The Unusuals: Debut Numbers Disappointing; Keep It or Cancel It?

The UnusualsLast night, ABC’s The Unusuals debuted in the post-Lost timeslot. The network’s had high hopes for the quirky crime drama but many critics have deemed it to be “usual” fare at best. What do viewers think?

The Unusuals revolves around a unique group NYPD detectives that all have secrets. They also have twisted senses of humor, which is helpful since every day could be their last. The series stars several TV show veterans like Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia), Adam Goldberg (Head Cases), Harold Perrineau (Oz), and Terry Kinney (thirtysomething), as well as Jeremy Renner, Kai Lennox, Josh Close, and Monique Gabriela Curnen.

Last night, the Unusuals premiere attracted 6.84 million viewers and a 2.2/6 rating/share in the 18-49 demographic. That’s better than last week’s Life on Mars finale in overall viewers (5.86 million) but it’s essentially the same rating/share in the demo. These aren’t the numbers that ABC was hoping for.

On top of that, there was a significant drop off midway through the episode. There were 7.44 million watching when the episode began and by 10:30, 1.19 million had dropped off. That’s not a good indication that those people will return next week.

Considering that a premiere typically represents a show’s best numbers, none of this is a very good sign for the show’s future.

Did you watch the show and if so, will you be back for more? Worth keeping or time to let it go already?



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{ 306 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Jim Red February 15, 2010 at 5:24 pm

Screw the “snotty” critics. This show was off-beat, odd and very fun. You chumps at ABC realize that not everything must be “Real Life and Death”. Look up the history of MASH, Cheers, Home Improvement; all slow startersall which became the Gold Standards. Hey ABC, don’t take up gardening you don’t seem to have the patience to “watch things grow”.

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2 SEAL76 February 28, 2010 at 2:01 pm

I thought the show was great. I have no idea why it should have been canceled. All of the cast members performed perfectly. It was a quirky show but with a style all of it’s own. Please bring it back. Amber Tamblyn is great.

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3 Gaurav March 6, 2010 at 11:38 pm

One of the best shows period.

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4 John William Chalus March 7, 2010 at 6:46 pm

Gaurav you are correct. The show was so good. Amber Tamblyn is so good. The rest of the cast is also tremendous.

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5 Brenda Benacquista March 8, 2010 at 12:37 pm

the networks are always cancelling the wrong shows, instead of critics, ask the people what they like to watch…………………

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6 Gloria March 9, 2010 at 10:44 am

I sent an email to TNT awhile back asking them to pick it up. They picked up Southland. Send them an email.

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