The story of "Supertrain" is a cautionary tale about the perils of over-ambition and the fine line between innovation and extravagance in television production. In the late 1970s, NBC, under the leadership of Fred Silverman, sought to create a sci-fi drama that would rival "The Love Boat" in terms of opulence and intrigue. The result was "Supertrain", a series set on a luxurious, nuclear-powered train that would take passengers from New York to Los Angeles via Chicago, Denver, and Texas. The show was meant to be a big win for Silverman and NBC, but it quickly became a legendary TV bomb, derailing after just nine episodes and leaving the network with a hefty deficit.
What makes "Supertrain" particularly fascinating is the sheer scale of its ambition. The show boasted lavish sets, detailed model trains, and a main cast that included the likes of Edward Andrews and Robert Alda. The two-hour pilot episode alone cost NBC a reported $7 million, making it the most expensive show in TV history at the time. But despite the high production values, "Supertrain" failed to capture the imagination of audiences, with lackluster storylines and sets that failed to project the elegance for which they were designed. The show's sets, in particular, were often oppressive and claustrophobic, a far cry from the swanky setting that was promised.
One of the most intriguing aspects of "Supertrain" is the way in which it reflects the broader cultural and economic climate of the late 1970s. The show's exorbitant spending coincided with the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Olympics, which cost NBC millions in advertising revenue. This, combined with the millions lost on "Supertrain", almost resulted in the network going bankrupt. It's a stark reminder of the fine line between ambition and extravagance in television production, and the importance of understanding the broader context in which a show is produced.
In my opinion, the story of "Supertrain" is a fascinating exploration of the risks and rewards of over-ambition in television production. It's a cautionary tale that highlights the importance of understanding the broader context in which a show is produced, and the fine line between innovation and extravagance. The show's failure serves as a reminder that, while ambition is important, it's equally important to be realistic about the resources and time available, and to understand the needs and expectations of the audience.
Looking back, it's easy to see why "Supertrain" failed. The show was over-ambitious, with a production budget that far exceeded its potential audience. The sets and model trains were impressive, but they were not enough to save the show from its lackluster storylines and oppressive sets. In the end, "Supertrain" serves as a reminder that, while ambition is important, it's equally important to be realistic about the resources and time available, and to understand the needs and expectations of the audience. It's a cautionary tale that will resonate with anyone who has ever worked in television production.
