I don't get RTN (Retro Television Network) where I live. If you go to their web site and scroll down, you'll see that the network isn't in every state yet. But it's something I'd like to see on my local cable system.RTN is a channel that shows a lot of old TV shows. It's sort of what TV Land used to be, a long time ago, before they started to get into reality shows, movies, and Extreme Makeover.
The channel is still at a time in their history where they have the freedom to not only air cult-yet-mainstream shows like the original Battlestar Galactica, The Incredible Hulk, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Leave It To Beaver, and Magnum, P.i., they're also airing such shows as Delvecchio (!), It Takes A Thief (!), Kate and Allie (!), the original 50s version of Mike Hammer (!), Run For Your Life (!), and The Bold Ones (!). As you can see, this is one eclectic network. They also have original programming such as talk shows, RTN Mystery Theater, and Offbeat Cinema. Robin Leach is going to host a show on the network, too.
I'd like to see this channel spread out more across the country. And what I mean by that is, I wish it was on where I live. I think if it became too popular, the programming would change. But it seems like a great option for people who used to love TV Land and Nickelodeon, but haven't been happy with some of the changes.
I mean ... Delvecchio!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-09-2008 @ 3:51PM
Gordon Werner said...
They show episodes of Buck Rogers and the original Battlestar Galactica on Saturday nights
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12-09-2008 @ 4:12PM
Mike Doran said...
Feel free to correct me, but aren't all the shows you've listed here out of the MCA-Universal-Revue warehouse? Granted, they've got the biggest backlog of TV film in the known universe, so when may we expect Biff Baker USA to join the lineup? You can't really call it 'eclectic' when you're buying from only one store.
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12-09-2008 @ 5:05PM
jdfrietze said...
Ok, so is the cut "click here to read more" automatic after a certain number of lines or characters? 'Cause this isn't the first time I've bothered to click on a link expecting some in depth article below the fold, to find one more paragraph. Why bother?
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12-09-2008 @ 5:17PM
Ryan said...
I don't know if they would be directly added to cable systems. My impression of RTN is that it was a service offered to broadcasters looking for something, anything, to add to their digital TV offerings. Something to show people that there's something "extra" by upgrading to over-the-air DTV.
Of course, if it's offered over-the-air, I'm sure the broadcasters would then push to have it added to cable systems.
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12-09-2008 @ 5:39PM
jordancda said...
Just one more kick ass reason to live in Northern Idaho. Come join the fun...
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12-09-2008 @ 6:34PM
jrd said...
It Takes a Thief!!! I LOVED It Takes a Thief!
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12-09-2008 @ 6:54PM
WhatI said...
One key here not mentioned" RTN programming is not the same in every market - the affiliates are able to carry the shows that they want to - so the shows listed on their website aren't necessarily going to to be on your local RTN station.
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12-10-2008 @ 1:57PM
ratphink said...
Well it lists our SF channel as an affiliate, but none of that programming appears at all. In fact after losing the NBC license they pretty much just run local programming or infomericals and the occasional syndicated show like Dr. Phil. I'd love to see them at least show some of this programming during the weekend or late at night, I'd definitely tune in.
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12-10-2008 @ 5:46PM
David Munkhoff said...
Brighthouse Cable in Orlando carries RTN but the local affiliate that hosts it runs it’s so called weekly broadcasting tests almost daily during McHale’s Navy or Jack Benny. If the Retro Network was on Direct TV or Dish I would gladly switch from cable to avoid the local commercials and bogus emergency tests. The Retro Channel and Ted Turner’s movie channel are the only channels I really need. TV Land used to be good but now it’s little underage programmers seem to think Scrubs qualifies as classic television.
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1-08-2009 @ 4:13AM
Don Mull Sr said...
I fully agree tv sucks , used to be good but RTN is the best network ever!!!! I only wish they sell their channel to Direct tv. the cable system here in iowa is mostly mediacom and the recepition is very bad. think i'm going to get Direct tv so hopefully they will follow suit and get RTN network on dish!!! Its cheaper and much better reception and its the wave of the future with the gov. and all the people hurting for money. The cheaper is the way of the future!!! So to get more area and people watching this great network go to Direct tv ior any kind of Dish .. Thank You I'll be waiting to get my favorite channel with the worlds best tv series back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1-26-2009 @ 11:29AM
Evone said...
We watched the RTN for a week or so, then poof it was gone, WLMT 30 Memphis, I want AIRWOLF back. We watched this when our sons were small, and we want to watch it again. Please get us Airwolf!!!! We are on Windjammer cable now, not Time Warner
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1-26-2009 @ 11:31AM
Evone said...
We want AIRWOLF!!
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