Certainly, animated series have never been guaranteed primetime hits. Directors
Steven Spielberg and Tim Button do not brag much about their Family Dog, which
flopped. Fish Police sunk. And USA Network's Duckman had a modest four-year run,
but there were no big ratings. Animated shows need good writing and appealing
characters to succeed. Still, cable programmers have taken or are taking the plunge. In
addition to South Park, Comedy Central has the veteran series Dr. Katz, Professional
Therapist, and Bob and Margaret on its primetime roster. MTV then premiered
Downtown; while it already had Dana and the Claymation Celebrity Deathmatch on its
schedule. On the other hand, FX debuted The Dick and Paula Celebrity Special, from
Dr. Katz executive producer Tom Snyder.