The Math of Hit TV Shows - WSJ.com




The WSJ article may be subscription only. But, it appears to be free for now.


How TV Executives Make Hit Shows | The Atlanta Post | African-American News, Business News & Black Politics




gives the first few paragraphs, and the link works in the article to read without subscription.

Very interesting article discussing how shows are made and shows coming up next fall.

All kinds of things can turn a promising idea into a flop. Casting may not click. A story line that made for a compelling pilot can't hold an audience's interest for 22 episodes a season, a fate that befell ABC's "FlashForward." Overly acquiescing to focus groups can lead to a bland finished product, producers say. Last season didn't lead to a single breakout success.