TV Article

Yank Robbery

What happened to ''Karen Sisco''? Critic Ken Tucker explains why the networks are so quick to pull shows -- even good ones -- off the air

 GUGINO Karen Sisco, Carla Gugino
Image credit: Karen Sisco: Vivian Zink/ABC
GUGINO

Why do the networks take shows off so quickly? Also, wasn't ABC going to bring back ''Karen Sisco''? -- Tony

Unaired ''Siscos'' are being burned off on the USA Network (Wednesdays, 10 p.m.). But you're right: Nets want immediate hits (big ratings = big ad bucks) and yank too soon; there's always a cheaper reality show waiting to replace a quirky series. The nets do pay a price: Playing fast and loose with shows like ''Sisco'' partly explains why ABC is down 10 percent in viewers this year.

(Got a TV-related question for Ken Tucker? Post it here.)

Originally posted Apr 09, 2004 Published in issue #759 Apr 09, 2004 Order article reprints

Add your comment

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.

500 characters remaining
Advertisement