With the great number of programs appearing this summer on television, it might appear to some as though we are experiencing a renaissance of sorts, in programming available to non-premium viewing.

NBC has nothing special on the eponymous affiliates, but over on the adjacent channels owned by the peacock network, new programming is humming right along, much of it very good.

USA, probably the best known non-premium channel, has, since its takeover by NBC, been a constant source of quality programming of diverse subject matter. Shows established in the last 2-5 years are into their relatively short, new seasons, with perennial favorite Monk, in the lead. Also in new seasons in the hot months are Psych, The 4400, The Dead Zone, and a new, apparent hit, Burn Notice. All of this goes right after the short but successful mini-series The Starter Wife.

At the Sci-Fi channel, another choice under the wing of the peacock, Eureka has returned, with an all new season of wackiness in the land of genius. Dr. Who is back, for those who like science fiction with an English accent. Painkiller Jane never misses on the delivery of some action, while allowing time for inspection of Kristanna Loken up close. The summer fare also has the promise of a new Flash Gordon series a little later. There are ’science can be stranger than fiction’ shows like Destination Truth and Mind Control to round things out.

Although not as many channels fly under the watchful eye of the Fox, the Fox Movie Channel and FX have many things new to see and better yet, most lasting longer than 4 weeks! [referencing the short time some shows last here in the land of blockbuster-or-canceled]

Glenn Close certainly will make Damages on FX work a look. Although not in new runs now shows like Rescue Me, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Riches, and the gem of the channel, Nip/Tuck are there to savor again, with new episodes, for most, not long from airing.

TBS and TNT are coming up with new ideas, many more than have been expressed lately on the big three.

While this is very good for those having cable or satellite, one might wonder why the major networks of broadcast television, having a much more direct revenue stream, can’t (or don’t) have this type of programming.

In the case of a couple of shows, Nip/Tuck comes to mind immediately…the answer is as simple as the words - network censors. That show does things that constantly push the limits of what can be shown on non-premium cable, and so could never survive the eye of the censor, or barring that the mighty fine-factory that is the FCC.

In other cases, the problem may be one of a niche audience. This is certainly the case with some of the programming on Sci-Fi, as I’m sure Painkiller Jane wouldn’t play well to all of the population. Other shows, with a much wider appeal, less literal violence, and varied show topics, should be fine on any of the big three.

This leads to shows like The Riches, on FX, which could not, untouched, stand on national broadcast, simply because of language. If cleaned up a small amount however, the show has topics that, while not a concern of many, are certainly of interest to anyone who wishes to know more about the breadth of the human condition. It certainly has acting and scripting high above what is found in many hours of standard broadcast television.

Why then, are these jewels found on the lesser known channels, instead of being put out to the channels most easily accessed?

It may be that someone is asleep in the programming departments of broadcast television, but perhaps it comes down to ‘pearls before swine’.

[tags] NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, USA, SciFi, TNT, TBS, FX, Lifetime, Bravo, FCC [/tags]