Paramount's Quest for TV Dominance: The Unfulfilled Network Dream
In the ever-evolving landscape of television, few companies have had as storied a history with the medium as Paramount. From its early days as a partner in the DuMont Television Network to the launch of the UPN, Paramount's journey through the small screen is a fascinating one. But amidst these successes, there's a lesser-known chapter in Paramount's history that showcases their ambition and the challenges of entering a crowded market.
The Rise of the DuMont Network
The story begins in 1948 when Paramount joined forces with DuMont Television, one of the pioneers in American television broadcasting. This partnership marked Paramount's initial foray into the world of television, a medium that was about to experience explosive growth. However, the DuMont Network's success was fleeting, and it met its demise in 1956, leaving Paramount with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
The Birth of UPN
Fast forward to 1995, and Paramount found itself back on the airwaves with the launch of the United Paramount Network (UPN). This time, the network premiered with a bang, introducing the hit sci-fi series 'Star Trek: Voyager' on its very first night. While UPN struggled to find consistent success, 'Voyager' became a beacon of hope for the network, albeit too little too late.
The Unmade Network: Paramount Television Service (PTS)
In the mid-1970s, Paramount had its eyes set on a grand vision: the Paramount Television Service (PTS). This ambitious project aimed to launch a new TV network centered around the iconic 'Star Trek' franchise. The plan was to revive 'Star Trek: Phase II,' a spinoff of the original series, with the entire original cast returning, except for Leonard Nimoy due to legal disputes with Gene Roddenberry.
Barry Diller, the president of Paramount at the time, expressed optimism about the network's potential. He stated, 'We won't be erecting a building on Sixth Avenue and 58th, but we're in competition ... because of the rise in broadcasting advertising revenue. There is now enough to support more than three networks.'
However, the PTS faced significant challenges. The production costs of 'Phase II' were astronomical, with the opening episode alone costing $2 million, and subsequent episodes half a million each. This financial burden, coupled with the absence of Spock, sparked outrage among Trekkies, who threatened to boycott the series. The project's viability was questioned, and Paramount's doubts grew.
The Evolution of 'Star Trek'
As the PTS plans unfolded, 'Star Trek: Phase II' underwent a transformation. It was eventually reworked into 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture' in 1979, a film that went on to become a landmark in the franchise. The network dream may have been dashed, but 'Star Trek' continued to thrive, finding new life in various forms.
A Pattern Emerges
Paramount's history with 'Star Trek' is a recurring theme in their television endeavors. In 2017, they debuted 'Star Trek: Discovery' on their streaming service, CBS All Access, continuing the franchise's legacy. This pattern of revisiting and reimagining 'Star Trek' suggests a deep-rooted connection between the studio and the iconic series.
Unfulfilled Dreams and Enduring Legacy
While Paramount's network dreams may have been unfulfilled, their impact on television is undeniable. The PTS, though never realized, showcased the studio's ambition and the challenges of breaking into the TV market. The network's legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of 'Star Trek' and Paramount's continued involvement in the franchise.
In the end, Paramount's quest for TV dominance is a testament to the power of ambition and the enduring appeal of a cultural phenomenon like 'Star Trek'. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most ambitious ideas can shape the future, even if they don't always come to fruition.
