CaneBrain
Friday, September 9th, 2005, 10:22 AM
QUOTE (Hextall27)
True poker enthusiasts would love a televised cash game, but the casual fan would never tune in (so the shows wouldn't generate any advertising revenue.)
Tournaments televise well because there is a clear-cut winner, which helps push the "poker is a sport" angle. To the casual viewer, a cash game would be the equivalent of watching two guys playing tennis but not keeping score.
Unfortunately, tv execs have to program toward the middle of the bell curve (how else do you explain Full House and Perfect Strangers).
Wow you insulted full house AND perfect strangers in one post. Are you sure you dont want to throw any other TV shows from my childhood under the bus?? Punky Brewster is available....
However, in seriousness, I disagree with what you say.....to an extent. Most of what you say about getting ratings from casual fans for a televised cash game is true.
BUT. If who wants to be a millionaire proved anything it is that people will tune in to see tremendous amounts of cash being won (and lost).
If they ever televised, say, the corporation against Andy Beal....or a short handed 4K-8K game (must be short handed to work in my opinion.....I think there would be enough money on the table to garner interest....especially if they are playing at Beal's stakes.
I am sure those ideas are fraught with difficulties but that is my two cents anyway.