‘86 TV Schedule Beats ’01

Brian Lowry’s article on how current TV programming has shrunk made reference to the amount of entertainment shows introduced back in 1986 versus today (“The Incredible Shrinking Schedule,” Sept. 16).

A reference guide revealed the new shows from ’86 were audaciously diverse, including the offbeat alien comedy “ALF,” a twisted cop parody called “Sledgehammer” as well as Michael Mann’s law-enforcement drama “Crime Story.”

This year’s upcoming fare all seem cut from the same conventional cloth, with refugees from “The Breakfast Club” having now joined the CIA in both “Alias” and “24”; Jim Belushi playing yet another beleaguered sitcom dad; and how am I supposed to get excited about a show dealing with the hidden intrigue located in “Pasadena”?

Today’s network executives need to be reminded that it’s about quality , not quantity.

JOEL PATINO

Simi Valley