Absentia discussion: Why Lifetime, USA could also be possibilities
Why two networks at once? The biggest reason here is that, in the case for USA, many of the same reasons why they should pick up the show are similar to the reasons why TNT should consider it, as well.
Why USA? – Much of this starts with their model of picking up strong character-based stories that run the gamut from intense to intriguing. No longer is USA the blue-sky network where their series are cheery and walk the line between comedies and dramas; they are much more about the dramatic fare these days, and Absentia would work perfectly on a network that already has shows like Shooter, Queen of the South, Suits, and Mr. Robot.
One of the most appealing things about it to the network could be how it has pretty universal appeal across genders and across fans of various genres. There is definitely something here for viewers who love Castle and other crime shows of that ilk; yet, there’s also something for fans who love their shows a little more serialized where there is a cohesive arc from start to finish during a season.
One other interesting thing to keep in mind — USA is owned by NBCUniversal, who in turn has a good relationship with Absentia’s studio Sony. Many shows on NBC, whether it be The Blacklist or Blindspot, hail from that studio.
Why Lifetime? – This is in some ways more of an out-of-left-field choice; yet, there is some groundwork here given that it’s a network in need of more scripted programming after the cancellation of Devious Maids last summer and with UnREAL not airing season 3 until 2018. Also, Lifetime did air Katic’s recent movie Sister Cities last year, so they are familiar with her talents as a performer and with telling stories of significance.
Lifetime is all about highlighting strong female performers, so why not want to put the focus on a character like Emily Byrne? This would be a different show than any other that they have on the network, and that could be useful if they’re interested in branching out to new demographics. The more you think about it, the more this longshot pick makes sense in a landscape that shouldn’t be trying to play things safe.
Do you think that USA or Lifetime would make a great fit for Absentia? Share in the comments below right now! (Photo: Sony.)
Jim45
June 23, 2017 @ 11:23 am
Generally I never thought that the way a show was edited was all that significant. There are many ways to tell a story. One editing approach is simply one way of telling a story. Some are not much better than others. In many cases it boils down to taste. Now the however. However, given the fan reactions and other comments to the screening of the first episode of Absentia, I get the feeling that at least that episode is edited the way it needs to be. This raises a problem – the episode is too long for a broadcast or cable network to run profitably under a normal showing process. This leads me to think that at least a few of the remaining 9 episodes may be similar – not realistically editable for normal broadcasting business standards.
This is not the end all and be all for a network to make a decision to show a production or not, but it does require upper management to consider the differences and make an unusual commitment to the production. This is a much slower process than any network would normally undertake, because the end result will be less profitable than if Absentia was cut to 42 – 45 minute episodes.
Maybe someone is well along in this process, but the way Absentia is edited certainly limits the options for distribution. It’s going to take more effort to sell this show or they’ll have to re-cut it so that the broadcast or cable networks can make a normal profit under normal airing procedures.
In any case the current edit of Absentia has limited it’s viewing options (streaming video) and has made it more difficult to sell. Someone ignored a big element of the business end of the business.