> > Yes, but that awful show in the timeslot now is somehow
> > retaining the audience. How did Arrested Development fail
> > where The War At Home is succeeding? I simply don't get
> it.
>
> "The Simpsons" has cross-appeal. It's written on many
> different levels so intellectuals and the stupid can all
> find something funny in it. Thus, the high numbers.
>
> "Arrested Development" was too cerebral and too intelligent.
> It only held the intellectual numbers. "The War At Home"
> holds more stupid people.
>
> There are more stupid people than intellectuals. When you
> add them into the people in-between, you get higher numbers
> and better retention.
>
With all due respect, one's tastes in humor does not reflect whether they are "stupid" or not. It's a cop out trying to defend Arrested Development, and its fans, as too smart for the silly masses.
I, for one, am by no means stupid. Suffice it to say I did well in school, have been moderately successful in my professional life, and am generally a well-rounded, but grounded, individual (who happens to love The Simpsons). I also hated Arrested Development. Just because someone doesn't like it, doesn't mean they're not smart enough to "get" it. I got it just fine, and still thought it was dreadful.
And yes, I laugh at The War at Home sometimes. You know why? Because when I'm facing a long week ahead, and dreading going back to the office, sometimes I --GASP-- enjoy some brain candy to wind down in the evening.
Of course it's frustrating when a favorite show gets the axe, but that doesn't mean the audience is stupid for not seeing in it what you saw.