Television is going through a homogenization. It’s been going on for years, but it is a process that is becoming increasingly and exponentially worse. The problem, I believe, lies in the archaic Nielsen ratings.

The Nielsen ratings, though theoretically and scientifically sound, is fundamentally flawed in that it relies on information from the lowest common denominator of the American public. Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, refers to these kinds of people as Induhviduals. These are the people that watch “According To Jim” and “The War At Home”.

Induhviduals do not watch quality programming for the simple explanation that they cannot understand or appreciate it. Since these induhviduals are the target of all television ratings research, the business behind the art naturally shifts towards the mindless and inane. Shows that make an effort to be intelligent and captivating are left in the dust in favor of “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?” Obviously not, America.

When Arrested Development was cancelled, many were outraged, though few were surprised. It is no secret that Fox is notorious for slash and burn techniques, looking for the newest overnight sensation. CBS, however, has traditionally been a conservative network, and I have praised it often over the last couple years for really coming forth and producing consistently entertaining fare. The network that could do no wrong in my eyes, has done wrong.

A good show requires a very careful combination of many different variables including thoughtful scriptwriting, engaging characters, and a certain X factor that keeps you coming back week after week, willingly sitting through commercials instead of TiVo-ing the program because you just can’t wait to see what happens next. These shows are rare.

A show that can make a grown man cry is even more rare. Yet, when Gerald McRaney’s character Johnston Green, with his final breath, delivers his final thoughts to his sons, it requires every effort not to. “Jericho” is a show not without it’s flaws, but still so beautifully crafted that one can easily become emotionally attached to the characters.

The flawed business of art has no room for shows such as these. They don’t appeal to the lowest-common-denominator of America. CBS hopes that “Kid Nation”, a reality show that sets kids loose in an abandoned town a la “Lord of the Flies” will be a fine replacement for “Jericho”. Shame on you, CBS. Shame.