New seasons not as compelling?

[classicX]

Recently I've noticed myself not being as interesting in the outcome of shows that I once couldn't wait to watch. Namely The 4400 and Kyle XY, among others.

Does this signify higher standards on my part, or lower quality on the part of the series' creators?

Does anyone else feel the same way about any shows? Which ones?

[dcheesi]

I feel the same way. I started to watch the new 4400, only to stop maybe 20 minutes in. And half the reason I started was just to appease my friends who want to discuss the episode. And I let the whole season of Lost build up on the TiVo, only to blow it away to make room for other stuff (I can always netflix the DVDs when they come out).

I wonder if the brave new world of staggered and split seasons (especially on cable) is interfering here? It used to be that all the network shows ended at once, so you had a certain number of cliffhangers that you waited all summer for the resolution of. But now, you finish a season of one show (with cliffhanger), and immediately jump into another show coming back from a season break. Getting involved in the current show dilutes your memory and interest for the old show, and by the time the old show comes back around it feels like old news...

[jimborst]

I really think it may be the lower quality. The two I really could care if I watch any more are The 4400 and The Dead Zone. Except for the first seasonof the 4400, I thought that show was just bad (or when Lilly died). As for the Dead Zone the first episode this year just had too many changes in the story.

But I am still looking forward to Psych and Eureka in a couple weeks.

[classicX]

But I am still looking forward to Psych and Eureka in a couple weeks.

+1

I don't know why, but I find both shows to be hilarious. Is there going to be a new season of Monk?

[doom1701]

I think it has a lot to do with series quality. We don't have much interest in watching the 4400 anymore (haven't seen any of the new eps). I fear that BSG will be similar once that starts back up. But my wife watched the new episode of The Closer almost immediately.

[jimborst]

+1

I don't know why, but I find both shows to be hilarious. Is there going to be a new season of Monk?

I don't watch but I thought it either has started or is going to start soon.

[classicX]

I don't watch but I thought it either has started or is going to start soon.

MONK SEASON SIX BEGINS FRIDAY JULY 13 9/8C

From the official site. :-)

[bicker]

I think personal preferences vary over time, and that is what affect what we consider compelling or not. I remember saying pretty-much the same thing as you a number of years ago, when I lost interest in television programs I was watching, yet here we are a number of years later, and I feel this is almost a "Golden Age" in that regard. It is mostly a matter of personal perspective. The trick, if you really want to be entertained, is to train yourself to appreciate things more reliably.

[MickeS]

I was pretty excited when I saw that "The 4400" was back on the air, but once I started watching, I realized that I really didn't care much anymore.

I think in the case of this show, the vastly superior and similarly themed "Heroes" set the bar too high...

[pkscout]

My issue with things like 4400 and Dead Zone is that they are on four about 3 months and then off the air for nine months. It's so long between seasons I forget basically everything and have to relearn the story line and get to care about the characters and story again. Just about the time I've done that it's over again.

In addition, I am hesitant to get really attached to any show anymore, as the networks just cancel stuff at will and give nobody any time to tie up story lines. It's easier to just not care about any TV show so that when it gets canceled I'm not so bummed. There is nothing worse then getting into a show, having it finish the season with a cliff hanger, and then have it canceled.

[Uncle Briggs]

I am just the opposite. I think both Kyle XY and The 4400 have bee excellent this year. :)

[Hopeless]

Does anyone else feel the same way about any shows? Which ones?

I feel that way about "Rescue Me" a little. It hasn't been bad, but not quite up to previous seasons so far. I remember laughing out loud at most of the episodes last year, and it just isn't happening so far this year.

[Johncv]

Recently I've noticed myself not being as interesting in the outcome of shows that I once couldn't wait to watch. Namely The 4400 and Kyle XY, among others.

Does this signify higher standards on my part, or lower quality on the part of the series' creators?

Does anyone else feel the same way about any shows? Which ones?

The coming writer strike is already having an effect, shows that should have been shown earlier (4400, Dead Zone) were held back. Next season shows are already being "rush" into production before the October deadline. As I understand it, new shows will not show up until late spring or early summer. Expect to see a lot of reality shows, talk, news, doc, and reruns. This is going to be another long strike, the writers are demanding revenues from downloads (iTunes). Then in 09 the actors will demand the same thing.

[Martha]

Well, I'm glad it's not just me. My husband actually joked that maybe we had both succombed to some sort of adult-onset ADD. :)

[FilmCritic3000]

I'd like to add Desperate Housewives to the list. Season Two circled the drain, went down into the sewers, and jumped a whole series of sharks. Even me being a diehard Firefly/Serenity fan won't get me to watch next season, when Nathan Fillion joins the cast.

[Tangent]

I definitely agree about Kyle XY. I'm still watching it, but it's slid several positions down my season pass manager and if it doesn't improve might even get deleted. Honestly the only reason I'm still watching right now is because there isn't much else on at the moment...

[MegaHertz67]

I don't watch 4400 or Kyle XY, but I have been loving The Closer. Also looking forward to more Monk.

That is some good TV.