A lot of the network input tries to mold you into something they've already done or to demographics, and then you get the feathered fish that doesn't swim or fly. It's also the weakest. But they turned into two of the most successful comedies ever. The brilliant teen drama starring Claire Danes got canceled during its first season, despite the ABC programmers who vowed they loved the show. That was in 1995.
Teens are hot.
High school is hot. Danes is a major star. Rumor is ABC's going to rehire the guy who canceled it just so they can fire him again. During a January press conference, ABC entertainment president Jamie Tarses answered question about why the distinct, clever drama was moved from one miserable time slot on Saturdays to a miserable berth on Thurs days. Plugging holes with news magazines and reality shows is just one example.