What makes a Stealth Show

[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Jim Benson and Ben Grossman]
Why do some bad (defined as shunned by Emmy voters, dismissed by critics and ignored by assignment editors) shows stay on TV? Because they deliver a consistent audience, longevity and the promise of a lucrative backend -- which can do wonders to help cushion the embarrassment they might cause a network promoting itself as the home of quality programming. In other words, stealth shows like Yes, Dear -- and ABC’s America’s Funniest Home Videos, NBC’s Crossing Jordan and a host of others -- somehow chug along for years because networks dearly need them.
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