Blog #4: The TV Shows that are Keeping Network Television Alive

Cable seems to be a dying business nowadays with streaming services dominating there is no need to pay for cable on top of the probably half a dozen streaming services most of us have. Not to mention the con of having to sit through commercials. Many shows are available to watch the next day of their streaming counterparts. But nothing quite adds up to the experience of watching a show live while it airs for the first time. So, don't cancel your cable yet because there still plenty of shows that keep network television exciting in 2023. 

9-1-1 and 9-1-1 Lonestar

First up is 9-1-1 and its spinoff 9-1-1 lone star. Both follow a group of firefighters and the outlandish calls they take that can at times be life threating. Of course, no workplace centered drama would be complete without drama. Both are certainly worth your time but I'm personally partial to 9-1-1 Lone star. 9-1-1 stars Angela Bassett and Lonestar stars Rob Lowe. 9-1-1 is on Monday night at 7 pm MST and 9-1-1 Lone star is on the follow night at the same time on Fox. 

The Amercian remake of the U.K. show with the same name is a great standalone show that sets itself apart from the original. This show follows a group of ghosts with vastly different backgrounds and personalities who share the same misfortune of dying at Woodstone manner over the centuries. When Sam inherits the house from a distant relative, she and her husband Jay move in when she has a near death experience and gains the ability to see the ghosts. You can catch this lighthearted sitcom Thursday nights on CBS. 

 

Now before you start rolling your eyes at this one, please just hear me out for a moment. Many believe this long running medical drama is way past its prime but they're wrong. Much has changed about Greys over the years but it's still worth the weekly watch. The newest season includes a new group of interns and Ellen Pomeo (aka Meridth Grey) taking a step back providing a new generation they time and storylines they need to shine. The new group of interns signals a return to the classic dynamic that the first few seasons are centered around. Season 19 feels new and nostalgic at the same time. New episodes air Thursday on ABC. 

Station 19 is another spinoff that holds its own. Station 19 centers around a group of Seatle firefighters that work closely with the doctors at Grey Solon (the fictional hospital in Greys Anatomy). These members of the Seattle's bravest are a tight knit group but they are not without their fair share of personal drama. Station 19 airs directly before Grey Anatomy. 

I saved the absolute best for last. This show proves network tv is not dead. It follows a group of teachers in an underfunded school in Philadelphia in an "the office" style type "mockumentary". This show highlights the challenging as well as hilarious moments in teaching. It has a dynamic cast and there is not a single random pairing of characters you could make that would not have unique and delightful chemistry. Clear your 8pm MST on Wednesdays to watch this game changer on ABC.