Have you ever heard the phrase "Beat them at their own game?" Plenty of battles have been won by one side utilizing the other's strengths against them. However, few people understand that there's more than one way to triumph, and every method doesn't necessarily require a dominance of strength.

When Emergency! broke into the top twenty television ratings, no one was necessarily surprised. Granted, crime shows are nothing new, but Emergency! was action-packed, and was sure to keep audiences invested. However, one of the show's creators, Robert A. Cinader, spoke about the success during an interview with the Associated Press. Cinader explained that he wasn't only interested in breaking into the top twenty ratings: He wanted to topple the number one series on the list: All in the Family.

Cinader's reasoning was simple. All in the Family was unbeatable in terms of comedy, and it would be foolish for him even to try to match comedic wits with a creator like Norman Lear. Instead, Cinader explained that he was willing to take advantage of an underserved market that All in the Family wasn't delivering to.

"No television show has universal appeal," said Cinader. "Even All in the Family doesn't appeal to everyone. You look for the areas where it doesn't appeal. And that's to the action-oriented kids. You design a show around kids."

See More

Kevin Tighe hurt his back doing a stunt for Emergency!

Where other shows tried and failed to become America's favorite comedic series, Cinader recognized the importance of an untapped market.

"We're successful because it's the only show designed to counterpunch by going into the one area where All in the Family has its lowest audience level," said the creator. "The others tried to beat them at their own game - with comedy - and lost."

Watch Emergency! on MeTV!

Weekdays at 5 PM

*available in most MeTV markets

 Add to Favorites  Remind Me