Why Hasn't Lynda Carter's 'Partners in Crime' TV Show Been Released on DVD?

The DVD release of television series has been a long-standing tradition, offering fans the opportunity to own and rewatch cherished episodes. However, with the evolution of digital streaming, many iconic shows are now available online rather than on physical media. This raises a question: why hasn't 'Partners in Crime,' featuring actress Lynda Carter, been released on DVD?

Current Status of TV DVD Releases

The landscape of television distribution has significantly changed over the past couple of decades. Major studios have largely abandoned the 'TV on DVD' category, focusing on more profitable formats such as Blu-ray and online streaming services. Nevertheless, some boutique studios still offer this service for niche or beloved shows. However, several prerequisites must be met for a series to be eligible for DVD release.

Prerequisites for DVD Release

To be eligible for DVD release, a TV series must meet several criteria:

Material Availability: A studio must have access to master tapes or original film elements of the episodes. These materials are crucial for the physical production of the DVD set.

Music Clearances: Permission must be obtained from copyright holders for the release of music used in the series. This involves securing legal agreements to ensure there are no copyright infringements.

These steps are time-consuming and costly, making it difficult for many shows to meet all the requirements and secure release on DVD.

The Fate of 'Partners in Crime'

'Partners in Crime' faced a unique challenge. Released nearly 30 years ago, it was a short-lived series that did not even reach a full season. The series, starring the iconic Lynda Carter, has been in the limelight due to her remarkable career, but its impact was limited in the long run.

At this late date, the likelihood of a DVD release for 'Partners in Crime' is slim. Many factors contribute to this decision:

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Creating a DVD set for such a niche series is often considered too expensive compared to the potential revenue it might generate.

Fan Base: Not every show has a large enough fan base to justify the investment in creating and distributing a DVD set. 'Partners in Crime' may not have a significant enough following to make a DVD release economically viable.

The majority of unreleased shows tend to fall into this category, where the cost of production and distribution outweighs the potential market demand.

Alternative Distribution Channels

Instead of DVD, many short-lived or niche series find their way into the streaming world. Crackle and Tubi are popular platforms where these series can be discovered and enjoyed. This shift signifies a broader trend in media production and distribution, where physical media is being replaced by digital platforms.

Conclusion

The release of TV shows on DVD is a complex process, involving various factors such as the availability of original materials, legal clearances, and market demand. Given 'Partners in Crime' was a brief series with limited popularity, a physical DVD release is unlikely. Instead, fans of the show may find it available on online streaming services, providing a more accessible and convenient way to revisit this piece of television history.