Why the sudden change? ABC claims that the daytime viewing audience is no longer interested in soap operas and wants a different kind of programming. In the press release announcing the cancellation of the soaps, then-president of ABC Daytime Brian Frons had this to say about the decision: "We are taking this bold step to expand our business because viewers are looking for different types of programming these days. They are telling us there is room for informative, authentic, and fun shows that are relatable, offer a wide variety of opinions, and focuses on 'real life' takeaways."
To this end, ABC decided to replace their soaps with two lifestyle programs; The Chew and The Revolution. The Chew is a show that focuses on food, while The Revolution is a type of make-over show, discussing how to eat, dress, and live right.
Now, I may be mistaken, but these shows seem EXACTLY like any other program on the Food Network, the Style Channel, TLC, etc. There are countless cable channels devoted to the same material of these programs. Why exactly are these shows so interesting, new, fun? Why do people want to watch these over soap operas, when they could watch a number of versions of these shows on a variety of channels?
Besides the unoriginality of these programs, I do not see the mass market appeal. Television historically is for escape and entertainment. I do not know many people who want to be scolded about how they are living their lives wrong. And, if the television viewer really wanted to better themselves, they would turn the television off and go outside, getting some exercise and enjoying the fresh air. How these new shows will drastically improve the quality of lives and makes millions tune in, I do not understand.
Of these two new programs, The Revolution is struggling the most to gain a footing. This might stem from the fact that it is trying to do too much, causing it not to have one clear niche, angle or goal. It is a show about changing what you wear, what you eat, increasing exercise, and bettering oneself inside and out. That's a lot to do in one hour.
Here is one of the commercials for ABC's The Revolution.
Clearly, quite a lot is going on. I do not know what exactly this show is trying to accomplish. Is it a makeover show? Is it a talk show? Wouldn't this get old day in and day out, five days a week, every week?
ABC's decision to air this program along with The Chew was not well received. After the announcement, outraged fans flocked to the internet and started Twitter and Facebook accounts in the name of saving their beloved soaps. These sites are still active, and you can check one out here:
ABC really underestimated the power of the soap fan base. Although the soaps were not saved from cancellation, upset viewers have taken matters into their own hands/ Since the soaps have gone off the air, many viewers have stopped watching ABC Daytime, refuse to watch these new shows, and some have even boycotted the network all together.
It seems that these soap fans are having the last laugh. ABC looks to have egg on their face for their claims that viewers preferred these programs to the ABC soaps. The Revolution is performing very poorly in the ratings thus far, and has failed to live up to the ratings that One Life to Live generated in the same time slot. The breakdown of just how poorly The Revolution has performed in its infancy can be found here:
Was it a mistake to cancel the soaps and air The Revolution? It is too soon to say and only time will tell. However, I can guarantee that ABC's new shows will not generate the recognition and brand that All My Children and One Life to Live established.
To my point, when I mentioned the names All My Children and One Life to Live at the beginning of this post, I am sure that you instantly knew what I was talking about, even if you had never seen an episode. If you were familiar with them, you may have even started humming one of these catchy theme songs:
In contrast, when I mentioned The Revolution or The Chew, you probably did not know what I was talking about, prompting an explanation of what the program is (unless you are one of the handful of people who have actually bothered to tune in to the show. And if you did, you probably tuned right out shortly after).
Even if these shows are cost-effective and stay on the air for years, they will not be the recognizable sensation that was and still is All My Children and One Life to Live.
In this day and age, there are only a select number of available viewers for daytime television. There are less and less stay-at-home moms, therefore less people to watch the programs, regardless of what they are. However, people invested and made time to watch these programs, even if they had to record them and watch them at night. I am pretty sure this kind of commitment won't be made for these new shows.
ABC should have respected what the audience actually wants, or been honest and said that they were making a purely business decision. Either way, ABC will have to lie in the bed they have made, which at the moment does not look very comfortable.
ABC sure is "revolutionizing" their daytime line-up. However, this "revolution" seems to be for the worse, rather than the better. If they intended for low ratings and critic's distaste, then they have succeeded. But creating a new successful daytime arena? Not so sure that's happened.
I think the daytime landscape was just fine as it was. I'd much prefer a daytime soap opera over these programs any day. But, sadly, ABC didn't consult this viewer before making this decision.
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