Watching Supernatural

The LA Times recently published an article following the inception and current state of financial affairs over at the CW. Among other things, the author seems content to point to the WGA strike as a major factor for the lack of advertising money that the CW is now suffering from.

While I’m sure the WGA strike is taking its toll on the CW, I applaud the author for also pointing out that the CW mismanaged their advertising.

“”Their shows are very good,” said Shari Anne Brill, programming director for ad-buying firm Carat. “It almost seems like people don’t know that they are there.” Source

Yes, they are very good. Gossip Girl is looking to become the next O.C. Aliens in America is a quirky and fun portrayal of life in suburban America. Smallville is a proven fan-favorite. America’s Next Top Model is certainly holding strong as the number one rated show on the CW.

But where the hell is Supernatural in that list?

In the words of Paul McGwire, The CW’s network communications executive:

“The CW is very supportive of Supernatural and continues to be. The show continues to deliver strong episodes viewers like yourself have embraced.”Source

If that’s so, why hasn’t there been more promotion of Supernatural? I distinctly remember seeing large posters for Reaper and Gossip Girl on train platforms, but I’ve yet to see one for Supernatural.

For a show that consistently yields ratings of about 3 million viewers, and even picked up some excellent ratings this week with “Malleus Maleficarum,” the treatment the show has been getting from the advertising department has been absolutely deplorable.

Yes, Supernatural is a genre show that isn’t aimed at simpering fun like Gossip Girl, quirky comedy like Aliens in America, or even tomfoolery like Reaper. It’s serious, it’s dark, and it’s frighteningly real.

I suggest you advertising folks pay attention to the possible runaway hit you have in your hands. If you don’t, you’ll get rid of it, and then you’ll kick yourself very hard for losing the only show that actually had a hope of standing up against Grey’s and Lost.

Even if you aren’t a part of a Nielsen family, and even if you are a fan of Lost, PLEASE consider watching Supernatural as it airs tonight instead of Lost. Lost will always be a ratings master, but this is one of few chances we have left to show our support for Supernatural.

Supernatural airs tonight on the CW at 9 ET/8 CT.

TAGS: supernatural, the cw