Why Scripted TV Shows Are Becoming Scarce on Basic Cable

The twilight of basic cable's scripted era has arrived. Steep linear ratings declines and parent companies more concerned with their burgeoning streaming businesses are prompting a new commitment to less expensive nonfiction programming — and even the networks known for original dramas, like TNT and USA, are scaling back.

Speaking to investors Jan. 29, WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey announced that his company's own big swings would be reserved for upcoming streamer HBO Max. His suite of legacy Turner networks , in turn, is set to become a more aggressive buyer in the unscripted space. "You can get the same rating at a fraction of the price," adds George. "You can take 30 swings, as opposed to one or two.

"Streaming has really excelled in terms of getting people to watch scripted shows, but cable still has the edge in the unscripted world," says NBCUniversal president of lifestyle networks Frances Berwick, who's solely focused on unscripted after brief dalliances in scripted on E! and Bravo. "The paradox of choice is that sometimes you just want a lean-back experience without the endless scroll.

And unscripted producers, vocally displeased with budgetary constraints at Discovery Networks and stalled development at Viacom's cable portfolio in recent years, are in a position to be choosy about where they're taking their next big ideas.

Jenlovesscifi

VIKINGS HistoryVikings & Project Blue Book HistoryBlueBook credited as scripted drama outliers with cable ratings success (especially in +3 & +7). For a long time History punched above it’s weight against better-funded competition. Thank you mikeylikestv for noticing!

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Why Therapy Fails Many TeenagersAdolescents can benefit greatly from therapy, particularly in groups, but only if the conditions and the connection are just right. Here's how to make sure that teens find a good fit. It is all about relating....if you can't relate, you can't connect. Sometimes when we feel down, I bet we all would benefit from that extra attention to building connection that an adolescent would require This is because therapists are dangerously out of touch. There has been studies or observations either, even when these kids commit suicide!
Source: PsychToday - 🏆 714. / 51 Read more »

TV has a new kind of heroine: the Latina genius. Here's why it mattersNetflix's 'The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia' and Disney's 'Diary of a Future President' join a spate of TV series defying years of stereotypes. 😒 We call it virtue signaling
Source: latimes - 🏆 11. / 82 Read more »

Why is a college senior helping run a key White House office?When Trump makes personnel decisions, he doesn't necessarily value 'traditional qualifications.' It's been a staple of his presidency, which is ongoing. MaddowBlog Hey now, come on, Rachel. He beat Jared for the job! MaddowBlog It doesn't matter what degree, qualifications, or whatever you have if you can't be trusted. The swamp is called that for a reason. MaddowBlog Why don’t you ask why ElizabethWarren wants to have a 9 year old transgender child interview candidates for her Cabinet? ewarren SenWarren
Source: MSNBC - 🏆 469. / 51 Read more »

Why the Olympic Marathon Trials Will Be the Best Race to Watch This YearGet ready for February 29 with a look at the top contenders in each race, how to watch, and a tour of the hilly Atlanta course.
Source: runnersworld - 🏆 19. / 71 Read more »

Why the Coronavirus Outbreak Could Stall Diet Coke ProductionThe coronavirus outbreak has thrown all sorts of industries into disarray, including restaurants and travel, among many others. As a global behemoth, Coca-Cola would certainly be…
Source: foodandwine - 🏆 366. / 59 Read more »

Why Inspiring Women Over 60 Are the Season’s Front Row MVPsOkay, boomers, you’re having a moment.
Source: voguemagazine - 🏆 715. / 51 Read more »