I think the UK method of airing television makes a great deal more sense, because it seems like it's more oriented towards storytelling than generating viewership and dollars.

Yeah, I think that is the case. Just because a show isn't pulling the biggest ratings doesnt mean there that isnt still a following for it and that its worthwhile keeping it on air. It seems that a lot of American shows that get cancelled arent just cancelled for not being profitable or popular but because maybe it can be replaced with something that will make more money.

Don't get me wrong. Theres an upside to how America does TV. There is so much more being pumped into it that an American network can buy the scripts, the franchise or the idea and they can invest heavily into it. The stigma attached to television acting is also disappearing and so high profile names can become involved and when it works, the potential for a huge, mega successful show is there. America can do many things with TV that we certainly cant, cause they can buy whatever they want.

Then again its no real surprise that when that is the case and there is so much money changing hands, the majority of shows that get made never get to complete their run. What is the point in a show you enjoy that never gets an ending? You know, if they invested in a few more episodes then it may even sell an amount of DVD copies to make it worthwhile. Once its on DVD, or once it goes onto Netflix and the like, it may even find an audience one day. Once its pulled before its been given an ending makes it pretty much worthless though.

That's exactly the point, and the reason I rarely start a television show until I know that it's ended. I don't want to invest my time into a story when there's no certainty of an ending. I've been disappointed enough times having a program axed while I was in the middle of it, and it's unforgivable; taints all the existing episodes even in hindsight.

Thats the way to do it. I usually start a US show when its at least two seasons in or often I'll just wait until its finished.

I think Arrested Development is probably the biggest example of the US system of networks failing: It's probably the single most popular and influential American comedy in decades, and that legacy came after it was axed. On top of that, demand has brought it back into filming.

Don't forget Family Guy. Love it or hate it, that show has been cancelled twice. Its been hugely successful, enjoyed massive DVD and merchandise sales and been exported around the world yet their network still lost patience with it and axed it on two seperate occasions.

That's true. They've also returned Futurama due to popular demand. I haven't seen more than a handful of either cartoon, so I can't comment on their quality or influence.

Family Guy kind of got lost, as far as I'm concerned, in later seasons. It lost its way a bit and didn't really understand where it was going and where its place was any more. Saying that, I still think theres some good episodes. When it first started, and Stewie was more of the evil genius, plotting, and you couldnt be sure whether the family could even hear him or not when he talked, thats when Family Guy was pretty great.

Then again, other people think its the worst thing ever so each to their own. Futurama was great too. I'm glad that came back too.

Absolutely my feeling too. I posted on another forum asking about certain shows, if anyone knew if they had been cancelled, as I didn't want to start watching something, get really into it to have the rug, as it were, pulled from under my feet. I'd rather know, and not waste the time investing in the show if there's no payoff. Because of the information I received back, I was able to stop watching "Persons Unknown" as I had been told it ended really badly and would not be renewed. Pity, as I was enjoying it, but better to take the pain now than later.

Strangely, someone thought I was weird for thinking this way? :confused:

I guess I have to agree. The US model just seems to be a mindless hit factory, much like our music industry.

And you can't forget Firefly. I'm sorry, if the fanbase is so vocal that a feature length movie gets released in theaters, then perhaps the network should reconsider it's position. Dickwads.