10 TV series that changed networks: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' 'Southland,' 'Futurama'
'Baywatch'
Original network: NBC (1989-1990)
Moved to: Syndication (1991-2001)
How it fared: After initial low ratings, "Baywatch" was dumped by NBC after just one season, but found a much nicer home in first-run syndication. There, the Hoff and a succession of lovely ladies -- including Pamela Anderson (who joined in 1992) -- stole the hearts of viewers each week for over ten years. The tawdry adventure-soap was, for a time, allegedly the most-watched show in the world. It spun off the less successful drama "Baywatch Nights."
- Dave Lewis
Photo Credit: Fremantle Media
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Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupMike Palmer
April 6, 2013 at 11:29PM EST Reply to CommentTwo series that changed networks that weren't mentioned were Leave It To Beaver (CBS 1957-59; ABC 1959-63) and Get Smart (NBC 1965-69; CBS 1969-70). The Beav fared well, Maxwell Smart, not so much
MP
April 6, 2013 at 11:48PM EST Reply to CommentAnother series that changed networks was Hee Haw. It started out on CBS as a summer replacement for the Smothers Brothers show in 1969. Later on in the 1969-70 season it was a midseason replacement. It enjoyed a full season in 1970-71 before falling prey to the CBS "rural purge" of 1971. It went into first run syndication in 1971 and lasted until 1993.