Given that the SciFi channel has deviated from showing only, um, science fiction, we suppose a name change may be in order after all. Based on a recent survey about the network, it clearly states that it's considering changing its name to "Beyond." The survey then asks how the respondent would view the change if it were made, specifically asking how
we think the channel would change if the name changed. Is that to mean the content
would change from its current slate, or are we just reading too much into it?
[Thanks, Buttabean]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jeff N. @ Sep 22nd 2008 5:19PM
I would think they will still stay with sci-fi and things considered
more out there and not change a lot.
They just want to have a little flexibility in their programming.
Or it could be like when Dairy Queen changed Misty to Artic Rush and it was the same exact thing. Ha!
Michael @ Sep 22nd 2008 5:37PM
Beyond means beyond science fiction still in the same vicinity but with a little wiggle room this will allow them to ressurect Jericho for a third season HOPEFULLY
squiggleslash @ Sep 22nd 2008 5:48PM
Or, you know, they could actually show content related to their name. Perhaps if they change their name to Beyond, someone else can start a channel called "The Sci-fi Channel" that actually shows more science fiction than the occasional re-run of Dark Angel.
dukeman @ Sep 23rd 2008 2:18PM
Who knows, maybe this possible new "SciFi Channel" could do a movie set in space, about space stuff with explosions and blasters and maybe (God forbid) a starship. Instead of just constantly recycling Shakespere wardrobes and running around in the woods of Vancouver shooting movies with poor actors fighting a single, poorly animated dragon or giant insect.
Valicore @ Sep 22nd 2008 5:50PM
Beyond? I think that is a pretty lame-ass name... just doesn't seem right.
Chad @ Sep 22nd 2008 5:53PM
I've been expecting something like this. When they started running wrestling programming my first thought was TNN->SPIKE all over again. Parent company gets info from market research telling them they can get more eyeballs by switching to X format. More eyeballs = greater ad revenue......PROFIT. Beyond just doesn't sound right. There's going more generic and there's going bland which is what Beyond says to me.
TampaBayJohn @ Sep 22nd 2008 6:35PM
Showtime already has a speculative fiction channel called Beyond.
dukeman @ Sep 23rd 2008 2:20PM
Perhaps the "Debacle" channel would be better?
antknee @ Sep 23rd 2008 8:06AM
I think comments by anyone who can't form complete, coherent sentences should be negated.
Wayne Dunham @ Sep 22nd 2008 7:26PM
Hey, who was that channeling me when they replied to that survey? ;)
Ghost Hunters, et al, NOT SciFi. And ECW (rasslin') is not only NOT SciFi, it isn't even something that can be called entertainment!!!
Blackstar @ Sep 22nd 2008 8:10PM
I got a better idea. How about instead of pandering to the 8-12 year old boy market for your programming choices while attempting to create an identity to reflect that poor decision you instead actually show quality Science Fiction Content on your channel? Stop axing good movies and TV shows that represent the genre, stop making and showing your own crappy sudo-monster movies written by some producers cousin and increase the quality of your REAL Sci-Fi content for viewers.
jwilliek @ Sep 23rd 2008 9:28AM
That's interesting - I did the exact same survey for them a few weeks back and they were asking what I thought about changing the name to SyFy.
Kingpcgeek @ Sep 23rd 2008 9:38AM
My favorite part of SciFi is the crappy sudo-monster movies
sshepard @ Sep 23rd 2008 10:39AM
Why don't they just change the name to "Suck". It's more appropriate. I was very excited when SciFi was about to launch. And I have hardly ever watched it since then because the programming is so not sci-fi.
halfkroean @ Sep 23rd 2008 1:16PM
They should just leave it the same. It is not like MTV, VH1, G4, etc changed their names.
mike thomas @ Sep 23rd 2008 2:33PM
G4 was a good channel.... when they were Tech TV. They were well rounded. and had great content. SciFi was the same a long time ago.
Now, both channels are rubbish. Showing the same crap over and over. In different form. Much like other giant media outlets. Their parent company is NBC. Which explains a LOT.
Also, ECW, is their most popular and highest rated program on SciFi. most tv channels make money on ratings. Same in the tech industry. Buy on the rumor, sell on the announcement... we've all heard it.
Also, understand a lot of the programming that we may not consider is "Science Fiction" probably falls under a very vaguely defined scope of "SciFi". Such as paranormal stuff. SciFi itself is a HUGE umbrella term, that might very well encompass paranormal research. As it's very scientific, but fiction, until proven otherwise.
Cite:
http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/science-fiction/scope.html
glenn s @ Sep 23rd 2008 3:00PM
Sci-fi channel seems to be flailing about for an audience. The people who watch Stargate and BSG are definitely not the same people who watch professional fake wrestling. And neither of those groups is the same as the people who watch ghost-hunters. Comedy Central has the same exact problem. They don't have enough original content to fill the schedule, so they end up having to reach outside of their niche format or broadcast really bad B-movie style programming.
rxse7en @ Sep 23rd 2008 3:30PM
We call it "maize"
Peter F @ Sep 23rd 2008 3:46PM
bravo, i hope that comment was sent
huddleson1 @ Sep 23rd 2008 10:36PM
What's the difference? SciFi channel is "Beyond" hope!
JP23 @ Sep 23rd 2008 11:50PM
Just give me my Twilight Zone marathon already.
Mark M @ Sep 24th 2008 6:44AM
One word: Mansquito
ssrat_ @ Sep 24th 2008 6:49AM
With the cancellation of SGA, BEFORE they put on the new SG-universe (a SHIP based show?) and REALLY REALLY crappy original movies there is almost nothing left of the original idea.
Hell bring back all the re-runs of old network sci-fi shows, import british/european sci-fi shows.
Let's see some red-dwarf,start running DR Who from the original pilot, Lost in space would be fine
As for movies, there are HUNDREDS of books that can be optioned into GOOD scripts.
We all saw how well 5th element worked, and that pace is perfect for many Heinlein books,
I could see the MYTH series working, and they could get THAT for a decent price if he is still having IRS troubles.
All they need are some good writers, DECENT actors and CGI firm that has not just done commercials and they could make a movie that people would WANT to see
OZ was not that bad it just was not my cup of tea, too long
Mike Pearce @ Sep 24th 2008 11:45AM
I got the same survey as well, but they were considering changing the name to SF. Perfect, a couple of letters that say absolutely nothing about the content!
Emily @ Sep 25th 2008 3:04AM
You guys know theres not alot of scifi on scifi right now, anyway right? The WWE, Ghost hunters, Destination Truth, Scare Tatics....Nothing would change but the fact that SCIFI would be able to save face from the fact that they do not have alot of scifi shows
Niki @ Oct 9th 2008 7:59AM
I thought 'Beyond' sounded familiar. There is already a channel by that name but I do enjoy watching Sci Fi. I can actually see shows that that were cut on the regular cable shows such as Haunted, All Souls & even reruns of Friday the 13th: the series. I do love those spooky shows! Even Outer Limits reruns have me hooked! I love my DVR!! And if I don't see any shows that are not to my liking then I just don't watch & never complain, you can't please everyone. Keep up the good work Sci Fi, you're doing a great job. Don't change a thing!
Jami @ Dec 20th 2008 2:01PM
Better choice - get rid of wrestling and show more science fiction. How about the classic Doctor Whos alongside the new one? Bring back The Dresden Files. And tell Bonnie she's a moron who should be working for McDonald's.