Seems the Sci-Fi Network, whose existence comforts me but whose programming induces seizures, has broadened their definition of science-fiction to attract a larger audience. Here’s the key bit:
βItβs not just aliens, spaceships and the future,β said Dave Howe, who was promoted to president of Sci Fi from general manager in January. βItβs about asking that simple question, βWhat if?ββ
I’m sorry, but aside from non-fiction, what types of fiction don’t fall under the broad vision of some one thinking “What if?”. If the question “What if a voice asked you to build a baseball field?” can be considered science-fiction, than why not “What if six friends hung-out at a coffee shop instead of in their apartments like normal people?”
Most folks don’t watch the Sci-Fi channel because the vast majority of content on it was, or is, bad. There is nothing audience limiting about the genre itself. For fuck’s sake some of the most successful films in the last decade were very strictly science-fiction. Replaying Field of Dreams is going to attract a larger audience not just because it appeals to more people, but because it’s a better film than Giant Mantis Fights Marines, Again.
There are few things more ridiculous than creatively-bankrupt networks attempting to “expand their audience” by replaying popular shit outside of their niche. Just change your name to TNT and get the fuck on with it.