WKRP gave rise to the term "WKRP
Syndrome". A show that suffers from WKRP syndrome is a short-lived
TV show with critical
acclaim and an avid viewership that gets canceled because of
low ratings. The network can't seem to find a permanent place for it in the schedule grid, it jumps around a lot, and viewers never know when to catch it. So called because of the demise of
WKRP In Cincinnati (1978-1982).
In its 4 season run, CBS changed the show's time slot 11 times. After the show was cancelled in
June 1982, CBS let the reruns play over summer in a stable
slot. Curiously, when the show had a stable slot it drew consistent ratings that placed it in the
Top Ten highest rated shows every week.