Write to TV, 2nd Edition

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MADE-FOR-TV MOVIES

 

Made-for-TV movies have been around since the 1950s. In the 1970s, they exploded in popularity and tackled a variety of what were then considered controversial issues such as teenage alcoholism and domestic abuse. Until recently, networks broadcast TV movies on a regular basis — some even once a week — leading them to be coined as MOWs (Movies of the Week) in the industry. Today, they are more commonly referred to as made-for-TV movies. Currently (and disappointingly) networks are not making as many TV movies as they once did.

Since each movie is self-contained and revolves around a different story and a different set of characters, it is difficult for networks to build a following in the same way they ...