Back to Basic

Video: TBS/Team Coco - Cold open to the first show illustrates a futile job search pre-TBS deal, including major star cameos.

Young viewers welcomed Conan O'Brien's Monday basic cable debut in numbers which made for winning ratings... But long term impacts for his new network (TBS), or on Jay Leno, David Letterman & especially Comedy Central's Jon Stewart & Stephen Colbert will take weeks to emerge. Check back when Coco's not a novelty anymore.


Video: TBS/Team Coco - Apparently even the graphics for "masturbating bear" don't translate well for Taiwan's panda fans.

What's clear already is that TBS, whose overall slogan is "very funny," has staked its future and fortune on the resurrected redheaded staple of NBC late night... And in doing that, they're not alone.

Other cable or satellite channels bundled within the "basic" tier of service have also been able to attract major talents to awards-caliber projects they've made marquee attractions, including:

1. AMC's Mad Men,
2. FX’s Sons of Anarchy,
3. Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva,
4. TNT’s Men of a Certain Age and
5. USA’s Royal Pains.

These shows typically cost much less to produce than hour-long network dramatic fare. They appeal to niche audiences and have given many well-known actors a chance to showcase their talents.

The Wall Street Journal's Amy Chozick reported on the phenomenon.

Cable Competes with the Big Boys Audio Embed: BBC, PRI & WBUR's Here & Now 11/09/10, Host: Robin Young.