DARK SHADOWS FORUMS

General Discussions => Current Talk Archive => Current Talk '24 I => Current Talk '03 II => Topic started by: Midnite on October 23, 2003, 06:41:45 AM

Title: DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Midnite on October 23, 2003, 06:41:45 AM: ShadowGram announced tonite that DS' run on SciFi will end on Dec. 30 with approximately 1 month worth of episodes left unaired. This is when the network contract will end, and the series will not be renewed.

Pre-emptions in the meantime will occur on Nov. 11, Nov. 27, Nov. 28, Dec. 25, Dec. 26, and Dec. 31., with the possibility of more. The show will otherwise continue to air twice a day.

ShadowGram stated that "discussions are underway to hopefully find a new TV home for DS reruns."

Bummer.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on October 23, 2003, 03:01:41 PM: Quote from: IronBitch on October 23, 2003, 06:41:45 AM
ShadowGram announced tonite that DS' run on SciFi will end on Dec. 30 with approximately 1 month worth of episodes left unaired.

Oh, well. But as I said before, the forum will continue regardless of whether DS has a home or not...
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on October 23, 2003, 03:50:54 PM: BTW, fans who may not own the MPI tapes for the episodes that Sci-Fi will be skipping and may not be able to buy them right away because of the expense of the upcoming holidays or whatever needn't worry that they'll be left wondering how the 1841PT storyline ends. I'm sure RobinV will be more than happy to continue to post her wonderfully detailed Robservations synopses - and I can probably be persuaded to illustrate them with loads of screen captures so that it'll almost be like watching the episodes themselves. [wink2]
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Gerard on October 23, 2003, 06:53:18 PM: That's a wonderful idea, Ir-Bi. It would be like reading a serial in magazines of yester-yore!

Gerard
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Raholt on October 24, 2003, 12:22:13 AM: Didn't this same thing happen when Dark Shadows ended it run before and was taken temporarily off the air. I'm thinking it was taken offthat time as well without being able to complete its run of episodes because people were not happy about this happening. Seems to me that if Sci-fi had pre-empted the series a little less often that they could have then shown the last episodes and allowed fans who have not seen them the chance to do so.

As for Sci-fi's decision not to pick the series up again, this is the same type of thing they did a few years ago. It is a programming cycle. Their programming changed and went away from older series and then eventually they went back to them. Hopefully, DS will find a new home and fans can continue to enjoy it. The fans of DS are luckier than some because we still have the VHS and DVD releases of the series, but fans of other classic series, once it goes off the air, they are just out of luck.

Raholt
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on October 24, 2003, 12:57:51 AM: Quote from: Raholt on October 24, 2003, 12:22:13 AM
Didn't this same thing happen when Dark Shadows ended it run before and was taken temporarily off the air. I'm thinking it was taken offthat time as well without being able to complete its run of episodes because people were not happy about this happening.

The second run did complete. (They even ran episode #1 a third time.) But the probable reason that you're thinking that they didn't is because they tried to sell us a cock'n'bull story about how their contract was supposedly ending weeks before they'd be able to complete that run, but because they were so "committed" to the DS fans and "supportive" of the show, they were moving heaven and earth to renegotiate with WorldVision to extend their contract so that the run could be completed. Funny how they showed their true face (see reply #18 in "Screw Sci-Fi---Let's Get DS On Soapnet," currently on page 2 of CE/A '03) once they realized that they weren't fooling anyone after they were confronted with the fact that we knew the exact terms of their WorldVision contract because they had been published in the entertainment trade paper Variety. [madg]
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Bob_the_Bartender on October 24, 2003, 02:06:34 AM: Hey gang,

Here's a brief list of the classic science fiction/horror television shows that the cerebral cretins (in their "infinite" wisdom) over there at the Sci-Fi Channel have pulled the plug on, over the years:

1. Lost In Space
2. Sightings
3. The Time Tunnel
4. Beauty And The Beast
5. Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea
6. Land Of The Giants
7. The Invaders
8. Star Trek (The original one, that's been relegated to, I believe, 6:00 AM, EST on Saturdays.)

And, now, our beloved Dark Shadows is set to packed away on some dusty storage racks with the likes of "Manimal" and "Max Headron." What can I say, but with "friends" like the programming department at the Sci-Fi Channel, we certainly don't need any enemies.

Bob the Bartender, who laments, "Et, tu, Sci-Fi Channel?"
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Gerard on October 24, 2003, 10:37:35 AM: To me, Bob, it's like how American Movie Classics also went into the quality dumpster. Oh, we may still get a true classic every now and then, but AMC's new standard is Airport 77, with commercial interruptions every eight seconds.

I remember Sci-Fi "back in the good old days." I was fortunate enough to live in an area (Anchorage, Alaska) where our cable network added it from the moment it premiered. There were all the TV classics (ah, to have watched Boris Karloff's Thriller again, which so terrified me as a kid), and the cinematic ones as well, plus those delightful shorts they ran, and really well-done documentaries.

But, alas, like the powers-that-be at AMC, it has been decided that that form of quality programming isn't groovy enough for the audience Sci-Fi wanted, meaning anyone under the age of adult maturity. We're just a bunch of old fogies to them.

Gerard
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Raineypark on October 24, 2003, 10:55:04 AM: I don't know anything about the way contracts for the right to air a program are written.....but I can't believe there's no way they could have finished the run of the show.......if they actually gave a damn about that.

If the contract was for airing the show, in it's entirety, then it should run to the end. Sci Fi has pre-empted this show so many times, it's probably taking months longer than it would have if they'd just kept to the schedule....and they would have known that all along.

On the other hand, if the contract is predicated on a specific date, then AGAIN they knew they would never get the whole show in once they began pre-empting.

Either way, it's obvious that this time around, Sci Fi knew and didn't care that the show wouldn't end....it would just disappear.

I only remembered last night that I'm paying an additional premium to have the Sci Fi channel......and you an be sure I'm giving them the boot as of January 1!!
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Valerie Collins on October 24, 2003, 10:57:18 AM: This is my first time watching "Dark Shadows." I have been watching DS since the first episode that aired back on May 17, 2001, on the Sci Fi channel.

I am very disappointed that the Sci Fi channel have decided to stop airing this series. They should finish the current run before taking the series off the air.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Birdie on October 24, 2003, 01:11:57 PM: I am trying to deal with the idea of no more "Shadows". A sense of mourning seems to hang in the air. I have to at least thank Sci-fi for letting me revisit a place that is special to me. And now at least I have seen the show in it's entirety. It has been a place to visit and help escape for awhile from the ups and downs of daily living. I can only hope the many tapes I have filled will last the test of time.

Birdie
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Cassandra Blair on October 24, 2003, 02:32:26 PM: Given the currently scheduled pre-emptions, can anybody guestimate on what episode number the current Sci-Fi run will end?

I am just sick, sick, sick about this! :(
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: murph on October 24, 2003, 04:01:48 PM: Based on the known pre-emptions between now and December the last episode shown on December 30 would be, I believe, episode 1225. There were only 1245, so for the benefit of those who have not seen these episodes couldn't Sci-Fi show an extra 2 episodes a day for two weeks to finish the series out on December 30. I know for myself I began taping the series with episode 1 of this run and so I'll be disappointed not to be able to finish the series on tape. It will be quite a while before these last 20 episodes will be available on DVD.

As mentioned earlier in this thread Sci-Fi had to know they would be unable to finish the show by December 30 with all the pre-emptions. If they had not pre-emted the show this month it would have been able to complete its run by December 30. It obviously shows a complete lack of respect for us the fans of this show and I for one will no longer watch anything on Sci-Fi again.

Murph
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: grayson67 on October 24, 2003, 04:37:49 PM: I tried to figure this out too and came up with 1226 as the final episode on 12/30... although Murph may be right with 1225.

It does seem ridiculous that SciFi can't take the time to air 19 episodes... or twenty depending on which one of us figured it out correctly ;D It's such a small amount of airtime to ask from their schedule, especially considering the pre-emptions of the last few weeks, but we all know SciFi's certainly not out to do us any favors.

grayson67 (Melissa)
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Midnite on October 24, 2003, 05:02:58 PM: LOL, I got 1227. We know there's an even number of eps left, so murph's calculation (1225) could be the correct one. I may have MB's name right now but I don't claim his degree in math. ;) Anyway, I typed the dates on the calendar through the end of the year so if someone sees an error in the dates and corresponding ep numbers I'd appreciate it if they'd let me know.

But we won't know SciFi's December schedule until Nov. 1, so this is all tentative anyway because we can only follow ShadowGram's reported pre-emptions.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Gerard on October 24, 2003, 05:28:50 PM: Ya know, I'm beginning to feel like it's April 2, 1971 all over again.

Gerard
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Raineypark on October 24, 2003, 05:38:21 PM: Gerard.....please don't let it get you THAT down.

No matter what happens with televised runs of the show, it can't be as bad as it was that first time....if for no other reason than the existance of tapes and DVDs.

We thought we'd never see the show again back in '71.

Well, that's never, ever going to happen now.... :D

And so long as Midnite and MB have THIS little home-away-from-home up and running, we won't any of us be alone in our love of the show either! ;)
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Cassandra Blair on October 24, 2003, 08:28:48 PM: Hey y'all -

I know that in the greater scheme the cancellation by Sci-Fi isn't a big thing. And maybe part of this is that it's been a pretty crappy day for me in several ways. But I am just devastated by the news from Shadowgram! Feels like I've been punched in the gut.

Like you, murph, I started taping this run from episode one. While I don't have every single episode, I'm quite bitter that I won't at least have the last episode. Am not a huge fan of the upcoming 1841PT, but still wanted to tape enough of it to convey the main arc of that storyline. And yes, I know I can purchase the tapes from MPI, and that they'll eventually release the DVD's but...

While I most appreciate Sci-Fi for airing Dark Shadows for so long, and so many times, it just feels like the biggest slap in the face for them to just drop the show unceremoniously so near the end of the total run.

Would it have killed them to air those last 20 or so episodes? Really just feels like there's someone new at the network who doesn't give a crap about those of us who have been loyal viewers for lo these many years.

Guess I, too might have to stop watching Sci-Fi.

Sorry to sound like Big Baby Whiny Butt. But thanks for listening! Glad y'all are here to commiserate with. :'(
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Mark Rainey on October 24, 2003, 10:19:33 PM: I'm not at all surprised by SFC's decision to stop running DS; what's surprising is that it ran as long as it did, given their obvious ambivalence about it. I'm grateful that I was able to record the show and purchase the tapes so that I do have the complete run (minus a few episodes here and there). I don't think I've seen an episode of DS on SFC since it was in its second run. It doesn't come on at a time I can view it and on those rare occasions when I'm home on a weekday, I pretty much haven't remembered to turn on the TV. Those times I have remembered, the damn thing was cancelled that day anyhow, so it just hasn't been in the cards.

Regardless, just knowing that it was on a broadcast channel has been a kind of reassurance, a feeling that yes, it's still going after all this time. But I can plug in the tapes any time I feel like it. It's not like I'm going to be personally deprived in any way.

Still, it feels weird knowing that it won't be showing on a regular basis.

I'll confess that after DREAMS OF THE DARK, with the nightmarish logistics of having to coordinate business dealings with DCP and HarperCollins (neither of which seemed to communicate with each other), endless rewrites, compromises, and rude surprises, I suffered some burnout. After getting some of the spirit back, I wrote THE LABYRINTH OF SOULS, which was both a catharsis and a rejuvenating effort. But again, after that, having been so close to the subject for such a long time, I've put some distance between me and DS in general for a while.

Then the other day, out of the blue, I got a craving, and I pulled out the old Marilyn Ross novels, which I now own most of, and started reading.

Guess what I'm into now. Yep. The whole dang lot of 'em.

It's good to come back (even if it's not the "real" thing!), even as the show is winding down on SFC.

--Mark
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Miss_Winthrop on October 25, 2003, 02:14:45 AM: Well I for one feel like crap about this announcement! It made me upset when they moved it to 7am weekdays. How could they ever build an audience with garbage hours like that!!! They don't care about the fans and pre-empt DS at the drop of a hat so they can show a bunch of garbage marathons that don't mean anything. Right now I'm put out with the Sci-Fi Channel and believe me when it does come to renewal time my money is definitely not going there. Sci-Fi channel spends an awful lot of money on lousy productions that just don't cut it anyway so I certainly won't be missing much not tuning them in anyway. Perhaps there was an 'insider' DS fan working for them before who helped to keep it on the air and now that person is gone. Who knows!
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: wes on October 25, 2003, 05:32:32 AM: In hindsight, Sci-Fi never properly managed Dark Shadows. They still might keep runing it. This may just be another chapter in the Sci-Fi/Worldvision book. They have a different idea of how much the show is worth, you see.

Anyway, this Soapnet may want it to build themselves up a bit. They could get some die-hard subscribers. Better yet would be to get DS on MTV Networks.

MTV owns the Nick Networks. They could put it on Nick at Night and have a massive hit with it. They really know how to ad up a show. Their promotion/ad dept is unbelievable & a show like DS would be right up their alley.

They really could use DS in a time slot right after their prime time sit-com classics. That would be a wise move for them -- they could get the news or late night talk gabbers very easily. DS would be much bigger than it ever could hope to be on Sci-Fi (which may want to keep it just so someone else doesn't do it right!).
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Anubis on October 25, 2003, 06:04:00 AM: I'm just so bummed out about this. Even though I could get the DVDs there just seems to be something reassuring to me to have it on television. What bothers me most is that it seems that SciFi doesn't give a damn about us loyal fans as to not show the last twenty episodes. If it has to end at the end of the year I can't understand why they can't fit them in. Instead of all the marathons for every other show, how about a DS marathon for the last episodes.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Janet the Wicked on October 25, 2003, 08:43:48 AM: Quote from: wes on October 25, 2003, 05:32:32 AM
MTV owns the Nick Networks. They could put it on Nick at Night and have a massive hit with it. They really know how to ad up a show. Their promotion/ad dept is unbelievable & a show like DS would be right up their alley.

;) I disagree that Nick At Night would be a good place for DS. Their programming is sporadic. They would have DS all over the place.
SoapNet may be okay. I'm not very familiar with that station, although I did watch Falcon Crest from time to time. :P How about AMC?

Janet
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Aristia on October 25, 2003, 11:49:42 PM: It seems I heard a rumor recently about a new Horror cable network that may be starting soon. Perhaps they will pick it up. Or, what about TVLand?
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Patti Feinberg on October 26, 2003, 03:07:43 AM: Quote from: Cassandra Blair on October 24, 2003, 08:28:48 PM

Guess I, too might have to stop watching Sci-Fi.

GO CASSANDRA BLAIR!

Quote from: Cassandra Blair on October 24, 2003, 08:28:48 PM

Sorry to sound like Big Baby Whiny Butt. But thanks for listening! Glad y'all are here to commiserate with. :'(

You go ahead and VENT all you want; that's what we're here for!!

Patti
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Midnite on October 26, 2003, 04:44:54 AM: Quote from: Valerie Collins on October 24, 2003, 10:57:18 AM
This is my first time watching "Dark Shadows." I have been watching DS since the first episode that aired back on May 17, 2001, on the Sci Fi channel.

Welcome to Valerie Collins! It's great to meet n*e*w fans of the show and I hope you'll continue to visit and post. [hello]
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: HobbiesDS on October 27, 2003, 03:51:49 AM: :'(

I'm sorry to hear that Sci-Fi will stop showing DS at the end of the year, but I thought that was going to happen. I think they've played it back to back at least twice so it doesn't surprise me. I started taping from episode 1 when they started playing from the beginning this last time around and only missed a few eps. *I did have the foresight to tape the last storyline though (PT 1841) and I taped it because I was afraid SCi-Fi would stop playing the show after the 1840 storyline. Glad I was thinking ahead for a change.

I hate to admit this but after watching and taping faithfully for almost 3 years, I'm ready for a break. I'm going to dive into some of the Marilyn Ross books, I'm only missing one of those. Gee, it's hard to get a complete set of anything with DS.

But I do plan to keep watching DS via my tapes/DVDs. Only at a slower pace now.

Love the pumpkin smileys!

HobbiesDS
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Ben on October 27, 2003, 04:12:53 AM: Quote from: Bob_the_Bartender on October 24, 2003, 02:06:34 AM
Here's a brief list of the classic science fiction/horror television shows that the cerebral cretins (in their "infinite" wisdom) over there at the Sci-Fi Channel have pulled the plug on, over the years:

1. Lost In Space
2. Sightings
3. The Time Tunnel
4. Beauty And The Beast
5. Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea
6. Land Of The Giants
7. The Invaders
8. Star Trek (The original one ...)
Wow, BtB, that's right. Many of those shows, along with DS and "The Twilight Zone," were among the reasons Sci-Fi was once my favorite cable channel. When its programming became infiltrated by the likes of John Edward, perhaps the handwriting was on the wall.

I can identify with Mark Rainey and the others who felt a sense of comfort, just knowing that DS was somewhere on the air, even if they couldn't catch it all the time. I felt the same way about my old grammar school and high school -- it was as if a piece of your childhood still existed, untouched by time, and it felt good just knowing that you could return to it, if you ever wanted. It was so cool rediscovering "Land of the Giants," which I hadn't seen since I was in fourth grade.

My grammar school closed in 1978. Then my high school closed in 1999.

And now DS. But who knows what lies ahead?

Ben
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: jennifer on October 27, 2003, 04:39:08 AM: you are right Bob i never even watch the CH anymore because
i hate their shows and weird commercials ::)

when Georgie Porgie in NY finishes firing half his staff for the poor Fall Classic we just endured maybe he can work on the Sci fi folks!

jennifer
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: JWGucciEnvy on October 27, 2003, 05:59:00 AM: If any current cable network would pick it up it should be the soap network. That is what Dark Shadows is a soap opera. Alot of people are not Sci-Fi fans or Horror fans but love Dark Shadows or would get into Dark Shadows.

Soap Opera Network seems to promote their shows as well. When Dynasty came on last year, the network promote it big time. I was at this bar, and I acutally got a Dynasty muscle shirt, coasters, etc.

Soap Opera Network has also ran Ryan's Hope and now Shows Another World. Both canceld Daytime Soaps.

And from my understanding, they always looking to add new programs on their network to keep it freah. Dark Shadows would bring in a different kinda of viewer who might not have turn in before.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: wes on October 27, 2003, 05:59:49 AM: That John Edward mentioned above is such a scam. The ghosts on DS were much more realistic -- they didn't hang around TV studios "sending" letters to scam artists!

Sham on Sci-Fi for him. Like ghosts coyly send him a "J" so he can ask if the ghost has a J in its name. Guess ghosts like "Wheel of Fortune?"

Anyway, you can bet they edit that Edwards scam show much more than they edited DS!

My favorite Ross books are: The Curse of Collinwood and The Vampire Beauty... but I know there were others I liked as well.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Misty on October 28, 2003, 02:26:50 AM: :'(I'm devastated to read that DS will be ending----especially as it is ending incomplete. Thank heaven I'm getting the DVD's. I've tried to follow the airings of DS since the PBS days, and somehow the series managed to resurface even after some long delays. I'm keeping the faith that the same thing will transpire. If we keep up the pressure, I'm sure we will see it again -------somewhere.
Misty :-[
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Ben on October 28, 2003, 05:09:09 AM: Quote from: Misty on October 28, 2003, 02:26:50 AM
:'(I'm devastated to read that DS will be ending----especially as it is ending incomplete.
In some ways, I felt that the original ending aired on April 2, 1971 was itself incomplete. I always considered the end of the 1841 storyline to have more of a poignant, misty feeling that I usually associate with endings -- not unlike the emotional farewells between Dorothy and her new friends in Oz before she left to return to Kansas.

To continue the parallel, the 1841 ending was followed by the fleeting glimpse back into the present.

Ben
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Bob_the_Bartender on October 28, 2003, 05:26:46 AM: Quote from: Ben on October 28, 2003, 05:09:09 AM
In some ways, I felt that the original ending aired on April 2, 1971 was itself incomplete. I always considered the end of the 1841 storyline to have more of a poignant, misty feeling that I usually associate with endings -- not unlike the emotional farewells between Dorothy and her new friends in Oz before she left to return to Kansas.

To continue the parallel, the 1841 ending was followed by the fleeting glimpse back into the present.

Very well said. Man, the closer we get to Dec. 30, 2003, the more that it's going to seem like an Irish wake and a Jewish Kaddish. Oh, what a bummer.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: victoriawinters on October 28, 2003, 06:26:22 AM: I'm personally relieved by the decision. The Scare Tactics ads were terrible and ruined the show as well as making me swear to never have cable TV. (I'm sure I'm the only one in LA that doesn't!)

I say good ridence Sci-Fi! They treated the show horribly. Move over new opportunities. I believe it will pop up again at another channel. It seems to me that in one form or another the show has been in continuing syndication since at least 1975.

It may have a breather but it will be back. You can't kill a vampire that easily!
(http://home.pacbell.net/cbsbiz/Victoriaquill.gif)
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Cassandra Blair on October 28, 2003, 11:46:36 PM: Quote from: Patti on October 26, 2003, 03:07:43 AM
You go ahead and VENT all you want; that's what we're here for!!

Thanks Patti, it's nice to hear that! :-*
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Gerard on October 29, 2003, 12:29:24 PM: Quote from: victoriawinters on October 28, 2003, 06:26:22 AM
I'm personally relieved by the decision. The Scare Tactics ads were terrible and ruined the show as well as making me swear to never have cable TV. (I'm sure I'm the only one in LA that doesn't!)

I say good ridence Sci-Fi! They treated the show horribly. Move over new opportunities. I believe it will pop up again at another channel. It seems to me that in one form or another the show has been in continuing syndication since at least 1975.

Sci-Fi made such an appropriate hellabaloo about Dark Shadows when it began airing the series, pointing out the fact that this was the first show they bought for their forthcoming network. There were advertisements galore during the initial run. The channel broadcast the documentary Dark Shadows: Behind the Scenes. Even several years later, it still gave DS and the fans respect. Remember that short period, I believe it was in 1999 or maybe early 2000, when the network aired it twice - once during its usual time slot in the morning, and then again around 10:30 at night? The latter was only one episode of the Barnabas-arrives story, if my memory serves me correctly. The night-time airing lasted maybe a month or so. Now it wants to just shove DS out of the way with no fanfare or farewell.

I miss the "old" Sci-Fi, the one that broadcast classic TV programs and theatrical films. There were some very decent documentaries, and those delightful "shorts". Now we get schlocky "movies" that are nothing but released-straight-to-video stuff one finds on the shelves at Blockbusters, and programs with "psychic" hucksters and Beverly Hills 90210ish has-beens. And they think this will "appeal" more to the "youth market". I guess in the highly competitive world of TV programming, quality is no longer an issue.

Gerard
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: jennifer on October 29, 2003, 05:28:21 PM: they have gone down in trying to get the teens to watch
the movies they have had on lately!

jennifer
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Patti Feinberg on October 29, 2003, 09:42:35 PM: Quote from: jennifer on October 29, 2003, 05:28:21 PM
they have gone down in trying to get the teens to watch
the movies they have had on lately!

Since alot of you have teens, can I ask if it's been successful? Does anyone notice their teen watching anything on Sci-Fi? (I tried to get my 12-year old to watch a
black & white euhh old movie
[/i] and you'dve thought I made her eat buggers!

Patti
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Raineypark on October 29, 2003, 10:02:51 PM: Mine is 16....never watches ANYTHING on the Sci Fi channel....and loves old black and white films....especially the old horror movies because "they have more atmosphere". I tend to think it's because she grew up on them....even if she doesn't actually remember it, she's been watching old movies with me since she was a baby.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Luciaphile on October 30, 2003, 12:45:00 AM: I'm probably in the minority here, but I do watch SciFi's programming. My parents were huge Farscape devotees and we all watch the reruns of Babylon Five.

Some of their shows are interesting to me and they occasionally run those cheesy bad TV movies that I have an unfortunate addiction to.

My feelings about the DS cancellation are mixed. On the one hand, it's kind of a bummer, but I haven't been watching the show with any regularity in months and months.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Birdie on October 30, 2003, 01:06:21 AM: I can say neither my 12 year old or l4 year old ever watch Sci-fi. It would be the last place they would surf. I can also speak for the older half the 21 year old and 20 year old don't watch either. They think the shows on Sci-fi is the most lame of channels.

Gerard, I find most of the TV shows on the tube to be terrible lately. Hate, Hate, Hate, reality TV. I tend to watch a lot of TCM.

Birdie
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: JWGucciEnvy on October 30, 2003, 06:36:36 AM: The state of primetime tv, has been on a downward spiral for years now. Mainly because the networks dont give their show a chance,

Most of the hot shows of the last 4 years have all been on a cable network. HBO's, Showtime, FX, MTV, Comedy Central, etc.

Just imagine if a new version of Dark Shadows did come to the main networks, most likely it would be cancel within weeks.

Cable Television has come along way, and the Old Dark Shadows deserved a home, on a network that will support it and nuture it.

And who knows if it succeds on that network, maybe it would be interested in New Version OF DARK SHADOWS.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: jennifer on October 30, 2003, 04:44:31 PM: Quote from: Patti on October 29, 2003, 09:42:35 PM
Since alot of you have teens, can I ask if it's been successful? Does anyone notice their teen watching anything on Sci-Fi? (I tried to get my 12-year old to watch a
black & white euhh old movie
[/i] and you'dve thought I made her eat buggers!
i agree my 12 year woukd not watch it either!
soon they'll be begging for us to come back over there at SCI FI

jennifer
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on November 03, 2003, 01:28:48 PM: Quote from: Midnite on October 24, 2003, 05:02:58 PM
LOL, I got 1227. ... But we won't know SciFi's December schedule until Nov. 1, so this is all tentative anyway because we can only follow ShadowGram's reported pre-emptions.

I just checked Sci-Fi's schedulebot for December and you're right, Midnite - the last episode to run will be #1227. So, that will leave the last 18 episodes (#1228-#1245) unshown.
Title: Can this be true??
Post by: DSFAN4EVER on November 19, 2003, 07:36:44 PM: After months of speculation, ShadowGram reports that Sci-Fi Channel USA will not continue broadcasting Dark Shadows in 2004. Dan Curtis Productions comments:

"Sci-Fi is pursuing different and newer programming opportunities and will not be reconsidering its decision... Sci-Fi no longer schedules older shows. Dark Shadows has been fortunate to be a part of the network for as long as it has."

However, fans are assured that: "Discussions are underway to hopefully find a new TV home for Dark Shadows re-runs." Speaking to this site in August, Dan Curtis Productions representative Jim Pierson cited cable channel Soapnet as a possible alternative broadcaster for the show.

Sci-Fi broadcasts will continue on weekdays until the end of 2003, with pre-emptions planned on November 11, 27 and 28, along with December 25, 26. The last transmission will be on December 30, ending roughly a month before the show's final episode.
With thanks to ShadowGram
_______________________________________________
If this has been posted already I apologize.
Would Sci-Fi be that mean to pull DS with just one month of episodes left? ??? ??? ???
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Midnite on November 19, 2003, 08:00:30 PM: No need to apologize, DFAN4EVER.

As you can see by the previous post (MB's, on page 3), only 18 eps will be left unaired.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: picard on November 23, 2003, 06:30:12 PM: It is not that only dark shadows will be booted off the network, but the same goes for all the old shows on the network, like star trek, the outer limits and the twilight zone.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on November 23, 2003, 08:44:37 PM: Quote from: picard on November 23, 2003, 06:30:12 PM
the same goes for all the old shows on the network, like star trek, the outer limits and the twilight zone.

Interesting - I hadn't heard that.

I suppose it's out with the old and in with the new on Sci-Fi next year. But that's really not a surprise because they've been emphasizing their "new" and "origiinal" programming for sometime now...

And BTW, welcome to the forum, picard. :)
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Miss_Winthrop on November 25, 2003, 01:50:28 AM: They are also taking off Star Trek and Twilight Zone? Well that really does it for me. Sci-Fi can kiss my _ before I'll watch their stupid channel again! It's kind of hard to put an angry face here from the Smiley's collection since they are all practically grinning (and even the one named 'angry' seems mild)! Do we not provide an emoticon for an occasional outburst and rant on this board? Of course, I have my 200th post today which in itself is cause for a grinning Smiley emoticon!;D
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: MsCriseyde on November 25, 2003, 02:13:20 AM: Quote from: Miss_Winthrop on November 25, 2003, 01:50:28 AM
They are also taking off Star Trek and Twilight Zone? Well that really does it for me. Sci-Fi can kiss my _ before I'll watch their stupid channel again!

Umm. Don't quote me on this, but, unless it's a very bizarre coincidence, I think David Selby's new film project, Larva, may be for Sci-Fi Channel. The press releases that they have circulated about next season's original movies list a film with this title. Perhaps it's not the same one . . .

BTW . . . There is an emoticon to suit your purposes:

[a144]
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on November 25, 2003, 02:18:42 AM: Quote from: Miss_Winthrop on November 25, 2003, 01:50:28 AM
Do we not provide an emoticon for an occasional outburst and rant on this board?

Sure. Here are quite a few:

[angryf] [angrg] [kaiokn] [pissd] [eviltongue] [furious3]
[frkoff] [5323] [madan] [82b5] [5363] [furious]

Click on "Get More" under the original 18 smileys...
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Midnite on November 25, 2003, 02:58:10 AM: Quote from: Miss_Winthrop on November 25, 2003, 01:50:28 AM
Do we not provide an emoticon for an occasional outburst and rant on this board?

And even better, just surround your text with this
Code: [Select]
[rant]text[/rant]
and the posted rant will look like this--

[rant]text[/rant]
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: picard on November 25, 2003, 03:38:34 AM: i am not really sure if the twilight zone will be on or not in 2004 past the usual new years marathon, probably as an unrespectable time filler and i am pretty sure that star trek showings will be rarer than they have become in my area at airing at nightime at 2 in the morning and 2 times in sunday morning, i am a star trek fan too. i tell you once they do take star trek off the sci-fi channel i probably not watch that channel anymore because that and dark shadows and ramdom showings of star trek movies and godzilla movies have become my only reason to watch that channel.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Midnite on December 01, 2003, 05:43:57 PM: Quote from: picard on November 23, 2003, 06:30:12 PM
It is not that only dark shadows will be booted off the network, but the same goes for all the old shows on the network, like star trek, the outer limits and the twilight zone.

Well, the January schedule has been posted, and those 3 shows will air quite a bit in January. I'm not much of a SciFi viewer so I'm no expert on the subject, but it looks like the same ol' SF fare to me except that Earth: Final Conflict is in DS' timeslot.
Title: Re:DS run on SciFi to end Dec. 30
Post by: Valerie Collins on December 09, 2003, 03:54:59 AM: Quote from: Midnite on October 26, 2003, 04:44:54 AM
Quote from: Valerie Collins on October 24, 2003, 10:57:18 AM
This is my first time watching "Dark Shadows." I have been watching DS since the first episode that aired back on May 17, 2001, on the Sci Fi channel.

Welcome to Valerie Collins! It's great to meet n*e*w fans of the show and I hope you'll continue to visit and post. [hello]

Thank you Midnite! :)