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?
Its obvious that Backstrom in another time slot would do well or maybe a summer show like SYTYCD. If Fox wants to fight for the Thursday night ratings they should have a stronger established show. If only I rued the world.
or ruled the world.
LOVE this show !!!!!!!!
I just watched the 1st 3 episodes and am totally hooked. Takes a while to get into it but the writing is brilliant. Honestly it is one of the best shows I have seen in a while. I am not a devotee of things Fox/Murdoch, but kudos on this program. The characters are so diverse. I actually turned on my captions so that I could catch everything. There are so many brilliant one liners.
Please we need a second season. I can’t watch it on Thursday night cuz I work, but it fills my friday, and gives me something to look forward to. 🙂
Love this show! Why don’t people that are over 49 figure in to the equation? Renew!
PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL BACKSTROM – FAB SHOW – FAB CHARACTERS !!!!!!
Move it to a new time slot!!!!! I watch it on Thursdays and watch the episodes again
“on demand” – I can’t get enough of this show –
I love this show, can you just move the day so it’s not competing with Scandal and Blacklist?
Please do not cancel Backstrom.Just move it to a different nite so it doesn’t compete against Blacklist and CBS.Its a great show and should be renewed!!
I absolutely love this show I don’t want them to candle it. He is such a jerk but a genius. I love watching him grow and develop as a human.
This is one of the best shows on TV. Great cast, good stories, wonderful dialogue.
If I was a FOX network exec, I would resign and seek employment elsewhere because of the idiotic FOX News, but first I would find a new time slot for Backstrom because it doesn’t stand a chance against The Blacklist.
love the unpredictability of what’s he’s going to say its refreshing to be challenged by his commentary at anytime. most other programs you know what there going to say. reminds me of doc martin on pbs he too was unpredictable.
Love, love, love Backstrom and crew!!!! Please renew this show – we are just getting to know and love them. We DVR the show and watch when we can really enjoy it and look forward to it!
Please don’t cancel. Yes, this show has slow moments but they fit within the context of the narrative. The cast and their character’s interactions are priceless. I hope it’s spared the failed show disposal.
I totally agree! Backstrom is a breath of fresh air compared to the other mindless pandering shows that Fox offers.Backstrom is smart, funny,and unpredictable, completely outside the box entertaining.
Please renew Backstrom it really is the only show on your network my family and I tune in for.
NO NO NO! DO NOT CANCEL THIS SHOW! Rainn Wilson is hysterical! You’ve had a hit with Bones for many seasons and I promise if you hold on to this one the same thing will happen. The cast is phenomenal especially his 1/2 brother. Don’t ruin a good thing. Try it for one more season and I guarantee you will get a following.
Do Not Cancel Backstom , I can’t say it enough!!!! Rainn Wilson and the rest of the cast are perfect!!!