• The New York Times, Friday, August 10, 2007 11:45 AM

Cable television, long a favorite of summer audiences bored by broadcast networks that seem to be on vacation, have come into their own. A pack of channels have scored big wins thus far, with original shows like "The Closer" and "Saving Grace" on TNT; "Army Wives" on Lifetime; Damages" on FX; and "Mad Men" on AMC. All have been both critically acclaimed and popular with viewers -- and all are on basic cable rather than premium channels.

"We're at the tipping point," says Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment. "It's our belief that we and the other basic cable networks can begin matching the broadcast networks series for series. It's only a matter of time before we have as many big hits as they do."

Still, a "hit" on basic is measured differently, as "The Closer" drew 8.8 million viewers, but big network hits can double or triple that number. And broadcasters have had a weak run this year as cost-cutting has led to a plethora of reality series, none of which has broken out. Still, the basic cable channels are getting noticed. Steve McPherson, president of ABC Entertainment, says that given the numbers cable dramas are pulling, he is ready to consider more scripted shows in the summer.

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