Another week another series low? Let’s look at what’s happened in the world of TV renewals and cancellations.
Yesterday news broke that Three Rivers has been pulled from CBS’ Sunday lineup, to be replaced by an unspecified crime drama (could they have been more vauge?). The show was averaging just a 1.7 18-49 rating, which still doesn’t explain to me why they kept it around for as long as they did. In other news, TNT show Raising The Bar has been canceled after two seasons. Oh, and Hank was unsurprisingly canceled by ABC.
Ugly Betty – I’ve given up all hope for Ugly Betty. The show, now in it’s fourth (and what will be its final) season posted series lows again on Friday. It drew just 3.3 million viewers (down 700,000) and just a 0.9 rating. Now I’m not saying this to be mean but this show will be lucky if it reaches the end of the season. Those numbers are Dollhouse low and without the advantage of being dirt cheap to make. There was a rumor that Betty would be moving to Wednesdays which gave the fans some hope, but honestly I don’t think it would make that big of a difference. It looks like Mode is another publication which has seen its viewership drop.
My Prediction: Still gone by the end of the season ((AT BEST)).
Fringe - A couple of weeks ago the show posted a 1.7 rating and under 5 million viewers and I recognised that people may have been confused with the scheduling because of the World Series. However, last week the show posted just a 2.0 rating, its second lowest figure of the series-to-date. I know that FOX had to sacrifice something in the 9pm Thursday timeslot but why Fringe? I believe that Sou You Think You Can Dance could pull the same numbers as they are now if they were put there. Bones and Fringe should have been on Tuesday. Now I don’t watch the show but I have seen some of the coverage and it seems that fans and critics are in agreement - that the show’s creative direction has never been better. Maybe FOX were looking for a sacrificial lamb, just like they did with the O.C. a couple of years ago. Also, FOX just announced that Fringe will go on a 7 week hiatus soon. Hiatus’ are always good for the ratings, right?
My Prediction: If FOX don’t do something, it’ll be canceled.
FlashForward – I’d just like to welcome this show to the main list. I’m saying that because it’s a worry that it’s here. Did I think that after the solid numbers it opened with it would be here? No, but sometimes even i’m surprised. Am I worried. No. This show isn’t going to last past the end of the season and i’m glad. Maybe with a probable end date the show can end on a creative high, on the date of the FlashForward itself. I really wanted this show to have the chops to be the new LOST but it wasn’t. I know it isn’t Thanksgiving any more but i’m thankful that it will just be a one season story. I think that premise suited one season, which is what it will be. If you don’t believe me, just look at the A18-49 trend. It started with a 3.7 rating and has been dropping a couple of points every week, last time out pulling just a 2.4 rating.
My Prediction: 22 eps and out, which i’m happy about.
Cold Case – Maybe the problem isn’t its lead in? I’ve been thinking that Three Rivers was damaging the shows ratings but last week it was moved to the earlier slot with a solid Survivor Samoa Lead in and still only pulled a 2.0 rating (which is still up but not as much as I thought). Maybe viewers have just outgrown this show and it needs to drive off into the sunset? It will be interesting to see what it can do when the NFL regular season finishes at the beginning of next month.
My Prediction: Sorry fans, but say goodbye after 22.
The Others -
- Smallville – Posted a solid 1.2 rating on its last new airing. I’m really quite happy with the creative direction of the show, which has vastly improved the CW’s friday performance. Will be picked up for next year.
- The Forgotten - Will end its 18 episode run and be gone.
- Hank - pulled from ABC’s schedule and canceled.
- The Middle – I said last time out that if ABC paired with Modern Family it would probably do much better. It was (a rerun anyway) and it did. I think it will get a second season. Hey, if they renewed Better Off Ted…..
- Trauma - 13 Episodes. NBC has pulled the plug.
- Dollhouse – Canceled. Last few eps are due to begin airing again on Fri. Dec. 4
- Brothers - Didn’t air last week due to a The 40 year old Virgin, which out-rated it by over 75%. Possibly run until the end of the season.
- Law and Order – Posted solid numbers on Friday. I’m really not sure. Possible 21st season……
- Gary Unmarried/ New Adventures of Old Christine – Nothing special. Similar to last season. Possible 2010 pickup.
- Heroes - Now that House is back on FOX, Heroes dropped to a 2.2 rating on its last original airing, definitely not enough to save this expensive show. Gone after 18.
