Why Firefly Was Cancelled
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devilof76
Super Freak
Firefly is clearly too awesome for the average brain.
I only recently got into Firefly, and it's definitely one of those shows that you either "get" or you...don't. I feel that if you give it a chance, you'll "get" it after a couple of episodes. If you don't, or only watch one episode (depending on the one you watch), you might not get it.
That's the problem. Airing out of order, moving timeslots, all that stuff...it doesn't matter to a show like NCIS or CSI, or most comedies...because you "get" it right away. The premise hits you from the first 5 minutes. Firefly doesn't, and that's why it needed consistency.
When the show was on I remember I caught one episode, the original pilot "Train Job." I thought it was decent, but nothing great (and I still do; it's my least favorite episode), and then I never saw the show again. Never saw a promo, and if it was indeed on Friday night, then their key demographic - which I was firmly in - was out drinking. Put it on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and I would have given it another shot. Just saying.
I never got the Friday graveyard. The right show COULD work on that night. It's just your audience. Who's home? My parents. Older folks in their 40s - 50s+. Little kids. So you put on your "family friendly" comedies. I could see Meet the Browns succeeding on a Friday. That's the only really family friendly sitcom that I can think of that still exists. Full House and Family Matters worked on Fridays for YEARS. They just knew their audience. And then for the old folks, they watch NCIS. I dunno why, but my parents and all their friends and just about everyone over 40 I know loves that show. CSI Miami. Those shows could work too. But putting a show aimed at young people on a Friday is a killing stroke. They knew it then and they know it now.
That's the problem. Airing out of order, moving timeslots, all that stuff...it doesn't matter to a show like NCIS or CSI, or most comedies...because you "get" it right away. The premise hits you from the first 5 minutes. Firefly doesn't, and that's why it needed consistency.
When the show was on I remember I caught one episode, the original pilot "Train Job." I thought it was decent, but nothing great (and I still do; it's my least favorite episode), and then I never saw the show again. Never saw a promo, and if it was indeed on Friday night, then their key demographic - which I was firmly in - was out drinking. Put it on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and I would have given it another shot. Just saying.
I never got the Friday graveyard. The right show COULD work on that night. It's just your audience. Who's home? My parents. Older folks in their 40s - 50s+. Little kids. So you put on your "family friendly" comedies. I could see Meet the Browns succeeding on a Friday. That's the only really family friendly sitcom that I can think of that still exists. Full House and Family Matters worked on Fridays for YEARS. They just knew their audience. And then for the old folks, they watch NCIS. I dunno why, but my parents and all their friends and just about everyone over 40 I know loves that show. CSI Miami. Those shows could work too. But putting a show aimed at young people on a Friday is a killing stroke. They knew it then and they know it now.
Dr.FeelGood
Super Freak
Ok...my brain must be older than my body...
I'm only 25 yet i enjoy NCIS, NCIS-LA, CSI, Criminal Minds, The Mentalist and Bones...
Sometimes the "graveyard" slot doesnt kill a show...sometimes it does
I'm only 25 yet i enjoy NCIS, NCIS-LA, CSI, Criminal Minds, The Mentalist and Bones...
Sometimes the "graveyard" slot doesnt kill a show...sometimes it does
Ok...my brain must be older than my body...
I'm only 25 yet i enjoy NCIS, NCIS-LA, CSI, Criminal Minds, The Mentalist and Bones...
Sometimes the "graveyard" slot doesnt kill a show...sometimes it does
Haven't you heard...25 IS old.
Devil_666
Super Freak
I was waiting for the inevitable "you just don't get it" posts. And the giant josh whedon excuse machine rolls on.. rooooom, roooooom..
Dr.FeelGood
Super Freak
Thanks BG...I feel a whole lot better now
cr0w
Super Freak
It was 9 years ago. I think it's time for the fans to move on.
Anzik
Super Freak
Seriously?
Its been 14 years since Lucas changed that Greedo shot first.
There's a hell of a lot more whining about that.
Its been 14 years since Lucas changed that Greedo shot first.
There's a hell of a lot more whining about that.
Dr.FeelGood
Super Freak
screamingmetal
Super Freak
I got the show, I've seen every ep. and feel it was done so much better on Cowboy Bebop years before.
TGIF on ABC was definitely a success and a part of my childhood, I think you're right about only family friendly shows working on Fridays.
The X Files was also a huge success on Fridays which shows that a genre show can work on Friday. Why it worked there and not for any other Sci-Fi/Supernatural genre show I just don't get.
Though, I think the old standard just doesn't apply today. With DVRs and the Internet, there's no excuse to miss a show that premiers on Fridays. Unfortunately I don't think the ratings system takes this into consideration, it's time the system changes.
devilof76
Super Freak
Bebop and Firefly were completely different shows.
Jen
KurJen - Kurgan Mod
I have to say that I was a late bloomer when it came to this show. I saw Serenity first - and well the show was done at that point. I did buy the DVDs and LOVED IT. Was sad there wasn't more because it was so cleverly written.
devilof76
Super Freak
And we all know how stellar your taste is...
Cowboy Bebop was a great cartoon, but it wasn't really for kids.
Cowboy Bebop was a great cartoon, but it wasn't really for kids.
Jen
KurJen - Kurgan Mod
I don't know if that is directed at me or someone else...and if I should be insulted or not.
devilof76
Super Freak
I'm so misunderstood.
No, I think you have good taste. Anyone who opposes your judgment should move out to the desert and seriously re-examine their life. Until then, they will wander in a haze of soulless oblivion.
Better?
No, I think you have good taste. Anyone who opposes your judgment should move out to the desert and seriously re-examine their life. Until then, they will wander in a haze of soulless oblivion.
Better?
devilof76
Super Freak
Woe. 
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