for several channels, especially pay channels there seems to be a pattern. when the channel starts out, it has just a few shows, mainly old cheaply syndicated shows. later, as they earn more money, the channel gets more and better shows, while developing its own programming. once the channel becomes successful however, it shrinks its lineup, only showing the most popular shows. this is why adult swim is mainly their most popular shows (family guy, american dad, robot chicken) and why nickelodeon has 5 channels and spongebob comprises 50% of each channel's lineup.