The 2009 Programming Issue: Best + Next

I hear it regularly at social events of all kinds, big parties, small get-togethers, in casual conversations with friends and relatives. It would be nice to say I hear it mostly from a particular demographic and at a specific time of the year. In fact, I hear it from people of all ages, sexes and throughout the year: "There’s nothing to watch on television."

In a nation where 98.2% of households house at least one television set and TV viewing is higher than ever, this is a curious statement. It’s akin to what Yogi Berra apparently said about a popular restaurant: "Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded."

The variety of shows highlighted in this edition of CableFAX: The Magazine is vast. From Andrew Zimmern eating live bugs on Travel Channel to History’s excellent, narration-free pastiche of a documentary about 9/11 to dramas like AMC’s Mad Men. There’s plenty to see on TV.

My guess is that people who say there’s nothing on TV are bored with themselves. This seeps into their television-viewing habits. They likely are restricting themselves to a dozen channels, as studies indicate. The advice to them is obvious: Sample a channel or a show you’ve rarely visited. As the finalists on the pages of this edition demonstrate, you’re likely to be surprised.

Then there is the question of cable’s quality. A quick example will suffice. Every six months, the nation’s TV critics, reporters and TV bloggers gather in a Hollywood hotel for TCA, a preview of shows on cable and broadcast. As one who stays only for the days when cable is presenting, I am pelted with envy upon departure. "I wish I were leaving, too," or "You’ve stayed for the best part," are the popular refrains of TV scribes who will sit for another week enduring broadcast networks’ presentations.

It would be nice to say I hear this mostly from a particular demo of critic, but it’s not true. I hear it from critics of all ages and sexes.

You’ll notice a new element in our Program Awards issue. In addition to the Awards and our Programming Hall of Fame, we’ve added a Fall Program Guide. Another innovation is the recognition of Top Operators honorees during the Program Awards luncheon in New York on September 16.

See digital edition of Programming issue

CableFAX: The Magazine’s Guide to New Cable Programming: Fall 2009
CableFAX: The Magazine’s 2009 Programming Hall of Fame

2009 Cable Program Awards

Best Cable Program

• Mad Men, AMC

The 2009 Programming Issue: Best + Next

2009 Cable Program Awards

Best Cable Program

Best Show/Drama

Best Actress in Cable

Best Actor in Cable

Best New Cable Program

Best Director

Best Producer

Best Opening Sequence

Best Writer

Best Show Online-Only/Mobile-Only

Best Online/Mobile Extras for a Linear Show

Best Show Documentary

Best Actor/Comedy

Best Video on Demand

Best Host Educational/Instructional

Best Host/Food

Best Host/Animals

Best Host/News

Best Host/Other

Best Host/Regional

Best Host/Talk Show

Best Show or Series/Animal/Nature

Best Show or Series/Children

Best Show or Series/Animated

Best Show or Series/Comedy

Best Show or Series/Educational/Instructional

Best Show or Series/Food

Best Show or Series/Music

Best Show or Series/Other

Best Show or Series/News

Best Show or Series/Public Affairs

Best Show or Series/Reality/Game Show

Best Show or Series/Regional

Best Show or Series/Religious

Best Show or Series/Sci Fi

Best Show or Series/Sports

Best Show or Series/Talk Show