TOP 10: 2014 Predictions

Another year is in the books. We saw quite a few events hit the TV industry in 2013. The launching of Aereo in ten markets, including New York City. History's THE BIBLE beating THE WALKING DEAD, head-to-head. Netflix and Amazon Prime launching quality original series. New cable channels like FOX SPORTS 1, FXX and GQ, just to name a few.

So, what will 2014 bring us? More channels? Higher cable rates? more cord cutters? we don't really know, but here are my top 10 predictions for TV in 2014.

10) CBS acquires a Cable network:
This is my long standing prediction I just can't stop predicting. Of the four studios that have TV broadcast networks, CBS has the smallest presence in cable TV. Cable is where the money is and CBS needs to add to the portfolio. Look for an existing cable entity to be brought into the CBS Corp. family.

9) The CW will add another Superhero:
The network has messed around adding another superhero series to it's line up in the past, but 2014 will be the year the network will have two DC heroes on at the same time. THE ORIGINALS showed spin-offs work well and The CW needs more hits.

8) Cord Cutting will hit double digit growth:
"Cutting the cord" is becoming easier and easier. Why pay $100 - $150 per month when streaming services plus the internist service are under $70. Devices like the Chromecast and the Roku and services like Aereo and Amazon Prime, are making it easier to drop cable TV. Look for cable subscribers to drop significantly and cord cutters rise above 10% from 2013 totals.

7) ABC will move SHARK TANK from Friday nights:
ABC is in bad shape. Not a single new series has been a hit with viewers and the network is creating more holes in the schedule as veteran series are getting older and older. Look for ABC to move SHARK TANK to another night to help boost the numbers and ad revenue on a more profitable night.

6) The Supreme Court will take the Aereo case for 2014:
Both Aereo and the broadcast networks have stated they are ready to take there fight to the highest court in the land. But, before they can, the US Supreme Court must select one of the cases for it's next docket. I see the Supreme Court taking on one of those cases to help settle the issue.

5) FOX will cancel either THE X FACTOR or AMERICAN IDOL:
Based on the ratings, this is not much of a stretch. AMERICAN IDOL has taken a nose dive over the last couple of seasons and THE X FACTOR just finished a horrible season in the ratings. But, FOX likes these two series and the renewed SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE for another summer, after last summers terrible showing. One of the two series will be axed and the other will occupy the January to May slot.

4) NBC will green light a third CHICAGO brand series:
CHICAGO FIRE premiered in the fall of 2012. The new series CHICAGO PD kicks off in early 2014. NBC will go to the well once more for a 3rd CHICAGO branded series. it may not debut until 2015, but the green light will be given in 2014.

3) A Netflix series will win a Best Actor/Actress Emmy Award:
Netflix is quickly becoming the next HBO. High quality series that viewers and critics love, and love to give awards to. The two leading candidates will come from HOUSE OF CARDS and/or ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK. My money is on Kevin Spacey.

2) The NFL will add a new TV package and/or partner for the 2014 season:
There have been a lot of rumors about the NFL adding or moving an existing package to a streaming service. One of two things will happen. The NFL will add a new TV package for some Thursday night Games. Thursday nights are the lowest rated of the games and the NFL needs more buzz on the night to get their numbers up.

The other option is the DirectTV Sunday Ticket package will find a new home, perhaps with a streaming service like Netflix, Apple, Hulu or Amazon. So much more money could be generated if the Sunday Ticket was not tied to a video provider. Ease of access would generate a lot more money and make the package that much more valuable.

1) CBS will pick up the HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER spin-off series:
CBS has schedule the finale of the long running sitcom HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER for March 2014. And, we know Hollywood prefers a familiar/proven franchise over something original. a spin-off would give a decent amount of time off for the series before HOW I MET YOUR FATHER premieres in late September and be something familiar to TV viewers. I personally would rather have HIMYF over a new copy-cat sitcom with a different name, but looked the same.

BTW, don't rule out a possible BARNEY LOVES ROBIN spin-off.