We Make TV

Just this past Monday marked the 200th episode of one of my favorite shows How I Met Your Mother on CBS. This achievement happened in the shows ninth and final season. Both achievements are impressive in their own rights, but why are they so impressive? I believe that has a lot to do with the fan base and how popular shows today can be.



Many shows that premiere nowadays start off with strong followings that eventually lead to more seasons to keep viewers entertained. Despite these successes, there seem to be more and more networks turning to new shows to boost their ratings. Why turn to something new when their other shows are showing progress? It all comes down to what the people want to see. Despite what some may think, we the people have more influence on the shows that are produced in TV today. Why? If the producers can't come up with something to keep us entertained, then their networks could cancel their shows, and if the shows are cancelled then the writers, producers, cast and crew of those shows are out of jobs. Nobody wants to lose their job just because someone isn't happy with what they produce.

Despite this constant looming presence of failure, networks keep producing shows left and right to try and find a new niche in TV to keep the masses happy and keep their jobs. Networks are trying to keep us focused on them, not what kind of content they release. Because without us, there wouldn't be TV.