Think back to the start of shows like Chuck and LOST (and, to some extent, The Office). For shows like that, with more of a semi-word of mouth following, many viewers tune in towards the middle-to-end of the season. (People like my mom come to mind.)
LOST has become a marketing mega-house and has thrown in some tropes to let the general viewing audience know “hey! Even though you think this show is weird, it’s the same story that other shows have.” I think what’s fun with Chuck is that it advertises this blatantly with no apologies.
It was smart marketing for Glee to put the pilot up at the end of the school year, when we’re just coming out of our fall viewing habits.
And then they didn’t stop there. How were people able to catch up with Chuck? Thank you, Hulu! The target audience has now had all summer to invest 47 minutes into the pilot for Glee.
A small tear runs down my cheek considering the chance that Captain Mal could have had.
So enjoy tomorrow night’s premiere. While Wash and Book are confined to DVDs (and our hearts), I now shall cheer for Will Schuester.
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