Ratings - Then and Now

Muffit · December 12th, 2003, 01:12 PM

Hi Mods, I hope this is okay to post here too, as it is quite relevant to both good and bad forums. Nothing negative or offensive intended, just a heads up in case some didn't know...

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For those who might not remember, here are the ratings for the original BSG debut (Saga of a Star World in 1978) versus the mini ratings of this week in 2003:

9/17/78-Saga Of A Star World 44.6

12/9/03-SciFi Mini Series 3.8 (best night, night 2)

Oddly, the onscreen TV guide listed the original as a "ratings flop". Hmm. Anyway, I know some are happy as things are. That's okay. I am just musing. Just imagine what could have been...

Muffit

GreggAllinson · December 12th, 2003, 02:11 PM

While the original Galactica was a ratings bonanza (no pun intended!), as I understand it, cable ratings are measured in different terms from network ratings. Even if they weren't, back in 1978, the typical home had...what...5, 6 channels (three network affiliates, a PBS station, and maybe one or two local independants)? Nowadays, the average home has over 50.

I don't think there's any way the original Galactica could be considered a ratings bomb (although perhaps it is fair to say it was a "ratings disappointment" by the end), but by the same virtue, you can't call the new Galactica a ratings disaster *by modern cable standards*.

Muffit · December 12th, 2003, 02:23 PM

Good point Gregg

. Also though, the population was far lower 25 years ago, and most people don't realize only 78% of households even had a color TV in 1978. Oh, plus one biggie, the original was broadcast directly opposite a big viewer awards show while the mini was thoughtfully delayed one day to air opposite mostly reruns. Sixty five million was an incredible number back then for any show. But your probably right, it's a hard comparison to make. It's just the sheer numbers that move me.

All the best,
Muffit

Starwarrior · December 12th, 2003, 03:08 PM

The original Battlestar Galactica was not a 'ratings disappointment' as many believe.It was always in the top 25 shows even till the end of the season.It was one of the most successful new shows of that season, even though it was on the most competive night of the week-sunday.The only reason that it was cancelled was because it was so expensive and ABC felt it should had done even better.When fans complained ABC brought it back the next seson as Galactica 1980,a far cheaper and inferior show as we all know.Here is a link to a webpage that explains more about Galacticas ratings and why it was cancelled- http://www.kobol.com/archives/ff.html
I'm sure most here have already read this,but for those that think Galactica was a low rated series when it was cancelled this might change your mind.

GreggAllinson · December 12th, 2003, 11:03 PM

I found the mini staggeringly adequete, and still not only pine away for a more faithful continuation, but think that one is entirely within the realm of possibility. I was just pointing out that you can't paint the mini as a ratings failure by comparing it to ratings that were measured in a completely different way in a time where there was far less competition.

As for calling Galactica a "ratings disappointment" *at the end of its run*, I don't think that's an unfair statement. Dirk Benedict said as much in Confessions of a Kamikaze Cowboy. It was certainly getting very good ratings, but given its budget, starpower, and promotion, it probably should've been in the top ten at the end of the season. If it were just a little cheaper to make, I'm sure it would have run at least three or four seasons. Alas, as we all know, while the ratings were high, they weren't high enough to justify another season in ABC's eyes.

Starwarrior · December 13th, 2003, 06:22 AM

GreggAllinson- I agree,I just wanted to let all the people that think Galactica was a big ratings disappointment know that it wasn't a low rated show.If ABC had believed in the show,perhaps moved it to another night to see how it did, it might have been in the top 10.I just think people should know that it did better on sunday night then anything else ABC tried,including their top rated Mork & Mindy ,which replaced it in the fall of 79.

BST · December 13th, 2003, 06:56 AM

I think what the ratings numbers, posted above, indicate above all else, is how "diluted" television selections have become. Gregg, you hit the nail on the head with the observation about "competition". Cable was in its infancy, in 1978 so, all that was available to most folks were network affiliates, several PBS stations, and a few of the old "UHF" independent channels. There was not nearly as much choice, then, as there is now.

Still, the numbers posted by TOS were impressive and the fact that many folks, worldwide, are still conversing, today, about a 25-year old, 1-season TV show is testimony to that.

My thoughts about a comparison would be more geared toward recent sales of the TOS DVD and BG game and whether those would indicate sufficient interest to resurrect the original storyline. This is quite probably our most tangible way, to make a statement.

BST

GreggAllinson · December 13th, 2003, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BST

My thoughts about a comparison would be more geared toward recent sales of the TOS DVD and BG game and whether those would indicate sufficient interest to resurrect the original storyline. This is quite probably our most tangible way, to make a statement.

Hasn't the boxed set done quite well? I think it was in amazon.com's top fifty DVD sellers for a few weeks (and still might be)...

Muffit · December 13th, 2003, 02:20 PM

I apologize if I offended you in any way Gregg. I certainly did not intend to.

There is a lot more to this actually, (like it was supposed to air on Fox which would've been really great and then the ratings would be more comparable. It's not SciFi's fault they are not a big network). But you're right, it's certainly not important enough to hurt anyone's feelings over.

My apologies,
Muffit

GreggAllinson · December 13th, 2003, 02:30 PM

I have to admit, I did think you were being sarcastic, but if that wasn't the case, then I apologise for overreacting and accept your apologies in kind. Friends?

callsignfalcon · December 13th, 2003, 10:16 PM

Actually for the Sc-FI channel 3.8 is quite good. It rates only below the mini-series' Taken and Dune... (here for article: http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-s...2/11/12.00.sfc) The mini-series achieved the best ratings on its second night for sci-fi in 2003.