Also Quote by Warren Littlefield
“At the end of Season 1 of 'Cheers', it was the lowest rated show in all of network television... So we turn to 'Bill Cosby'; when he came to Thursday night, he just exploded. And once the audience was there, we said, 'Hey, by the way, we also have this other great show. It's called 'Cheers'.'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: TV executive discussion, 1990s, unknown program
A low-rated show can become successful when paired with a strong lead-in audience
In simple terms: Strategic scheduling boosts viewership
Key Takeaway
Leverage strong leads to lift weaker shows
Themes
television
programming
audience dynamics
Mood
analytical
strategic
Type
business
media
When to use this quote
- prime time slots
- advertising campaigns
- cross-promotion
Key Concepts
ratings strategy
lead-in effect
network synergy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a show retain viewers after the lead-in ends?
- What other tactics complement scheduling?
A Different Perspective
Relying on a lead-in may not sustain long-term interest; content quality still matters
