This time of year there are a lot of TV fans left feeling marginalized by the networks because their favorite obsession has been canned.  Why, even look at our own post about the cancellation of Fox’s 24, which took about all of an hour to have someone leave a comment directing you to their Facebook petition to save the show.  TV viewers are galvanized now more than ever in their belief that these show belong to them.

Guess what?  They don’t.  They belong to the networks and no matter how many forms of social media you try and manipulate, it is time to get over this national obsession with trying to “save” a television program. 24 had 8 seasons, it doesn’t need saving.  Cancellations are a fact of life in television.

Myth #1: There’s more shows being cancelled today than ever before.

Well, in a way, yes, but only because there are so many more channels and the need for content is so much greater.  You need to adjust for inflation.  Just like how Avatar has the biggest gross ever, but when adjusted is really sitting outside the Top 10, the last decade has seen over 500 shows canceled (for an average of 51 annually), but nearly 800 green lit.  Since the 1980s, close to 900 shows have gotten the network hatchet, averaging 29.8 cancellations per year.  Cancellations are on the rise, but only relatively.

Myth #2:  It’s all about the ratings.

Ratings are huge, but only in relation to how they affect advertising revenue.  If a show performs well enough to keep its advertisers, and the rate of return is acceptable, the show will stay on the air.  Networks want every show to be Friends, but they know the reality is most will be like The New Adventures of Old Christine; a solid performer that can keep the money wheel going.  Ratings can get a show in trouble, but numerous factors contribute to their demise.

Myth #3: Networks don’t care about quality television.

Every channel wants the kind of show that generates Emmy buzz year in and year out.  Statues equal revenue, and revenue is king.  But there are only so many accolades to go around and therefore networks build their lineups like a well rounded menu.  You can’t serve filet mignon in your burgers, it is too expensive, so you need the ground chuck as well.  The best shows are usually really expensive to produce, so you can only have so many on the menu at any given time.  Advertising dollars are capped in relation to the economy, with not nearly enough for seven nights of The Sopranos.  Dollhouse was strong enough to warrant being on Fox’s Friday night lineup, but it was also extremely expensive to produce so the returns didn’t add up and it had to go.  TV is big business, never forget that.

Myth #4: They cancel shows too early.

Every show begins the race at a different starting block.  Some hit the air with little more than the promise of a pilot.  Others maybe got a six episode order based on the strength of the scripts, or the showrunner has a good track record, or they feel they owe the star a favor cause they featured in another hit for the network.  Deals are reached every day to get a program to your living room, and therefore different standards and different expectations are applied.  Sitcoms are cheaper and therefore stay around longer than say a show that gambles more of a networks time and resources like The Forgotten.  It’s a schedule of snowflakes people, each one different, and most destined to melt.

Myth #5: They only cancel the good shows.

Does anyone miss Stella?  Didn’t think so.  With over 50 TV productions saying goodbye annually, only a handful show the kind of promise of a good five or six season run.  Most cancellations won’t even attract media attention outside of The Hollywood Reporter.  Very few shows actually get to choose when they go off the tube, so in fact, even long running shows with a giant fanbase and success are technically canceled.

Myth #6: Every show deserves a campaign to save it.

When Trekkies saved Star Trek back in the 60s, it was a rare cultural moment where truly like minded individuals with no means of mass communication rose up and let their voices be heard.

 It was democracy in action.  Today, all you’ve got to do is make a couple of clicks and suddenly a pickle has more fans than Nickleback.  Deservedly so I might add, but bringing something back isn’t always a good idea.  Jericho would’ve been just fine leaving you guessing as to the outcome of the battle beginning at the end of season one.  No amount of canned nuts could save the lackluster return of the fan campaigned second season.  I’d rather have the two great seasons of Sports Night, then have seen it fade out over three or four.  Appreciate what you have and find a new show to enjoy.

Myth #7: It is a big deal when a show is canceled.

Nope, it means nothing.  Sure, I’ve been disappointed to see some great shows get the axe in seasons one or two, but even with the best of these, say Firefly, I’ve never looked back and thought how my life would be so much better if I had a couple dozen more hours of Jayne shooting guns.  Factor in comic books or big screen adaptions, and many shows don’t die, they just move on.  We love our favorite programs, but all things considered, there are plenty of great options on at any given time and your longing for Ugly Betty will fade.

We all love TV, but losing a beloved show is part of the deal.  There’s no nefarious smoke filled room trying to ruin your life, just a cycle of pilot and finale.  As we get more and more news of cancellations this year, don’t dwell, rejoice!  More new favorites are on their way!