Spring Break
The Island wants you
Janie Logan
Issue date: 1/28/09 Section: Entertainment
One of the greatest television shows of all time is now in its penultimate season, and too many people are missing it.
For those who already watch and love LOST, this will primarily serve as a reaffirmation of everything you already know. Sadly, though, millions have fallen victim to the pitfalls of a complex serialized drama. Just look at the show's ratings. During Season 1, it averaged an audience of about 18 million per week. The Season 2 premiere, "Man of Science, Man of Faith," pulled in 23 million people, the peak of LOST viewership. America loved it.
Then the show suffered a slow but steady decline, with about 16 million viewers per week by the end of Season 2 and an average of 14 million over Seasons 3 and 4. What happened to all of those people? The story got confusing. People do not tend to like a show that they cannot follow if they miss just one episode. The majority of television watchers prefer the procedurals like Law & Order or CSI, or the mindless reality programs like American Idol, that they can enjoy but that do not require a weekly commitment. This is why those shows attract a solid 20 million or more and perpetually dominate the Nielsen ratings.
There is, however, something to be said for those 13 million diehard fans LOST who would not miss an episode even if you blow up their house. They will find a way to watch it. (I myself have skipped a couple important family occasions, much to my mother's complaints about my "unhealthy obsession with television"). The reason that people like us exist- LOST is a show that rewards you for your dedication. As you watch it, you begin to make connections and theories that sometimes turn out to be right, which is always fun. You understand the literary and philosophical references, which makes you feel smart. LOST is unique and thought-provoking and just plain good storytelling.
Most people like great television. Nobody I have ever met denies that LOST is a high-quality show with a very talented ensemble cast. With an Emmy and a Golden Globe award for Best Drama Series, LOST has earned its place as one of the most highly anticipated and widely talked about shows each year. Many people, though, have the same excuse for not watching. They know they would like it, but they think it is too late to start now. They will just wait until the show is over, and eventually they will get around to watching all the DVD's.
For those who already watch and love LOST, this will primarily serve as a reaffirmation of everything you already know. Sadly, though, millions have fallen victim to the pitfalls of a complex serialized drama. Just look at the show's ratings. During Season 1, it averaged an audience of about 18 million per week. The Season 2 premiere, "Man of Science, Man of Faith," pulled in 23 million people, the peak of LOST viewership. America loved it.
Then the show suffered a slow but steady decline, with about 16 million viewers per week by the end of Season 2 and an average of 14 million over Seasons 3 and 4. What happened to all of those people? The story got confusing. People do not tend to like a show that they cannot follow if they miss just one episode. The majority of television watchers prefer the procedurals like Law & Order or CSI, or the mindless reality programs like American Idol, that they can enjoy but that do not require a weekly commitment. This is why those shows attract a solid 20 million or more and perpetually dominate the Nielsen ratings.
There is, however, something to be said for those 13 million diehard fans LOST who would not miss an episode even if you blow up their house. They will find a way to watch it. (I myself have skipped a couple important family occasions, much to my mother's complaints about my "unhealthy obsession with television"). The reason that people like us exist- LOST is a show that rewards you for your dedication. As you watch it, you begin to make connections and theories that sometimes turn out to be right, which is always fun. You understand the literary and philosophical references, which makes you feel smart. LOST is unique and thought-provoking and just plain good storytelling.
Most people like great television. Nobody I have ever met denies that LOST is a high-quality show with a very talented ensemble cast. With an Emmy and a Golden Globe award for Best Drama Series, LOST has earned its place as one of the most highly anticipated and widely talked about shows each year. Many people, though, have the same excuse for not watching. They know they would like it, but they think it is too late to start now. They will just wait until the show is over, and eventually they will get around to watching all the DVD's.
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