Why networks push third season in March TV premieres
The piece explains the TV industry’s third season used since the late 1950s. Networks launch new shows in March and April to salvage or boost ratings, with success stories like All in the Family and Dallas cited as examples of renewed potential and strategic timing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
NBC
Don Durgin
ABC
Fred Silverman
CBS
Dallas
ARIES
Taurus
Gemini
Leo
TV Networks Cut Costs as Third Seasons Reshape Scheduling
The article argues networks trim orders to save millions per new hour and outlines NBC ABC and CBS strategies. NBC uses counter programming with The Highwayman and Merlin Olsen's Aaron's Way while pursuing Olympics and major events. ABC leans on Probe and Supercarrier to chase 60 Minutes and Murder, She Wrote while facing Sunday losses. CBS struggles on Tuesdays and Thursdays and repeats rookie gambles with Coming of Age and Trial and Error, as 48 Hours anchors late-week ratings.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
ABC
CBS
NBC
Merlin Olsen
Aaron
Alan Thicke
Growing Pains
Rockefeller Center
Alphabet Network
Allstar
Cosby
Soap Opera Scattershot of Affair, Jealousy and Tragedy
On the top soap a tangle of loves and lies unfolds. Skye grapples with guilt after her AIDS support pals decorate a vacant house with hate posters and arrange for Cindy to find them. Multiple couples clash and confrontations lead to accidents miscarriages and a cascade of revelations.
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Matt
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Chiff
Palmer
Cliff
Cecily
Ciff
Silver
Jeremy
Adam
Stuart
Paris
Nice
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Julie Skye
Barbara
Tempo Magazine
Brooke Erica
Judith Allen
Bianca
Andrea
Graz
Richard
Baghdad
Mel
Scott
Jim Mason
Julia
Samantha
Cruz
Eden
Pebble Creek Inn
Sophia
Eden Jeffrey
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By Tom Batiuk
Gerry Shamray
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