For the most part, FOX has really been struggling this season. When it comes to new shows, Empire is a hit and Gotham’s doing okay but Utopia, Mulaney, Gracepoint, and Red Band Society were dismal failures in the ratings and have already been cancelled. How’s Backstrom doing? Will it survive to see a second season?
On Backstrom, an offensive, irascible yet brilliant detective (Rainn Wilson) is brought back from exile to run Portland Police Bureau’s Special Crimes Unit. The rest of the cast includes Genevieve Angelson, Dennis Haysbert, Kristoffer Polaha, Page Kennedy, Beatrice Rosen, and Thomas Dekker.
With American Idol as a lead-in, the series debuted on January 22nd with a 1.9 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 7.98 million viewers. That was an okay start but there wasn’t much serious competition on the other networks.
In week two, Backstrom had to start competing with Scandal on ABC and the ratings dropped more than 30%. In week three, NBC’s The Blacklist moved to Thursdays at 9pm and Backstrom dropped another 30% or so once again, falling to a 1.0 in the demo and 3.64 million.
In week four, the FOX series bounced back to a 1.2 in the demo and 4.39 million. Last week’s installment took another big tumble and Backstrom landed at a 0.9 in the demo and 3.54 million.
It’s pretty clear that, while Backstrom may have some devoted viewers, it’s not priority viewing for most people on Thursday nights. It’s pretty consistently in fourth place in its 9pm timeslot and is now FOX’s lowest-rated drama.
With numbers like these, it’s hard to imagine that FOX will renew Backstrom for a second season. FOX has some serious schedule problems but this show doesn’t seem to be a solution. There are eight episodes left in the season (only five are scheduled) so Backstrom has some time to prove itself with better ratings. This seems unlikely but sometimes miracles do happen. Backstrom could certainly use one.
But, what do you think? Do you like Backstrom? If you ran the network, would you cancel or renew this series for a second season? Would you change anything to attract more viewers?
YES. I LOVE IT. KEEP IT. PLEASE. I’m already a complete fangirl, even though it’s only the first season.
One of the only shows I consistently watch. Really hope they keep it on. Maybe a different night?
Backstrom is spectacular! It’s the only show I book my schedule around. Keep it rolling, season 2 please!
Great show!! Hope it’s renewed!!!
I love this show, hope to see it in season 2
If it were food, it would be the savory accompaniment to Rachael Ray or something overly sweet. You have to understand character development or irony to get this for those who do not want to hear politically incorrect or mean dialogue. Please don’t discard such a good show.
Do not cancel.one of the best shows on t.v.
The cast play well together
I didn’t know about this show at first, but I’m glad I stuck around. It keeps getting better. I hope they keep it around for season 2!
Please keep Backstrom! I love the show. The characters are smart and interesting. The plots keep me guessing. Don’t take the one thing in the world I live for. Please keep Backstrom!
Smart show. Many of it’s potential viewers have already given up on network TV, Give it time.
Backstrom is one of the few bright spots on network TV. Many of the people who would watch it have given up on network TV. A smart show like this takes time to develop viewers.
Great show. Give it some time
Great characters and show! Please renew this smart and funny show for season 2!
Renew for Season 2!
Great show. Let’s spread the word!