Are the current producers ruining Home and Away?

[Gerard]

38 minutes ago, John said:

I do think it's a bit harsh to imply that the "viewers" as you describe them are a totally different and distinct group from the fans that you feel the show is not being made for.  

I guess I am trying to differentiate between those who preferred watching a family drama show, versus those who watch these days for the "crime drama" (for want of a better phrase). I don't doubt there is an overlap, but I would guess (with no evidence of course to back it up), that while there is a hard core of viewers, like myself, who have watched H&A through many eras, there will have been many new viewers attracted by the River Boys and their darker drama, and equally I would guess that a number of viewers from the 90's and 00's have stopped watching, as it is not the same as it once was. The fanbase has likely shifted over time, so these days the series is probably still being made for the current fans - just a different group of fans looking for something the series traditionally did not deliver, as it does now.

In 5 or 10 years, the series could well change direction again, and the current audience could find themselves losing interest, while the next generation take their place to keep the viewing figures healthy.

[Luke39]

Point is the current showrunners probably won't change its current format. Which is technically fine and performing. Of course theirs always negatives. Depends on your level of investment. If you've watched for years you have something to compare it too. So one can say they have abandon their roots. One may not notice a difference. I see no indicators their we'll be a change of the guard in 2017. Lucy seems permanent.

I think it's about balance in any regard. I enjoy the crime drama stuff and the family drama. I agree the format well fluctuate over time based on its audience. Currently the format is sustainable. I see no problem with it or the show. Main issue is the rating. If they are going to have that kinda content. Racy scenes, crime, violence etc. Let's be honest it ain't good ol Home and Away from the nineties and 00s anymore. Might need to look at the current rating. Content is fine, it's the rating. Oh won't somebody please think of the children! 

[dee123]

9 hours ago, Gerard said:

 

I agree, and that really is the issue in a nutshell, sadly. H&A is not made for the fans, and certainly not for long-term die-hard nostalic fans. It is clearly about getting maximum viewers on a commercial network. If that means any sense of reality has to take a back seat - so be it. It's a shame, but those are the times we live in. It doesn't really have so much to do with "outdated old-fashioned values" as with what the executives perceive will gain the most viewers, and therefore the most profit. Obviously H&A has the budget to deliver carnage and mayhem on a weekly basis, so it does it, whether or not it's what many of us actually want.

Sadly true.

It's now made to appeal to the lowest common denominator who watches the Kardashians, every version of Real Housewives and who thinks The Big Bang Theory is still funny.

 

[Blaxland 89]

Trouble is the show isn't written for the long term. So while the early years had a faithful audience up to a certain point in the shows history, this new style of writing will differ. People can only watch the same the stories go around in circles for so long. It. A bomb going off my attract high ratings but those things in the long run won't hold an audience. People tend nowadays to "grow out" of home and away once the characters that they grew to like, their peers, leave. The high turn around of characters and lack of stories for older characters doesn't help either. One day they might find it harder to attract another new audience. 

My point is that yes, ratings are a priority but the things they are doing to attract them are short term solutions. If they continue to alienate their loyal fan base then this will not be good for the shows longevity. 

 

[samdanfan]

9 hours ago, Blaxland 89 said:

Trouble is the show isn't written for the long term. So while the early years had a faithful audience up to a certain point in the shows history, this new style of writing will differ. People can only watch the same the stories go around in circles for so long. It. A bomb going off my attract high ratings but those things in the long run won't hold an audience. People tend nowadays to "grow out" of home and away once the characters that they grew to like, their peers, leave. The high turn around of characters and lack of stories for older characters doesn't help either. One day they might find it harder to attract another new audience. 

My point is that yes, ratings are a priority but the things they are doing to attract them are short term solutions. If they continue to alienate their loyal fan base then this will not be good for the shows longevity. 

 

So True

[Homeandawayfan.]

Judging by the 2017 spoilers

Spoiler

The usual carnage continues.......drugs, fights, hospital stays.

 

[samdanfan]

59 minutes ago, Homeandawayfan. said:

Judging by the 2017 spoilers

  Hide contents

The usual carnage continues.......drugs, fights, hospital stays.

 

Yes if anyone says "I wished they bring BLUE HEELERS back" show them HOME&AWAY and NEIGHBOURS in the past 5 years

 

 

[dee123]

5 hours ago, samdanfan said:

Yes if anyone says "I wished they bring BLUE HEELERS back" show them HOME&AWAY and NEIGHBOURS in the past 5 years

 

 

Who would want Blue Heelers back? That said i wouldn't mind All Saints back.

[Bobby Forever Missed]

48 minutes ago, dee123 said:

Who would want Blue Heelers back? 

Me

[samdanfan]

17 hours ago, dee123 said:

Who would want Blue Heelers back? That said i wouldn't mind All Saints back.

Why not THE FLYING DOCTORS! As Much as I liked the Blue Heelers cast I kind of tried of Cop shows. I loved to seen some of the Guest characters spinoff into other non- crime stories. example Neighbours ruined Simone Buchanan with making her character evil I rather her have played someone like the Nurse she played in the latter years of Blue Heelers and was told by someone who talked to her had Blue Heelers went another season she and her sister who played the Cops daughter would have returned?  Bobby forever missed Actors like Lisa McCune are still in demand so I dont see a return.  Dee 123 As for All Saints I see Neighbours going that way in the future with more medical stories?