Networks try to revive summer, and so far, they're very trying.

Broadcasting & Cable, June, 2004 by Roush, Matt

The refrain couldn't be more familiar. Each summer, the broadcast networks announce with conviction that, after years of declining off-season ratings and cable surging with flesh shows to woo the audience away, they can no longer afford to put out the "Gone Fishing" sign.

But wouldn't a watering hole be preferable to a sinkhole? Because that's what this supposedly revolutionary TV summer, heralding a brave new year-round programming strategy, is beginning to resemble.

New can be good. When CBS dropped Survivor into the summer of 2000, America went crazy. Same thing with Fox's American Idol.

But this summer? There's not much good on--unless you check the cable listings, of course. Monk? Great to see you again. Nip/Tuck? Took you long...

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