Meaning: The quote "We'll never see national shows with 45 shares again" by Drew Carey, an actor and comedian known for his roles in "The Drew Carey Show" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", reflects a significant shift in the television industry. In order to understand the meaning of this quote, it's important to delve into the concept of television ratings and shares, as well as the changes that have occurred in the industry over the years.

Television ratings are a key metric used to measure the number of viewers watching a particular program at a given time. Ratings are typically expressed as a percentage of the total number of households with televisions, or the total number of potential viewers. Shares, on the other hand, represent the percentage of households watching a particular program out of the total number of households with televisions in use at that time. In other words, shares provide a more specific measure of a program's viewership during a specific time slot.

In the past, television shows with high shares, such as 45 shares mentioned in the quote, were indicative of widespread popularity and a large, captive audience. These high share numbers were often associated with national events or highly anticipated television programs. The era of high share numbers was characterized by a limited number of television channels and a lack of alternative entertainment options, leading to a more concentrated and captive audience for popular shows.

However, the landscape of television has undergone significant transformation with the rise of digital streaming platforms, on-demand content, and an increase in the number of available channels. As a result, the traditional television audience has become fragmented, with viewers having a wider array of options and the ability to consume content at their convenience. This shift has led to a decline in the dominance of national shows with extremely high shares, as the audience is now spread across a multitude of platforms and content choices.

Additionally, the advent of social media and digital technologies has changed the way audiences engage with television content. Viewers now have the ability to share their thoughts and opinions on shows in real-time, creating a more interactive and dynamic viewing experience. This shift in viewer behavior has further contributed to the fragmentation of traditional television audiences and the decline of national shows with exceptionally high shares.

Drew Carey's quote reflects an acknowledgment of this fundamental shift in the television industry. The days of universally popular national shows with extremely high shares have given way to a more diverse and decentralized television landscape. While this shift presents challenges for traditional broadcasters and advertisers, it also provides opportunities for content creators to reach niche audiences and engage viewers in new and innovative ways.

In conclusion, Drew Carey's quote encapsulates the profound changes that have reshaped the television industry, leading to a decline in the prevalence of national shows with exceptionally high shares. The evolution of technology, viewing habits, and the availability of diverse content options has fundamentally altered the way audiences engage with television, marking a new era in the medium's history.