

Dear [Insert Network Here]:

I am writing in disappointment in the decline in science-fiction shows on your network.

There are many loyal fans out there that specifically watch sci-fi genre shows for various reasons. As I cannot speak for everyone, I can say that my own personal reasons include ingenuity of storylines, cool special effects, and a great way to escape my everyday normal life.

However, it has come to my attention that there are choices that you as the network are making that are having an adverse effect on viewership.

Choice 1: The Single Season

It takes more than just a few chapters in a book to hook a reader. The same can be said of television shows, and more specifically, sci-fi shows. Because sci-fi shows must establish the rules in that particular universe, it takes slightly longer to initially get the storylines started.

One season may be just enough of a teaser to build interest, but that interest goes nowhere, if the show gets cancelled. Give shows a chance beyond one season to establish themselves.

Choice 2: The Split Season

Using the book metaphor, you wouldn’t put a book down halfway through and expect to have that same connection picking it up again several months later. Why is there such a propensity to split seasons in half?

Once momentum is built, let it keep going. Why stop it completely and expect that momentum to resume at the same peak at a later time?

The split season is a major reason why audience numbers fall because you’re having to build an audience again. Why not keep the audience you had to begin with?

Choice 3: The Ratings Game

With the growth of online social networking and the proclivity to use technology, it is about time that you start considering that the main audience of sci-fi shows use many different methods to watch them. There needs to be a better way to calculate and use the number of shows that viewers DVR.

Just because the shows are watched at a different time other than live does not mean they aren’t being watched.

The Internet and other technology being used are your friends in increasing viewership. Find a way to count them into your decisions.

It should not take a rumor of cancellation and a last-minute show of viral support for you to see that shows have fans. The fans are there.

Please update way that they are found. Give the sci-fi shows a chance to show you how good they really are.

Keep stocking the shows with excellent writers, outstanding actors and dedicated crewmembers, and we’ll keep watching them.

Sincerely,

An Avid Sci-Fi Viewer