And Another One Bites The Dust

Science fiction programming doesn't last on the traditional networks and rarely stays on the non-traditional broadcast outlets. So, when I heard about the resurrection of Kolchak: The Night Stalker airing on Thursday nights on ABC for the 2005-06 season, the following thought entered my brain:

"This show won't see 2006."

Not that it wasn't good but because in this day and age where scripted programming is being shown the door in favor of "reality" shows, competition shows that aren't game shows, and makeover shows, shows like Night Stalker really won't last. And I have history to prove it.

Firefly.

John Doe.

Dark Angel.

The Watcher.

Twilight Zone (the recent version).

Enterprise.

Space: Above and Beyond.

Any time there's a hint of science-fiction element on a series (including horror, superheroics, paranoia, and supernaturalism), there's already an imprinted code to cancel the series, and Night Stalker had all these elements. Carl Kolchak, a crime reporter, is reluctantly joined by a pair of crime reporters and investigates strange crimes often involving paranormal, supernatural, and horror-filled scenarios. It's like All The President's Men meets The X Files (a series many of the creators behind the revamp worked on). It's a shame ABC cancelled it, and they'll probably replace the show with either a "news" program or a "reality" show. And, in tandem with Smallville, Thursday nights were worth watching again.

Farewell Night Stalker. Hope you get a new home soon.

Comments

Staab said…
this is list of show Cancelled in the 2004-2005 season on the major networks. I think it speaks for itself.

# American Candidate (SHO)
# American Dreams (NBC)
# Andromeda (SCI)
# The Benefactor (ABC)
# Blind Justice (ABC)
# Carnivale (HBO)
# Center Of The Universe (CBS)
# Clubhouse (CBS)
# Cold Turkey (PAX)
# Committed (NBC)
# Complete Savages (ABC)
# The ContenderS (NBC)
# Dead Like Me (SHO)
# Doc (PAX)
# Dr. Vegas (CBS)
# Drew Carey's Green Screen (WB)
# 8 Simple Rules (ABC)
# Everybody Loves Raymond (CBS)
# Eyes (ABC)
# Father Of The Pride (NBC)
# Grounded For Life (WB)
# Hawaii (NBC)
# High School Reunion (WB)
# The Inside (FOX)
# Jack & Bobby (WB)
# JAG (CBS)
# Joan Of Arcadia (CBS)
# Jonny Zero (FOX)
# Judging Amy (CBS)
# Kevin Hill (UPN)
# Last Coming Standing (NBC)
# Law & Order: Trial By Jury (NBC)
# The Law Firm (NBC)
# LAX (NBC)
# Life As We Know It (ABC)
# Life On A Stick (FOX)
# Listen Up (CBS)
# Love Is In The Her (E!)
# Medical Investigation (NBC)
# Method & Red (FOX)
# Model Citizens (PAX)
# The Mountain (WB)
# My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss (FOX)
# My Wife And Kids (CBS)
# Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica (MTV)
# North Shore (FOX)
# NYPD Blue (ABC)
# The Osbournes (MTV)
# Point Pleasant (FOX)
# Proof Positive (SCI)
# Revelations (NBC)
# Scare Tactics (SCI)
# Second Time Around (UPN)
# Star Trek: Enterprise (UPN)
# Steve Harvey's Big Time Challenge (WB)
# Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye (PAX)
# Summerland (WB)
# Third Watch (NBC)
# Tru Calling (FOX)
# Wanda Does It
# Wild Card (LIF)
# Young Blades (PAX)
11/15/2005 01:54:00 AM
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