AMC: Stories Matter Here - And obviously so does quality programming. It is rare to see non-commercialized, well-scripted, poignant television on today's reality infested TV cesspool. With the high demands of profitable cable networks, AMC hits the mark for showcasing interesting dramas with depth and the ability to stay in for the long haul. The strong history of the channel dates back to pre-1950's and rabbit ears (something Mad Men would be proud of). AMC's standpoint for premium programming exceeded the black and white noise of the time and displayed commercial-free (and color-free) classic movies. The channel grew in the 1990's to deliver cable-ready programs on an easily accessible cable platform. The move launched AMC into the cable universe which recognized a need to go beyond soap opera and saturday morning spots and create an audience that appreciates the reason classic films will always be classic: high quality, uninterrupted, amazing content that can stand on its own, both small and silver screens.
The latest season of Mad Men debuted last Sunday and the world tuned in to see Don Draper's predictable cycle of "women, work, drinking, women". The season premiere has seen passé reviews but the promise of the past keeps everyone tuning in. The genius behind AMC's creative block is the ability to develop character personality, create a scenery/backdrop that feels real to the eye, and generate an aspirational mood with irresistible drama.
The current line-up features award-winning (enough with the praise?) and personally enthralling dramas like "The Killing", "The Walking Dead", and "Breaking Bad". (See Full Line-Up below). With "The Killing" based on a Danish miniseries (Forbrydelsen) and "The Walking Dead" transformed from a graphic novel, AMC has the ability to adapt to an uninhibited television format where stories unfold in new mediums. AMC does have competition on its hand. HBO operates with what seems like an unlimited budget where viewers pay to play, so to speak/watch. Programming like "Boardwalk Empire", "True Blood", and "Game of Thrones" along with a slew of documentary, new media miniseries, and unwavering sydicated rights to original shows make any cable channel look like a timid fish swimming in an unrealistic ocean.
Let's hope AMC has the gumption to stay strong and compete for affordable, yet high-quality, programming that feeds the souls of our melodramatic hearts and fulfills all that we hope to see on our very own small screens.
AMC Show Line-up:
Mad Men
Breaking Bad
The Killing
The Walking Dead
CSI Miami
Comic Book Men
Hell on Wheels
Talking Dead
The Prisoner
Broken Trail
Rubicon
The Trivial Pursuits of Arthur Banks
More info on AMC.com
