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ABC “On The Bubble” No More

Posted on 08 April 2008 by Bill Gorman

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NBC stole whatever thunder I might have had from an “on the bubble” analysis by announcing their new schedule earlier than ever before.

I figure I’d better look at the ABC shows up for renewal before they do the same thing! To the best of my knowledge, the ABC shows with an uncertain futures are According to Jim, Boston Legal, Brothers & Sisters, Eli Stone, Here Come the Newlyweds, Just for Laughs, Men in Trees, Miss Guided, Notes from the Underbelly, October Road, Samantha Who?, Oprah’s Big Give, Ugly Betty and Women’s Murder Club.

The following shows have been cancelled, although there may or may not have been an announcement: Big Shots, Carpoolers, Cashmere Mafia, Men in Trees, and Cavemen. The following shows have been announced as returning in Fall 2008: Samantha Who?, Ugly Betty, Brothers & Sisters, Dirty Sexy Money, Private Practice, Pushing Daisies.

UPDATE: Go here to see the 2008 Fall Schedule for ABC.

On to the analysis:

Selected ABC Shows Ranked by Season to Date Adults 18-49, and Season to Date Viewers

STD Adults 18-49 Rank

Show

STD Adults 18-49, Live+SD (000)

STD Viewers Rank

STD Viewers, Live+SD (000)

8

SAMANTHA WHO? (renewed) 5,730

9

12,092

9

BROTHERS & SISTERS (renewed) 5,548

11

10,211

10

OPRAH’S BIG GIVE (cancelled) 5,437

10

11,670

15

HERE COME THE NEWLYWEDS 4,340

21

7,919

16

BIG SHOTS (cancelled) 4,206

27

7,129

17

UGLY BETTY (renewed) 4,142

16

8,792

18

SUPERNANNY (renewed) 3,932

26

7,269

19

DIRTY SEXY MONEY (renewed) 3,880

25

7,425

21

ELI STONE (renewed) 3,844

23

7,749

24

BOSTON LEGAL (remewed) 3,495

15

9,065

25

CAVEMEN (cancelled) 3,247

30

6,405

28

CASHMERE MAFIA (cancelled) 3,147

35

5,418

30

WIFE SWAP (renewed) 3,092

32

6,053

31

OCTOBER ROAD (cancelled) 2,821

41

4,779

33

NOTES FROM THE UNDERBELLY 2,653

40

4,833

34

WOMEN’S MURDER CLUB (cancelled) 2,630

18

8,401

36

CARPOOLERS (cancelled) 2,559

37

5,100

37

ACCORDING TO JIM 2,307

36

5,102

40

MEN IN TREES (cancelled) 2,131

34

5,742

43

JUST FOR LAUGHS 1,755

43

4,600

Guaranteed Return

  • Brothers & Sisters [edit: announced as already renewed]
  • Oprah’s Big Give Assuming Ms. Winfrey wants it to return. 5/13 Update: Apparently, she did not! It’s cancelled.

Likely Return

  • Samantha Who? [edit: announced as already renewed]
  • Here Come the Newlyweds

Toss Up

These shows did *worse* than Big Shots (already cancelled) in 18-49 but better than Dirty Sexy Money (already renewed). Confusing? Indeed.

  • Ugly Betty [edit: announced as already renewed]
  • Supernanny [edit: announced as already renewed]
  • Eli Stone Better in viewers than DSM, and just behind DSM in 18-49 adults. Also, has good DVR (Live+7) numbers. Update: Renewed

These two shows have above average viewership for ABC, but well below average 18-49 viewership.

  • Boston Legal Anecdotally, said to have great numbers with high income HH’s. Update: Renewed
  • Women’s Murder Club Only 31% of its viewers are in the 18-49 demo. Ouch. Update: Cancelled

Show Me The Money

  • According to Jim On ratings numbers alone, it should be gone, but reports are that its syndication prospects will likely save it.

Stick a Fork In Them, They’re Done

  • Wife Swap [edit: announced as already renewed]
  • October Road, Update: Cancelled
  • Notes from the Underbelly, Update: Cancelled
  • Men In Trees [5/4 update: Producers have been told it has been cancelled]
  • Just For Laughs

There’s Always A Special Rule For Somebody, Isn’t There?

  • Miss Guided Nielsen’s rule is that if an episode is designated a “special” then it doesn’t accumulate its own season to date numbers. count in the network’s weekly or season to date average ratings. Well, every single episode of Miss Guided was designated as a “special”, so it doesn’t appear in any have its own season to date aggregate numbers. It’s almost as if ABC *knew* it wasn’t going to do well before it aired and took it just to keep on the good side of director Ashton Kutcher. We’ve been Punk’d. Update: Cancelled.

Fans, what do you think will happen?

* owing to the vagaries of network show announcements or non announcements, this list may very well be incorrect. Comment with a link if you know better!

Nielsen TV Ratings Data: ©2008 Nielsen Media Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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142 Responses to “ABC “On The Bubble” No More”

  1. Robin says:

    Brothers and Sisters is already officially coming back. I believe I heard that a while ago.

  2. Julia says:

    I could’ve sworn Samantha was already renewed. I hate forgetting things.

    Anyway, the only show I really care about has already been renewed (Pushing Daisies) but of the Toss Ups and Likelys, I’d bet on all of them coming back. I also wouldn’t be too surprised if Wife Swap comes back as well.

    The most likely of any of those to be canceled is Eli Stone. Though Women’s Murder Club could be on the chopping block as well if it fails to find viewers on Tuesday.

  3. Robin says:

    Brothers and Sisters is already officially coming back. I believe I heard that a while ago.

  4. Julia says:

    I could've sworn Samantha was already renewed. I hate forgetting things.

    Anyway, the only show I really care about has already been renewed (Pushing Daisies) but of the Toss Ups and Likelys, I'd bet on all of them coming back. I also wouldn't be too surprised if Wife Swap comes back as well.

    The most likely of any of those to be canceled is Eli Stone. Though Women's Murder Club could be on the chopping block as well if it fails to find viewers on Tuesday.

  5. Denise says:

    I heard According to Jim was already picked up for next season. I remember being really annoyed when I heard that, because if any of the poor rated comedies were to come back, it should have been Carpoolers. :(

  6. Denise says:

    I heard According to Jim was already picked up for next season. I remember being really annoyed when I heard that, because if any of the poor rated comedies were to come back, it should have been Carpoolers. :(

  7. dearme says:

    Finally someone is talking about abc! Ugly Betty and Samantha Who? are surely gonna return and Miss Guided and Eli Stone are good enough for one more season and they will fare better if placed on the right day and right time. Supernanny and Wife Swap will be useful again next year against American Idol, so they’ll keep them as well.

  8. dearme says:

    Finally someone is talking about abc! Ugly Betty and Samantha Who? are surely gonna return and Miss Guided and Eli Stone are good enough for one more season and they will fare better if placed on the right day and right time. Supernanny and Wife Swap will be useful again next year against American Idol, so they'll keep them as well.

  9. Denise says:

    I’d also heard Samantha Who was already picked up along with Brothers and Sisters.

    Here is the list I had from ABC’s early pickups announced on zap2it a couple months ago.

    ABC gives early pick ups for next season to nine of it’s shows.

    ABC Returning for 2008-2009 season:
    Brothers & Sisters
    Desparate Housewives
    Dirty, Sexy Money
    Grey’s Anatomy
    LOST
    Private Practice
    Pushing Daisies
    Samantha Who?
    Ugly Betty

  10. Denise says:

    I'd also heard Samantha Who was already picked up along with Brothers and Sisters.

    Here is the list I had from ABC's early pickups announced on zap2it a couple months ago.

    ABC gives early pick ups for next season to nine of it's shows.

    ABC Returning for 2008-2009 season:
    Brothers & Sisters
    Desparate Housewives
    Dirty, Sexy Money
    Grey's Anatomy
    LOST
    Private Practice
    Pushing Daisies
    Samantha Who?
    Ugly Betty

  11. kayarn says:

    it would have been cheaper for abc to produce another season of according to jim than cancel it. thats why its getting another horribly unfunny season, though i believe it will be the last.

    ugly betty should be a lock to come back, though. the numbers are what they are, but id be very surprised to see it canceled.

  12. kayarn says:

    it would have been cheaper for abc to produce another season of according to jim than cancel it. thats why its getting another horribly unfunny season, though i believe it will be the last.

    ugly betty should be a lock to come back, though. the numbers are what they are, but id be very surprised to see it canceled.

  13. Julia says:

    dearme, I don’t think Miss/Guided can improve. It had a very sweet lead in for its premiere, and managed to squander 10 million viewers. I don’t see it coming back.

  14. Julia says:

    dearme, I don't think Miss/Guided can improve. It had a very sweet lead in for its premiere, and managed to squander 10 million viewers. I don't see it coming back.

  15. Bryan says:

    I liked October Road. It was a good show. It had great rating in the begining and then got lost in the shuffle when it came back. I think it had too long of a break.

  16. Bryan says:

    I liked October Road. It was a good show. It had great rating in the begining and then got lost in the shuffle when it came back. I think it had too long of a break.

  17. dearme says:

    10 million is good and it was 10:30

  18. dearme says:

    10 million is good and it was 10:30

  19. Julia says:

    dearme, it was 10 million out of a lead in of 20. And then it dropped to between 4 and 6 million with little to no competition. There’s no way to spin those numbers as positive.

  20. Julia says:

    dearme, it was 10 million out of a lead in of 20. And then it dropped to between 4 and 6 million with little to no competition. There's no way to spin those numbers as positive.

  21. @Julia, i have to concur. ABC (like all nets) will spin just about anything in its favor, but I don’t see it putting any lipstick on this pig.

  22. @Julia, i have to concur. ABC (like all nets) will spin just about anything in its favor, but I don't see it putting any lipstick on this pig.

  23. dearme says:

    NCAA and Survivour are big competitors and Im pretty positive about its future. It really needs to be scheduled well, a comedy block or Dancing as a regular lead-in isnt too much to ask. Its a sitcom after all, they can’t make it big all by themselves these days.

  24. dearme says:

    NCAA and Survivour are big competitors and Im pretty positive about its future. It really needs to be scheduled well, a comedy block or Dancing as a regular lead-in isnt too much to ask. Its a sitcom after all, they can't make it big all by themselves these days.

  25. fred says:

    Eli Stone got crushed by reruns of The Office last night on the demo, but it has a poor lead-in (rerun of Lost, never does well).

    Overall the show hasn’t been doing too bad, and I have to say I really like it, it’s been pretty much improving quality-wise episode after episode, so I sure hope ABC will renew it!

  26. fred says:

    Eli Stone got crushed by reruns of The Office last night on the demo, but it has a poor lead-in (rerun of Lost, never does well).

    Overall the show hasn't been doing too bad, and I have to say I really like it, it's been pretty much improving quality-wise episode after episode, so I sure hope ABC will renew it!

  27. everwood says:

    I am hoping for some saving grace with Men In Tree’s. Although the way ABC has moved it from one night to the next, on a few weeks then off a few then back on a few etc. I doubt it will return. I had high hopes for ABC coming into this season but the way they have acted and re-acted with the shows I am back to the point of boycotting their network. I will use up the shows that I watch that are still on but will not watch any new shows and once the others are gone I will put ABC where I have placed NBC not in my consideration of things to watch. And they wonder why they continue to lose viewers and cable continues to increase viewers.

  28. everwood says:

    I am hoping for some saving grace with Men In Tree's. Although the way ABC has moved it from one night to the next, on a few weeks then off a few then back on a few etc. I doubt it will return. I had high hopes for ABC coming into this season but the way they have acted and re-acted with the shows I am back to the point of boycotting their network. I will use up the shows that I watch that are still on but will not watch any new shows and once the others are gone I will put ABC where I have placed NBC not in my consideration of things to watch. And they wonder why they continue to lose viewers and cable continues to increase viewers.

  29. kathy says:

    Just thought you should know that Supernanny and Wife Swap have both been renewed. It is part of the alternative series renewals.

    Like fred, I really hope Eli Stone gets renewed, I just love that show!!! It’s sad to see the declining ratings………

  30. kathy says:

    Just thought you should know that Supernanny and Wife Swap have both been renewed. It is part of the alternative series renewals.

    Like fred, I really hope Eli Stone gets renewed, I just love that show!!! It's sad to see the declining ratings………

  31. Snoodle says:

    To my knowledge Boston Legal does quite well…and I was certain that it was renewed for at least one more season early on in the game :s?

  32. Snoodle says:

    To my knowledge Boston Legal does quite well…and I was certain that it was renewed for at least one more season early on in the game :s?

  33. Alfie says:

    Here are the finals for last night. I wouldn’t necessarily say Eli Stone got crushed by The Office

    ABC Eli Stone
    Viewers A18-49 A25-54
    5,150,000 1.6/4 2.0/5

    NBC The Office (R)-10pm
    Viewers A18-49 A25-54
    4,340,000 2.2/6 2.1/5
    NBC The Office (R)10:30pm
    Viewers A18-49 A25-54
    4,300,000 2.3/7 2.1/6

  34. Alfie says:

    Here are the finals for last night. I wouldn't necessarily say Eli Stone got crushed by The Office

    ABC Eli Stone
    Viewers A18-49 A25-54
    5,150,000 1.6/4 2.0/5

    NBC The Office (R)-10pm
    Viewers A18-49 A25-54
    4,340,000 2.2/6 2.1/5
    NBC The Office (R)10:30pm
    Viewers A18-49 A25-54
    4,300,000 2.3/7 2.1/6

  35. Stacy says:

    October Road is one of the best!. There is a huge campaign out there for Road fans. My money is on it coming back…

  36. Stacy says:

    October Road is one of the best!. There is a huge campaign out there for Road fans. My money is on it coming back…

  37. Julia says:

    Alfie, it certainly got crushed in the 18-49 demo, which is what was put forth in this thread.

  38. Julia says:

    Alfie, it certainly got crushed in the 18-49 demo, which is what was put forth in this thread.

  39. @Alfie, I agree but: the Office was repeats and still beat Eli in the demo. Though Eli gets a nice +7 DVR bounce, made up of almost all 18-49 year olds, the Office does better via DVR than Eli when it’s not in reruns

    @Snoodle — I have seen no announcement on BL from ABC, though it’s definitely possible that I missed it, I don’t think they’ve issued the official word.

  40. @Alfie, I agree but: the Office was repeats and still beat Eli in the demo. Though Eli gets a nice +7 DVR bounce, made up of almost all 18-49 year olds, the Office does better via DVR than Eli when it's not in reruns

    @Snoodle — I have seen no announcement on BL from ABC, though it's definitely possible that I missed it, I don't think they've issued the official word.

  41. Judy says:

    ABC has not been fair with Men in Trees since the first season.
    The viewers Trees does have are very loyal and are struggling to keep this decent program on the air.
    I have no idea how ABC can expect Trees to develop a fan base high enough to get good ratings when they have bounced Trees around much like a little used ping pong ball.
    I wish ABC would give Trees half the chances they gave their other crappy shows. The network would surely have another hit on their hands.

  42. Judy says:

    ABC has not been fair with Men in Trees since the first season.
    The viewers Trees does have are very loyal and are struggling to keep this decent program on the air.
    I have no idea how ABC can expect Trees to develop a fan base high enough to get good ratings when they have bounced Trees around much like a little used ping pong ball.
    I wish ABC would give Trees half the chances they gave their other crappy shows. The network would surely have another hit on their hands.

  43. tamara says:

    I for one will boycott ABC if they drop Men in Trees.

  44. tamara says:

    I for one will boycott ABC if they drop Men in Trees.

  45. jay turney says:

    ABC is the most interesting network to follow because while I think these shows are, uh, below average, they at least had a strategy beyond reality shows or Moonves-alter ego sensitive cop/forensic cop/ military forensic cop, etc. But if, after all the hype for Cashmere – and I agree, Men in Trees did not get nearly the push in the print media the other women 18-49 targetted shows did – and the relentless Sex in the City lite shows, the absolute lack of scripted competition during the strike, they don’t throw in the towel and try to appeal to at least a few evil males, I’d look for heads to roll, or Disney shareholders to contemplate some more boardroom cloak and dagger stuff. ABC’s numbers, any way you slice it, are going in the wrong direction against overrated opponents. Funny, because ABC Family, with Gilmore Girls, Geeks, Wildfire, etc, has nice, consistent, not-terrible line-up, and judging from their advertising, we’re not talking Bob the penis-enhancer, Girls gone wild, Geiko, Ditech white trash level, as say on supposedly higher-dollar Comedy Central and Spike.

  46. jay turney says:

    ABC is the most interesting network to follow because while I think these shows are, uh, below average, they at least had a strategy beyond reality shows or Moonves-alter ego sensitive cop/forensic cop/ military forensic cop, etc. But if, after all the hype for Cashmere – and I agree, Men in Trees did not get nearly the push in the print media the other women 18-49 targetted shows did – and the relentless Sex in the City lite shows, the absolute lack of scripted competition during the strike, they don't throw in the towel and try to appeal to at least a few evil males, I'd look for heads to roll, or Disney shareholders to contemplate some more boardroom cloak and dagger stuff. ABC's numbers, any way you slice it, are going in the wrong direction against overrated opponents. Funny, because ABC Family, with Gilmore Girls, Geeks, Wildfire, etc, has nice, consistent, not-terrible line-up, and judging from their advertising, we're not talking Bob the penis-enhancer, Girls gone wild, Geiko, Ditech white trash level, as say on supposedly higher-dollar Comedy Central and Spike.

  47. Mary says:

    Believe it or not, up until a year and a half ago, we were a two-channel family. (We’re Canadian.) We subscribed to cable only to get to see Men in Trees. If ABC dumps Men in Trees, we’ll dump our cable. That will mean we’ll be able to watch garbage (reality shows and violent shows) for free, rather than paying to watch it each month. We felt Men In Trees was worth the investment, but will seriously reconsider if ABC cancels it.

  48. Mary says:

    Believe it or not, up until a year and a half ago, we were a two-channel family. (We're Canadian.) We subscribed to cable only to get to see Men in Trees. If ABC dumps Men in Trees, we'll dump our cable. That will mean we'll be able to watch garbage (reality shows and violent shows) for free, rather than paying to watch it each month. We felt Men In Trees was worth the investment, but will seriously reconsider if ABC cancels it.

  49. jay turney says:

    ABC is the most interesting network to follow because while I think these shows are, uh, below average, they at least had a strategy beyond reality shows or Moonves-alter ego sensitive cop/forensic cop/ military forensic cop, etc. But if, after all the hype for Cashmere – and I agree, Men in Trees did not get nearly the push in the print media the other women 18-49 targetted shows did – and the relentless Sex in the City lite shows,and the absolute lack of scripted competition during the strike, they don’t throw in the towel and try to appeal to at least a few evil males, I’d look for heads to roll, or Disney shareholders to contemplate some more boardroom cloak and dagger stuff. ABC’s numbers, any way you slice it, are going in the wrong direction against overrated opponents. Funny, because ABC Family, with Gilmore Girls, Geeks, Wildfire, etc, has nice, consistent, not-terrible line-up, and judging from their advertising, we’re not talking Bob the penis-enhancer, Girls gone wild, Geiko, Ditech white trash level, as say on supposedly higher-dollar Comedy Central and Spike. Disney channel itself is wildly popular. Somebody up there just needs to make a good transition from tweens to adults pf both genders.

  50. jay turney says:

    ABC is the most interesting network to follow because while I think these shows are, uh, below average, they at least had a strategy beyond reality shows or Moonves-alter ego sensitive cop/forensic cop/ military forensic cop, etc. But if, after all the hype for Cashmere – and I agree, Men in Trees did not get nearly the push in the print media the other women 18-49 targetted shows did – and the relentless Sex in the City lite shows,and the absolute lack of scripted competition during the strike, they don't throw in the towel and try to appeal to at least a few evil males, I'd look for heads to roll, or Disney shareholders to contemplate some more boardroom cloak and dagger stuff. ABC's numbers, any way you slice it, are going in the wrong direction against overrated opponents. Funny, because ABC Family, with Gilmore Girls, Geeks, Wildfire, etc, has nice, consistent, not-terrible line-up, and judging from their advertising, we're not talking Bob the penis-enhancer, Girls gone wild, Geiko, Ditech white trash level, as say on supposedly higher-dollar Comedy Central and Spike. Disney channel itself is wildly popular. Somebody up there just needs to make a good transition from tweens to adults pf both genders.

  51. TV-aholic says:

    Can you go into more detail about the Miss/Guided special “excemption”.

    I know that if a show airs out of its usual time slot, is a “Special” and doesn’t count towards that series season average, but I have never heard of a special program not counting towards a Neworks weekly or season average.

    So does that mean that ABC’s average was based on 21 hours, and not 22, for last week?

  52. TV-aholic says:

    Can you go into more detail about the Miss/Guided special “excemption”.

    I know that if a show airs out of its usual time slot, is a “Special” and doesn't count towards that series season average, but I have never heard of a special program not counting towards a Neworks weekly or season average.

    So does that mean that ABC's average was based on 21 hours, and not 22, for last week?

  53. Dou says:

    You do a great job with your ratings analysis, but left a few things out here. Brothers & Sisters, Ugly Betty and Boston Legal all have reruns factored into their ratings, while the other series do not. I wouldn’t in any way consider either UB or BS bubble series; their originals do well, even if the repeats suck in the ratings. BL, on the other hand, has a declining, aging audience.

    As for Just For Laughs, it will be back. It’s a Canadian series that already has a million episodes produced (minus the host scenes) and ABC is likely paying nickel per episode for it. It won’t be on the fall schedule, but it’s essentially timeslot filler. I could see it running again in the summer where it did decently.

    About the “special” designation – it does count in the network’s weekly and season average, but not in the individual series average. It’s common to have episodes airing on the holidays designated “specials” – it doesn’t count for the series, but it does for the network. ABC’s strategy with MissGuided is indeed bizarre.

    With ABC picking up Scrubs and maybe Old Christine (hey maybe that great show can actually get a full season at some point! What a novel idea!), you have to wonder where they’re going to open up a comedy night. Tuesday is the only possibility I see.

  54. Dou says:

    You do a great job with your ratings analysis, but left a few things out here. Brothers & Sisters, Ugly Betty and Boston Legal all have reruns factored into their ratings, while the other series do not. I wouldn't in any way consider either UB or BS bubble series; their originals do well, even if the repeats suck in the ratings. BL, on the other hand, has a declining, aging audience.

    As for Just For Laughs, it will be back. It's a Canadian series that already has a million episodes produced (minus the host scenes) and ABC is likely paying nickel per episode for it. It won't be on the fall schedule, but it's essentially timeslot filler. I could see it running again in the summer where it did decently.

    About the “special” designation – it does count in the network's weekly and season average, but not in the individual series average. It's common to have episodes airing on the holidays designated “specials” – it doesn't count for the series, but it does for the network. ABC's strategy with MissGuided is indeed bizarre.

    With ABC picking up Scrubs and maybe Old Christine (hey maybe that great show can actually get a full season at some point! What a novel idea!), you have to wonder where they're going to open up a comedy night. Tuesday is the only possibility I see.

  55. Dou is correct, the weekly and s-t-d prime averages still do include the shows designated as special. The duration for last week was still 1320 minutes (22*60).

    In anything we have access to that ranks shows on a season-to-date, “special” is not factored in and in the case of the 18-49 season to date program ranking Miss Guided doesn’t even exist as a line item.

  56. Dou is correct, the weekly and s-t-d prime averages still do include the shows designated as special. The duration for last week was still 1320 minutes (22*60).

    In anything we have access to that ranks shows on a season-to-date, “special” is not factored in and in the case of the 18-49 season to date program ranking Miss Guided doesn't even exist as a line item.

  57. Tom says:

    I have to agree. It’s been one of my favorites. It’s too bad it got lost in the shuffle. Unfortunately, that seems to happen more and more every season. Shows are getting moved, or even dumped, after the first episode these days and the jumble caused by the strike just made things worse. Let’s face it. There are a lot of “classic” shows that had first season ratings that would have gotten them killed early by any of the networks today.

  58. Tom says:

    I have to agree. It's been one of my favorites. It's too bad it got lost in the shuffle. Unfortunately, that seems to happen more and more every season. Shows are getting moved, or even dumped, after the first episode these days and the jumble caused by the strike just made things worse. Let's face it. There are a lot of “classic” shows that had first season ratings that would have gotten them killed early by any of the networks today.

  59. Tom says:

    Sorry. My previous post was in reply to Bryan and Stacy. Oops.

  60. Tom says:

    Sorry. My previous post was in reply to Bryan and Stacy. Oops.

  61. Cher says:

    Heck Jericho did better than a lot of these shows. CBS should have renewed it!

  62. Cher says:

    Heck Jericho did better than a lot of these shows. CBS should have renewed it!

  63. Cher, I’ll have some of what you’re smoking, please. Jericho did better than none of the shows that weren’t cancelled. Those are viewers in the 18-49 demographic, Jericho in that category came in at 2.662 million. Apparently ABC would’ve cancelled it too.

  64. Cher, I'll have some of what you're smoking, please. Jericho did better than none of the shows that weren't cancelled. Those are viewers in the 18-49 demographic, Jericho in that category came in at 2.662 million. Apparently ABC would've cancelled it too.

  65. Ali says:

    October Road is a great show with great fans. There is a huge movement to save it. Go to ABC’s October Road message boards, or http://www.heynielsen.com to see more. The writing, cast, and setting are all great. Long live October Road!

  66. Ali says:

    October Road is a great show with great fans. There is a huge movement to save it. Go to ABC's October Road message boards, or http://www.heynielsen.com to see more. The writing, cast, and setting are all great. Long live October Road!

  67. I take it back, Jericho did do better than a few of those shows (According to Jim, Just for Laughs, Women’s Murder Club and Men in Trees) but with the exception of According to Jim (apparently it might be renewed because it makes a lot of money in syndication), the jury is still out. I believe unless WMC does better in a test of a different time slot, it along with Men in Trees will be cancelled…

  68. I take it back, Jericho did do better than a few of those shows (According to Jim, Just for Laughs, Women's Murder Club and Men in Trees) but with the exception of According to Jim (apparently it might be renewed because it makes a lot of money in syndication), the jury is still out. I believe unless WMC does better in a test of a different time slot, it along with Men in Trees will be cancelled…

  69. Doug says:

    ABC has too many low performing shows that it only keeps around because it’s standard series repeat poorly. Do you think that OR would’ve gotten a second season if ABC had a Law & Order type series to repeat all over the dial? Not a chance. These series had better hope that ABC never finds its procedural hit like CBS, Fox and NBC have. Poorly performing series on those networks are kept on a much shorter lease because, should they fail, there’s always repeats of CSI, Law & Order or House/Bones to fill the slot. ABC doesn’t have that… yet.

  70. Doug says:

    ABC has too many low performing shows that it only keeps around because it's standard series repeat poorly. Do you think that OR would've gotten a second season if ABC had a Law & Order type series to repeat all over the dial? Not a chance. These series had better hope that ABC never finds its procedural hit like CBS, Fox and NBC have. Poorly performing series on those networks are kept on a much shorter lease because, should they fail, there's always repeats of CSI, Law & Order or House/Bones to fill the slot. ABC doesn't have that… yet.

  71. Noah says:

    ABC would need a mental exam if they pass on October Road. It is a great show wit new support growing everyday. Go to http://www.abc.com and watch an episode or two, you won’t regret it!

  72. Noah says:

    ABC would need a mental exam if they pass on October Road. It is a great show wit new support growing everyday. Go to http://www.abc.com and watch an episode or two, you won't regret it!

  73. Katina Lee says:

    Boston Legal is the most consistently entertaining show on television. It is the only ABC show I regularly follow. It does well with the older demographic and does well with TIVO. It continues to win countless awards. There is a novel concept a show that while, perhaps not a huge ratings winner actually is considered quality television.

  74. Katina Lee says:

    Boston Legal is the most consistently entertaining show on television. It is the only ABC show I regularly follow. It does well with the older demographic and does well with TIVO. It continues to win countless awards. There is a novel concept a show that while, perhaps not a huge ratings winner actually is considered quality television.

  75. Katie says:

    Why would ABC not renew October Road? It is such a great show with great characters. It is original and fresh unlike the other reality crap that abc likes to show. October Road needs some more credit, because it’s great!

  76. Katie says:

    Why would ABC not renew October Road? It is such a great show with great characters. It is original and fresh unlike the other reality crap that abc likes to show. October Road needs some more credit, because it's great!

  77. Amanda says:

    I hope ABC doesn’t cancel October Road, it is the only show I watch on tv. It is so different and refreshing from a lot of other crap on television. I don’t know why the critics have been so down on it, it is one of the best shows around!

  78. Amanda says:

    I hope ABC doesn't cancel October Road, it is the only show I watch on tv. It is so different and refreshing from a lot of other crap on television. I don't know why the critics have been so down on it, it is one of the best shows around!

  79. Doug says:

    I think all of OR’s fans are posting right here on this forum. Must be, or the show wouldn’t be ranked sub-100 in the ratings.

  80. Doug says:

    I think all of OR's fans are posting right here on this forum. Must be, or the show wouldn't be ranked sub-100 in the ratings.

  81. bet2 says:

    October Road is a great show and well worth keeping in next fall’s line up. It just needs some more promotion, lead ins, etc.

  82. bet2 says:

    October Road is a great show and well worth keeping in next fall's line up. It just needs some more promotion, lead ins, etc.

  83. avongal says:

    October Road is the best new show out there. Campaign for to save the show is currently running. Pay October Road Forward – we are purchasing and donating the 1ST Season DVD of the show and donating to our local libraries along with books. Follow this link and help participate in this great campaign and help save the Road.

    http://abc.go.com/primetime/octoberroad/index?pn=mb&cat=41338&tid=293419

  84. avongal says:

    October Road is the best new show out there. Campaign for to save the show is currently running. Pay October Road Forward – we are purchasing and donating the 1ST Season DVD of the show and donating to our local libraries along with books. Follow this link and help participate in this great campaign and help save the Road.

    http://abc.go.com/primetime/octoberroad/index?p...

  85. avongal says:

    Help Save October Road. Campaign running called Pay October Road Forward where we are donating dvd’s of the first season along with books to our local libraries. Follow the link to get more information on how to help in this campaign.

    http://www.youchoose.net/campaign/pay_october_road_forward_for_season_3_4_more

  86. avongal says:

    Help Save October Road. Campaign running called Pay October Road Forward where we are donating dvd's of the first season along with books to our local libraries. Follow the link to get more information on how to help in this campaign.

    http://www.youchoose.net/campaign/pay_october_r...

  87. Stacy says:

    October Road should not be on the bubble. It is an amazing show. Some things boggle me and this is one of them!

  88. Stacy says:

    October Road should not be on the bubble. It is an amazing show. Some things boggle me and this is one of them!

  89. Stacy says:

    Give it a rest Doug. All of OR’s fans on this forum? What planet are you from? Take a second to enjoy quality and get your head out of your behind.

  90. Stacy says:

    Give it a rest Doug. All of OR's fans on this forum? What planet are you from? Take a second to enjoy quality and get your head out of your behind.

  91. James says:

    I hope they renew Eli Stone. That show has been one of the few shows to actually have a hidden, greater meaning in almost all of its episodes. Also, I am a huge fan of using music to convey plot and themes, not just to use them as background noise like most shows do. Eli Stone wonderfully music selection really shines, especially when you see it terms of the show. Also, the use of George Micheals songs as episode titles is cool. It is really cool to see how the writers actually get thier ideas from the inspiration of music. When I write, I get most of my ideas and inspiration from the music I listen to.

  92. James says:

    I hope they renew Eli Stone. That show has been one of the few shows to actually have a hidden, greater meaning in almost all of its episodes. Also, I am a huge fan of using music to convey plot and themes, not just to use them as background noise like most shows do. Eli Stone wonderfully music selection really shines, especially when you see it terms of the show. Also, the use of George Micheals songs as episode titles is cool. It is really cool to see how the writers actually get thier ideas from the inspiration of music. When I write, I get most of my ideas and inspiration from the music I listen to.

  93. Doug says:

    I enjoy lots of quality series. For instance: Lost, Dexter, The Office, Brothers and Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty, and (formerly) The Sopranos, Veronica Mars (first season only) and the late, very great Arrested Development. October Road is a train wreck.

    I work with a woman who loves OR, but even she knows it’s a pretty poor series. There’s nothing wrong with loving shows like that – I deeply loved Dharma & Greg, for instance. But to hold them up as some pinnacle of great television is deeply misguided.

    If you really want to save it, you need to come up with some sort of original plan – Veronica Mars already did the DVDs in library thing. But don’t delude yourself into thinking that it’s going to have an impact: the ratings are terrible no matter how you slice it (especially for a series that did moderately well post Grey’s Anatomy last season).

  94. Doug says:

    I enjoy lots of quality series. For instance: Lost, Dexter, The Office, Brothers and Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty, and (formerly) The Sopranos, Veronica Mars (first season only) and the late, very great Arrested Development. October Road is a train wreck.

    I work with a woman who loves OR, but even she knows it's a pretty poor series. There's nothing wrong with loving shows like that – I deeply loved Dharma & Greg, for instance. But to hold them up as some pinnacle of great television is deeply misguided.

    If you really want to save it, you need to come up with some sort of original plan – Veronica Mars already did the DVDs in library thing. But don't delude yourself into thinking that it's going to have an impact: the ratings are terrible no matter how you slice it (especially for a series that did moderately well post Grey's Anatomy last season).

  95. Surya says:

    i loved Big Shots just because of James and Katie

  96. Surya says:

    i loved Big Shots just because of James and Katie

  97. Lisa says:

    Big Shots is worth being returned. The story lines are great and not to mention the awesome actors. Pushing Daises is not good at all. This show should be canceled. I don’t think that it fair how Big Shots never got any mention. I mean ABC just put it on the back burner as if the show didn’t have any viewers. I love this show and I also love Men in Trees. Big Shots should be give another shot to prove how great this show really is.

  98. Lisa says:

    Big Shots is worth being returned. The story lines are great and not to mention the awesome actors. Pushing Daises is not good at all. This show should be canceled. I don't think that it fair how Big Shots never got any mention. I mean ABC just put it on the back burner as if the show didn't have any viewers. I love this show and I also love Men in Trees. Big Shots should be give another shot to prove how great this show really is.

  99. Shakia says:

    ABC as a network is going downhill. It’s becoming famous for dropping good tv shows. I love Big Shots, October Road and Cashmere Mafia, Eli Stone, Grey’s Anat, Bros & Sis, Desp Housewives & My So-Called Life! I watch mostly all of the Primetime drama/romance shows. This sucks! The President needs to get overthrown.

    I’m still mad that My Wife & Kids and the George Lopez shows were cancelled. I mean if you want to laugh, they did the job! More of the wholesome shows with meaning are getting the boot while these crappy reality shows are getting the spotlight. Who really needs a Nanny to show you how to raise your kids?

    Or watching women degrade themselves to impress a man and now one with an accent, now that is just desperate and pathetic! I hate falling for tv shows that the “NETWORK” just decide to drop without a moment to consider the fans. October was at risk the moment the show was put on Monday at 10. I knew it would be vulnerable to cancellation. That is the same thing that happened to What About Brian. They changed the day and time so much I couldn’t keep up with it.

    Eli Stone is the best show since Touched By An Angel. We need more spiritual shows on the air and less reality shows. (I also loved Joan of Arcadia on CBS) Cashmere Mafia is another Sex & The City, and it’s great to see these women, so accomplished in their fields, it’s inspiring. Big Shots, I love watching the male point of view and I’m lovin Michael & Nia, but I knew if it got cancelled the interracial couple rela would be why. They have great chemistry and we deserve to see where all of where this show will go. I love Duncan and Lisabeth. PlEASE ABC RECONSIDER!!!

  100. Shakia says:

    ABC as a network is going downhill. It's becoming famous for dropping good tv shows. I love Big Shots, October Road and Cashmere Mafia, Eli Stone, Grey's Anat, Bros & Sis, Desp Housewives & My So-Called Life! I watch mostly all of the Primetime drama/romance shows. This sucks! The President needs to get overthrown.

    I'm still mad that My Wife & Kids and the George Lopez shows were cancelled. I mean if you want to laugh, they did the job! More of the wholesome shows with meaning are getting the boot while these crappy reality shows are getting the spotlight. Who really needs a Nanny to show you how to raise your kids?

    Or watching women degrade themselves to impress a man and now one with an accent, now that is just desperate and pathetic! I hate falling for tv shows that the “NETWORK” just decide to drop without a moment to consider the fans. October was at risk the moment the show was put on Monday at 10. I knew it would be vulnerable to cancellation. That is the same thing that happened to What About Brian. They changed the day and time so much I couldn't keep up with it.

    Eli Stone is the best show since Touched By An Angel. We need more spiritual shows on the air and less reality shows. (I also loved Joan of Arcadia on CBS) Cashmere Mafia is another Sex & The City, and it's great to see these women, so accomplished in their fields, it's inspiring. Big Shots, I love watching the male point of view and I'm lovin Michael & Nia, but I knew if it got cancelled the interracial couple rela would be why. They have great chemistry and we deserve to see where all of where this show will go. I love Duncan and Lisabeth. PlEASE ABC RECONSIDER!!!

  101. Bill Gorman says:

    Shakia, I’d disagree. I think of the big English broadcast networks ABC is the one that looks like its going *uphill*. They had the best slate of new shows last fall, admittedly not against the strongest of competition.

  102. Bill Gorman says:

    Shakia, I'd disagree. I think of the big English broadcast networks ABC is the one that looks like its going *uphill*. They had the best slate of new shows last fall, admittedly not against the strongest of competition.

  103. laurlaur says:

    October road was a great show very relatable for people from small town or circles. I think it is a shame that it may not return. Yet stupid shows like wife swap or the great oprah marketing media shows. October Road was the only show I looked forward to watching during the strike.

  104. laurlaur says:

    October road was a great show very relatable for people from small town or circles. I think it is a shame that it may not return. Yet stupid shows like wife swap or the great oprah marketing media shows. October Road was the only show I looked forward to watching during the strike.

  105. nikki says:

    are you the same person changing your name asking for October Rd to stay? Even the previews are boring.

    I would like to see Big Shots return. It was clever and fast paced.

  106. nikki says:

    are you the same person changing your name asking for October Rd to stay? Even the previews are boring.

    I would like to see Big Shots return. It was clever and fast paced.

  107. nikki says:

    What difference does it make if an audience is over 49? Doesnt everyone 18-49 fast forward through commercials?

  108. nikki says:

    What difference does it make if an audience is over 49? Doesnt everyone 18-49 fast forward through commercials?

  109. Nikki, it makes a difference to the advertisers, and not everyone 18-49 even has a DVR…yet. ;)

  110. Nikki, it makes a difference to the advertisers, and not everyone 18-49 even has a DVR…yet. ;)

  111. Kat says:

    Men in Trees is the only show that I watch on ABC!!! MIT could develop a huge fan base if ABC stopped moving it around every couple of episodes and stopped giving it huge breaks between the episodes. The writing, music, scenery, acting and plot lines are so wonderful. I don’t understand why they might cancel this show and keep absolute crap like According to Jim??

  112. Kat says:

    Men in Trees is the only show that I watch on ABC!!! MIT could develop a huge fan base if ABC stopped moving it around every couple of episodes and stopped giving it huge breaks between the episodes. The writing, music, scenery, acting and plot lines are so wonderful. I don't understand why they might cancel this show and keep absolute crap like According to Jim??

  113. Bea K says:

    So, Mr. Gorman, you have ABSOLUTE CONCRETE PROOF that ABC has ‘unannounced’ the cancellation of ‘Big Shots’? Sorry to say that makes absolutely NO sense to me what-so-ever. NOT one writer, critic, etc. has been able to submit one shred of evidence that the show is kaput. Why is that? If you, or anyone else in your industry can do that for me, I will not post one more message about trying to save it. Also, if it is true, any particular reason as to why the actors (or even the crew) haven’t spoken a word about it (Dylan McDermott was asked about looking for ‘a new show to star in’, and didn’t part his lips one time to respond to the question.???) yet? IF they’ve quote “moved on” why keep silent about it? So, can we “roll the video tape, or DVD”, to find out exactly what’s going on here? Thanks.

  114. Bea K says:

    So, Mr. Gorman, you have ABSOLUTE CONCRETE PROOF that ABC has 'unannounced' the cancellation of 'Big Shots'? Sorry to say that makes absolutely NO sense to me what-so-ever. NOT one writer, critic, etc. has been able to submit one shred of evidence that the show is kaput. Why is that? If you, or anyone else in your industry can do that for me, I will not post one more message about trying to save it. Also, if it is true, any particular reason as to why the actors (or even the crew) haven't spoken a word about it (Dylan McDermott was asked about looking for 'a new show to star in', and didn't part his lips one time to respond to the question.???) yet? IF they've quote “moved on” why keep silent about it? So, can we “roll the video tape, or DVD”, to find out exactly what's going on here? Thanks.

  115. Jim Ford says:

    My wife and I love Eli Stone. It’s clever and very well done. Here’s two of us hoping it stays.

  116. Jim Ford says:

    My wife and I love Eli Stone. It's clever and very well done. Here's two of us hoping it stays.

  117. Rob says:

    Eli Stone rules! Bring it back.

  118. Rob says:

    Eli Stone rules! Bring it back.

  119. Mark & Teresa says:

    Eli Stone-

    Options- Maybe change the time, your demographic might surprise you.

    The competition has nothing like this; move it rather than dropping from the line up folks.

    Eli Stone is a winner. Move it to an earlier slot, shift the DOW it runs; dropping it would be a mistake.

    We need more options such as Eli.

  120. Mark & Teresa says:

    Eli Stone-

    Options- Maybe change the time, your demographic might surprise you.

    The competition has nothing like this; move it rather than dropping from the line up folks.

    Eli Stone is a winner. Move it to an earlier slot, shift the DOW it runs; dropping it would be a mistake.

    We need more options such as Eli.

  121. Jenny G. says:

    WOW!!! 60 Responses- these are the most responses I’ve ever seen…

  122. Jenny G. says:

    WOW!!! 60 Responses- these are the most responses I've ever seen…

  123. Byron C says:

    Eli Stone is one of the best shows ABC has put on in some time. My family and several friends are hooked on it. The cast is great, and the stories are refreshing. I record every show on my DVR,so I can replay it over. Ir’s that good.

  124. Byron C says:

    Eli Stone is one of the best shows ABC has put on in some time. My family and several friends are hooked on it. The cast is great, and the stories are refreshing. I record every show on my DVR,so I can replay it over. Ir's that good.

  125. Rob B says:

    Looking at what is on, at least concerning fiction-based shows, it is nice and refreshing to see a show like Eli-Stone. For once, my wofe and I were thinking that prime time television was heading back in a positive direction.

    We will continue to hope and sign petitions (Links on the Eli Stone message boards) to try and get this well written, positive message show back.

  126. Rob B says:

    Looking at what is on, at least concerning fiction-based shows, it is nice and refreshing to see a show like Eli-Stone. For once, my wofe and I were thinking that prime time television was heading back in a positive direction.

    We will continue to hope and sign petitions (Links on the Eli Stone message boards) to try and get this well written, positive message show back.

  127. Les says:

    Thanks for posting this. I don’t really pay much attention to the ratings for the most part, so this is interesting to read.

    Out of all the shows mentioned, I only watch Boston Legal and Eli Stone. I don’t like BL as much as I used to and really wouldn’t miss it if it’s gone, but I’m going to be terribly disappointed if Eli Stone is canceled. I love the show! It’s an original concept, has great writing, and a wonderful cast, especially Jonny Lee Miller as Eli. He absolutely shines in the role! His acting is terrific and makes me laugh and cry, often both at the same scene.

    This is the first time in a long time that I have been this interested, emotionally invested, and just plain excited about a show. Please, please, PLEASE, ABC, bring Eli Stone back for a second season!!

  128. Les says:

    Thanks for posting this. I don't really pay much attention to the ratings for the most part, so this is interesting to read.

    Out of all the shows mentioned, I only watch Boston Legal and Eli Stone. I don't like BL as much as I used to and really wouldn't miss it if it's gone, but I'm going to be terribly disappointed if Eli Stone is canceled. I love the show! It's an original concept, has great writing, and a wonderful cast, especially Jonny Lee Miller as Eli. He absolutely shines in the role! His acting is terrific and makes me laugh and cry, often both at the same scene.

    This is the first time in a long time that I have been this interested, emotionally invested, and just plain excited about a show. Please, please, PLEASE, ABC, bring Eli Stone back for a second season!!

  129. Sam says:

    Saw the final for Eli Stone on my DVR this past weekend. This show is exceptional in the level of writing it has. Although the show got a ratings bump (6.1) on the Sunday “earthquake” episode, the finale fell back down to 4.2 which is disapointing.

    I for one would like to see this show renewed. It did win its timeslot most of the time vs. othernetworks reruns. However, against limited new shows it did not do well. I hope it is enough for another season but would not be surpirsed if it goes away.

    More importantly, the show I wanted most of all was renewed despite disappointing ratings – Pushing Daisies. Seeing “Pee Wee Herman” back on the air after all these years was amazing, and the writing on that show equals Eli Stone for creativity and research into topics. Oh well, you cannot win them all.

  130. Sam says:

    Saw the final for Eli Stone on my DVR this past weekend. This show is exceptional in the level of writing it has. Although the show got a ratings bump (6.1) on the Sunday “earthquake” episode, the finale fell back down to 4.2 which is disapointing.

    I for one would like to see this show renewed. It did win its timeslot most of the time vs. othernetworks reruns. However, against limited new shows it did not do well. I hope it is enough for another season but would not be surpirsed if it goes away.

    More importantly, the show I wanted most of all was renewed despite disappointing ratings – Pushing Daisies. Seeing “Pee Wee Herman” back on the air after all these years was amazing, and the writing on that show equals Eli Stone for creativity and research into topics. Oh well, you cannot win them all.

  131. Kelen36 says:

    I liked Miss Guided a lot! Even my husband did! I hope it does come back.

  132. Kelen36 says:

    I liked Miss Guided a lot! Even my husband did! I hope it does come back.

  133. Catherine Douglas says:

    ELI STONE must come back! It is the BEST NEW show!

    I also want Boston Legal for one final season.
    Brothers and Sisters are good and The powerhouses DespHousewives and Gray’s are Certainly there!

    But I cannot believe they wouldn’t pick ELI STONE. It is Fantastic. Find a date, a different lead in. Whatever just bring him back.

    Cat

  134. Catherine Douglas says:

    ELI STONE must come back! It is the BEST NEW show!

    I also want Boston Legal for one final season.
    Brothers and Sisters are good and The powerhouses DespHousewives and Gray's are Certainly there!

    But I cannot believe they wouldn't pick ELI STONE. It is Fantastic. Find a date, a different lead in. Whatever just bring him back.

    Cat

  135. Catherine Douglas says:

    If it was a toss Eli Stone rather than Boston Legal. Maybe add one major star to it, just brainstorming here. But the cast was stellar. AND George Michael is a MUST!

  136. Catherine Douglas says:

    If it was a toss Eli Stone rather than Boston Legal. Maybe add one major star to it, just brainstorming here. But the cast was stellar. AND George Michael is a MUST!

  137. Jamie says:

    I LOVE Eli Stone, I hope they don’t cancel it! Just try to put it on at a better time. I’m glad to see Pushing Daisies is back, I loved that show too. Although Cashmere Mafia was a good show, I’m sad to see it end.

  138. Jamie says:

    I LOVE Eli Stone, I hope they don't cancel it! Just try to put it on at a better time. I'm glad to see Pushing Daisies is back, I loved that show too. Although Cashmere Mafia was a good show, I'm sad to see it end.

  139. kath says:

    I and my family love Eli Stone. I am 51, my daughter and nieces in their 20’s. This is a show that will do well given the chance by Word of mouth people are talking about this one. It is the water cooler show. My sister hadn’t heard of it. We told her and she downloaded the episodes to her phone and is now officially hooked. Please allow Eli Stone to stay. We love it.
    Also very sorry to see Carpoolers go. It was my laugh highlight of the week. Will miss it very much

  140. kath says:

    I and my family love Eli Stone. I am 51, my daughter and nieces in their 20's. This is a show that will do well given the chance by Word of mouth people are talking about this one. It is the water cooler show. My sister hadn't heard of it. We told her and she downloaded the episodes to her phone and is now officially hooked. Please allow Eli Stone to stay. We love it.
    Also very sorry to see Carpoolers go. It was my laugh highlight of the week. Will miss it very much

  141. tina says:

    Carpoolers was the funniest show!!!! It was so unique and clever, my whole family loved it. Now what are we going watch.

  142. tina says:

    Carpoolers was the funniest show!!!! It was so unique and clever, my whole family loved it. Now what are we going watch.


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