​This year’s TCA saw network executives offer different points of view on the topic of competition in the marketplace, pilot schedules and binge viewing.

But one of the most talked-about subjects was FX’s John Landgraf’s argument that there is simply too much television right now, and it is overwhelming both the networks and the viewers.

Coining the phrase “peak television,” Landgraf argued that only certain TV brands will survive the crush. CBS disagreed, with its research team presenting a positive outlook of the road ahead, especially with broadcast networks.

The Hollywood Reporter conducted a survey of TV executives at TCA this summer, asking what worries them about “peak TV,” notably the constant concern over ratings and TV Everywhere. Below are a few highlights:

When asked about “the most worrisome or dangerous TV trend,” TV chiefs were split.

Landgraf answered that with so much TV being produced (more than 400 original series this year), “the good gets in the way of the great.”

BBC America’s Sarah Barnett added that the cost of all that scripted work is spiraling upward. VH1’s Susan Levison said “cord nevers” are her biggest concern, whereas others added in live viewing, the rise of personal viewing devices and “copycats.”

Netflix’s Cindy Holland, taking on the other side of the broadcast heads, said “I think most networks would say it’s Netflix, but I don’t see worrisome or dangerous trends for us.” Netflix’s TCA day might have been the most positive of the tour, with each showrunner and cast piling their praises on Netflix’s models of production and distribution.

Next, the survey asked TV heads what they wish all network executives could agree on in the business. The answers spanned almost every part of the industry.

TV Land’s Keith Cox wants to “disregard next-day ratings,” which is a popular opinion among cable brands these days. USA’s Chris McCumber agreed that measurement is problem No.1. WGN America’s Matt Cherniss said piracy, Fox’s Dana Walden wants to get rid of the pilot calendar and Hulu’s Craig Erwich wants to change up premiere season “so that we’re not all on top of each other.”

Tellingly, when asked with which showrunners each executive would most love to work, the answers were resoundingly Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) and Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, Private Practice). Showtime’s David Nevins adding: “I’d be curious to see what Shonda Rhimes could do in a pay-cable environment.”

Read more at The Hollywood Reporter.

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