There’s lots of information that the networks take into consideration when cancelling or renewing a TV series but the ratings are the biggest factor, particularly the 18-49 demographic. That’s the group that the advertisers want to reach the most so the networks must cater to them.
Viewership is obviously lower during the summer months (here’s the ABC report card for the regular 2011-12 season).
The following chart incorporates final “Summer” season ratings data through Thursday, September 6, 2012.
| Demo rank | Summer ABC TV shows | Demo grade | 18-49 demo rating (actual) | Viewers in millions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Bachelorette | A++ | 2.5 (2.45) | 7.50 | ratings |
| 2 | Wipeout | B+ | 1.6 (1.56) | 4.88 | ratings |
| 3 | Secret Millionaire | B- | 1.3 (1.29) | 5.03 | ratings |
| 4 | Bachelor Pad | C+ | 1.3 (1.27) | 4.04 | ratings |
| 5 | 20/20 | B+* | 1.3 (1.26) | 4.97 | ratings |
| 6 | Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition | C+ | 1.3 (1.25) | 3.83 | ratings |
| 7 | Rookie Blue | C+ | 1.2 (1.22) | 4.93 | ratings |
| 8 | Duets | C+ | 1.2 (1.19) | 4.93 | ratings |
| 9 | NY Med | D+ | 1.0 (0.97) | 4.15 | ratings |
| 10 | Final Witness | D+ | 0.9 (0.90) | 3.86 | ratings |
| 11 | The Glass House | D | 0.9 (0.88) | 2.43 | ratings |
Original ratings data ©The Nielsen Company. All rights reserved.
Other summer ratings report cards: CBS | The CW | FOX | NBC
A couple of things to remember:
The averages included in these charts are based on the final numbers, not the fast affiliate ratings that are reported the morning after a show airs. These final numbers become available one to three days later (depending on holidays or weekends).
Demo numbers are reported by Nielsen using the 10th decimal place (2.1, for example). In these charts, we’re including the rounded demo average as well as the average in 100ths (2.14, for example) in parenthesis so you can get a better idea of how the number’s been affected by the latest episode’s rating.
The letter grades are relative and are based on the individual network’s overall performance in either the scripted or non-scripted categories. The networks all have very different gauges for success. A hit show on The CW would get quickly cancelled on CBS. Our system for coming up with letter grades isn’t perfect but it should still give you an idea of where the shows stand when compared to others on the same network.
*The letter grades for TV series that run on Friday and Saturday nights are weighted a little differently to compensate for them airing on little-watched nights.
What do you think? How are your favorites doing? Which ones would you like to see cancelled or renewed?
NY MED AND FINAL WITNESS ARE THE BEST SHOWS ABC EVER MADE, EDUCATIONAL AND INTERESTING. DO NOT CANCEL THEM THAT WOULD BE A BIG MISTAKE.
Please keep Final Witness. True crime stories are sad but interesting.
Wipeout’s still going strong in the ratings, even in its 5th season. Thumbs Up to Endemol for keeping it awesome with Game Shows! Still sad that ABC cancelled last year’s 101 Ways to Leave a Game Show, but at least Wipeout is still doing well.
I’m disappointed that The Glass House isn’t doing that well though. I prefer it over CBS’ Big Brother because the audience gets to decide who’s eliminated — not the contestants themselves. So there’s less backstabbing and lying on The Glass House because the game is not entirely controlled by the players. Hopefully it gets renewed.
love all the bachelor/bachelorette shows, rookie blue, the glass house, final witness and the real med shows. please keep them coming they are great.
Wow, yeah. It is really sad to see what kind of shows ABC Family is airing, and how they’re doing. I think that they made a HUGE and horrible mistake cancelling Make It or Break It. MIOBI was one of the best shows on there, and I, with every single other person I know, LOVED it. I was so sad when it was cancelled. :(( I hope they’ll reconsider their decision.
[…] sure to check out our ABC summer ratings report card to see how this show’s numbers compare with the others on the […]
It’s so sad to see what kind of shows are leading.
Love the show Duets! However, I do think they should let america vote from the start! The voting system is what everyone has been complaining about. So, give it one more season ABC and change your voting method and see what happens!
I agree with you. I love the show also, but might be better ratings if the audience voted from the start. The stars are all first rate talent, although I never saw Robin Thicke perform before, he was very good.
Duets is FANTASTIC> Hope it comes back!
[…] sure to check out our ABC summer ratings report card to see how this show’s numbers compare with the others on the […]
[…] sure to check out our ABC summer ratings report card to see how this show’s numbers compare with the others on the […]
I hope Duets gets a major ratings boost these last three shows. Would love to see it come back.
I think that Duets is one of the finest musical shows on TV. Where else do you hear the superstars sing every week? It’s like going to a concert with the 4 stars singing. I love it, and hope that it will be renewed!!
Renew duets. Interesting format. Very enjoyable.
Really enjoy the show. The duets are exciting. The judging could be more truthful. I think most of the talent was not prime time quality, easily fixed. . Please renew!
[…] out our ABC summer ratings report card to see how this show’s numbers compare with the others on the […]