scenedance (dot com)

This fellow believes that the popularity of 24 is responsible for the current boom of serialized television program and the seemingly all-out change in the television landscape.

I disagree. The Lynch and Sorkin stuff both came before it (as well as the whole concept of serialization), as well two of HBO’s most popular dramas, the Sopranos and Six Feet Under. Alias wasn’t able to sustain the same amount of viewship as 24, but it also counted the serial format as a strength. The two shows actually had some pretty good head to head battles for the first few seasons, until JJ Abrahms started devoting less time to the female spy thriller.

Forced to choose, I’m going to give credit to HBO. They just hold their shows to a much higher standard than any other network. Maybe in this case it isn’t so much the format of the show, but the actual quality? Why else would networks have cancelled a record number of serials this year?