The sci-fi channel has always been one of the most wasted resources for the genre, because it combines the worst and most common elements of American business practices - no knowledge or concern of its product, slipshod planning, poor decision making and lousy customer relations. Hardly anyone serious about s-f watches it. I really don't even know why it exists.
BUT, even with its horrible track record, I am amazed at the news, which I was pointed to by sfsignal.com, on the Pop Critics web site, that - in reaction to its poor ratings for its first two weeks, the show will be moved to 3 a.m. Mondays starting next week.
"I can’t be too upset by this," blogged Richard Porter. "Clearly the show was underperforming on Friday nights and the programming wizards at SciFi needed to move it. What impresses me is the depth of analysis they performed to figure out its new home. Who knew Charlie Jade did so well with insomniacs and people who buy Flowbies?
"They haven’t canceled it, just buried it. Since I imagine most people are time-shifting with DVRs anyway, it’s really not that big a deal for existing viewers. New viewers, of course, are off the table. No one is going to “discover” this little gem of a show at 3am. But as long as SciFi airs it, and as long as Mike and Jason are willing to give me the space, I’ll be recapping CJ here at Pop Critics.
"Of course if SciFi decides they need that primo 3am Monday slot to sell Cortislim or “Hip Hop Abs”, then I guess I’ll give it up."
Nice touch of appropriate sarcasm. When I filled out my recent questionnaire for Armadillocon, the only write-in suggestion I made - which I thought would be appropriate for anyone interested in alternate history - was a panel on "Charlie Jade".
Charlie Jade was/is a show I wanted to like, but, honestly, it bored me to death. I usually like alternate reality SF, but as much as I wanted to like this one, I barely got through the first episode, and gave up halfway through the second.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good idea, Lou. I know that they have just about finished the programming for this year, but I am chair next year and we are just beginning that one. I have forwarded your comment to both programming people. (I already did it when you signed up, but can't hurt to send a reminder!)
ReplyDeleteThanks!