Networking

Since the pandemic has us stuck at home, many are turning to television shows to pass the time when we’re not reading or tweeting witty thoughts. This would lead people to assume it’s a great time for network television with all those eyeballs, but year-end data shows that’s not the case.

When lockdowns hit back in March, network television saw ratings shoot up. Shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” drew their best numbers in months or even years, according to The Hollywood Reporter. But those numbers didn’t last forever:

“As the year draws to a close, that leaves much of traditional TV in a sizable hole. The Big Four broadcast networks all fell at least 10 percent in total viewers and 12 percent or more in the key ad-sales demographic of adults 18-49 from 2019 to 2020. The CW bled 25 percent of its total audience and 40 percent in the 18-49 demo.”

While streaming sites and premium cable networks like HBO had plenty of content stored away and ready for staggered release throughout the year, networks like CBS and ABC that maintain a more traditional production schedule ran into trouble.

It turns out that when you don’t have new episodes of fan favorites, people stop watching. They tune their televisions elsewhere, most likely streaming services.

Some shows have started filming for next year, like NBC’s comedy hit “Brooklyn 99.” Actors from that show have been posting pictures on social media of production sites with covid-19 testing and other safety resources.

But ultimately it looks like broadcast television has been interrupted by covid-19, just as restaurants, retail outlets, movie theaters and others have been. And until the vaccine gets into the arms of a good chunk of the populace, those things aren’t coming back with gusto anytime soon.

So fans waiting for new episodes of “NCIS” or “Blue bloods” might have a while yet to go. Turns out covid-19 is even more disruptive than the writers strike in 2007-2008. At least this time we know covid-19 can’t kill “Lost” or “Heroes.” Thankfully some shows died long ago.

There are a few bright spots. Some networks managed to grow their audience, like TLC and Univision. TLC grew its audience from 1.19 million to 1.38 million, and Univision grew its audience from 1.3 million to 1.45 million.

The other networks are going to have to figure out how to keep going until covid-19 fades like a bad memory. But it’s going to take hard work. When it comes to this virus, we don’t want any reruns.