In case you don't know, a sweeps month is a time when the ratings are taken for each and every series and television network. While ratings are taken all the time, these in-depth "sweeps" happen four times a year.
Why are they important? The ratings (a.k.a. popularity) of a series determine the advertising rates the TV networks and individual TV stations can charge for their commercials. The higher the rating, the more money they can charge. The more money they can charge, the more profit they will make.
This leads to a catch-22 situation for viewers. Because the networks want the highest ratings possible (so they can make the most money) they put on most of their best programming during these sweeps months. This means mini-series, specials, and lots of surprises and guest stars on your favorite television shows.
Unfortunately, each network does this at the same time. Even if you have a VCR, you can't always watch and/or record every good show you want to see. This created a viewing dilemma even during the "old days" when there were only three major networks. Now, with the advent of FOX, UPN and the WB, not to mention all the cable channels, this catch-22 situation has only gotten worse.
Several big television events will occur during May. Perhaps the most anticipated (and certainly the most hyped) event is the broadcast of the last original episode of SEINFELD. Jerry and the gang are calling it quits after a long and very prosperous run.
NBC's SEINFELD joins a select and distinguished group of series such as I LOVE LUCY and THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW whose creators and stars had the good sense to go out while they were on top. Like those shows, SEINFELD will also live on forever in re-runs.
While it isn't getting the media attention of SEINFELD, another distinguished series is also calling it quits in May. MURPHY BROWN and the gang at FYI are riding off into television history.
MURPHY BROWN peaked creatively a few years ago, but it is still a well-written show. It made a star out of Candice Bergen, who won several well deserved Emmy Awards for her protrayal of the feisty television reporter.
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