Tonight, The New Normal finishes its season on NBC with the marriage of Bryan and David, as well as the birth of their son via surrogate Goldie. Will the sitcom be cancelled or will it be back for a second season so viewers can see how this family continues to develop?
The New Normal, as you’ve probably heard, revolves around a pair of gay men (Justin Bartha and Andrew Rannells) who want to start a family. They hire a surrogate (Georgia King) who helps them fulfill their dream, while they help her realize her own. The sitcom also stars Ellen Barkin, NeNe Leakes, Bebe Wood, and Jayson Blair.
With strong lead-in support from The Voice, The New Normal debuted on September 10th to a 2.5 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 6.88 million. The pilot had already been released online so that may have tempered television viewership for the debut.
The following night, NBC aired the second episode and the ratings held steady. Considering the state of the rest of NBC’s sitcoms, a 2.5 demo rating was very good.
Unfortunately, that didn’t last. The sitcom’s ratings declined over the next several weeks. And, once The Voice completed its fall season, New Normal’s numbers really collapsed. Two weeks ago, the series reached a new low — registering a meager 0.7 in the demo and just 2.11 million viewers.
Last week, thanks to the return of The Voice, New Normal’s ratings bounced up 86% to a 1.3 in the demo with 3.32 million. Though the percentage gain is impressive, the show’s ratings are still terrible — even by NBC standards.
Though NBC has few bright spots on its schedule, its clear that the peacock network has no ratings incentive to renew The New Normal for a second season. Thankfully, the cast and crew seem to have given the sitcom’s storylines some sense of closure in tonight’s finale.
What do you think? Would you like to see The New Normal return for a second season or should NBC cancel it to make way for something new?
I really hope this show gets renewed for a second season. It is a bright spot in my viewing guilty pleasures. There is way too many reality shows on TV these days and I am beginning to wonder about investing time into any new shows. Please let New Normal continue.
Oh PLease renew, it was a great show!
Ow common , you know it’s good and original. It’s one of the very few series that have something to say and teach! It propably needs a litlle bit more push and that’s all! Please NBC dont just cancel one of the best serial of the last ( at least ) two years!
I really like this show, it deals with alot of issues and always finds a solution.
Please NBC. Renew the show and at least give it 1 more season to make it a rating hit. You’ve had shows before that didn’t do well the initial season and went on to be ratings hits. I really love this show.
I LOVE this show. It is so funny and deals with situations that we all deal with, though with them being a gay couple it seems so much harder to deal with. It stays real with Jane being so outspoken about Bryan and David’s relationship. Love is love, no matter what form it comes in. Gay, straight, lesbian, bi-sexual, asexual or absent of sex at all, when love comes your way it needs to be embraced. We are here for such a short while. I hope NBC renews this. It is such a great love story.
Please do not cancel this show. The only reason it gets low rating and some bad reviews is because of the closed minded, cant speak or hear of gay haters. People in the gay community LOVE IT!!! This show conveys so many things that we are going through on a day to day basis. We can relate to this show 100%. I have several straight friends who enjoy the show as well, but again they are the friends who openly support the gay community. Keep this show! There are several shows over the years that show that token gay character… Read more »
I love The New Normal. It is a love story. Who doesn’t love that ?
RENEW!! This is an excellent show and one of my new favourites. I love how they explore the issues of defining a modern family (not just about blood, but love) and issues faced by both gay and straight individuals navigating identity, dreams, and life in a comedic but truthful setting. LOVE IT!!!!
The old ABnormal. I hope it’s tanked for good.
Renew! This show just found its footing, and the characters have come to mean so much to their audience! It makes us all feel like we could find a family like Bryan, David, Goldie, Shania, Rocky, and Jane of our own. And who wouldn’t want that? I know several people who have told me they’ve been meaning to watch it but haven’t gotten around to it. Once they do, I know they’ll be hooked. Everybody, write NBC on their website and tell them we want more New Normal!
Please renew this incredible show! I tape it and watch it every week and have enjoyed every episode. It is funny, smart and its voice is needed! Please Renew!
RENEW!!
Please, do not cancel this show! This is one of the best things on TV!
This show needs to be renewed!!!! Started off unsure about it…but have grown to love the characters and storyline.
I watch it first run… I watch it ondemand… I watch it on Hulu! !! Please RENEW this awesome show!!!!!!