Several of those ‘cable’ channel programs are getting massive audiences, when compared to some of the regular network programs.
Many regular network programs struggle to get 3 million viewers. The most popular regular programming shows [excluding major sports] seldom get 20 million viewers; they tend to get 12 to 15 million viewers.
That’s what happens when you build an audience and build their confidence in you. I’m totally in AMC’s pocket right now, because they’ve put out enough shows that amaze me that when they announce a new show I give it a shot, even if it’s not necessarily a subject I normally find interesting their track record is good enough to give them a few hours. Because the broadcast networks are so scatter shot I don’t have that kind of confidence in any of them. No matter how many good shows Fox greenlights I don’t assume they’re next one will be any good, because for every Terminator they put on they also put on a Glee and an American Idol.