Why are shows some shows starting in January and not in September?

Question

I've started to notice shows like Lost or The Closer aren't starting their seasons until January unlike some that actually start in September. Does anyone know why this is? I'm used to shows like X-Files starting in September. I wish I could remember more shows but it's been so long ago since I can remember a show starting in September and it having its season finale in My.

Answer 1

Mid Season fillers to keep up the network ratings during slack weeks.

Answer 2

Well Lost is a different story, beacause it did start early it just had a 3 month break. Viewers were complaining that they had too many mini breaks. Last season like every two weeks there would be aome sort of break which was annoying. This season there is like 2 parts to the season.

Alot of new shows start in January. This gives them networks a fresh start to try out some new shows after they've either kept or nixed pilot from september. Grey's Anatomy started in January and only had a 9 episode first season! By starting shoes in January it gives network a few weeks before february sweeps. This is the time period where networks look to see the ratings on shows and decide whether or not they are worth keeping for a new season.

Answer 3

Broadcast stations are finally starting to listen to fans that they are tired of all the repeats in the middle of the season, especially in shows with lots of subplots. Some shows are starting in Sep/Oct, take some time off, then resume in Jan/Feb to end in May. Others, like my personal favorite 24, starts in Jan and runs continuously until the finale.

Answer 4

Lost did start in the fall. They were on hiatis for a while and came back in February. Some new shows start in th winter to replace the fall shows that tanked.

Answer 5

If you think about it in January you are not outdoors as much as you are in September therefore more people will be watching t.v.