Reality Check: Why Fan Efforts Won’t Help Supernatural’s Budget
This is a first of a two or three part series of what I call “Reality Check.” There are too many misconceptions out there about the way things work in this sorry business known as Television, and I feel compelled to set the record straight. For the first part, I’ll explain why no amount of fan activism will improve Supernatural’s budget a great deal. TV, just like any other medium, is a business meant to make profit. When times are lean, costs get cut. Still, there’s way more to this TV game than most understand.
Fans love their show, period, and often feel compelled to do something to make the show they love succeed. None of that was more evident this week than Chuck fans buying $5 footlongs at Subway locations on Monday to show support of their show, all because of Subway’s product placement in an episode a few weeks ago. Chuck is on the bubble as far as renewal, so fans have started their creative activism. So far the campaign increased Subway’s sales, but the ratings for the finale didn’t improve. Still the effort has grabbed enough attention where it might bode well for the show.
Usually shows in the Sci-fi genre, as evidenced in the past with shows like Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, Star Trek, The X-Files, and Battlestar Galatica, generate very passionate fans. Fans are avid, loyal, and often vocal. They take it upon themselves to spread the word, and this is why shows like this thrive long beyond the series finale. It’s harder these days to get a Sci-Fi show to last very long though, despite the loyal fan support. While the fans are loyal, audiences don’t usually grow beyond that core, so even when they do come back, like Jericho, that doesn’t mean the show will succeed.
Sci-fi has especially suffered in recent times because fans now usually watch through DVRs, DVDs, and online. The viewership hasn’t changed, but the change in viewing habits means less advertising dollars. There was a recent article about how Lost suffers because it’s an expensive show with dwindling advertising revenue because fans are watching online and with DVRs. Some followers of a show like Lost and Heroes, with a heavy mytharc every week, just wait until the DVDs are out and knock them out in one sitting. Lord knows I enjoyed watching seasons 1 and 2 of Supernatural this way.
Sci-fi shows are more expensive to produce because of special effects, so the costs end up going into the shows themselves with nothing left for promotion. It’s a known fact that a show like this won’t make its money until years after it’s begun. Thanks to international syndication, some of these costs are being offset sooner, but the global recession hasn’t been helping these days. Even international networks to cut costs are going to local programming and cheaper reality. With cable producing their own shows now and showing less repeats, syndication dollars just aren’t what they used to be.
Online viewing doesn’t generate a fraction of the revenue that airing live on television does. With the iTunes cost structure, networks and studios don’t get very much of the cut of the sales of shows, no matter if they’re number one or not. For example, even if a show gets 100,000 downloads a week (which is usually enough for number one), and at the cost of $2 a video, that’s only $200,000 in revenue. Apple gets a cut of that. Considering networks usually get anywhere from $40,000 to $125,000 for a thirty second spot during a live TV airing, that revenue is peanuts. Ditto with advertisements during online streaming. The cost of streaming combined with the revenue from the ads amounts to very little income. Online viewing is a very small fraction of what a live TV airing gets.
Let’s look at a network like The CW. They can’t afford expensive shows like Lost and Heroes. Both those shows cost around $4 million an episode to produce. Heck, judging by what I’m reading, NBC can’t afford Heroes anymore. A show like America’s Next Top Model costs approximately $100,000 an episode, while Smallville and Supernatural run approximately in the $2 million range per episode (maybe a little lower than $2 million thanks to budget cuts). The CW pays a license fee per episode, but that usually runs around at bare minimum 50 percent of the cost per episode (it could go as high as 75 percent). Often that cost isn’t completely recovered by ad revenue. Some networks pay almost full cost for certain shows, but The CW likely only does that for America‘s Next Top Model.
America’s Next Top Model reruns poorly, has virtually nil in DVD sales, and likely won’t run for extended periods in syndication. I’m not sure many international markets are picking up on it either. This is why scripted programming continues to thrive, because it makes more money long term. It especially helps if the studio producing the show also owns part or all of the network. The network and studios at first eat the cost of the show, but the network makes up their costs if the ratings improve and the studio under the same corporate umbrella eventually makes money if the show survives multiple seasons. It’s interesting to note before 1993, when the Fin-Syn rules were eliminated, networks weren’t allowed to own the shows they aired. Man, times have changed.
Anyway, so what does this mean for Supernatural? Easy, anyone that thinks that higher ratings and advertising revenue are going to increase the budget dramatically is delusional. For one, on this network, ratings will never go that high. Supernatural has increased viewership around 20% this year (counting DVR), but in reality, that’s about half a million viewers and a .3 improvement in the 18-49 demo. The bigger networks see that increase as nothing, as do the bigger advertisers. Also, advertisers only pay for 18-49, and a small premium for higher 18-34 numbers. Everyone else that falls outside of those groups is considered free. Supernatural does decent in the 18-49 demographic, but it’s in a competitive timeslot where other networks grab most of that portion, especially 18-34. Also, advertisers don’t consider DVR numbers, and most of the DVR viewing public fall in those age ranges. The only way an advertising revenue windfall would happen is if Supernatural got the live 7 to 8 million viewers and a 2.6 in the 18-49 demo like Smallville once did on The WB. The success of the show currently is enough to sustain interest and revenue, which means the show keeps going, but not much else will change.
The CW will never pay enough to make up the cost of an episode. They don’t have the money. Second, a Sci-Fi show in its fifth season with an extremely loyal core audience is not getting a large promotions budget. Even America’s Top Model gets practically nothing anymore and that show is cheap. The revenue from that show is used to create new programming and promote new shows.
Sci-fi shows have often been under-promoted by their networks because fans get the word out about a show through word of mouth. It’s the most reliable method and the cheapest too. Sci-fi audiences are known to be loyal, so why put out money to promote to a core base that’s going to keep coming back every week no matter what? After all, promotion is very expensive. Networks know such audiences will get friends to watch, and usually that’s enough to sustain a show. The X-Files grew this way. Does anyone remember that show started on a Friday night? Fox didn’t promote it at first, and it only became a success thanks to its fans.
Any additional cost for Supernatural beyond the license fee will fall on Warner Brothers studios (plus an unknown portion to co-producers Wonderland Sound and Vision and Kripke Enterprises) and I know from experience, Warner Brothers has always been about controlling cost. That’s why many of their productions are in Canada. Their PR department has done wonders this year because they work with bloggers like myself by sending promotional clips and other releases to help spread the word. It’s a cheap, very focused as far as target audiences, and an effective channel. For an established show like Supernatural, all that needs to be done at this point is to spread the word and keep up interest. Season four has gotten good buzz not only because of the fans, but because it’s easier to promote a show at its creative peak. Critics usually hop on the bandwagon when that happens. Why do you think 90210 has tanked? This is the best an established show can hope for.
As for season five, if Warner Brothers sees the expense worthwhile, they’ll pay for something. If the show ends in season five, they’ll likely pay for a whopper of a finale if it creates long term buzz. They also have brought on Misha Collins as a regular. The network wanted it, so negotiations for the extra cost happened because it’s a proven fact that episodes with Misha get higher ratings. He brings much needed eyeballs to the set. That is an exception to the rule, and expense increases likely won’t go much further than that. Music rights are getting more expensive than ever, so there will not be more classic rock.
I hate to bring up such speculation so early, but if The CW really wanted a season six, and Jensen and Jared called for a Brinks truck, The CW and Warner Brothers would send one straight to their doorsteps. Don’t think they won’t. Why would they do that if budgets are so tight? For one, it costs way more to start a new show than to keep an established one going. Look at Buffy and The X-Files, which both went well beyond their prime. Heck, Fox was even stupid enough to continue The X-Files even though David Duchovny left the show. Once a show is established (usually after season four), it starts to make money because there’s enough episodes for second run syndication. The studio will use that extra revenue to offset the years of early losses and pocket the rest for development of future shows. Paying extra salary to keep the show going is a cost that will still bring extra benefit (to the studio anyway).
The reality remains though, the network has to want the show and see the benefit in the extra cost. This is where being an in-house show (which Supernatural is) works for a show’s longevity, but that often pushes a show to run longer than it should. Why do you think Smallville is still going (another show long past its prime), or that ABC wants to bring back Scrubs? When the studio is still making money on a show in season eight and wants a season nine, it helps to own the network too. Cost must be maintained though, or the show gets dumped. Smallville’s budget has been slashed well beyond what it used to be (evident by watching older episodes vs. current ones) so that keeps it going. ABC will only bring back Scrubs if the budget is reduced. When a show’s budget can’t be tampered with anymore, it belongs to an outside studio and costs too much, that’s when the network starts talking about letting it go, as is the case right now with Cold Case and Without A Trace at CBS.
Believe all you want, but the only fan activism that will work for any show is to get people to watch the show live when it comes on (especially Nielsen families). Anything else will likely end badly, such as with Jericho and Moonlight. Also, any fan activism will result only in a show staying on the air, not improving its production or promotions budget. In the days of the Internet, promotions can be done for free now, and times are way too tough to be throwing money into production.
Supernatural has beaten all odds and made it to season five. Be grateful, relax, and enjoy the ride. I know I will!
Alice Jester is the founder, editor-in-chief, head writer, programmer, web designer, site administrator, marketer, and moderator for The Winchester Family Business. She is a 30 year IT applications and database expert with a penchant for creative and freelance writing in her spare (ha!!) time. That’s on top of being a wife, mother of two active kids, and four loving (aka needy) pets.
A huge thanks to you Alice for this article. I find all of this stuff very interesting.
I’m looking forward to learning more!
Very interesting, but now I’m wracked with guilt as it’s all my fault … I am that sci-fi fan!
I can’t remember the last time I actually watched an actual show when it was actually happening. Not just cos I like to fast forward the ads but convenience, that and most of the things I’m into not being on English TV anyway …
How come you know so much about the inner workings of telly land? It’s all rather fascinating in a Machiavellian sort of way. Bring on the next one!
Alice,
Great information, thanks for sharing. I’m not much into fan activism…I did manage to talk (e-mail chat) one person into watching it and she’s hooked three or four or maybe more others and to my knowledge they all watch “live” I know I do.
Like you, I’m ‘keeping it real’. The first four seasons of this show have been stellar (I have no doubt these last three eps will be epic) and I am very happy that Eric got the fifth season he was hoping for. After that…I’ll be fine if it ends b/c once the creative vision is gone…I’d hate to see this gem really jump the shark.
I stopped watching Smallville years ago, don’t think I even watched it when Jensen Ackles was on it and X-Files lost my interest just about the time DD was getting ready to leave, perhaps a season prior to that. As awesome as the ride has been and I expect S5 to be…I don’t need it to go on forever. As the Trickster said, sometimes you gotta let go.
Elle2
Suze, I know what you mean. UK tv is strange (we’re a conservative market) and the shows i like are either on channels i don’t get (Chuck’s on virgin 1 who has that channel?) or strange times – SPN is late sunday night on itv2 (a freeview channel for god’s sake) and the re-run is on in the early hours on itv which was great when i was a student not great now i have a job. I think for the budget they have the SPN crew do a magnificent job – keep up the good work!
Glad it’s not just me … I mean, what kind of a society chooses Katie sodding Price over Battlestar Galactica? 😆
I’m very saddened to read a blog that is so negative in tone. If all fan efforts are worthless, then why even bother blogging about Supernatural?
I’m also very confused. You often write about all the great things fans are doing and now you write this. Are you a hypocrite?
Perhaps you were having a really crappy day when you wrote this. Or perhaps promoting Supernatural is no longer fun for you. Whatever the case, we Supernatural fans don’t do ‘negative’ very well.
I truly hope this is a one time thing, because if your blogs continue to be this negative in tone, you will have lost at least one reader.
I will close by saying that the one thing that has impressed me most about the Supernatural fandom is their refusal to give up. If all Supernatural fans were as defeatist as this particular blog is in tone, then I would be damn surprised if this show lasted longer than 2 seasons ie – NO budget for seasons 3, 4 and 5. I wholeheartedly believe the success of Supernatural is in very large part to the fan efforts.
Hi Anonymous,
I think you misunderstand the intention of the article. Having followed Alice and her fabulous postings for a long while now, she isn’t being hypocritical nor has she lost her love of SPN by writing this piece, rather, she is sharing information. Yes, Alice has written about certain fan causes on occassion in the past, but the purpose of this blog is not to raise money or encourage the fundraising for the show, especially when it leads people to leave forums. If you’ve read other posts recently, you’ll know that many genuine fans of the show get tired of the constant “fundraising” and money-asking that goes on in other forums and blogs.
Personally, I enjoyed this article because I love to understand the background mechanics of television in terms of budgets, filming decisions, etc. It’s good to know that the best way to help a show is to continue watching – on TV, not the Internet – and encourage others to do the same.
Not to diminish the role of the fans, because obviously, without viewers no show will survive very long. However, what makes Supernatural successful is the quality of the writing, acting and all the other components that go into producing this great show. It is these components that in turn attract viewers and make viewers want to return each week, bringing their friends and family into the fold as well.
This blog is not defeatist or negative, just realistic and informative. So, thanks Alice, for always keeping it real and also, for the great information!
Hi, Anonymous, Elle and of course, Alice,
I agree, Anonymous, with Elle’s take on this. I’m sure if you are someone who is very active in fundraising or perhaps trying to encourage participation in support for the show, or any show, than this may seem like a defeatist article since it in essence can be taken to suggest that what you do is not important. However, not for one moment do I believe that was Alice’s intent anymore than I believe the efforts are unimportant; it is a reality check, and that was the point, thus the title.
There’s a huge fandom following of this show and while there is a lot of positives in that following there is a lot of negatives and more often than not I hear/read Kripke and co. speaking to or responding to the negatives and that is very unfortunate. Having been in a position of leadership — never in the entertainment industry — I heard lots of negatives and the occasional positive and it is very disheartening. I encourage everyone to support the show however they wish, I stick to the places that put the encouragement into articles like that are here, reviews or episodes, insights into themes, retrospectives…in essence, all that is good while getting past those things that changed that we wish wouldn’t have changed or those things that are that will never change (put the loss of classic rock in the first and the lack of promo and love from CW in the second.) No fandom support will ever change that, if it was, changes would have happened.
So this site and a few others are positive lights and no doubt WB pays attention which is why Alice and some like her get gifts, such as previews, videos and even interviews with writers…me things TWOP isn’t likely to get that, even though they are obviously somewhere the writers go to gauge an episode…more the shame as most of what is there is negative, negative, negative.
I hope you stick around here and check it out more fully, there isn’t negative here.
A crystal clear, simple but not patronising explanation of the realities of TV land; Alice is an excellent writer.
The first thing that popped into my mind when I read this was The Invisible Man which ran for 2 seasons in 2000-1 on the Sci-Fi Channel. It was the best, and highest-rate thing they ever made, and got cancelled after a petulent spat between the network money-men. Angel, despite huge fan support, went the same way. Ditto Stargate: Atlantis, which was cancelled and comments made by the network execs that were greatly disrespectful and patronising towards fans. We are loyal but neither doormats nor stupid; MGM/Sci-fi pre-warned that SG:Universe would end after 5 seasons no matter how good it was, which is like a bank admitting the tax accountant will leg it to Rio 5 years down the line but want you to invest in the meantime!
The above is the same situation as exists with SPN – I seriously doubt SPN will continue after Season 5 in it’s current form, not least because Jensen and Jared are both talented enough to move on to new things, and also after 5 years have understandably had enough of 18-hour days far from their families and the strain that puts on relationships (something which probably contributed to the failure of Jared’s relationship with Sandra McCoy).
Despite being a great fan of the show, I hope it doesn’t – I’m a writer, and much as I love certain shows/books, I’d much rather the show go out a high rather than drag on months or years after it ceased to be well-writen; I always use the example of Babylon 5, designed as a “visual novel” with a beginning, middle and end, and the tacked-on squeeze more money attempt of Crusade, the “sequel” that last 1 season.
In line with Eric Kripke, to his eternal credit, seems to be sticking to the same visual novel idea of having a proper ending; which will make the show far better than something that just peters out way past its sell by date – and, as I mentioned above in regard to Universe, I think any attempt by the network to carry the show on, will, quite rightly, been by SPN’s fans as a cynical attempt to take us for mugs and milk money out of us and will get very low viewing figures. Besides, given Kripke’s habit of killing characters left right and centre, who will be left standing to take on a spin-off? Although, I admit a soppy streak would like a “positive” ending – soemthing like a battered but not broken Dean and Sam driving into the sunset in the Impala, to the tune of carry on my wayward son, leaving fans to dream up and write up their own future adventures of the Winchesters and the characters in that “universe”…fade to black.
Thank you, Alice, for an insightful and revealing look behind the scenes. I didn’t find the report negative. Facts are facts, and until we understand what the suits are looking at we can’t understand their seemingly senseless choices. You made many points that are supportive of Supernatural continuing for a few years.
I enjoy all your blogs and I love how you support and love Supernatural as a fan. I hope they do back the brink’s truck up and convince Jensen and Jared and Eric to all stick around for one more year. They deserve to be compensated more for their brilliant talents. They also have the creative energy to make Supernatural a success for a few more years while never falling into that trap of hanging on for too long.
Thanks again. I look forward to your future posts. Take care, B.J.
Well said, Cat’s Whiskers … Much better to burn out than fade away.
I can think of so many once-nifty shows that have hung around long past their sell-by date because the bods doing the numbers just can’t bear to stop squeezing the juice out of them … Heroes, Buffy, Prison Break, Farscape, Red Dwarf ( well, I liked it, sorry! ) X-files etc, etc …
I love Supernatural, I don’t want the story to end as I’m really enjoying it but I know it’s going to sooner or later so I’d much rather the writers went out at the height of their powers with all guns blazing and gave us a good, satisfying, happy ( hear me, Eric? ) or at least not totally miserable and tear-sodden ending. Not fizzle away into mediocraty and then get cancelled. It’s too good a story to end like that.
My candle burns at both ends
It will not last the night
But ah my foes and oh my friends
It gives a lovely light.
Cheers, Roald …
People turn in for Misha? He’s the only thing bringing in new viewers? Really? Where were all the viewers this week – which was ALL MISHA, ALL THE TIME? Nowhere, is where. Please. The show had an uptick in viewership in the beginning of the season and has basically been at similar season 2 levels. We’re not talking off-the-charts ratings success. No one wants to watch a show starring Castiel. People want to watch a show about Sam and Dean.
I’ve noticed the comments about UK TV. The current season of Supernatural plays on ITV2 9pm Sunday evening and is repeated 11pm Thursday evening. ITV1 are rerunning season 2 around midnight or so Tuesday nights, which appeared with absolutely no trailers/advertising at all. ITV2 promoted season 4 before it started but not a squeak since. Still, it’s usually the most watched programme on that channel. It would probably have got more notice on E4. BTW, Virgin 1 is available to all cable viewers on even the most basic package, so we get to watch Chuck and Sarah Connor (cancelled – boo).
The word of mouth campaign is certainly its best promotion tool, but even Dawn Ostroff from CW has noticed that the figures have picked up and is, in her own words (according to TV Guide) “willing to get her check book out”. Supernatural fora seem to thrive on negativity, which I find very wearing.
I’m curious as to how much Jensen and Jared make each episode. Anyone know?
Alice, you said it’s a proven fact that episodes with Misha get higher ratings because he brings much needed eyeballs to the set. That’s the same as saying the reason extra people are tuning is because of him. Which, actually, when I look at the ratings page you referenced, I don’t see.
1) The season premiere is the high-rated episode that is bumping up the season’s average, and people didn’t tune into that for Castiel – they didn’t know he exists, so that one doesn’t count. They tuned in to see Dean get out of Hell.
2) The second episode had the exact same ratings as last season’s second episode, and lower ratings than season 1 and 2’s second episode. So, Castiel didn’t bring in extra viewers there, either.
3) He has been in three of the lowest-rated episodes of the season: I Know What You Did Last Summer, Death Takes a Holiday and the Rapture, which as ALL ABOUT Castiel and his vessel.
4) He hasn’t been in some of the highest-rated episodes of the season: Afterschool Special (the 2nd highest rated of the season), Wishful Thinking, Sex & Violence. Furthermore, episodes he’s been in have comparable ratings to those he hasn’t – Sex & Violence is rated higher than Monster at the End of the Book, and the same as Head of a Pin and Heaven & Hell.
My point is, the ratings can’t clearly be attributed to his character appearing. His character has proven nothing in the ratings that is a solid statistic that I can see. Ratings truly seem to be hit-or-miss depending on the audience liking the story being told and the week people happen to tune in. I’m sorry if I’m off the deep end, but seriously, I have listened to people attribute the success of this show solely to Jensen for four freaking seasons. Fine, but I can’t take another season with Misha added to that list. It’s mind-numbing to those of us who actually want to watch an organic story unfold, and not one that’s ben retconned and manipulated to suite a tiny, but zealously loud corner of the fandom who love pretty faces. Or to those of us who aren’t interested in Castiel as anything other than a side character – and there ARE plenty of those viewers out there if you look.
Castiel’s showing in the ratings does not justify 17 episodes of him next season. It’s too much Castiel.
I’m not a Castiel hater. I like him just fine. As a badass angel who is a recurring character. I’m just really tired of seeing Kripke write his story based on internet wuv of pretty things, rather than honoring the integrity of the story – this just happened to be the article that broke my back.
Okay, I’ll stop and go away now!
Hi Alice,
As a Canadian viewer, though I don’t watch Supernatural on the Space network during prime seasons, but rather I catch the summer re-runs there, I can affirm that they do indeed have excellent promo’s. Space is actually a great network in terms of promoting shows – but sadly, they typically get the run-off shows, or shows in their last seasons. Often, I watch the Space promo of new episodes because it’s usually longer and more intriguing than the CW promo’s I can find.
To Alex, I’m a little confused as to why you think Kripke has sacrificed his creative integrity for “internet wuv” as you call it. Are we watching the same show? Supernatural is possibly the most dynamic and well-written television show out there. The plots are thorough, interesting and interweave the supernatural with enough humanity that viewers are able to relate and connect with the characters even though we don’t (or at least I don’t) go hunting down evil things in our spare time.
I agree that Misha Collins has been a fantastic addition to the show – and the fact that he has been added as a cast regular is a response to the fact that fans have responded incredibly well to the character. Let’s be honest – fan response counts for something. We all know how fan response contributed to Bela’s arc on the show. Frankly, as someone enjoying the current storyline and who would argue passionately that you are seeing an “organic story unfold”, it’s almost insulting to suggest that other viewers who share my opinion of the story are a mostly “zealously loud corner of the fandom who love pretty faces.”
Bottom line with regard to Misha, in my humble opinion, is that he has added a new and wonderful dynamic to a cast already rich with incredible acting. And no doubt, that has brought more eyes to the screen. Irregardless of appearance, a good actor is a good actor and with the right material they will attract viewers.
Frankly, Castiel could look like a warthog and it wouldn’t matter at all as long as he moved the story along. It probably doesn’t hurt that he’s a bit of a babe but it’s not why the character works!
You’ve converted me though, I’m going to make a special effort on Sunday, drug the kids, hide the remote, shut the cat in the shed … although I suspect it won’t make any difference as this is the wrong country … 😆
Hi Alice,
Congrats on the great Article , looking foward to the next one, Maybe you can answer me something Ive benn having on my mind… I just finished re-watching the episodes containing the trickster! in the last one looks like he wanted to help sam get over Deans death..he was actually trying to help..so Do you know if he will be involve in the storyline somehow, or he just vanished?
also anything on ellen and her daughter coming back on season 5? and what about Jhon winchester?
Thanks again,
Hi Alice,
If you want to talk to someone who KNOWS the ins and outs of Canadian TV and SPACE channel in particular, then you should check out Denis McGrath’s blog “Dead Things On Sticks”.
I discovered his blog when I was watching Blood Ties, which he was a writer on, and searching for ways to support the show which was in limbo for a second season (and had the same perceived “lack of support” from Lifetime, the channel it was airing on in the US). Upon reading his blog, I found out that he was one of the folks who actually started Space Channel.
We Canadians are very lucky, we have two channels that show new episodes of Supernatural; JoyTV 10 that shows the Thursday night a 9 slot (and runs lots of commercials promoting the show but I haven’t seen a preview of an upcoming episode yet) and Space which runs the new episodes on Friday at 6 and Saturday at 3 (and runs lots of commercials/previews). Both run the reruns during the breaks and make sure to run the previous seasons final episodes prior to the new season starting.
Now, I am pretty sure JoyTV is a Vancouver station, so perhaps they are trying to promote stuff that viewers here know is local (as in filmed in Vancouver) – but I don’t know for sure. However, they have chosen Smallville/Supernatural as the shows to advertise. I was so happy to see Sam and Dean splattered on the side of the local buses I exclaimed “cool” out loud and got a lot of curious glances for my efforts. GRIN
I wish I could find something that shows ratings figures for Canadian viewers cause it seems curious that a country that has the same population as California has two stations that feel it’s worth it to buy the rights to air the show. Could be they are owned by the same parent company?? I don’t know. But perhaps that is the most logical answer. No matter because that is great for viewers here in BC in particular.
I have also wondered what the CW would think of the ratings for Supernatural if they could add the Canadian numbers? So much of the television I watch is American, sometimes I think it would make more sense for the networks to look at “North American” viewing habits. Most of the shows out there air at the same in here as they do in the US. And it seems that Canadians prefer American TV even if a quality Canadian Made show comes along (exceptions are shows like Corner Gas and Trailer Park Boys) so why wouldn’t the US networks be interesting in adding those numbers in?
As you have said Alice, TV is a very strange industry and I suppose a logic based life form like myself should be careful or my brain might just melt trying to figure it all out.
As for fan efforts, sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. Firefly is one example of success. It didn’t resurrect the show, but convinced the PTB that it was worth investing in a feature film. Same with Farscape. Fan efforts got them closure (in the form of a 2 hour TV movie), which is something.
However, all the campaigns and letter writing in the world (cause I know folks from Europe and Australia did what they could too) didn’t help get a second season for Blood Ties or Moonlight. And it hasn’t managed to bring Dresden Files back either.
I think, in terms of saving a show, that the number one thing you can do is to watch it live. Bring the numbers up where you KNOW the network is looking. But don’t discount things like letter writing campaigns because sometimes they work too.
I’ve spent some time working in the news industry– both print and radio– and I understand marketing and advertising in conjunction with releasing a product. It makes sense to me.
But during my time working in radio, we had a station switch from classic rock to adult contemporary (which was way cheaper purchasing the rights and such), but we were able to buy a blanket license for the kind of music we were going to play– and at a much lower rate.
Because of that blanket license, we were able to play a vast amount of music without having to pay rights for each individual song on each individual spin on the air.
Is it different for an entity as large as Warner Brothers to buy a blanket music license for musicians who didn’t work with the WB labels?
Alice I really enjoyed reading this article – I’m not a member of the Supernatural fandom – actually I never heard that word before until I came here – But I am a fan – I just love watching Supernatural Pure and Simple – I don’t read anything about it on the web except what’s written here and I’ve never heard of fans having influence with a TV show the ability to make it or break it per se – I’m in the UK and whether that makes a difference or not I don’t know but I always just thought a show would keep going if people watch – if the viewing figures are high enough and nothing to do with people buying a sandwich from Subway? – Fans like this actually scare me because they seem to think they own the show and they can influence it by making the most noise but ultimately they are doing nothing more than me by just watching the show – Watching week in week out is my contribution. I think this is good enough!
I love reading your reviews Alice because often I just see things Black and White on the show and you always point out the grey areas all the subtle things that just go over my head – And this gives me a greater understanding of what’s going on – So thanks for that – It is appreciated.
On another note I was disappointed to read in your article that Castial is to be a regular character – I don’t mind him in it – actually the small parts he has move the story along quite nicely but I wouldn’t want to see him have a more central role I mean a couple of minutes in the odd episode here and there is Okay but if being a regular means he gets to be in 17 episodes this is a no no for me and I would hope he’s mostly in them for just a few seconds if this is the case. Please forgive my ignorance but Lauren and Katie were regulars in Season 3 and I know this was a shorter season because of the strike but they were only in 5 or 6 episodes – so how come Castial being a regular means he gets 17 episodes – Doesn’t make sense to me?
If they did have money to spare in the shows budget I think they would have been better off spending it elsewhere!
Already looking forward to your review on Rapure.
Jess
Hm, Castiel the savior of the ratings?
*marks Castiel’s appearance
4.01: 3.96 (pre-empted in Chicago)+ DVR 4.277 *
4,02: 3.177 + DVR 3.619 *
4.03 3.508+ DV 4.049 *
4,04: 3.145 + DVR 3.604
4,05: 3.061 + DVR 3.567
4,06: 3.251 + DVR 3.790
4.07: 3.550 + DVR 4.070 *
4.08: 3.244 (pre-empted in Denver)+ DVR 3.714 million
4.09: 2.944 (pre-empted in NYC)+ DVR 3.624*
4.10: 3.380 (pre-empted in Pittsburgh) + DVR 3.765*
4.11: 2.96 + DVR 3.617
4.12: 3.04 + DVR 3.747
4,13: 3.57 + DVR 4.084
4.14: 3.34 + DVR 3.941
4.16: 2.84 + DVR ?
4.17: 3.17 + DVR ?
4.18: 3.28 + DVR ?*
4.19: 2.76 + DVR ?
4,20: 2.96 ? DVR ?
21:00 3.037 – 21:30 2.874. S very heavy Misha episode and look at the half mark drop!
Now the repeat numbers
Lazarus Rising: 1.69 *
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Dean Winchester: 2.01 *
In the Beginning: 1.95 *
Metamorphosis: 2.07
A Very SPN Chrstmas: 1.58
I know What you Did Last Summer: 1.67 *
Afterschool Special: 2.054 (beat Smallville!)
Sex and violence: 1.84 (beat Smallville)
It looks to me like it’s not Castiel but somebody else that pulls people in. One that’s been shoved to the background. Good work of the executive producer, really.
Lordy lord, looks like some people are taking stuff a little too personally, huh? Personally, I know quite a few people who just got into the show this season, some because the angel storyline alone, some because I talk about it all the time, and yes some did get into because the buzz around Castiel’s character.
I’m sure this is a hard concept for some to come to terms with, but it’s true, to an extent. I personally think that the ratings are going up this season because it has pretty good buzz from critics and bloggers. Not singly because Dean, Sam, or Castiel.
As for the Rapture being very low, well it wasn’t as low as Jump the Shark was, and both Smallville and Supernatural had a large decrease in viewers. Like Alice said, that could easily be attributed to Spring coming around, and also because the show wasn’t very well advertised during the hiatus. I know I almost forgot it was coming on last week.
So now, can we stop taking everything so personally? Just because one person says the ratings might be up because a new character doesn’t mean she’s cutting down other characters or the show before. Jeez, this fandom sometimes.
o_o Jao, did I hit a sorry toe with simple figures? Soo sorry for that. Don’t take the numbers personally.
I too believe that the show has lost a lot of its old audience and gained the CW crowd that likes Americas Top Model and shows of that depth.
But that is besides the point since quality has never been of interest for the ad people. But saying that a character has increased viewers when numbers tell a different story still doesn’t change facts.
We’ll just have to see what Castiel can do for the numbers next season.
Facts. Numbers don´t lie. I don´t see anybody taking it personally. I love bobby but if someone said that it´s because of him that the ratings are better, i´ll check the numbers, and bring them if they show something different, as a way to have a better discussion of the problem.
Now, in this particular case, numbers show that castiel´s presence in some episodes didn´t improve the rating of the show. So what? That doesn´t mean that people dislike him.
“It looks to me like it’s not Castiel but somebody else that pulls people in. One that’s been shoved to the background.”
It´s very clear in the repeated episodes. Thanks for the data!
And thank you, Alice Jester for the article, i found it very, very interesting!
Wow Alice, the article has really sparked some serious discussion!
With regard the point you made about music rights – I find it sooo frustrating that music delays the show getting on to DVD, if it ever does. A great number of fabulous shows have incredible soundtracks without which the show wouldn’t be as great. Cold Case is another show that has never made it to DVD as a result of this music issue. I didn’t know Dawson’s Creek came out on DVD without the music. Without even the theme? That is almost ridiculous to me. Can’t we all share and share alike? You’d think artists would want the exposure. Personally, I have been turned onto a number of great artists when their music is featured on a favourite TV show. Music sets the mood, and I like to listen to music that reflects my mood, thus TV is my greatest resource for great songs, new and older alike.
Regarding the other…drama (Castiel-Not!Castiel, etc)…This is what brings me in week after week – the great story, being told by fantastic writers and actors (et.al.). Period. Not one particular actor or one particular MoTW. Simply put, it’s a great show and it’s tragic the network doesn’t support it more. I think the bottom line here is: to support your show – WATCH IT! Watch it live! And tape your friends to their sofa’s every Thursday between 9 and 10 with SPN on their screens and the remote far away (likely, you’ll only have to do this once or twice before the physical coercion is no longer necessary and please, make sure to release following the latest installment of “our boys” adventure).
Looking forward to the next installment, Alice!
😉
You know, I recognize that name – maybe I saw her posting on Denis’s blog. Interesting. I should say too that Denis has a link to email him directly so you may find that the best way to ask him questions. His blog is hugs and features a lot of articles on the “politics” of Canadian television, so be prepared to slog through a lot of stuff. It’s nice to read the perspective of someone who has been on the “inside”, even if I don’t understand a lot of it.
And if I manage to do so, I’ll take a picture of the bus with the boys on it. It’s not huge – like they aren’t over the whole side, but, it’s on the top of a double decker and is very noticeable. Or perhaps I’m biased. GRIN
Hi Suze, very kind of you – and you are so right about Red Dwarf; Seasons 1-6 of that show were must-see; Seasons 7 & 8 plummeted into the puerile and crude, mainly because the previous writers weren’t there. And what an appropriate bit of Roald verse! It’s so appropriate as what SPN should be as a show and how it should go out – the thing with anything that’s good – music, chocolate, a nice frosty lager on a hot day – is that if it goes on too long it becomes just noise, or sickly, or goes warm and flat. Too many of my favourite shows have gone from music/choccie/cold beer to noise/sickly/tepid.
I have to admit I like Misha Collins’ character and what he brings to the show – he has parallels with Sam as well as Dean (like how both Sam and Jimmy Novak lose their faith because of Castiel’s actions), but then I liked Ellen, Bela and Ruby (both) too; even Jo, though her character should never have been intended as a bit of nookie opportunity for Dean – given that at the time Dean was 27 and Jo supposedly about 18 it would have been very distasteful to have a grown-up male drooling over a girl-woman nearly a decade younger.
I know a lot of fans are passionately devoted to the show because what makes it work is the “brother” relationship between Sam/Dean, but for the show to be as good as it is, there has to be plot progression, character growth, “universe” development – otherwise SPN would be like the worst Star Trek episodes – remember how you could watch the opening teaser, then go and make dinner/do the ironing/have a bit of nookie with your partner/walk the dog and come back 40 minutes later to watch the last 5 mins secure in the knowledge you hadn’t missed any vital plot elements? The problem is as Alice pointed out in her article, quality TV is more time-consuming and difficult to make than trash – actors of Misha and Amber Benson’s calibre cost more than Paris Hilton types, and much as we would love the money-men to get that, the reality is they will never care about anything other than the reflection in the mirror or their latest porshe, because they are that shallow. Why else did they become network execs in the first place, instead of nurses, cops, firemen, teachers etc?! Sorry, pardon my cynicism! I’m eager for Season 5 and yes, I am allowing myself a bit of sentimental soppiness in hoping for that “Shane” style ending I mentioned before – all together now: “Carry on my wayward son, there’ll be peace when you are done…”
Gawd bless Kansas! 😆
Smoke clears over the ruins and the boys drive off into the sunset … definitely works for me too! From your keyboard to Kripkes brain … Nice lager simile too, I’m going to go and test it out forthwith.
I thought when Shane rode off into the sunset he was hiding a bullet wound and unlikely to have a long-term happy ending (or indeed a long-term anything)?
My preferred ending for Supernatural has real-life, genuine FBI Agents Sam and Dean Winchester consulting on the crazier cases, with plenty of time for the white picket fence and Dean the most popular lecturer in the history of Quantico. Don’t suppose it’s what Kripke has in mind though, and I’m not planning to write the fanfiction.
Well, I see Sam and Dean retiring right here in my hometown. Sam runs an art gallery and Dean starts and winery.
Yes there is actually a Winchester Gallery and Winchester Estate Winery here in Victoria, BC.
I hope to get photos of the signs for fun.
Thanks for the interesting article Alice. I wondered if it was a creative decision or a rating fueled decision to make Castiel a regular next season. I think Misha Collins is very talented, but it would seem challenging to incorporate an angel into 18 episodes next season. I guess the network gets what it wants regardless.
I do think it would be great to read an article on ratings and how they are interpreted. It is so difficult to say what causes rating fluctuations.
I tend to think that the increase this year is a result of several things. The angel storyline has certainly brought in some viewers who might not have otherwise given Supernatural a shot. I also think we have benefited from fans frustrated with Grey’s Anatomy. I would also like to hope (naively perhaps) that all of the fandom’s begging and badgering has paid off to some degree. People are finally taking notice of Supernatural. It’s about time!
I’m so glad the ratings are up this year, and I think you’re right that overall jump in quality is probably responsible (adding Misha as part of that… Lazarus was just an incredible episode). We’ll never get back to where we were with the built-in WB audience on Tuesday nights (heck, after the CW switch, I lost the ability to watch Supernatural in real-time entirely, and I doubt we’re the only region it happened to), but I’m thrilled we’ve made it to season 5.
Alice — really interesting article. I do hope the CW does (finally!) realize what a great show it has in Supernatural and will do whatever they can to keep it going for as long as Eric, Jensen, and Jared are interested. I do wonder about the budget of Supernatural compared to Gossip Girls or 90210. I certainly feel that Kripke deserves to ask for a larger budget next season, since the ratings have been so great this season.
Oh and Alice, you do really need to be careful about implying that Sam isn’t the center of the Supernatural universe because the rabid Sam-only fans scour the internet to criticize those who dare to say that anyone, other than Sam, is could be responsible for the increase in ratings. For example:
*Bright said: “It looks to me like it’s not Castiel but somebody else that pulls people in. One that’s been shoved to the background. Good work of the executive producer, really.”
Even though “Lazarus Rising” and “In the Beginning” were two of the highest rated episodes of the season, and ITB was also nominated for a Constellation award, the Sam fans will not admit that Castiel (or god-forbid, DEAN) had anything to do with it. And I realize that some Sam-only fans wish this to be truth, but to say that “somebody” (i.e. Sam ONLY) brings in the viewers is not only ridiculous – it’s inaccurate. [And repeat ratings are useless. Usually repeats are shown during holidays or non-sweeps periods. Repeat numbers mean nothing to TPTB.]
Personally, I think this season has been stellar and I am exited to see what Kripke has up his sleeve for the finale. But I’d love to hear more classic rock next season and I hope and increase in the budget will make that happen!
Really interesting article, thank you. But yes, I can hear the screams of “Network interference” again, in the distance. Could care less really , lol
i dont get it, those numbers are right or not? and if they are right, why so many people chose to ignore them?
Bright, could you please tell us your source?
Just in case: I am not a sam rabbid fan (actually i have never seen one of those sam rabbid fans). I used to be a fan of the show, but ackles fans invitations to join to whatever, and ackles fans directives telling me how to cheat and vote hundreds of times in the same poll, scared me. Real fans know this is true.
Reading articles like this are intriguing, if not depressing. But it’s not as depressing since I’m a newbie to the fandom than if I had been a fan since the beginning. I’m only about a two week old Supernatural fan brought in by the angel storyline. I remember giving Supernatural a try back in 2005 but dropping it after a few episodes.
I am very happily surprised how excellent the acting, plot, production values has been in season four and oddly enough, I’m now a fairly hardcore fan of the show. Watching season 4 and then season 3 and then working my way through seasons 1 and 2 has shown me how well plotted this show is. Its continuity is gratifying. What a gem to find, especially as it seems like it’s at its peak now, with the renewal of the show for season 5!
I read through most of the comments here and I’d be very interested to hear your interpretation of ratings; they are not something I’ve ever understood.
Hi Alice, thanks a bunch for this article. Being in Australia we fans don’t get to watch it ‘live’ as such, but anyway – it is really good to read what you found out – fascinating, and great information – not negative at all… just a doze of reality. I knew how you meant it… but some fans are just more touchy than others. Well done, great researching, keep up the good work.
This was a great article to read. You really made it easy to see the “ins and outs” of the television industry.. As a fan of Buffy, Angel, Dollhouse, Firefly and Moonlight I am all too familiar with the final result.. 🙁
What is said to me is knowing that these networks understand that many people watch shows online and on DVR.. why can’t they find a way to catch up with the times?? Pretty soon computer’s and TV’s will become one in the same and this then would imply that the networks will be up s*** creek without a paddle!
I am just saying they need to look into some new ways to promote online and try to find a way to get some of their advertising $$’s back. Because running things at this “status quo” has had consequences already! Great shows with amazing writing have gone down the drain because the networks can’t think towards the future?
I wish I could live with my head in the sand! lol.
aww well that sucks. I am from Germany which is always two seasons behind… and well The Synchro sucks! Jensen says so too ^^. (at AECON 2 Mannheim 😉 )
So I have actually never watched one episode on TV! Get me a TV who can receive CW and I will turn in every Saturday morning 3 am ^^. BUT I DONT! So bla! Why hasnt Supernatural bought of from another Network? Dont they see its potential?