamer with a soft spot for crime dramas and quirky comedies, I was devastated to hear about the cancellation of some of my favorite shows like “So Help Me Todd,” “CSI,” and “NCIS: Hawai’i.” These cancellations were especially disheartening since they came during a time when Hollywood strikes seemed to have played a role.

Many shows scheduled for 2024 on CBS were cancelled during the spring season, including popular ones like “So Help Me Todd,” “CSI,” and “NCIS: Hawai’i.” The reason behind this decision has been explained as the fall 2024 TV schedule being filled with new programs, resulting in difficult choices for prioritizing certain projects over others. Recently, a CBS executive acknowledged that the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes contributed to these cancellations.

How The Strikes ACTUALLY Factored In

At a press conference, CBS’ leader Amy Reisenbach discussed with journalists the choices that were implemented. Contrary to popular belief that the Hollywood strikes would have simplified the process of determining which programs were successful and which ones might not have met the mark, (as reported by Variety) the head of Entertainment expressed that shows bounced back after the strikes “very robustly.”

After the Hollywood strikes, everything bounced back robustly, but it’s essential to consider the consistency of our production calendar. We need to assess the financial data and overall performance, and sometimes we must make difficult choices.

During the strikes, some business opportunities were missed out on and various TV productions were called off. However, the shows that returned for the previous TV season seemed to have made a successful comeback.

Having too many hit shows is a nice issue for CBS to deal with. Unlike other networks battling to attract younger viewers in the era of streaming, CBS boasts a substantial viewership base due to its popular programs. Thus, the cancellation of shows like “So Help Me Todd,” despite having lower ratings, is met with disappointment since their audience size outperforms many competitors like AMC or Fox.

In the end, CBS decided to cancel some of its least-watched shows to make room for new productions such as the Kathy Bates revival of “Matlock” and the “NCIS: Origins” prequel series. Reisenbach emphasized the importance of keeping the schedule exciting and maintaining audience interest. Ultimately, difficult decisions had to be made.

Could Canceled Shows Head To Paramount+? 

I. If the network manages to keep the excitement going, that’s great; otherwise, they risk amassing an unhappy fanbase with little to offer in return. In the meantime, supporters of shows like NCIS: Hawai’i have initiated efforts to secure a new home for these programs. Paramount Plus was considered a viable option, but its CEO, George Cheeks, suggested it’s unlikely that the mentioned shows will make the move there, despite precedents such as S.E.A.L Team.

Due to budget constraints, Paramount+ doesn’t offer an infinite number of slots. While we’re open to the possibility, it’s not a guaranteed privilege.

I understand the attraction, since the head of S.E.A.L. Team has openly stated that the transition to streaming has been “freeing.” However, that statement alone doesn’t instill much confidence in me.

As a dedicated gamer following the TV scene, I’ve been keeping an eye on the latest developments in the small screen world. ABC and NBC have already revealed their fall lineups, but CBS remains a bit of a mystery. With so many shows being canceled this past spring, I’m certain many viewers, including myself, will be on the hunt for fresh content come autumn. Given the influx of new programs gracing CBS’s schedule, it might just be the perfect place to discover some exciting new series.

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2024-07-25 01:37