I just started thinking today how stupid networks are to debut so many new shows all around the same time every year.

We all know that come late September, we have our favorite shows returning as well as a large slew of new shows from all the networks. I just thought how impractical that is and why so many shows fail.

Not only is a network releasing around 3-4 new shows (and that's minimally) at the commencement of each new season, but they all do it simultaneously. It's like releasing 12 or so movies on the same day and given ad campaigns for new shows, it's more like releasing around 10+ high profile movies in one weekend at the box office. How do you think they will all do??

I know the analogy isn't quite right and that people can simply turn on a TV and tune into any show they want, but they expect too much from overloading. It's no wonder why so many mid-season shows have succeeded as TV history shows.

Each network should debut just 1 or 2 new shows at the beginning of the season and then slowly unravel their whole slate throughout the year. Many shows succeed when the expectancy is low and viewrship is interested in fresh stuff. I'm surprised not so many networks do this; in fact they often come to this as a last resort or just a ratings ploy and often they get lucky. Or do they?

won't it be easier for a secure audience to build on a certain show when each has different distinctly advertised dates or timeframes of release? There is less hassle and clutter around and so, each show will knab more attention and be given a better framework to succeed on.
Don't you think?

It is stupid. Thankfully I don't have to deal with that sort of programming...

You're right. It doesn't really make much sense.

The success of mid-season/summer shows like Grey's Anatomy, House, and Dancing With the Stars shows that there's definitely an audience for shows that don't necessarily start in September and run through May.

That's how it's always been, though. And with sweeps dates already in place, who wants to mess with that?

Tons of all time classics have been mid-seasons, All in the Family, Seinfeld, Newsradio, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Simpsons, Family Guy, etc.

Conventions trap show debuts.

Just a little note.
Network Scheduling Desicions deserving a giant slap on the face.

Alias v Smallville v The O.C v Survivor.

I can imagine the tv executives mulling over when to show their most dedicated cult shows.
Heres an idea: Lets put our cult show against two other cult shows of almost identical fanbase just so they can duke it out for the ratings and eventually hurt each other. And to make things interesting lets plunk it against Survivor, one of the surest ratings staples on television ...just for fun!