Future of US broadcast networks?

[zeebre12]

Apart from live sport US broadcast networks really are in a sorry state. Ratings for most shows are tanking, no real hit shows that people are talking about, few award winners, no hit brand new series. Each time you read an article about daily ratings from the US broadcast networks it mentions 'drops to all-time series low' for several shows. Sometimes the top rated show on all networks gets under 5 million viewers. A lot NBC shows regularly get under 2/3 million viewers now. Ratings are really pathetic. This same network had Friends and other shows which got over 25 million viewers. The CW which is up for sale was never a highly rated network but has shows with only 250,000 viewers. The US has over 332 million people. You'd have to wonder what the longer term future of these networks is? Such a fall from grace is actually hard to believe. You could say it's a result of streaming and and people having more options but the main UK networks ratings have not dropped to the same extent compared to the US. Series can still create buzz like Line of Duty or The Bodyguard. Hit drama series can still can pull in 6-8 million even just with linear viewings. The UK broadcast channels now have better ratings than the US ones

 

[Lester_the_NightFly]

I'm betting the one reason for the drop off is the commercials, with them being annoyingly too loud.

 

[AbrahamJSimpson]

I'm betting the one reason for the drop off is the commercials, with them being annoyingly too loud.

Or maybe the proverbially endless array of choices at one's fingertips?

 

[Lester_the_NightFly]

Or maybe the proverbially endless array of choices at one's fingertips?

That's why I said one reason, not the only reason.

Also the talented writers are getting better offers with the streaming service.
Networks and Hollywood itself, won't recognize it, but writers are the most important part of their business.