Same Shows Every Night: Should the Networks Try It?

What would happen if network prime-time line-ups were more consistent? Consistent as in the same prime time programs every night?

Before you decry that thought as one that would result in fewer options for your prime time viewing, consider these three facts.

1. Univision (a U.S. Spanish-language network) has been wildly successful with this formula

2. Some of the most popular shows on television air nightly

3. You don’t watch everything that’s available to you anyway

Slate reports that one of the secrets to Univision’s success has been its consistent formula of airing the same three telenovelas (basically prime-time Spanish soaps) back-to-back-to-back every night of the week. The result: Univision beat every English language network in the United States with adults 18-49 during one-week in September, numbers any media outlet would die for.

There's also a much simpler reason for Univision's success: they were able to recognize a need and take action.

Why should this be unique to Univision? Some of the most popular English language television programming outside of major network prime time (i.e. early or late-prime or cable / satellite) airs consistently every night. Think NBC’s Today Show in the morning, or Leno & Letterman on late-night. Outside of the networks Jon Stewart & Bill O’Reilly pull in great numbers every evening, as does SportsCenter on ESPN. For sitcoms, look no further than syndicated Simpsons or Seinfeld on select stations every night. You don’t even have to go national for an example; just take a look at the evening local news.

You may claim to want variety, but chances are likely that you know what you like and seek to watch more of it consistently. It’s reflected in the ratings on Univision, it’s reflected outside of prime-time on almost every channel, and it’s reflected every time you stream complete seasons of your favorite television show on Netflix.

Is the idea of consistent prime-time programming crazy? Of course it is. Networks have been struggling to maintain their prime-time audience for years, however, and you can’t argue with the success of consistency nearly everywhere else you turn. If the networks want to save prime-time, perhaps a simplified, more consistent line-up is the key.

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