Why pitch your (animated) show to Fox or Comedy Central?

N

NVS Nick

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There's always a debate and criticism held against Comedy Central and FOX when they announce a new animated show. Typically it's true, most new animated shows don't seem to last on non-cartoon based networks, especially for FOX.

So the question is, with all the history surrounding networks like Fox and CC, why do creators continue to go to their networks and pitch their shows?

I know if I had an animated sitcom idea, I would feel very uncomfortable with pitching it to Fox in fear that it'll just die before it gets off the ground. Do they only do it in hopes it'll become the new Simpsons/Family Guy or South Park? Or are there just so very few places a person can go to to pitch a mature animated show?
 
They don't really have many options do they? Those two networks may not always guarantee success, but they're more likely to give your show a shot than the other channels.

I mean, how much do you wanna bet The Goode Family would've had just a little more success on Fox than on ABC?
 
NBC: The God, the Devil, and Bob
UPN: Home Movies
WB: Baby Blues
ABC: The Goode Family

There's four reasons why your options are Fox or Comedy Central. 'Archer' on FX seems to be bucking that trend... a good show with middling ratings yet it did get picked up for a second season.

I'm surprised Adult Swim wasn't mentioned, though. Venture Brothers and Boondocks are among the network's best shows. You have to deal with timeslot space issues and long gaps in production, but it's an attractive enough third-option if you're willing to take the gamble and you have a fan base willing to accept those caveats.
 
It's probably a case of not many options for mature animation. I remember reading that Jackson Publick initially pitched The Venture Brothers to Comedy Central (or was thinking about it), but didn't realize Adult Swim was an option until he heard that Cartoon Network was doing such a thing.
 
I didn't mention Adult Swim because AS shows seem to last a bit longer than most other shows, unless it's something completely out the window like Assy McGee.

Space Ghost
Home Movies
Venture Brothers
Boondocks
Aqua Teen

I feel like most of those wouldn't have gotten past a few episodes on other stations (and is the case of Home Movies).
 
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