I like that the CW tends to have long shows

[Batman1980]

Smallville, One Tree Hill, Gilmore Girls, Charmed, etc. I guess the best part to me is they also tend to be shows I like to watch, although one does wonder if these shows weren't on a station with perennially poor ratings if they would run so long.

[WyldeMan45]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

Smallville, One Tree Hill, Gilmore Girls, Charmed, etc. I guess the best part to me is they also tend to be shows I like to watch, although one does wonder if these shows weren't on a station with perennially poor ratings if they would run so long.

You mean time length or long running? I think every half hour show they ever tried failed along with many hour long ones as well, but these shows somehow survive with on average less than 2 million viewers, it's crazy because this is network tv so I never understood how thats a hit for them, but 6 million on nbc is failure.

[detective392]

Originally Posted by WyldeMan45

You mean time length or long running? I think every half hour show they ever tried failed along with many hour long ones as well, but these shows somehow survive with on average less than 2 million viewers, it's crazy because this is network tv so I never understood how thats a hit for them, but 6 million on nbc is failure.

I never understood that either how it's good for CW but bad for all other networks but it doesn't bother me as I like a lot of CW shows and happy they get a ton of seasons.

[Moefiz]

If some of the shows were on any other network they would have been cancel already...Smallville isn't the ratings giant that it once was and neither is One Three Hill.
I guess CW doesn't think that they are in direct competition with any other networks so they let the shows run there course.

[WyldeMan45]

Originally Posted by Moefiz

If some of the shows were on any other network they would have been cancel already...Smallville isn't the ratings giant that it once was and neither is One Three Hill.
I guess CW doesn't think that they are in direct competition with any other networks so they let the shows run there course.

Must be because Hellcats just got six addition scripts ordered which is damn near a sure sign it will get renewed and has under 2 million viewers. So on the CW that warrants 19 episodes and possibly a second season, while Lone Star had 5 million viewers and got canceled after 2 episodes. I could understand if CW was a cable channel but it's network so it doesn't make sense to me.

[detective392]

Originally Posted by WyldeMan45

Must be because Hellcats just got six addition scripts ordered which is damn near a sure sign it will get renewed and has under 2 million viewers. So on the CW that warrants 19 episodes and possibly a second season, while Lone Star had 5 million viewers and got canceled after 2 episodes. I could understand if CW was a cable channel but it's network so it doesn't make sense to me.

I'm not 100% sure but maybe it's because no matter what they will never get over 5 million viewers no matter what show they air so they take what they can get. Also might be because it's main target is women and they won't give as good ratings as other networks.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by WyldeMan45

You mean time length or long running? I think every half hour show they ever tried failed along with many hour long ones as well, but these shows somehow survive with on average less than 2 million viewers, it's crazy because this is network tv so I never understood how thats a hit for them, but 6 million on nbc is failure.

I guess they judge their shows like they are a cable network.

[WyldeMan45]

Originally Posted by killowertz

I guess they judge their shows like they are a cable network.

It's the only logical answer.

[thelittleprince]

I agree. I also love the longevity of the shows on CW. I can't believe Smallville is on it's 10th and final season! I hope they bring another superhero/action show next year. Glad they have have Nikita this year. How about a show based on a video game? Would love to see Street Fighter as a TV show!

[WyldeMan45]

Originally Posted by thelittleprince

I agree. I also love the longevity of the shows on CW. I can't believe Smallville is on it's 10th and final season! I hope they bring another superhero/action show next year. Glad they have have Nikita this year. How about a show based on a video game? Would love to see Street Fighter as a TV show!

Well they had several pilots I was interested in but they shut em down. I believe they where called Betwixt and Wyoming. Looks like Hellcats and Nikita will be it for the season. Might have found more to watch besides Supernatural, but alas no go.

[Kizzo]

To be honest I don't think CBS and Time Warner consider the CW a broadcast network. I was reading an interview with the TW CEO and he mentioned that they have no interest in owning a broadcast network. But I was like.. you co-own The CW? Both CEOs hardly ever mention the network at all.

So I believe they don't consider it a traditional broadcast network and it's basically a cable channel that has affiliates and is over the air. Production costs are probably on par with cable or even lower. Plus their main target is female, and there are only two or three shows on that network that will appeal to young men. So it's a niche network and the ratings pretty much showcase that.

The only question remains is why CBS is still a co-owner of the network. Most of the shows are solely owned by Warner Bros (except 90210, Life Unexpected, and Gossip Girl), and the network has never made a profit.