5 Reasons TV Has Never Been Better And 5 Reasons It's Doomed

3. Broadcast Networks Are Getting Riskier

It's happening. The success cable is having with viewers is beginning to pay off. Broadcast networks are noticing the writing on the wall and listening to what viewers are telling them. Trust us. We can handle better programming. Over on NBC, Bryan Fuller has given us Hannibal. Oh my God this show shouldn't work. I mean at all. An iconic character with stories being stretched out to fit the long form of television and being handcuffed by a broadcast network. Here's the catch: NBC went for it. They trusted Bryan Fuller (helps when you're hands down the best writer working in television), they trusted his team of writers, they trusted the talent in front of the camera (helps when you have Mads Mikkelsen who is laying waste to Hopkins' portrayal much like Ledger's Joker), and finally, they trusted us. This one is a bit precarious though, the ratings have not been great. It just received a second season order but you guys need to get watching. FOX has had an easier time getting viewers for their own serial killer show, The Following. It probably helps having someone as notable as Kevin Bacon on your roster but the show has become a bonafide hit. Not the type of show usually found on network tv and certainly not usually the recipe for success but this time it's worked. You can also point out edgier broadcast comedies like New Girl and The Mindy Project. Mindy is going to need a little for support next season but New Girl has been one of the higher rated comedies this past season. Keep it up guys, we're winning!