Sci-Fi News and Reviews

Current State of Television Sci-Fi

Michael Cassutt, in his column "The Cassutt Files" over at SCI FI Weekly, posted a new article on the current state of Sci-Fi entitled "The Spirit of the Times". His premise? That the "...zeitgeist of sci-fi seems to be shifting, and not in a direction I like".

Although Cassult quotes two commentators in the article, the remarks that interests me were penned by the talented Jane Espenson, of "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer" fame, from her recent article in The New Republic. Espenson's "The Secret to Selling Sci-Fi" discusses the problem of selling a sci-fi or fantasy television series to the networks. She posits the notion that it is very difficult to sell any concept that is not based in the here and now. Cassutt notes that this resistance translates into no shows set in the future, or the past. Only shows set in the present day need apply! She also notes that the story should have a 'Chosen One' - i.e. a character on a Hero's Journey, like "Buffy" or "Harry Potter" or "Superman". Otherwise, you will have a very hard time reaching commercial success.

The conclusion that I draw from Cassutt and Espenson is that, for Sci-Fi shows to get on (and stay on) TV, the concept must not be too challenging to the viewer and the central heroic character must be in familar situations set in the present day.

Wow.

So, I thought, let's test out this theory. I have a nice new set of fall Sci-Fi offerings from the major networks to examine. Here is what I found:

There are 26 New Network Shows - 6 with Sci-Fi themes (23%).

• Moonlight (CBS)


• Pushing Daisies (ABC)


• Bionic Woman (NBC)


• Reaper (CW)


• Chuck (NBC)


• Journeyman (NBC)

Funny - each one is set in the present day, with a central heroic character. Hmmm...they may be on to something here! Espenson knows of what she speaks!

Looking at it in this light, the results are disappointing. Although some of the concepts for these new shows are interesting and moderately original, it looks like 'The Formula' is being followed on each and every show. This extends to "New Amsterdam" and "The Chronicles of Sarah Connor" when then arrive as midseason replacements also. It is a pretty sobering thought, don't you think?

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Posted by Fred on August 29, 2007 3:48 PM
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