If you are a regular reader of this blog (big ups to you), then you will recall the post where I listed all of the books I had bought from Dollar Tree. I haven't read through all of them yet, but I have read enough to start a semi-regular feature on the blog: Dollar Store Book Review.
I am providing this service so that you, faithful reader, can decide for yourself if that dollar burning a hole in your wallet or purse is best put to use with a good read rather than, say, a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger from Wendy's. Mmm...Wendy's.
(Wait a sec, if you read these books, you won't read the blog as often! Meh...)
This week, we tackle a more recent Dollar Tree purchase: Desperate Networks by Bill Carter, entertainment reporter for The New York Times. It was written in 2006.
Carter essentially recaps the last decade or so of television history, focusing on the life cycles of such shows as Survivor, Desperate Housewives, Lost, American Idol, CSI, and more. He goes into excruciating detail about how each of these shows were rejected by other networks before finally landing at the current homes. Imagine watching Survivor on ABC or Desperate Housewives on NBC. According to Carter's inside info, both those scenarios almost happened.
Like any good TV show, err...book, there is an element of tragedy. In this case, it is the staggering fall of NBC from first place to last over the course of one season. The blame seems to be heaped upon the network for putting too much of their efforts (and money) into extending Friends rather than developing new, quality comedies. The book ends as two then-brand new comedies seek to bring NBC to relevancy: My Name is Earl and The Office.
For someone like me who has experience in the TV industry, it was a captivating read. If you are a TV junkie (and can withstand some colorful language), then you will enjoy Desperate Networks.
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