Some TV shows likely will never get released on DVD

When digital video discs were king, most TV shows were expected to be released on DVD. Now with the rise of Internet video on demand, some programs might never get released on DVD or high-definition Blu-ray Disc.
And that’s a shame.
With DVDs, consumers could count on the best quality video available. Producers would use the best video source and remaster those works for DVD and Blu-ray Disc.
Video quality on streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime is inferior to that found on most physical media.
Making matters worse, finding your favorite old TV shows on streaming video is a chore. Sometimes they’re on competing services and other times they’re simply not available.
With TV shows on DVD, you could always buy them or find a DVD rental service.
But those days are likely ending with the rise of streaming services.
Recently a couple of long-awaited TV series were released on DVD: “Batman” (1966-68) and “The Wonder Years” (1988-93). Both were consistently among the most requested unreleased shows on TVShowsOnDVD.com, a website owned by TV Guide.
The top 10 unreleased TV shows now are:

1. Salute Your Shorts (1991-92)
2. Ed (2000-04)
3. Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place (1998-2001)
4. Homefront (1991-93)
5. You Can’t Do That on Television (1979-90)
6. John Doe (2002-03)
7. Sisters (1991-96)
8. Boston Public (2000-04)
9. Step by Step (1991-1998)
10. Cold Case (2003-10)

I previously wrote about the subject of TV shows not yet on DVD in August 2010.
Since then, several shows have finally made their way to DVD. In addition to “Batman” and “The Wonder Years,” shows out on DVD after a long delay include “Harry O” (1974-76), “The Six Million Dollar Man” (1974-78), “Rich Man, Poor Man” (1976) and “China Beach” (1988-91).
With streaming becoming more prevalent and DVD sales declining, it’s increasingly likely that some of those remaining unreleased shows won’t be put on disc.

Photos: Promotional art for TV shows “Cold Case” and “Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place,” both of which have not yet been released on DVD in the U.S.