The “visitors” are back — with a vengeance. ABC’s remake of V, the NBC mini-series and show of the same name, kicked off (and kicked butt) last night. The numbers look really good but, most importantly, will they last.
The current incarnation of V begins as spaceships appear in the skies over 29 international cities and a benevolent leader, Anna (Morena Baccarin), tells the people of Earth that they come in peace. Several humans doubt the aliens’ sincerity and FBI agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell) learns that the aliens have been among us for years, infiltrating governments and businesses. The series also stars Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Logan Huffman, Lourdes Benedicto, Laura Vandervoort, and Scott Wolf.
The new V pilot has gotten some mixed reviews but any negativity didn’t seem to discourage TV viewers from giving the show a try. Last night, the premiere scored the highest premiere ratings of the 2009-10 season. V averaged 14.3 million viewers and managed a 5.2/14 rating/share, beating out NCIS in the demo.
But, will it last?
As you may have heard, there’s been quite a bit of backstage upheaval. Series production was put on hold after four episodes so that producers could work on improving the scripts and realign them with the pilot. Not a good sign.
 Loading ... |
ABC later announced that the first season would be split into two parts. Four episodes will air in November and the rest will start airing after the Olympics in March 2010. The network claimed that this was being done to promote the series as more of an “event.”
Yesterday, it was reported that Scott Peters had been replaced by Scott Rosenbaum as showrunner on the series. Writer/executive producer Jeffrey Bell, who’d originally been brought in to be the post-pilot showrunner, is expected to leave the show altogether.
Based on last night’s ratings, viewers seemed to like what they saw and stuck with it since viewership grew as the hour progressed. Based on that, the audience looks ready for more but it remains to be seen if the show will be able to meet their expectations.
What do you think? Do you like this new version? Will you tune in next week? Is ABC’s strategy of breaking up the season a good idea or will it kill any ratings momentum (ala Heroes, season one)? Cancel or keep it?
Image courtesy ABC.
More about:
V (2009),
V: The Series
Related Content
-
V: Diana and Other Familiar Faces May Be Back
Aug 17, 2009 -
V: The Series: Aliens Planning Return in New TV Show
Feb 21, 2009 -
Aliens in America: CW Cancels Low-rated Sitcom
May 10, 2008
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
If they cancel this show, ABC will be dead to me.
My friends and I were so excited for V. We made it through half of the first episode and turned it off. It’s bad. Cancel and save Eastwick!
The first episode was a bit dull until the end…but I’ve read books and watched other shows that started out a little slow and got better fast. I haven’t watched this week’s episode yet, but I’m willing to stick it out for a bit. I think breaking the episodes up is a death sentence unless they really pick up the pace.
Wow. I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two episodes. I am very sad that I will have to wait until march to see anything after the fourth. I had no idea what it was about and do not watch any television. I will be awaiting this series and really hope it is not canceled.
this show is junk. the fbi agents act like kids playing cops and robbers, and nothing about the aliens follows any real theories. its all just crap crap crap. why did they have to remake a perfectly good show STUPID
I agree with number Susan #2. This show (v) is very bad. Cancel and save Eastwick!
Why would ABC possibly be foolish enough to cancel a show that is as interested as this new “V” series. It is what the USA needs to be watching at this difficult time taking place in America at this time. There are too many stupid comedy shows on as well as CSI makeovers. Give us a break. We demand something that is not boring. I hate it when the hour is over. Get rid of all the stupid dance shows as well.
keep it; or go to the syfy channel, which is unfortunatly owned by nbc
← Previous Comments