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Family Court - “Raising the Bar”
April 14, 2008
In 1957 DIVORCE COURT created a new syndicated genre becoming the first courtroom based television program. In 1981 PEOPLE’S COURT rejuvenated the format and initiated a new era of Judge shows.
Now, in 2008 FAMILY COURT redefines the Court genre by exposing the reality of everyday families dealing with mental and physical abuse, adultery, desertion, racism, alcohol and drug abuse, war trauma, cancer, grief, pornography, gambling and the many other issues that disrupt family life and affect millions of Americans each and every day.
Taking on family issues isn’t new for court shows. We’ve been tracking all of the court cases on other programs and have discovered a high percentage of those cases deal with family issues. This tells me that these are the kinds of issues that really resonate with people as viewers can identify with them based on their personal experiences. Bringing resolution to complex family issues brings confidence and hope to viewers who deal with similar problems at home.
- Plus, court shows simply work on television
- Court dominates syndication more than any other genre
- Top Court out-delivers top Talk
- Court has a high launch/success ratio
- Court has a preferable audience profile for Local Sales
- Court attracts an impressive list of National Advertisers
So, why does court work so well? Much like the procedural dramas that have had long term success in primetime, court shows in syndication have enjoyed long runs based on a proven formula with powerful components:
- The have a Strong Central Character
- The have Conflict – Between the Judge and the Litigants and between Litigants themselves
- They bring Resolution to complex issues
- The are produced in a recognizable and familiar format that is easy for viewers to sample and watch habitually.
In a marketplace full of Court shows that focus on commonplace disputes, the dynamic Judge Penny is bringing substance to daytime while staying true to a proven formula for success. In short, we’re “Raising the Bar.”
Ritch Colbert
Posted by Sponsored Content: Family Court on April 14, 2008 | Comments (0)
