I’m starting to really distrust network television.  It is almost as if they actually want their viewers to hate them.  With the cutting of Cougar Town and Community, ABC and NBC (respectively) are showing disrespect for their fans, who are particularly rabid and consistent.

The 20th Century broadcast model was built on getting butts on couches to all watch the same one program.  The network proclivity for cancelling, under-ordering, swapping times,  and otherwise undermining a show’s potential often misses the key ingredient to cult favorites: the cult following.

The list of shows that got the ax way too soon is far too long (my top 3 are Twin Peaks, Arrested Development, and Firefly) and these shows haven’t been cancelled, but… I’m waiting for the moment that the devoted fans don’t get screwed and the formula shows with the zombie/sheep audience (I’m looking at you Procedural Crime Drama with all of the spin-offs!) are treated to embarrassing moves to Friday night, shortened seasons, mid-season pick-ups, and being taken off the air so that we can watch reruns of How I Met Your Mother.