Gary Levin of USA Today is reporting that Studio 60 is not quite dead, yet.  That’s good news if you happen to like a quality television show that seldom plays to the lowest common denominator.  The problem seems to be that so few people really want to watch good shows unless they are on cable.  I get that.  Because if Studio 60 were on HBO we would have had at least one shot of Amanda Peet naked by now.  Besides, why should I make it a point to watch a show on television when I can see it on the Internet whenever I want?

I’m glad to see the networks putting first run content on the web.  I think it is a smart move, but it is not something that is going to cause people to tune in to see the show when it airs.  Why should they?  If I can catch the show on my PC (or THE WOMAN’s) iMac while I’m getting a midnight snack why should I try to do anything else?  What makes more sense to me is this.

The broadcast networks should fill their schedules with game shows, reality shows, sports, talent hunts, and all the news they can make up.  Then they would put the quality shows (no, that does not include Grey’s Anatomy) on the ‘Net.  The people interested in good shows could still get them, and the networks could put trash on the air that draws big numbers for the sponsors.   I bet it would work.