The acquisition of Flashpoint may be the kick start Ion Television needs in order to challenge the television network giants, including CBS, which is the former home of this acclaimed police procedural drama. Ion Television largely provides syndicated programming and infomercials, rarely venturing into original broadcasts. Because of this, the network has not blossomed in the likes of Fox Network or even CW. However, CBS’s decision to pass off the remaining 11 episodes of Flashpoint season 4 may work very well in favor of Ion Television due to an already established fanbase here in the U.S. This is a show that has consistently garnered over 7 million viewers over three-and-a-half seasons in its Friday night time slot. These viewers are now scrambling to figure out what channel airs Ion Television in their respective locations and this bodes well for an underwhelming television network.
However, acquiring original episodes of a hit show, such as Flashpoint, is only half of the battle. Ion Television executives are left with the crucial decision of selecting an appropriate time slot to air this show. Friday evening is not considered to be prime real estate for television networks since the target population (age 18 to 49) prefers to spend the evening away from television sets. However, Flashpoint somehow maintained a faithful following despite its placement in this largely undesired time slot. It is uncertain as to whether these loyal Friday viewers would remain loyal in the midst of popular shows like Glee or NCIS if Flashpoint was to be pitted against one or more of these shows in a Monday to Thursday time slot. Given that Ion Television has not much to lose, it would be a safe bet to assume Flashpoint will be aired sometime between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on a weekday, minus Friday, to compete against ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox for a significant percentage of viewers in a David and Goliath-style match up.
So far, no announcement has been made as to exactly when Flashpoint will commence its run on Ion Television.