Why Saturday Night Programming on American TV Networks Has Declined

Television has given up on Saturday nights, which is a shame. This shift in programming has occurred over the years due to changes in viewership patterns and the economics of television networks. Let's delve deeper into why this has happened and explore the history of Saturday night programming.

The Golden Era of Saturday Nights in the 1970s

In the 1970s, before the advent of VCRs and time-shifting devices, Saturday nights were notably vibrant programming slots. CBS, one of the major American broadcast networks, had a lineup that included beloved series like All in the Family, MASH, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show, and The Carol Burnett Show. These shows were not only popular but also generated significant ratings, especially before the advent of rerun seasons.

Meanwhile, ABC was commanding attention with series like The Love Boat and Fantasy Island. Viewers deliberately stayed home to catch these shows, and the networks enjoyed remarkable success. The allure of prime-time television during the 1970s was undeniably strong.

Modern Challenges and Economics

However, it's important to understand why Saturday nights no longer see the same kind of prime-time programming. The viewing habits have changed significantly. During any typical week, the fewest viewers are watching television during "prime time" slots, which typically run from 8 PM to 11 PM. Consequently, networks have had to adapt their strategies to meet the changing viewer preferences.

The use of reruns has been a staple in the United States since the early 1960s when we were children. Reruns are cost-effective for networks, as they do not require the extensive resources needed to produce new content. This is particularly true for Saturday nights, where fewer viewers are likely to be watching. Producing new content costs a lot of money, and television networks aim to make a profit by maximizing their revenue.

Attempts to Revive Saturday Night Programming

Despite the decline, the networks have never completely given up on Saturday nights. Over the past 25 years, each network has attempted to reintroduce new programming to these slots. However, most of these shows were cancelled quickly, often due to the time slot or the summer season.

FOX: Though not a pioneer in Saturday night programming, FOX has made attempts, such as airing Red Band Society, Rake, Cops, Q’Viva, The Choosen, America’s Most Wanted.
NBC: NBC aired shows like Transplant, American Ninja Warrior, Smash, Do No Harm, Escape Routes, The Firm, Persons Unknown, Kidnapped, LAX, The Tracy Morgan Show, Hunter, Just Shoot Me.
ABC: ABC introduced shows such as The Alec Baldwin Show, In An Instant, Boston EMS, Sing Your Face Off, Bet on Your Baby, The Assets, Rookie Blue, Zero Hour, 666 Park Avenue, How to be a Gentleman, Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone, Masters of Science Fiction, Little House of the Prairie miniseries.
CBS: CBS has a rich history of Saturday night programming, including shows like Love Island, Manhunt, Ransom, Million Dollar Mile, Training Day, Doubt, Angel from Hell, Rush Hour, The Millers, The McCarthys, Bad Teacher, Made in Jersey, NYC 22, Three Rivers, The Bridge, The Will, Wickedly Perfect, Big Brother, Hack, The District, Touched By An Angel, The Agency, That’s Life, Kate Brasher, and 48 Hours.
Interestingly, 48 Hours continues to air on Saturdays today, showcasing the enduring appeal of prime-time programming.

Conclusion

While Saturday nights have seen a decline in prime-time programming, it's clear that these networks have not abandoned the idea altogether. The shift towards reruns is a practical economic decision, reflecting the changing viewer habits and the costs associated with producing new content. However, the potential for renewed success on Saturday nights remains, as proven by the enduring popularity of shows like 48 Hours.