The most encouraging development for NBC is the development of a comedy that could get viewers to take a new look at the network and 'My Name is Earl' is the type of program that has sustainability.
For those programs that did not start well, they face an uphill struggle. One week does not make a season but networks can't wait weeks to find audiences.
Advertisers and the networks are aware of the accelerating pace of change, and that in order to remain valuable, let alone viable, the networks have to reflect the quickening pace of technology and incorporate it into their business model.
As CBS recently proved with the live streaming of the NCAA tournament, content is the once and forever king. So it's entirely strategic and smart for ABC and other networks to show their best programs on multiple platforms.