Since its transition to SyFy from MyNetworkTV last fall, WWE SmackDown has managed to retain its dedicated audience. This shift was necessitated as MyNetworkTV was witnessing a dip in its trajectory, and seizing the opportunity presented by an available slot on SyFy seemed a logical move.
Vinny Mac had initially harbored intentions to maintain SmackDown on mainstream television, grounded in the belief that this would foster better branding and marketing outcomes. Nonetheless, in the wake of the digital overhaul, a substantial portion of the American populace, over 70%, now subscribe to a cable package, a reality that somewhat negates the earlier marketing concerns given that most individuals have also embraced personal computers.
The alignment with SyFy, a network operating under the expansive umbrella of NBC Universal and boasting a wider reach across the U.S, has generally been perceived as a successful strategy, especially since the viewership has remained stable post-transition. Moreover, the technical flexibility offered by SyFy implies that SmackDown has the potential to be aired live, a move anticipated to infuse a fresh zest into the presentations, replicating the live dynamism that has sustained RAW’s appeal.
However, the relocation to SyFy has been accompanied by a slew of negative reviews, primarily stemming from the displacement of the network’s flagship shows originally scheduled for Friday nights, a time slot now occupied by SmackDown. The ensuing dissatisfaction among SyFy’s core audience, coupled with the recognized downturn in Friday night TV viewership, prompts a reconsideration of the current scheduling.
An emerging proposition is to transfer the show to a Tuesday slot, a change dictated by both a desire to enhance the live viewership and to sidestep the stiff competition posed by the juggernaut show, Glee. A move to Tuesdays not only aligns with SmackDown’s routine tapings but promises a fertile ground to cultivate a larger live audience and potentially spike the ratings, given the DVR count that factors into the ratings calculus.
As deliberations continue, it becomes imperative for the forthcoming SmackDown presentations to resonate profoundly with the audience to substantiate the planned shift. The overarching consensus, both within WWE and SyFy, gravitates towards a harmonization of interests, where a triumphant SmackDown translates to a victory for SyFy.
Tonight stands as a decisive moment, a testing ground for the envisioned shift, with the success metrics revolving around the ability to retain or expand the existing audience base.
As we anticipate the developments, we turn the spotlight on you. How do you perceive this potential shift in SmackDown’s scheduling? Does it signal a transformative era for the company? Let us hear your insights.
