Could it be that reality TV is over-hyped? While the future of franchise dramas, such as "CSI" and "Law & Order," has seemed dim lately, things may be changing. TV experts think such dramas
are networks' best hope for keeping viewers loyal amid multiplying entertainment options.
"A franchise lends familiarity in a crowded TV landscape," says Brad Adgate, senior
executive at Horizon Media. "It's like doing a sequel to a movie."
This year's season of the original "Law & Order" actually had more viewers than last year's, even though the
audience may be aging and viewers for its related series are slipping. "The "Law & Order" franchise gives us a great 10 p.m. time period performance and important lead-ins to late local news," says
a media exec.
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