Most TV discussion is about the new episode of a show, but in reality, most TV is comprised of re-runs. Personally, I love it when a network picks up the rights to air the re-runs of a show that has recently ended or maybe even a long-running favorite. A prime example of this, is Spike TV’s acquisition of the rights to C.S.I. a couple of years ago. While the show is still airing new episodes on CBS (and was recently announced as the most watched show in the world), I can turn on Spike mid-afternoon and find a mini-marathon of old episodes.
Another show that seems to have very popular, and primetime airing slots, is Seinfeld, which has obviously been off the air for sometime. I think it’s a true testament to a show’s integrity when it’s re-runs garner primetime viewership. I also find it interesting when an immensly popular show flops in re-runs. Some shows are just not structured for interspersed viewing. A good example of this, at least for me, is Heroes. Whenever I watch a rerun, it takes me a while to remember what part of the story is being told and I end up playing mental catch-up the whole episode instead of enjoying it. I foresee Lost having the same problem if/when it’s reruns start airing.
Spike airs re-runs of C.S.I. almost daily.
A complaint that I have regarding C.S.I. on Spike, is that they tend to show the same 20 episodes in their primetime slots. I was around at an earlier hour recently and turned the marathon on for a couple of hours and the episodes they aired were from the first and second season. I watch the mini-marathon almost every night and I hadn’t seen those episodes in years. It would make sense for them to air the episodes in order (even though over-arching plots are not big with C.S.I.), but they seem to just air it haphazardly. Lifetime does a nice job with airing Grey’s Anatomy re-runs in order, and really, they have to since, linear plot lines are so important.
I am very attached to certain re-runs, and would be very upset if they stopped airing. I like re-watching old episodes of shows. Sometimes because I like remembering earlier plots in a current show, or maybe I’m watching a whole show for the first time. Either way, you can’t deny that without re-runs TV would be very boring.
What’s your favorite show to watch re-run of?
One Response to Reliable Re-Runs