Top Television Networks Continue to Lose Ground to Creative Cable TV

There is a trend happening in television today that I find quite fascinating. Cable television is quickly becoming the place to look for quality TV. Slowly but surely they are replacing old standards like ABC, CBS, and NBC and going head to head with Fox and CW. It begs the question: With all of the money that the big networks have and all of the talent those dollars can supposedly buy, why are the little guys gaining so much ground?

Except for an occasional exception, I find myself drawn to virtually any other channel but the big three. TNT's "The Closer," "Heartland," and "Amazing Grace" are arguably some of the best shows on television today. I'll also admit to an addiction to Bravo's "Top Chef," "Project Runway," and the new "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style." And, while I don't get HBO or Showtime, even I've read enough to know that their programs are kicking some serious booty.

Although I'm not a fan of their sexual explicitness, I certainly recognize the quality of FX's "Dirt," "Rescue Me," and "Nip/Tuck," not to mention their other popular shows "The Shield," "The Riches," and "Damages." I think these also prove an important point. Big name stars and serious talent aren't always lured by promises of ridiculously absurd salaries. The good ones are far more interested in good, solid roles that make wonderful television.

While the Sci-Fi Channel manages to have as many misses as it does hits - - like the recently ill conceived remake of Flash Gordon - - even they have their share of quality shows. "Doctor Who," while not a favorite of mine, has a strong cult following. The Stargate series consisting of the recently retired "SG-1" and "Stargate Atlantis" also have huge followings as does "Battlestar Gallactica." And fans of "Farscape" have managed to get the channel to revisit the show via a series of movies.

TV Families are Watching Networks Other Than ABC, CBS, and NBC.

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