Over the years, we’ve had a lot of fun pointing out the fact that some of what ends up on the SCI FI Channel isn’t necessarily science-fiction, or fantasy, or horror. Wrestling anyone?
But based on recent ratings results and audience figures that move seems to be paying dividends for the SCI FI Channel. The network is one of the few owned by parent-company NBC/Universal that has shown growth in the past few quarters. This led SCI FI being rated the sixth overall cable network for the month of April.
Part of that is the demographics for SCI FI viewers are slowly starting to change. Once thought of as a predominantly male-viewership network, the latest figures show that the cable outlet is picking up lots more female viewers. Growth in female viewers outpaced that in men and 43 percent of SCI FI’s viewers are female, reports the New York Times.
The network is riding high on the ratings from original programming as well as repeats of favorite genre shows. Two of the biggest ratings winners are “Battlestar Galactica” and “Ghost Hunters,” both of which have promos that downplay their science-fiction elements to entice female viewers.
Both shows are number one in the coveted 25-to-54 demographic during their timeslots. This may explain why SCI FI is eager to sign on for three new “Battlestar Galactica” movies as we reported at our website. And the new attempt to reach a female demographic might be the reason that SCI FI inked the deal to syndicate repeats of the Jennifer Love Hewitt hit series “Ghost Whisperer” and has, so far, declined the chance to pick up a third season of “Jericho.”
“There were a lot of mis-perceptions that SCI FI was [just] for men, that it was for young men and that it was for geeky young men,” said Bonnie Hammer, the president of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment, which ultimately oversees SCI FI. “We had to broaden the channel to change the misconceptions of the genre.”
“It’s not just aliens, spaceships and the future,” said SCI FI president Dave Howe. “It’s about asking that simple question, ‘What if?’ ”
A frequent discussion at NBC Universal is whether to water it down even more and do away with the “SCI FI” name altogether. Among the new names that have been considered are “SCF” and “The Imagination Channel.” However, Howe has nixed any idea of changing the name.
“We always come back to, we are not going to change the name because with the fragmentation of media, there’s a real advantage of having that signpost,” said Howe. “We just have to manage the downside.”
The growth of SCI FI in the United States has led NBC Universal to begin plans for expanding the network internationally. A Russian version of the network is planned for later this year and NBC/Universal is looking to expand into up 25 more channels in international markets by the end of 2009.
“For an international standpoint, we really have two global brands,” said Jeffrey Zucker, the chief executive of NBC Universal. “We have CNBC, which is in 400 million homes worldwide. And SCI FI. Business is universal. And science fiction is such a well-known global genre.”
Each outlet would be tailored for its market and included shows dubbed into the local language. First targets for SCI FI’s expansion could include Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Portugal and South Africa.
“We are now what MTV was 10 years ago, or what ESPN was 10 years ago,” said Howe, who joined the SCI FI Channel six years ago after 15 years at the BBC. “We can own sci-fi as a category globally.”
Mr. Sim says
I’m curious to know if Stargate Atlantis helped too especially considering that it ran through the writers strike and only ended when it it reached the number of episodes that the season was supposed to have anyways. there is something to be said for Canadian outsourcing having the Chief writer able to work during the strike really helped. Summer you guys totally need to get Martin Gero on Slice for an interview.
Robin says
It astonishes me that Bonnie Hammer, a woman running the SciFi Channel, doesn’t believe that women like sci-fi television.
We don’t need to be catered to in order to get us to watch spaceships and aliens and explosions. We don’t need, or want, anything dumbed down. All we need is compelling stories and interesting characters… which are there already. Women have be watching — and creating — science fiction in all its forms for generations. Until recently there has been a societal perception that it was only for boys. But just because it’s finally becoming acceptable to the general public for girls to enjoy it too, that doesn’t mean we haven’t been all along.
Over the past few years I’ve been to several local sci-fi conventions. The audiences have all been at least half women. The one specifically for Stargate was more like 60 or 70 percent, some of whom brought their whole families. (Get the kids hooked early!) This Fall, I can finally afford to go to Dragon*Con, and I am thrilled beyond belief. I grew up watching Star Trek and Star Wars and Doctor Who. I read sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. I love technobabble.
So when the executives at one of my favorite sources for entertainment basically says that women don’t watch traditional sci-fi, they’re basically saying that I and all the women like me don’t exist as far as they’re concerned. It’s kind of insulting.
Sam says
Check out our interview with Martin at this Link:
http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2007/11/22/special-thanksgiving-day-slice-of-scifi-interview-with-martin-gero/
This was a great phone interview with our roving reporter Linda Craddock and was done back in Thanksgiving of last year. It would be great to have Martin come on the show for our next interview with him. If his and our schedules line up at sometime in the future I’m sure it can be worked out. That is always the toughest part – getting schedules to work together.
Nicole says
Being a female, I have always been an avid watcher of the SciFi network and the supernatural genre. I think the vampire series Blood Ties would be perfect on this network. I know they would promote it and support it as it should be. Not in the way that Lifetime handled it. Please SciFi, consider picking up the show. You would also be picking up millions of viewers as well.
Cortster says
Dudes, you’re kidding me, right? Us gals have been reading, watching, (and writing!) SCI-FI forever. It’s nice that ya’ll are noticing, but a little disturbing that it took so long. No worries, though.
Hey, while you’re noticing things: it would be awesome if SCI-FI could pick up the newly-freed series Blood Ties. Blood Ties built a great fan base despite poor promotion and just about every effort the LifeTime network could possibly come up with to kill a series. Yeah, I hear ya. That LifeTime, the “women’s” network, or so I hear (although if what they air is supposed to represent today’s women, I shudder at the thought.) I’m still in disbelief that LifeTime ever got their hands on Blood Ties in the first place but am relieved that they opted not to purchase more seasons (read: can’t afford and/or insist on continuing their downward spiral in ratings as a network.)
Now, SCI-FI is clearly better suited to carry Blood Ties and meets your goal of providing more material for us gals though I have to tell you, the guys are totally into Blood Ties, as well.
What do you think, SCI-FI? Want more fans?
Summer Brooks says
Now that Bonnie’s been promoted to head all the cable units of NBC/Uni, does that mean this Dave Howe has more influence on the programming, with Bonnie only having final say?
But yeah, I’ve been a scifi/fantasy fan since an early age, as have many women I know. And if anything, doesn’t she realize that paranormal romance is a rather popular fiction genre, and that those same women might watch a show featuring the same premise, especially if the men are as yummy as the leads in both Moonlight and Blood Ties?
We need more show runners and network execs who are actually fans of the types of shows and movies they produce. They need to be fans of story, and fans of myth, as well as fans of eye-popping special effects. It doesn’t matter if the story takes place on a spaceship, an alternate Earth, or a fantastical land on a world far away… the story has to grab our attention, and hold us in its heart before we can find a place for it in ours.
We need more people in entertainment who not only understand that, but actually care about doing that.
Emily says
Two scifi shows that are huge with women, firefly and battlestar Galactica. That’s all i’m going to say
Terry says
SciFi would be the pefect channel to pick up the great show, Moonlight, that CBS did not have enough sense to give a second season to. What part of PEOPLE’S CHOICE did they not understand? It has a facinating vampire community, the vampire/mortal romance, action, special effects, incredible cast and writing and fits right in with SciFi’s desire for women viewers. It also has Alex O’Loughlin who recently was voted the sexiest SciFi guy on television! We women already watch SciFi in large numbers, fans are leaving CBS and network TV because it is so crummy – SciFi would have a gold mine with a fan base of 7 – 8 million per Nielsen which of course is way short of the mark. How many people do you know with a Nielsen box in their home?
Faybe says
Moonlight on SciFi would be a perfect match. I have always watched Scifi but when Moonlight came on ..sorry to say it was Moonlight 100%. Wherever Alex O’Loughlin/ Mick St John goes we will follow.
Jenn says
I’m with Emily. I am a faithful Browncoat, and am also a devoted BSG shipper. Sci Fi isn’t just for fanbois anymore!! I think Blood Ties on Sci Fi would be a good match. Lifetime obviously isn’t interested in the female demographics it had while airing this show, (go figure, a network for women) but Sci Fi seems to be turning that corner and possibly entertaining the notion of wooing female viewers to their network.
Take a chance Sci Fi!!!!!!!!!
Kathryn Houston says
You may want to consider adding Moonlight to your programming also. I’m 57 years old and gettting a bit disgusted with what’s going on in mainstream tv..I started watching SciFi recently..and really liked what I saw. Appealing to women is a good move for networks..trying to spill garbage down our throats is not.The 18 to 34 year old demographics is crazy..they aren’t home watching tv..they are out and about..Moonlight has a wide fanbase..all ages, professions, races..incomes..ahh..make that disposable incomes…we’re from all corners of the globe…and really..we aren’t rabid…just devoted..to a show that really never got a chance..upheavels on the set..writers strike..hey..give us a shot at your network..bet we could rock your world!!!
Susie says
Women have been watching Sci-fi for a very long time – the problem is that the genre has been an all boys club, and we hadn’t been invited into the mainstream.
I am with the others who say Moonlight would be an excellent fit to the Sci-Fi line up – it will draw even more women to the Sci-fi channel. Women love fantasy and romance – Moonlight has both.
Jesse says
Moonlight would be the perfect fit for this channel, it already lives on Living TV in the UK and Ireland and has a huge following here, the irish and English SCi-fi viewers would welcome it with open arms.
Toni says
I am a huge fan of the vampire genre and absolutely love Moonlight. I believe Moonlight would be a perfect fit for the SciFi Channel. If you want to attract more women to your channel, Alex O’Loughlin and Jason Dohring certainly will do the trick. In addition to the romance, the action sequences are awesome. Regarding Demographics: I am a 37 year old woman from Kansas with a Masters degree, head of household.
Jamie says
SciFi picking up Moonlight would be a great move. There is already a very dedicated and sizeable fan base, passionate enough to follow the show to another network.
I imagine that Blood Ties has a smaller, but equally passionate fan base that would actually grow from the that show moving to SciFi. As a matter of fact, the shows being on the same netowrk would cause fans of one to fall in love with the other.
fireflies says
I’m a baby boomer female, and I enjoy certain types of sci-fi programming. Unfortunately I have never gotten into the space travel genre after the original Star Trek went off the air. But, I would DEFINITELY tune in to see Blood Ties and Moonlight. Blood Ties is the best show I’ve seen in years and Lifetime never promoted the show or gave it a fair chance. Moonlight won a People Choice award. If SciFi is truly interested in picking up more female viewers, put these two shows on and I guarantee you will get the ladies tuning in !
Fatima says
I think that SciFi should pick up Blood Ties. It’s a great show to pick up female viewers. You got a hot vampire/strong kick-ass female combo who fight supernatural crime. It’s just awesome. Lifetime did a poor job of advertising that show. They could of done a lot more, like they’re doing with that Army Wives show, and that psychic lady.
I don’t watch scifi often, but I do watch it to see Queen of the Damned, and I liked Tin Man. But if BLOOD TIES were to be put on the channel, I think I would watch the station more often.
Kay says
is there really any talk of picking up Bloodties? cause if SCIFI wants to pick up 75 million viewers many of which are female. it would be a damned good idea for them to pick it up, i know that over 70 percent of those viewers are now boycotting Lifetime for ending the show. it would be a brilliant steal for SciFi in my oppinion
HenrysGirl says
SciFi is reairing Moonlight beginning January 23rd. Now is the time to show them that the vampire genre is the way to go. They need to pick up Blood Ties, maybe the Embraced and Forever Knight too!
Angela3511 says
It would be wonderful if Sci Fi were to pick up Blood Ties. I have been a faithful viewer of Sci Fi for many, many years now (well, as many as possible given that I’m 27)- ever since Stargate SG-1 started airing. Blood Ties appeals to many women because it has such a strong female lead in Vicki Nelson, and what woman wouldn’t want Henry Fitzroy and Mike Celluci fighting over her? Sci Fi would be incredibly wise to pick up Blood Ties. Given the current vampire craze (ahem, Twilight), it would be a fantastic opportunity.
So Sci Fi Channel, if you want to keep a loyal viewer happy, consider adding Blood Ties to your lineup. I promise to watch it. I won’t be watching Cha$e or the reality-type shows that are so darn prevalent these days. But Blood Ties I will watch!
T.S. says
Wasn’t it “Dark Shadows”, with the original “remorseful” vampire, Barnabas Collins, that helped launch the SCI FI Channel back in 1992? I find it interesting and ironic that “Moonlight” may find refuge there as well. Both were great shows with charismatic vampires in the forefront. As a “Dark Shadows” fan from the very first day of broadcast in 1966, I welcome “Moonlight” and applaud the efforts of its fan base to secure a place where it is given proper respect.