Broadcast television ratings are down significantly over the past several years. Some are responding with a variety of edgier fare, and the strategy seems to be working. Comcast's (CMCSA -0.28%) NBC recently ordered a second season of the Monday night drama The Blacklist, in which an international criminal helps the FBI hunt down the world's worst. Should we expect NBC and its peers to reup more of these types of shows, and would doing so improve their investment profile?
In the latest episode of Geekstock, The Motley Fool's new Web show, Fool analysts Tim Beyers and Nathan Alderman say networks have been making better programming choices.
In particular, Tim says that The Blacklist is a standout in NBC's historically bland lineup. He also sees Time Warner (TWX) taking important steps with Arrow, which last week introduced Grant Gustin as police scientist Barry Allen as a precursor to having the speedy superhero the Flash join the DC Cinematic Universe.
Nathan argues that NBC's efforts have been more effective than Tim suggests and remains cautiously optimistic about Fox dramas Sleepy Hollow and Almost Human. And like Tim, he expects a strong finish for Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as DC and Warner use Arrow to build the foundations for a film starring the various heroes of the Justice League.
Meanwhile, host Ellen Bowman teases some of the amazing holiday schwag available at ThinkGeek while putting both Tim and Nathan on the spot.
Now it's your turn to weigh in. Which shows do you expect to become big profit producers for their respective networks? What are you watching that's surprised you? Please leave a comment to let us know what you think, and then check back here often for more Geekstock segments the team introduces you to the big-money names behind your favorite movies, toys, video games, comics, and more.
