Goodbye BBC 3... on TV
With the question mark hanging precariously over BBC3's future as a linear tv channel this latest revelation is a BIG development.. but the thing twitter seems to be moaning about mostly is "Family Guy going to ITV makes me wanna cry...no one wants adverts" (@_Kinghamm)
I'm actually quite gutted by this... for more that just the adverts.
There was something quite nice about coming in after a late shift and knowing BBC 3 had Family Guy on. Without adverts the epp's were short enough to enjoy and you could legitimately watch before heading to bed as they didn't keep you up all night.
Even though some people see this as a beacon of immediate doom, BBC Press has said Family Guy will remain on BBC 3 till 'at least' 2017.
For ITV 2 this will be a big gain, but will people remain as loyal to watching it as they did? I recon probably, with secondary channels like these often getting recorded in favour of compelling and expensive content on the big hitters (ITV1, BBC1...) It wont make too big a change for the average viewer to spool through the adverts (but then accidentally spool a bit too far and seeing a spoiler revealed, but you rewind back anyway and watch the last advert into the programme just to make sure you don't miss it this time...we've all done it)
I'm coming across as quite negative about the whole thing, I am actually in favor of the BBC's plans for the channel. It's a wonder no other broadcaster has thought of it already with sooo many viewing hours going to Youtube and Netflix.
Overall, it was one thing that seemed to be synonymous with BBC3 whenever you talk to people about it; "BBC 3, The home of Family Guy"
Well, It is until at least 2017...
It can be hard to say goodbye to something that has meant a great deal to you across your life.