Movies And Their Move to Television. Or Not.

[Wally Pryor 5266]

One of my favorite 2nd tier movies of all time is Sling Blade.  I'll argue it's above 2nd tier - great film all around.   It's never once been on network channels, AMC or any of the other cable networks.  

What / how is it decided what movies make it to mainstream broadcasting?    Seems like most / many do but some that are great movies never sniff it.

[mr. sunshine 2834]

I don’t know if this belongs here but Kevin Kline, Tracey Ullman, River Phoenix, Joan Plowright, William Hurt and Keanu in I Love You to Death and when is that MFer ever on?

[Bender Bending Rodriguez 1693]

Music rights is a big reason for many. Music rights for movies made pre mid 70’s or so, purchased music rights in perpetuity, so no problem there. Around that time though the 90’s, music rights become more complicated and some productions purchased the rights for only 10, 15, 25 years, etc… those movies can still air, but new rights have to be purchased, which makes them airing less likely. It’s why Beavis and Butthead hasn’t been on regular syndication in forever, or on Netflix. 

[Hawndoh 2389]

Music rights are also the blame for some shows either never releasing on DVD or finally releasing with new songs replacing originally aired tracks