How Could Chuck Be On the Chopping Block?

chuck Tonight I am watching what very well could be the last episode of Chuck. Really, I am not surprised. You see I love this show, so of course it is in danger of being cancelled.

In a world where I cannot stomach the majority of the shows on television, I am happy to find a show I actually like. I’m looking for well written, well acted and somewhat quirky shows. Some seasons, I am just out of luck. Other seasons I find something that works. Last season I found Chuck. I was disappointed when I lost half a season due to the writer’s strike. However, it just made me more look forward to the new season.

The new season came, and while there were a few missteps I still loved it. My Mondays were made better by my weekly installment of Chuck, Sarah and Casey. I giggled every time Chuck was told to stay in the car, and even though I’m not a fan of the sappy relationship stuff, I was hoping that Chuck and Sarah ended up together. Yes, there were episodes that I think could have been better done, but still it was always worth watching. Now, there are rumors that this may be the last season for my beloved show.

Again, I shouldn’t be surprised that it is on the chopping block. Pretty much every show I like usually meets an early end. “Blood Ties” met its end after twenty-two episodes. “Twitch City,” maybe made it two. “Kindred, the Embraced,” “The American Embassy,” “Veronica Mars,” just start my list of favorite shows that died before their time. I loved these shows, and sadly they never saw their true potential.

I get the media is a business. If the show doesn’t find an audience, it does not make money. If it doesn’t make money, it isn’t a good business choice. However, many shows end up dying young because they are in bad time slots, aren’t promoted well and pre-empted for various reasons. It is just a shame that good shows fade away so quickly. I know Chuck is on opposite House. I know that is a huge disadvantage. Could Chuck do better in a different time slot? Possibly. I honestly don’t know, but I do know many people record and watch the show online. Those do not translate into ratings. Again, without the ratings the advertising isn’t there.

I could give a whole speech on how viewing audiences do not appreciate good programming. I have written papers about the dumbing down of the average TV viewers and why Reality TV is evil. I could place the blame easily. Instead, I just will hope that the Execs at NBC will give us at least one more season.