Seinfeld would ‘not have made series two’ today claims AOL’s video boss
The head of internet giant AOL’s video output has accused linear TV networks of “strangling the creative process” claiming a show like Seinfeld would not have made it to a second series today.
McCormack (left) and Spurlock during the SXSW session
In an interview with film maker Morgan Spurlock of Super Size Me fame, Dermot McCormack, president AOL video and studios, said creating content for online providers meant he was “no longer a slave to Nielsen (ratings)” to monetise content as he had “many different windows” to push a show out through.
“These days Seinfeld wouldn’t have made it to season two, the creative process is suffering,” he said. “We have different ways of monetising – we can cut it into two minute bits, or 90 minutes- we can let it find an audience.”
I must say I have much preferred and enjoyed Mr. McCormack’s body of work over Jerry Seinfeld’s.
Grape any one?
Sienfeld famously almost didn’t make it to a secound series. The public gave it a luke warm reception. Reason was it’s character based. You need time to get to know the characters. And then you’re hooked.
Dermot McCormack – dumbest comment ever! “These days Seinfeld wouldn’t have made it to season two”… Looking for a headline are we?
It’s actually the opposite right now – thanks to networks/brands like Netflix, HBO, AMC, BBC etc the content available to consumers across multiple platforms has never been better and richer. Shows no longer need to establish all characters, plot lines etc in the first couple of episodes – just look at the top shows True Detective, Game of Thrones, Fargo, Suits, House of Cards, Breaking bad…and so on, and so on!
Have a look at Dermot’s content on AOL’s homepage – he’s in no position to talk about Seinfeld not making season two!