• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, November 14, 2007

Cable networks' new programming may give those channels a chance for more market share in the wake of the writers' strike. But in reality it may just add to an already existing TV glut. Many cable networks have reality shows  -- or scripted shows that may not depend union writers. Discovery, TLC, Bravo, A&E, and the like, have many reality shows now looking to make hay. Add to this some scripted shows ready to hit the air. TNT, for example, will air new episodes of "The Closer" and  "Saving Grace."

All this seems good for cable because in December, especially, broadcasters primetime schedules' are chock full of reruns. Broadcasters also have lots of reality shows ready to go in these somewhat down viewing periods.

The bigger issue is supply and demand equation that is out of whack. With so much good TV on the air - especially hour-long dramas -- one theory has been viewers were already too busy to see a "Friday Night Lights" on NBC, or a "Bones" on Fox, or a "Ghost Whisperer" on CBS. Now they can look at rerun programming as if it is first run programming.

Perhaps there was too much TV to begin with. No wonder why the networks aren't too concerned about the strike -- at least in the short term.