Traditionally, having a series get picked up as a mid-season replacement isn't exactly a great show of confidence on behalf of a network. It's the easiest way to get involved with a new show while at the same time undertaking the least possible amount of risk. The series only ends up on the air if the shows they're putting more faith in crash and burn with audiences, and even if the mid-season replacements don't do well, the network hasn't poured a ton of money into them anyway. If it works out, great, but if not, no one is losing their job over the cancellation of a mid-season replacement. Every once in a while, however, one of these shows may not only hold its ground, but thrive. Some are not just successful - they're major hits that stand the test of time and make television history. That should hardly be surprising; most of the major networks have a proven track record of consistently making the wrong choices in regards to the shows that they choose to back. A lot of times shows succeed not because of the network's support, but rather in spite of it. Sometimes it's almost a joke to look at the awful programmes that seemed to have so much potential at the time, and then compare them to the shows that very nearly didn't make it on the air at all.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
