said by baineschile:i think a lot of shows became popular on smaller networks, because people had access to them...off the top of my head...mad men, breaking bad, jersey shore (unfortunatly), queer eye
There are very few actual small networks with slots on cable and satellite providers. The little niche channels are run by huge media outlets that don't want to step outside of the prime time box they shove down everyone's throat. With DVRs available almost universally there is no point in a live viewing schedule for most programming that isn't actually live. Stream it the night before and put a hold on it till the broadcaster wants it seen then everyone who wants to see it brings it up from the dvr.
It all just needs a little change of the ways and some coordination between those with the tech to do it and those with the content.