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Quality is a moving target for networks

June 1, 2011 at 7:49PM

Q In a recent "Good Wife" article, star Julianna Margulies mentions how unusual it is to have such a high-quality show on a network channel instead of on cable. Why is that? Do network channels deliberately aim for lowbrow-sitcom-type entertainment? Or does cable pay more and get better-quality production teams? Wouldn't all channels be trying for the best quality possible?

A It really depends on the network. Some broadcast channels go for lowest-common-denominator programming that's pretty paint-by-number and not at all intellectually challenging (such as many shows on CBS that are not "The Good Wife"). Then again, the same can be said for the shows on cable's USA Network.

On the other hand, AMC and FX have decided to go for quality almost exclusively, trying to become the basic-cable equivalent of an HBO or Showtime. Different networks choose different strategies and brand themselves differently.

Smart programs suffer Q Why are shows that make you think always the ones to go first? Have we become that stupid as a nation? Would actors take a salary cut to save a network from cutting a show?

A Plenty of intelligent shows exist on cable networks ("Mad Men," "Boardwalk Empire," "The Killing," "Breaking Bad"), and there's still plenty of smart TV on the broadcast networks, too ("Parks and Recreation," "30 Rock," "The Office," "Community," "Modern Family"). Yes, some smart shows get canceled (e.g. "The Chicago Code"), but so do less-intelligent series ("Outlaw").

As for asking actors to take a pay cut rather than cancel a show, most of the time the pay cuts would not be enough to make a difference.

Shows come and go Q Will "Harry's Law" be renewed? Will NBC renew "Law & Order: LA"? What happened to that Fox show that Mark Wahlberg hosted, "Moment of Truth"?

A NBC renewed "Harry's Law" last month but canceled "Law & Order: Los Angeles." "Moment of Truth" was canceled a while ago.

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Q I really like the show "Bob's Burgers." Will Fox stay with it?

A It was renewed a few weeks ago. New episodes will air in 2012.

It came from 'Bones' Q Was the episode of "Bones" that aired April 21 a back-door pilot? It was a weird episode with little of the principals.

A Yes, it was the back-door pilot for a proposed series called "The Finder," which Fox will air next season.

Rooney gets a rest Q We haven't seen Andy Rooney on "60 Minutes." We were wondering if he was ill or had retired from the show.

A According to a show publicist, Rooney's segments have been cut when other reports run long.

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ROB OWEN, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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