As we move into the 5th month of OWN, we realize that as viewers, we have an opportunity to share with Oprah and her team what works for us…and honestly, what doesn’t in the new network programming. While Discovery Health was probably watched and loved by many, we were not part of that demographic. Seeing our older sister give birth was enough “deliver me” coverage that these two sisters can handle in our lifetimes.
From the beginning, Oprah said, “My vision for OWN is to create a network that inspires our viewers and makes them want to be who they are on their best day.”
As your loyal viewers, this is what inspires us…at least from our OWN perspective…
What is working?
- Reality “Docu-series” based programming shows with a twist like Oprah Behind the Scenes, Searching For… and The Judds. And looking forward to Why Not with Shania, Finding Sarah and The O’Neils.
- Fun life based programming like The Gayle King Show and Cristina Ferrare’s Big Bowl of Love (((…but BBOL has run out…))))
- Change your life programming like Oprah’s Master Class, Enough Already! with Peter Walsh, Addicted to Food and Kidnapped by the Kids.
- Greater understanding based programming like Our America with Lisa Ling, Breaking Down the Bars – a different kind of reality show… almost like a soap opera…but with real life drama.
- Oprah’s Tweeting- It almost feels like she’s connecting to the viewer…though we would love a little interaction with us too…but truth be told, we just enjoy being in the same ‘twitterspace’ at the same time with her.
- Great movies on the weekend
- Rosie … the excitement is there!
- Setting some expectations – We appreciate knowing what is to come, so thank you for announcing the new & renewed shows…just please tell us when to look for them…
What is kind of working…
- The rerun programming or the “space holders” – Dr. Phil, Yes to the Dress, What Not To Wear, Trading Spaces, etc..– most of the reruns work. If you are going to do old programming, pull some Dr. Oz, Nate and Rachel Ray into the network. We triple love them.
- In the Bedroom with Dr. Laura Berman – an hour is a long therapy session. I love the lessons…but not sure I love the show yet. Like the concept…but not every issue a couple has is based on sex…why not pull in other aspects of a relationship….
- Oprah’s All Stars – Fantastic and triple love …but 2 hours is hard to take…even in the most comfortable chair in the house.
What is not working…
- Miracle Detectives and Mystery Diagnosis??? TOO HEAVY.
- All of the old Discovery “fillers.” Too heavy…don’t tear me down…before you build me up. It doesn’t work.
- Schedule Disconnects between programming and cable networks – DVRs are missing NEW shows…shows are mis-labeled. We have to trust that the programming schedule is going to be right…get it together.
- No marketing. Word of mouth and getting people talking about you is what we – the loyal viewers – are trying to do…but it feels a little ‘grass roots.’ Where are the commercials? Where is the marketing!
- Great Programs disappearing…the 6 episodes or so go by quickly…then there is nothing. We are excited about the shows…we are present….we are loyal…we want to be there…but no body stays at a party if nothing is happening… BBOL – LOVE Cristina. Enough – Peter left me mid-clutter. Our Own America – Lisa is a tremendous teacher…but where are her new classes?
- For YOUR OWN SHOW, making us love Kristina and Zack and then….nothing. No teasers…no hard date…we are fickle TV watchers…we fall in love …but if you disappear…we will most likely replace you. Don’t make me love you…then leave. You got us so excited about them….now, let us see them. It’s like we came in…and then you left us waiting in an empty room for months. People forget…and all the momentum is gone. Please learn from this…and don’t do it again.
- Finally… Not setting our expectations. We go to Oprah.com/OWN… We look for answers to all of the comments on the blog. We look to find out when programs are coming back…you’re making it too hard…
We are patient…we know there are good things to come…but please, consider our voice as viewers who are looking for Oprah’s vision…for a network that inspires us and makes us want to be who we are on our best day.