Sunday, July 10, 2011

Could anime find a place in prime time on the major networks?

In past articles, we've talked about your methods of viewing anime content.  You can buy DVDs and Blu-ray collections, stream content to your TV, watch online and a bunch of other methods.  Obviously anime isn't as readily available for viewing in the states as it is in Japan, but we do have plenty of options.  We work with what we can do, but wouldn't it be nice if anime were a bit more accepted on TV?

I'd absolutely love to see what would happen if a major network in the states decided to air anime in a major primetime slot.  We know that's how some anime features are in Japan, so why couldn't it work here?  You have to build an audience to begin with, so that means one of the networks would have to be brave and put it into their lineup.  Obviously primetime is a sought-after slot on any major network, so I don't know that they'd be willing to do that.

The funny thing is, animation in general was in that position many, many years ago.  Networks didn't show animation in prime time at all.  It took one show to come along and change that, and it was The Simpsons.  While the show right now isn't what it used to be, back in the day it was a huge deal.  It took the success of The Simpsons to show networks that animation could definitely succeed.

Now...what network would be willing to take that risk in today's day and age?  Again, it's going to some brave network to take it on, and it's going to take a major show with big appeal.  Is there an anime out there that could do that?  What network do you think would take it on, and what show would you pick?

6 comments:

  1. I know Syfy used to show anime, but now they don't for some reason. They are really the only one I can think of that would do it again.

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  2. Ignore the networks, go with an Anime-dedicated channel that's easy to access and doesn't play favorites. Much like making Toonami its own channel.

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  3. Wasn't The Flintstones around long before The Simpsons?

    Anyway, I guess it depends on what you mean by "major" networks. If you're talking ABC, FOX, etc. then I don't see any of those doing it.

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  4. @Chrashpro3

    Yeah there's a FUNimation Channel, but it's not available for every tv provider.

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  5. there's also anime network on demand on direct tv but i don't who else carriers it

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  6. i think it has to do with the nature of recent popular anime. It's quite fan-servicey, has lots of loli, and is usually violent. No one could pick this stuff up in the states.

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