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?
“Backstrom” is well-cast and well-written. The program should be given one more year on a different day so a new audience gets a chance to view. This series is great for those of us who enjoyed “House” which I think also had a slow start but then was quite successful.
We really hope to see “Backstrom” return this Fall 2015.
Great show, we absolutely love it!! I agree that they should probably have it on at a different time slot, but it DEFINITELY shouldn’t be cancelled. I want to see what’s going to happen next!! Renew Backstrom!!
You need to bring this quality show back. Outstanding cast, great dialogue and can’t wait until next episode type show. Missed it first several episodes, but was hooked by trailers. I checked out episodes 1 & 2 and was hooked. I am a +60 viewer and now have my wife watching also. We watched a couple of episodes a night to catch up. I even watched 1 thru 7 again with her. Another time slot might work, but you need to let it be for now and not pull the plug. It is really good.
i am not in the 18-49 age group. Leave the show on for people who like good characters and a creative plot line. Fox needs this show!
Bruce
We need something that makes you think. Everyone is not in the 18-49 demographic. The cast is a great ensemble of characters. Give the show another chance!
Angie
I sure hope Backstrom aires for a second season. Phenomenally written and acted. Witty and smart. Each of the actors in their own right are natural and genuine in their respective character rolls. As the series progressed, you’re drawn to their unique personalities and levels of expertise they bring to the crime unit. Backstrom is not only entertaining but leaves their audience hungry for the next episode. It would be a shame to allow this unique and refreshing crime drama fade away into obscurity. Especially considering the less than adequate, often predictable lackluster competition that has saturated time slots across… Read more »
There are some insightful comments above. Try promoting programs better and allowing time to build a following. Poor choice for a time slot. Starter programs that are fresh and different should have a slot selected for its audience not to pull established programs viewers… Really… This has some good potential as a strong following program if given the chance and a correct time slot. But what do I know… Only 27 years in programming….
I love Backstrrom. Please keep it. It’s better than Scandal.
Yes! Love Backstrom. I’m you…I don’t want to dissappoint the Backstrom fans so I will give it another season and will pick up even more fans !
I love backsrtom
How sad that FOX put a show that is this unique against MOM high rating on CBS, Scandal a high rating ABC and The hit The Blacklist on NBC….all at the same time on Thursday, and expected it to garner viewers from long watched favorites. VERY poor reasoning on their part. Pick a night….for goodnes sake…that we have to go to NETFLEX to find something interesting to watch! If FOX had placed this show on Saturday, they would have been successful, there is little but reruns on that night. Who makes these decisions? This show was well written, unexpected, using… Read more »
I love Backstrom!!!!!! Please bring it back next season…our family enjoys the cast, storylines, etc….and gives us an opportunity to watch a show we all like……as regular Fox viewers how disappointing it would be for you to let this show slip through your fingers without allowing it to further develop…
GIVE IT A CHANCE!!! It’s a great show! The cast is coming together nicely and the premise of the show, although not new, is certainly unique. Rainn Wilson is spectacular as Backstrom and the supporting cast is unique and enjoyable. Not every show can come out out of the chute and nail it right away, but this show is most worthy of another season.
I absolutely love Backstrom. Please do not cancel this program. The program is tight, edgy, hilarious and yet sensitive in parts.it’s a win win
When a show comes along that is new I always give it a try, and I must say Backstrom got me from the very first scene…he is so great, and the cast bounce off him, so think deep before you even think of cancelling this show because its a winner,,,and I cannot believe that people would think Scandal is a better show.Just for your information I watch alot of show on Fox
on I watch alot of shows on Fox