As a mother you constantly find yourself in the position of waiting. Pregnancy- that's 9-10 months. Labor- minutes can seem like hours, and hours like days, and my first born was a lovely 71 hours. Emergency doctor visits- 2 hours at least, to be seen. Since our youngest is special needs: going to specialists?- Hmph, those visits can be 1-2 hours long. And labs!? Don't get me started! An easy 3-4 hour hospital visit. Then they get older and fall or some other event and you experience the emergency room…HA! Four hours for 5 stitches recently for our oldest son…and we got there at 11:00 pm, after he got off of work. SIGH..Yes…motherhood does mean many times of waiting. But those are just the chronological moments. What about the moments of waiting for the first word, crawling… Kindergarten? Those milestones that you don't always measure how long it took to achieve them. When it happened, you simply marked it down in a book somewhere. There was no true wait because it happened around the time you expected it to.
For those of us with special needs children however, those moments can be so far delayed, that the wait seems forever. Recently, I was filling out some forms at my son's school and while we were in the lobby my son Zechariah told another child and his mom: "that's my mom; her name Tracey". Shocked, I stopped doing the paper work and stared. Now the mother of the other child just looked at me like I was crazy, but a receptionist saw the moment and smiled. With my mouth gaped open I kept staring; until finally the mother asked me, "did he say something wrong?" I smiled and said "No, I just didn't know he knew my name." I'd never heard him say it before, let alone in a sentence. For a "normal" kindergartner mom this is not a big deal; but imagine waiting 6 years to hear that statement…and then think how much more value it would be to you. With all the therapies and scary moments in his life, that was a wonderful moment, it was miraculous, and it was worth the wait!
And that's where I find myself with our first conference. As we press forward, waiting for donations, pulling together speakers and artists. We have the highest degrees in hand, vision written, location and contracts ready and yet… We have to wait.
Waiting on God to move can be so hard and painful at times. From a spiritual standpoint it seems the enemy doesn't wait at all. No matter what denomination you are you can appreciate this question: Doesn't it seem like hell-fire will find you and jump in your path faster than God's plan or what we deem His rewards for us? It can be hard to see the delay as good, the humbling moments that are more than anyone could imagine. It can be hard to keep your head high and press towards a mark- to give birth to a long-term vision and dream. But then, I keep wondering…when it happens, will I appreciate it more because I had to wait? Will it be like that moment when Zechariah said my name? Will it be such a sweet, rewarding moment that words and grateful tears will never fully articulate my praise?
Yes! I know it will! So I praise God for being a Mom… because it prepared me to know how to wait for this moment. I'll see you all in Orlando, August 2015 for the Breathe Conference…
God willing.
-Tracey V. Council- Ph.D. Executive Director of Breathe 150 Entertainment "Allowing everyone that has breath to praise the Lord!"
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Sunday, September 14, 2014
For God So Loved the World: An Encouragement for Parents that have children with Autism and Special Needs
There have been a number of verses that I have been drawn to over the past couple of weeks, but none of them have stood out more than John 3:16. The very familiar passage gives the reader insight as to why God sent his Son into the world. Even to a person that lacks detailed understanding about the Christian church community, they can at least take away from this scripture that God at least loved the world before He sent His Son into it. It doesn't say that He loved the world with certain conditions and it doesn't add any burdens to us as creatures in order for us to attain or receive that love. All we have to do according to this verse is simply believe that God loves us and then we will receive eternal life. Isn't that amazing!
As we continue to push towards our Breathe Family/Leadership Worship Conference in August of 2015, the thought came to me as to why I am pushing so hard to do this event. During an intimate morning worship moment with my family, my youngest son ran into my arms desiring a hug. Zechariah is a miracle child. The first years of his life were met with a number of health challenges. By the time he was two years old, Zechariah had battled through 17 different ear infections. Doctors had prescribed a number antibiotics, but over the course of time, he became immune to the antibiotics and needed stronger medications. After being in and out of the hospital and doctor offices, it was determined that Zechariah would need to have tubes surgically placed into his ears so that the fluid can drain out. After the surgery was over, the doctor walked out of the operating room and walked over to apologize to us. He told us that he was sorry that they did not get Zechariah into the surgery sooner. He explained that for the past year, Zechariah had been hearing us and the world around him as if he was listening to us under water. Not only that, it was also determined that the most recent severe ear infections he had led to both of his ear drums rupturing; causing some hearing loss. The hearing loss resulted in Zechariah's development being delayed, and the antibiotic immunities had led to his immune system being compromised; hence, the need for us to find specialists and programs to best suit his needs.
I can go on and on about the many other health challenges that Zechariah has faced throughout his life, but the purpose of this particular blog would be thwarted if I did. The purpose of this particular blog was to bring understanding about the love of a father. You see…my life as a born-again Christian believer will continue to yield an understanding to the heart of God as I stay tethered to Him, and as a father today, I realized that God couldn't just stand by and do nothing because of His love for a dying world. As Zechariah's father, I couldn't stand by and do nothing for him, even though some treated us or believed that there was nothing that we could do. Even though my wife and I are advocates for Christian education and learning institutions, we had to find a place that would be most beneficial to Zechariah's development (because unfortunately, there's not a lot of Christ-centered educational institutions that have programs to reach special needs or children with autism: Why? I don't know, but stay tuned as I challenge this thinking within our church culture).
God so loved the world, that He was willing to do whatever it took to save it, and like most parents that have children with autism or special needs, they are willing to do whatever it takes to give their children the best life possible. God sent His Son into a community of unbelievers, and Jesus took the punishment for all of our sins at the hand of His creation; but because of the love of God, it was worth the investment. Every time I look at my two children, I know that this conference is worth it. Every time I drop Zechariah off at his special needs charter school and see other parents lovingly pushing through every possible hurt and pain to get their child to school everyday, I know this conference is worth it. No parent should have to feel abandoned within the Christian church community, especially when we are supposed to be the family of God or the Body of Christ. It's time to let EVERYONE that has breathe praise the Lord. It's time to really let autism speak in our christian communities, and love on the entire fields of hurting families and people. We can do it…because God so loved the world.
Ryan Council
President & Founder of Breathe 150 Entertainment
ryan@breathe150entertainment.com
https://www.facebook.com/breathe150entertainment
http://www.gofundme.com/e6jaqo
As we continue to push towards our Breathe Family/Leadership Worship Conference in August of 2015, the thought came to me as to why I am pushing so hard to do this event. During an intimate morning worship moment with my family, my youngest son ran into my arms desiring a hug. Zechariah is a miracle child. The first years of his life were met with a number of health challenges. By the time he was two years old, Zechariah had battled through 17 different ear infections. Doctors had prescribed a number antibiotics, but over the course of time, he became immune to the antibiotics and needed stronger medications. After being in and out of the hospital and doctor offices, it was determined that Zechariah would need to have tubes surgically placed into his ears so that the fluid can drain out. After the surgery was over, the doctor walked out of the operating room and walked over to apologize to us. He told us that he was sorry that they did not get Zechariah into the surgery sooner. He explained that for the past year, Zechariah had been hearing us and the world around him as if he was listening to us under water. Not only that, it was also determined that the most recent severe ear infections he had led to both of his ear drums rupturing; causing some hearing loss. The hearing loss resulted in Zechariah's development being delayed, and the antibiotic immunities had led to his immune system being compromised; hence, the need for us to find specialists and programs to best suit his needs.
I can go on and on about the many other health challenges that Zechariah has faced throughout his life, but the purpose of this particular blog would be thwarted if I did. The purpose of this particular blog was to bring understanding about the love of a father. You see…my life as a born-again Christian believer will continue to yield an understanding to the heart of God as I stay tethered to Him, and as a father today, I realized that God couldn't just stand by and do nothing because of His love for a dying world. As Zechariah's father, I couldn't stand by and do nothing for him, even though some treated us or believed that there was nothing that we could do. Even though my wife and I are advocates for Christian education and learning institutions, we had to find a place that would be most beneficial to Zechariah's development (because unfortunately, there's not a lot of Christ-centered educational institutions that have programs to reach special needs or children with autism: Why? I don't know, but stay tuned as I challenge this thinking within our church culture).
God so loved the world, that He was willing to do whatever it took to save it, and like most parents that have children with autism or special needs, they are willing to do whatever it takes to give their children the best life possible. God sent His Son into a community of unbelievers, and Jesus took the punishment for all of our sins at the hand of His creation; but because of the love of God, it was worth the investment. Every time I look at my two children, I know that this conference is worth it. Every time I drop Zechariah off at his special needs charter school and see other parents lovingly pushing through every possible hurt and pain to get their child to school everyday, I know this conference is worth it. No parent should have to feel abandoned within the Christian church community, especially when we are supposed to be the family of God or the Body of Christ. It's time to let EVERYONE that has breathe praise the Lord. It's time to really let autism speak in our christian communities, and love on the entire fields of hurting families and people. We can do it…because God so loved the world.
Ryan Council
President & Founder of Breathe 150 Entertainment
ryan@breathe150entertainment.com
https://www.facebook.com/breathe150entertainment
http://www.gofundme.com/e6jaqo
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Why I Shout: Comprehending The Diversity of Worship Within the Christian Culture
It has long been an argument within the Christian culture, amongst multiple denominations about what is considered appropriate worship during a service. The argument probably has survived between those that would consider themselves to be charismatic in their worship and those that would be considered more reserved in their public display of their affection for the Lord. Since this discussion continues to resolve as a stalemate between Christian scholars and theologians, it is not my intention to celebrate one approach to worship over another, but to simply submit why I shout.
I've discovered in my own personal walk with the Lord that salvation can be an enjoyable adventure. There are just something's that theology, religion, and even historical evidence will never be able to explain in an effort to uphold the deity and existence of God. Though our humanity needs these resources to teach and protect the legacy of our faith, they cannot replace a physical or emotional relationship that is produced by God himself.
In the ninth chapter of the Gospel according to John, Jesus encounters a man that was born blind. As Jesus prepared to heal the man, his (religious) disciples asked whether or not it was his parents sins that made him blind (from birth) or was it his own. Jesus's disciples were so trapped by their religious ideas that in asking their question, they had already dismissed the possibility that it was the blind man's own sin's that made him blind, since the Bible states that he was born that way. Jesus went on and healed the man, and the conflict over his healing amongst the Pharisees began. After pulling the man into their quarters, the Pharisees began to question him as to how he was healed. The healed man was unable to give a satisfactory and credible answer to their questions at that particular moment, so they pulled in his parents, who only deferred the Pharisees back to asking their son about how he was healed. At the climax of the story, the man is insulted and thrown out of their quarters because he believed that something amazing happened to him that was not generated by himself, and all he wanted to do was worship the man that gave him his miracle. Well…he get's the chance to meet his healer…Jesus…after he was thrown out of the Pharisee's quarters. Verse 38 of the Gospel of John wraps it all up nicely for the reader: the healed man declared that he believed in the Son of Man, and…he…worshipped Him! Amen!
The story reveals the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees (and the disciples) and I believe it also reveals the chief reason why the argument over the diversity between Christian worship cultures continues. Both charismatics and reserved worship cultures are trying to defend their preference of a worship community by claiming that one is more appropriate or accepted by God than the other. One side will claim that it is more descent and in order, while the other side will claim that exuberant praise is what moves God. One side might say that a reserved individual has more self-control, while the other side will say that a reserved quiet atmosphere is a lukewarm one, and is just about to be spit out of the mouth of God. It doesn't take much to see where both sides articulate their spiritual blindness. I've served in both worship communities (charismatic and reserved). I always find it amazing to see a guy in a reserved church community sitting quietly with his family on a Sunday morning, but then to see him out on the football field as a coach screaming his head off with passion and great enthusiasm. They hardly lift their hands to clap at the end of a song, but at a Friday night game, they can't help but stand up and shout.
I enjoy both cultures and I have learned a lot from the diversity of individuals that walk in God's righteousness…and not their own. I shout for really one reason: it's fun! I mean…God is amazing. When Sunday Night Football comes on, I am screaming and shouting at the television for my team of choice to win. We've all had this question posed to us before: Why shout more at a football game for our team to score a touchdown, than we do to celebrate what Jesus has done for us? Truth is, had I been on the streets as Jesus was walking with His cross to Golgotha, and if I would have had understanding of just exactly what His death was going to bring me, I would have been shouting and dancing just like I do every time I get into the house of God. The cross is the football and it's in Jesus's hands. The end zone is Golgotha, and when he crosses over the goal line, it's going to truly be the Red Zone because He's going to pour out all of His blood for my sins and shortcomings. I am free because He scored the touchdown in the final minutes of the game. Not only that, but he then gets the two point conversion on the third day by rising from the dead with ALL power in His hands. Amen!!! So whether you're reserved or charismatic, let's settle on one thing between the diversity of our worship cultures: Jesus loves you!
Ryan Council
President & Founder of Breathe 150 Entertainment
I've discovered in my own personal walk with the Lord that salvation can be an enjoyable adventure. There are just something's that theology, religion, and even historical evidence will never be able to explain in an effort to uphold the deity and existence of God. Though our humanity needs these resources to teach and protect the legacy of our faith, they cannot replace a physical or emotional relationship that is produced by God himself.
In the ninth chapter of the Gospel according to John, Jesus encounters a man that was born blind. As Jesus prepared to heal the man, his (religious) disciples asked whether or not it was his parents sins that made him blind (from birth) or was it his own. Jesus's disciples were so trapped by their religious ideas that in asking their question, they had already dismissed the possibility that it was the blind man's own sin's that made him blind, since the Bible states that he was born that way. Jesus went on and healed the man, and the conflict over his healing amongst the Pharisees began. After pulling the man into their quarters, the Pharisees began to question him as to how he was healed. The healed man was unable to give a satisfactory and credible answer to their questions at that particular moment, so they pulled in his parents, who only deferred the Pharisees back to asking their son about how he was healed. At the climax of the story, the man is insulted and thrown out of their quarters because he believed that something amazing happened to him that was not generated by himself, and all he wanted to do was worship the man that gave him his miracle. Well…he get's the chance to meet his healer…Jesus…after he was thrown out of the Pharisee's quarters. Verse 38 of the Gospel of John wraps it all up nicely for the reader: the healed man declared that he believed in the Son of Man, and…he…worshipped Him! Amen!
The story reveals the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees (and the disciples) and I believe it also reveals the chief reason why the argument over the diversity between Christian worship cultures continues. Both charismatics and reserved worship cultures are trying to defend their preference of a worship community by claiming that one is more appropriate or accepted by God than the other. One side will claim that it is more descent and in order, while the other side will claim that exuberant praise is what moves God. One side might say that a reserved individual has more self-control, while the other side will say that a reserved quiet atmosphere is a lukewarm one, and is just about to be spit out of the mouth of God. It doesn't take much to see where both sides articulate their spiritual blindness. I've served in both worship communities (charismatic and reserved). I always find it amazing to see a guy in a reserved church community sitting quietly with his family on a Sunday morning, but then to see him out on the football field as a coach screaming his head off with passion and great enthusiasm. They hardly lift their hands to clap at the end of a song, but at a Friday night game, they can't help but stand up and shout.
I enjoy both cultures and I have learned a lot from the diversity of individuals that walk in God's righteousness…and not their own. I shout for really one reason: it's fun! I mean…God is amazing. When Sunday Night Football comes on, I am screaming and shouting at the television for my team of choice to win. We've all had this question posed to us before: Why shout more at a football game for our team to score a touchdown, than we do to celebrate what Jesus has done for us? Truth is, had I been on the streets as Jesus was walking with His cross to Golgotha, and if I would have had understanding of just exactly what His death was going to bring me, I would have been shouting and dancing just like I do every time I get into the house of God. The cross is the football and it's in Jesus's hands. The end zone is Golgotha, and when he crosses over the goal line, it's going to truly be the Red Zone because He's going to pour out all of His blood for my sins and shortcomings. I am free because He scored the touchdown in the final minutes of the game. Not only that, but he then gets the two point conversion on the third day by rising from the dead with ALL power in His hands. Amen!!! So whether you're reserved or charismatic, let's settle on one thing between the diversity of our worship cultures: Jesus loves you!
Ryan Council
President & Founder of Breathe 150 Entertainment
Friday, September 12, 2014
Taking My First Breath: A Personal Thank You from President & Founder, Ryan Council
Before I can say anything about launching this
company, I have the honor and extreme pleasure of thanking a number of people
that have made a huge difference in my life along the way. First, I would like
to thank my best friend…my Lord and Savior…Jesus Christ. It has been an
extremely personal and wonderful friendship. Without Him, I would not have the
opportunity (or be taking the opportunity) to enjoy this new life. Second, I
want to honor and thank God for my parents. I failed to honor my parents sincerely
growing up because I was immature and selfish. I hope that as I continue to
reflect on my life that I will be able (and cautious) to continue to thank them
for their love and their perseverance through some of the most difficult
situations that a family could ever go through. My brother is the greatest big
brother that anyone could ever ask for, and I got him without asking for him. God
called him to protect and serve the community as a law enforcement officer and
I am honored and grateful to have him in my life.
Along the way, I had the pleasure of developing
friendships and relationships with folks that made a huge impact in my life,
but a number of those relationships failed because of a mutual emotional
poverty. I was wrong for the hurt that I caused, and I forgive those who hurt
me. I know that our lives are better now because of God's intervention and
divine grace.
A very special thank you to the faculty and staff
(and vision) at Regent University. This school and institution played a very
powerful role in God saving my life after I had faced certain destruction. I
was a broken and depressed young man when I arrived, but God was there and he began the process of restoration.
To all of my friends, co-workers, and
executive leaders at Dominion Enterprises: I love you and miss you all very
much. To this day, I have not found a better group of people to work with. A special thank you to George Brooks, Cindy Samford, and Carmen Ramage for taking a chance on me.
To Lisa and Milan: we miss you guys very much. Thank
you Lisa for sacrificially believing in me on this leg of our journey!
To Mr. Carlos Wallace, Liz Faublas, and JaleneMack: thank you. I can't tell you how much it meant to me for you to take time
out of your busy schedule to speak to me and encourage me throughout my
program.
To my children, Tiras and Zechariah. God could not
have given me any better than the two of you. It's hard for me to believe that
I have one child in college and another one in kindergarten. You both are very
strong and have also been a major inspiration behind Breathe 150. When I grow
up, I want to be just like Tiras. You're going to make a great husband someday,
son. Zechy…I Breathe 150 because of you. You will always be my little Sour
Patch Kid…my Happy Gilmore…my Bat-a-saurus…my Alpaca…my joy.
Brenda Valentine: I miss our conversations, but I know God personally came and escorted you home Himself. I
believe that with all of my heart. Angels are only allowed so much time on the
earth before they have to go back home to glory. I know I really can't dance
well, but save one for me.
Bill Valentine: There's probably not a man alive
that I respect more than you. It's because of you that I have the life that I
do. You gave me your daughter and she has brought an immense amount of fulfillment
to my empty soul. If you would
have denied me her hand in marriage, I would be a man without direction and
without a purpose. I'm eternally grateful to you for what you gave me.
Finally…..to the most beautiful woman in the whole
wide world: Tracey Council. I don't know where to begin. You take my breath
away Mittens. You're my wife! Yes…you are my business partner…but you are my
wife. I have the best of both worlds. There's not a woman alive that can hold a
candle to you. You're the most beautiful and the smartest woman I know and I'm
grateful to have you. I wish I can build a time machine so that I can go back
and marry you every day for the rest of my life. I just never want our joy to
end. Actually…it won't. I get to have you for all eternity. Thank you Jesus!
So…this is how it begins!
Everybody now….Breathe In!!
Sunday, July 20, 2014
I'm Heading to Rio!!
Growing up as a
child, we had some pretty good feature length animated movies. Films like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and
TheLion King appealed to family audiences around the world, and received
recognition for their musical scores and their art design. Disney sure knew how
to pack a punch in the animation arena. Thanks to our local library, my
youngest son can see some of the cartoons and animated films that I grew up
watching as a child. To my surprise, after watching some of my old cartoon
favorites, he’d memorized the theme song and was able to hum and sing it without
an auto-tune feature. It’s always amazing to see how something that was created
years ago can still appeal to younger audiences today.
These days, I
find myself humming and singing the songs from the animated movies that my son
watches. Just when I thought that there was no other rhythmically outstanding
movie than the original Rio animated
feature, Rio 2 lands on the
scene. Just when I had made peace with the songs from the original movie
playing in my head, Rio 2 flies into
the theater. Unbelievable music. It was fantastic! Uh!! I tried to keep my hips
from moving, but…Uh… Oh yeah…that has also proved pointless. Even now I’m
twitching in my seat. With Anne Hathaway and Jesse Eisenberg as the voice of
Jewel and Blue, Rio 2 takes the
lovable couple and their family and friends on an adventure to the Amazon rain
forest.
Leaving the
comfort of their home in Rio, the group heads to unknown territory in the
Amazon. Typically, sequels don’t deliver more than the original, but Rio 2 brought with it more color, more
adventure, and more music. The animation is amazing, but more spectacular is
how the animals in the movie all become the music. Even with the volume turned
off, I can still feel the pulsing drums just from watching the choreography playing
on the screen. Rio 2 took music and
made it colorful; it took music and put it into motion. So obviously, there is
a dilemma in the Council household: My youngest son is singing old school and
I’m singing what is fresh. Once a man; twice a child? Who cares, as long as
there is rhythm.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
The Kid In Me
I have had the time of my life coming up with things to
write about over the past number of months. I’ve had a chance to write about
things pertaining to business issues, social issues, and parenting issues.
Starting this blog was supposed to help me find a way to keep my kids
entertained, and to find fun things to do since we relocated to the Orlando,
Florida area. My kids have been the ones to truly benefit from the different
places that we have gone and fun ideas that I have come up with, but I really
haven’t touched on the kid living inside of me and the things that I really
enjoyed doing growing up. I know…I’m thirty-five years old…father of two boys,
and enough grey in my beard to make me look like a chocolate sexy Santa Clause.
I admit that I’m a big kid inside and I love to have my own little adventures,
but nothing used to get me more pumped up than a game of Nintendo’s Ring King.
Image courtesy of: http://www.gamesdbase.com/Media/SYSTEM/Arcade/Snap/big/Vs._T.K.O._Boxing_-_1987_-_Namco.jpg
I’ve never been into the whole online
gaming world. I’m not the person that can tell you cheat codes or would ever be
interested in learning how to create a video game, but boy do I love to play
them. Well…I haven’t had a chance to really play them lately since I have been
in school, a husband, and trying to play the role of a responsible provider…but
you get what I am saying. I love playing video games, and Ring King especially. Mike
Tyson’s Punch Out did wonders for
bridging the boxing world with the video game industry, but nothing thrilled me
more than playing Ring King. Nintendo
really outdid themselves! They designed the funniest looking characters that
would be laughed at by today’s game designers. These guys had Afros and wore
the tightest shorts known to the sporting world. As a player, you would dance around the ring
squaring off against your opponent, trying to land critical blows to knock him
out. If you landed a really good hit (or a series of good hits) you could cause
your opponent to spin around like a top before hitting the canvas, or simply
knock him clean out of the ring into the audience seats. POW…ZOOM…to the moon!!
It was fantastic gameplay!
Game design company, Electronic
Arts became really big as I was growing up, and games like Madden NFL were a hit among young game players. Marketing video games like
Madden still seems to be pretty
traditional by today’s online digital marketing standards. During the NFL
football season, you will still see a number of television commercials targeted
towards adult and adolescent gamers. In the digital world online and depending
on what site you are on, you will see banner ads and video pop-up windows
showing a video trailer of the game. Marketing a video game wasn’t that
sophisticated back in the day. The public knew about a new video game when it
came out in the next game publication, or when it showed up at a local arcade.
No matter how the word gets out, there is nothing more spectacular about
playing a game that will change your life for the rest of your life. Ring King was that game for me. I can’t
wait until I am able to purchase all of the old game software and play them online
or on a game console. Guess which one is going to be the first one I get?
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Family Matters
My adolescent childhood was nearly destroyed by one television character: Steve Urkel. Isn't it funny how one pair of glasses and a set of braces can ruin your life when you're in school? Thankfully, I made it out alive with only a few emotional scars from all of the taunting and teasing. However, the show that spawned the Steve Urkel character was wildly successful.
From September of 1989, to May of 1997, Family Matters aired every Friday on the ABC network during a two hour block of family centered entertainment known as TGIF. For its last season, it aired on the CBS network. I was a huge fan of the Friday night ABC line up. Since I was young, nerdy, and had nothing really going on for me, I would stay home and just watch the programs. By 1998, however, I was in my second year of college and had lost the zeal to watch the shows. I didn't even know that Family Matters was still on the air, much less that it had been signed over to CBS.
Family Matters is not the only show that has switched television networks. Insanely funny hospital "dramady" Scrubs died off of the NBC network, only to be revived for another short season on the ABC network. Family Matters and its sister show, Step by Step was acquired by CBS in a deal worth $40 million. Tensions between Miller-Boyett Productions and The Walt Disney Company (parent company) erupted, causing Miller-Boyett to accept the deal with CBS to rival against the TGIF lineup. The effort was unsuccessful, and both Family Matters and Step by Step were cancelled the following season, dismantling CBS's efforts to steal the Friday night family market.
Television shows seem to exhibit the same characteristics of modern day sports figures. If there is a better deal (or only deal offered) executives seem to have no problem trading a show to another team. Maybe the idea is that the show will do better on a different network than what it did previously. I think sometimes writers and producers attempt to do the impossible with a group of characters and with a show. I believe that you have to know when it is the right time to end a show and put those characters to rest. It's hard to let go, but drawing out a show will only have terrible effects for the legacy of the program. It's no different than Michael Jordan retiring from basketball, only to revive his own career on a different team. I might have looked liked Urkel back in the day, but I never did the Urkel shuffle. Catch my drift?
From September of 1989, to May of 1997, Family Matters aired every Friday on the ABC network during a two hour block of family centered entertainment known as TGIF. For its last season, it aired on the CBS network. I was a huge fan of the Friday night ABC line up. Since I was young, nerdy, and had nothing really going on for me, I would stay home and just watch the programs. By 1998, however, I was in my second year of college and had lost the zeal to watch the shows. I didn't even know that Family Matters was still on the air, much less that it had been signed over to CBS.
Family Matters is not the only show that has switched television networks. Insanely funny hospital "dramady" Scrubs died off of the NBC network, only to be revived for another short season on the ABC network. Family Matters and its sister show, Step by Step was acquired by CBS in a deal worth $40 million. Tensions between Miller-Boyett Productions and The Walt Disney Company (parent company) erupted, causing Miller-Boyett to accept the deal with CBS to rival against the TGIF lineup. The effort was unsuccessful, and both Family Matters and Step by Step were cancelled the following season, dismantling CBS's efforts to steal the Friday night family market.
Television shows seem to exhibit the same characteristics of modern day sports figures. If there is a better deal (or only deal offered) executives seem to have no problem trading a show to another team. Maybe the idea is that the show will do better on a different network than what it did previously. I think sometimes writers and producers attempt to do the impossible with a group of characters and with a show. I believe that you have to know when it is the right time to end a show and put those characters to rest. It's hard to let go, but drawing out a show will only have terrible effects for the legacy of the program. It's no different than Michael Jordan retiring from basketball, only to revive his own career on a different team. I might have looked liked Urkel back in the day, but I never did the Urkel shuffle. Catch my drift?
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