G4 cancels G4TV.com and Filter

[Matt Young 0]

This is a couple days old, but I forgot to post it when I originally read it:

 

http://www.joystiq.com/entry/1234000337072282/

 

G4 cancels two shows, revamps a third

Posted Dec 13, 2005, 4:05 AM ET by Christopher Grant

Related entries: Culture

 

 

 

According to the site’s blog, G4’s Filter has been cancelled: “Filter has been cancelled by the powers that be, and I just wanted to let you fans know how much I’ve enjoyed working on this show.”

 

Tina Wood posted on her blog that G4TV.com has also been cancelled: “After four years, one hundred sixty one episodes and countless host put-downs g4tv.com will be filming its very last episode this Friday.”

 

Gamers love to hate G4 and the failure of these shows should come as little surprise to anyone who’s ever seen the channel before. It is disconcerting then that Icons, one of the better shows on the channel — with the exception of X-Play — is purportedly going to be undergoing changes as well. Here’s to hoping they intend on improving on the show, and not turning it into another The Man Show or Street Fury.

 

I know a lot of people didn't like G4, but I thought G4TV.com was good (and Tina Wood is hot) and Filter was pretty good (Diane Mizota- nice AND hot ) so this sucks. At least we'll still have X-Play and Judgment Day.

Edited December 15, 2005 by Matt Young

[The Man in Blak 0]

Tina Wood's easy on the eyes, but both of these shows were really, really bad, especially Filter with its constant product placement and its cringe-worthy script. G4TV.com actually had moments where it was somewhat watchable, but the format was terrible and Tina Foy dragged the show into the depths.

 

The real bad news is that, instead of trying to kickstart new video game shows, I'm sure we'll just get more air time for Man Show reruns. Wheeeeee.

[Golgo 13 0]

I don't get it. But I guess this goes along with their attempts to make G4 more of a teens/20s men's channel as opposed to strictly video games, although it depends on what they fill the time with. In either case, the only reason to really watch G4TV.com or Filter was to leer at Diane and Tina (who's nothing special, but whatever), so it goes against the philosophy.

 

Judgment Day blows. Both Tommy and Victor are morons, Tommy especially. Sadly it's still one of the only worthwhile things to watch on the channel, if only because their utter stupidity is entertaining.

 

About the only thing I actively watch anymore is Anime Unleashed, with Cinematech, AotS and X-Play (ever since they introduced the distracting, awkward camera cut during host segments) as occasional background noise. I couldn't care less if I miss either these days.

[devo 0]

Even though it shows that G4 is straying further and further away from the network's original programming, I really don't mind these cancellations at all. Neither show was particularly entertaining and both could be downright annoying at times. So long as they leave X-Play (and to a lesser extent, AotS and Cinematech) alone, I don't really care what happens with G4.

 

I would love to see Judgement Day cancelled. Tommy Tallarico is one of the most infuriating people on television, and that's saying a LOT.

[Black Lushus 0]

why, exactly, IS the man show on this channel anyway?

[Dobbs 3K 0]

They're trying to move away from being all about video games, and more to a Spike TV like "channel for men", at least that's how it seems.

[Guest Leelee]

Good.

 

And if you're watching a video game channel to leer at semi-attractive women, you suck.

[Matt Young 0]

I watch it for the gaming content, but the women are a nice bonus.

[Robert 0]

Thank you god, just don't fuck up the stuff I like and I'll be fine. Maybe get rid of Sarah Lane just based on pure annoyance and I'll be fine. Training camp isn't that bad either, and if you want an ex-show that would kinda fit in, get the rights of Mystery Science Theater.

[Rendclaw 0]

The writing on the wall for this channel was displayed when they fucked with a perfectly good show and got rid of Leo Laporte back during the merger days.

 

G4TV.com was a terrible show from the first time I watched it. Both chicks are annoying as hell.

 

Lets face it. Morgan Webb has been carrying that channel for a long time now. If she isn't already, once she gets married, its over for X-Play too. Half the geeks out there think they have a shot with her, and that keeps them tuning in.

 

And I am in total agreement on the Tallarico hate. The problem is that he basically runs Judgement Day. Its his production company that cranks them out.

 

And Leena, jealousy is just unbecoming.

[Scroby 0]

I liked G4tv.com just because their focus was on video games. They weren't running pointless skits or stray away to other topics, their discussions were mainly on videogames, so thats why I did like the show. Out of X-play and Judgement Day, I like judgement day better. Their more stright forward in saying a game sucks than X-play is, but Tommy just does suck at rating games. The other guy is a whole lot better at rating games and is a lot more realistic. Filter......I don't think its going to be all that missed. G4 should get Arena going again. I enjoyed that show when they had the first hosts. The ones that would just sit behind a desk and make random comments about the game, not the later two where it seemed like a jock and a nerd were hosting a show.

[2GOLD 0]

Thank you god, just don't fuck up the stuff I like and I'll be fine. Maybe get rid of Sarah Lane just based on pure annoyance and I'll be fine. Training camp isn't that bad either, and if you want an ex-show that would kinda fit in, get the rights of Mystery Science Theater.

 

That would be awesome, but impossible. All I watch are Cinematech and X-Play and occasionally Judgement Day. But I can take or leave JD.

 

These two shows, I just could never get into. Especially Filter.

[Skywarp! 0]

The entire problem is that a channel about video games will always sound better on paper than it could ever be in practice. Eventually you'll be stretching to come up with programming content, and there's only so much stock footage of people bumbling around the first levels of games that I can look at.

[ChrisMWaters 0]

The entire problem is that a channel about video games will always sound better on paper than it could ever be in practice. Eventually you'll be stretching to come up with programming content, and there's only so much stock footage of people bumbling around the first levels of games that I can look at.

 

They could always put the old game cartoons on the channel.

 

You know...Pac-Man, The Super Mario Bros. Super Show, Captain N, the Saturday Morning Sonic cartoon...strike a deal with 4Kids to get Sonic X shown maybe (that would draw the younger audience maybe)...I'm sure there's more not coming to me.

 

Oh, and they could bring back Portal and the Starcade reruns.

[BUTT 0]

Man if they started showing Video Power I'd watch every day.

 

But, that's not what this channel is about. Video games are "cool" now, and G4 is going to help promote the new digital lifestyle, I guess.

[KanadianKrusty 0]

Good, Filter's gone, now let's get rid of the unwatchable mess that is Attack of the Show.

[haws bah gawd 0]

Fuck you G4! You already cancelled Unscrewed, and now you've gotten rid of Filter. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a "Top-10 Themed" show. The only brightside to this is that "Tech Reporter" John Walsh won't have to grate my last nerve anymore. May as well go ahead and cancel Attack of the Show, since all the hosts ever do is mumble in such a low voice you cant hear what the fuck they're saying.

 

I actually find a handful of humor in watching X-Play, so I hope to god that it doesnt get cancelled anytime soon. The jingle that the show staff sang about the people that post on their message boards was one of the funniest things I've ever heard.

[Scroby 0]

Good, Filter's gone, now let's get rid of the unwatchable mess that is Attack of the Show.

 

AfuckingMan

[AndrewTS 0]

Does Leo Laporte still have a show on G4 somewhere? I miss him. He was bar-none the most fun guy to watch on the channel.

[HollywoodSpikeJenkins 0]

Lets face it. Morgan Webb has been carrying that channel for a long time now. If she isn't already, once she gets married, its over for X-Play too. Half the geeks out there think they have a shot with her, and that keeps them tuning in.

 

You mean I don't have a shot?

[The Man in Blak 0]

Does Leo Laporte still have a show on G4 somewhere? I miss him. He was bar-none the most fun guy to watch on the channel.

He's on the Call For Help show that runs in the morning. Not exactly The Screen Savers, Part Deux.

[Guest Leelee]

And Leena, jealousy is just unbecoming.

 

I can't be jealous, because I have no idea who they are.

 

But, if they're like how I picture them... Morgan Webb wanna-bes. Then, I have nothing to be worried about.

[Golgo 13 0]

Fuck you G4! You already cancelled Unscrewed, and now you've gotten rid of Filter. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a "Top-10 Themed" show. The only brightside to this is that "Tech Reporter" John Walsh won't have to grate my last nerve anymore. May as well go ahead and cancel Attack of the Show, since all the hosts ever do is mumble in such a low voice you cant hear what the fuck they're saying.

 

I actually find a handful of humor in watching X-Play, so I hope to god that it doesnt get cancelled anytime soon. The jingle that the show staff sang about the people that post on their message boards was one of the funniest things I've ever heard.

 

Overreaction.

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

They're trying to move away from being all about video games, and more to a Spike TV like "channel for men", at least that's how it seems.

Monday, December 19, 2005; Posted: 9:27 a.m. EST (14:27 GMT)

 

LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) -- G4 is about to boldly go where many networks have gone before.

 

The Comcast-owned cable network is close to acquiring the syndication rights to the original "Star Trek" and one of its spinoffs, "Star Trek: The Next Generation" from Paramount Domestic Television, sources said. "Trek" has been a syndication fixture since the first edition blossomed there after its brief network run in the late '60s.

 

Sources also suggest that "Trek" will be part of a Comcast effort next year to reposition the channel brand of G4, which struggled to establish itself as the TV home for video gamers, in a broader play for young male viewers. A name change also is being considered.

 

A spokeswoman for G4 declined comment on the acquisition but issued a statement regarding the channel's positioning. Paramount declined comment.

 

"Video games are the core of G4's programming strategy," the spokeswoman said. "They are the foundation and basis of our network. Any programming we add to our slate will be attractive to a gamer audience and serve the male 18-34 demographic."

 

Financial terms of the acquisition were unavailable, but G4 is believed to be double-running both series weekdays, including a primetime window.

 

"Generation" starts January 8 on G4; it will continue to run on Spike TV as well with time-period restrictions keeping the programs from running in the same daypart. Spike TV will continue to run other "Trek" spinoffs including "Deep Space 9." "Trek" will begin on G4 in the second quarter.

 

"Trek" is the latest acquisition G4 has made for a program that isn't overtly about video games. The short-lived Fox series "Fastlane" and Comedy Central franchise "The Man Show" are other recent purchases. The network also has had success with the anime genre, a leftover from G4's merger with a Comcast acquisition, TechTV.

 

In terms of G4's channel positioning, Comcast has to walk a fine line lest it violate affiliate agreements for G4 with other cable operators that specify the channel focus on video games. However, video games will likely still be part of the mix at G4 given how popular they are with the young males the channel targets.

 

"Trek" isn't exactly alien to the gamer world; the brand has generated more than 70 video game titles.

 

--

 

hmm..

 

G4TV..the channel for Geeks who don't leave the house

[NoCalMike 0]

Remember that one episode of X-Play where they did that skit/song mocking some of the more ludicrious message board cretins. That fucking ruled.

[ChrisMWaters 0]

Remember that one episode of X-Play where they did that skit/song mocking some of the more ludicrious message board cretins. That fucking ruled.

 

"On the X-Play board..."

[Rendclaw 0]

Okay, I am a sucker for Star Trek and TNG, but I dunno.... I guess since they don;t have very much programming surrounding games, they have to fill up the time somehow....

 

And no, Spike, you don't have a shot with her.

 

Leena, the other girls could not be anywhere as sweetly sarcastic as Morgan. They were flat-out annoying trying to showoff their video game knowledge. They were okay on the eyes I guess, but that wore off soon after they started talking.

[Robert 0]

Well, at-least Star Trek has some games. I've never seen a Man Show game, or any of the other crappy non-videogame shows.

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

Well, at-least Star Trek has some games. I've never seen a Man Show game, or any of the other crappy non-videogame shows.

Coming soon to an XBox 360 near you..the Man Show: The Game based on the DOA ultra boobie bouncing graphics engine

[AndrewTS 0]

70+ games?

 

I'd be hard pressed to name 2.

 

How many would be worth playing anyway?