TV Shows on DVD: Marketing Genius

While I love my DVR, I think another trend I like is the influx of television shows available on DVD. Before the "DVD Revolution", television shows weren't too common on VHS. You'd get the British cult classics (Monty Python, the Avengers) and various episodes of an American series, but generally not an entire season or series. But now, every week, a new (or old) series is popping up on DVD. I figure there are three reasons why I like the trend. First, it's a chance to relive your favorite shows without having to dig through television schedules wondering if there's even a channel carrying your show. I recently purchased the fourth season of "News Radio", and have been enjoying the brilliance of the show. Granted, season three is my personal favorite, but you get the point. Comfort in knowing that I can watch my favorite show without commercials and if I'm lucky, with cast commentary or bonus extras. Second, it's a chance to catch a show you may have missed the first time. "Freaks & Geeks" and "Family Guy" are two examples in my collection. "Freaks & Geeks" was a show that I had heard of, but never got around to watching it's one season on the air. A joy to watch because it's a time frame I can relate to and yet I wish I could say I had supported it when it was on television. With "Family Guy", I didn't start to watch the program until after its cancellation and release on DVD. And, as it turns out, I wasn't the only one, as the DVDs sold like wildfire, bringing the show back. Finally, and this is the marketing genius, is that if you miss a season of a current program, you can catch up and hop aboard for the current season. I think HBO really took advantage of the situation and the networks are using the strategy. Simply release a season on DVD just before the next season begins. Particularly effective if the show has a continuing plot line. My wife and I are currently hooked on "Deadwood," although we just started season two. But that's where the DVR is handy, as it's recording season three. However, not all my favorites have made it to the DVD format yet. "WKRP in Cincinnati" may never make it because of music rights. But "Freaks & Geeks" cleared that hurdle, so there's hope. After all, if Screetch is available for home viewing, then shouldn't Les Nessman. And if you'd like more information on what's coming out on DVD, check out the site TV Shows on DVD. The link is on the right.