Grey’s Anatomy Brings ER Back to Top
Apparently, top runner hospital drama, ER, might have ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy to thank for its recent rising viewership. I never really followed ER religiously, but I did watch some seasons of it, and I think I lost interest somewhere because it got - in my opinion - stupid. Now I hear that it’s gotten better this season, so that might account for the fact that more people are watching it.
But this article brings to light a network “draft” effect where a show in one network makes people want to watch a similar show on another network.
In this case, Grey’s Anatomy airing at 9pm makes people want to watch ER at 10pm. Does that happen to you? Do you move on to ER after finishing Grey’s?
Curiously, “Grey’s Anatomy” is probably the key reason that “ER” is back on top. “ER’s” current show-runner and executive producer, David Zabel, says: “I didn’t anticipate this. I was afraid that what the audience would feel is that if they saw one (hospital) show at 9, then they might not want to see another one at 10. I’m happy to say I was wrong.”
What’s happening is called “drafting” an audience from one show to another. If a program (”Grey’s Anatomy”) on one network is a huge hit, then another following on a competing network gets viewers in its “draft.” “ER” appears to be as much a beneficiary as the ABC show that should be getting the assist, “Six Degrees,” which follows “Grey’s” at 10.
Interesting. I would’ve expected the same thing as David Zabel: people not wanting to get over-loaded on hospital drama. But at the same time, it makes perfect sense. If you love a certain kind of show, why not aim for a double dose?
Does Grey’s make you want to watch ER?
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