Rainn Wilson had a long run on NBC’s The Office but his own TV series Backstrom has been cut short. FOX has cancelled the series after one season of 13 episodes.
On Backstrom, an offensive, irascible yet brilliant detective (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.
The show debuted in late January to a decent 1.95 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 7.98 million viewers. Unfortunately, the numbers took a big dive in episode two with the ratings falling more that 30%. They fell almost as much again in week three. After a brief rebound, the numbers kept sinking lower and lower.
The 13th and (now) final episode drew a 0.7 in the demo with 2.8 million viewers. The ratings were just too low to justify a second season.
What do you think? Did you like the Backstrom TV show on FOX? Why do you think it didn’t catch on? Do you think it should have been cancelled or renewed for a second season?
I loved Backstrom. It was like a modern day Perry Mason, Rockford Files, Bob Hope show all rolled into one.
PLEASE CONSIDER RUNNING ANOTHER SEASON OF BACKSTROM. There is no other funny, raunchy, detective show on TV whatsoever these days.
Just another blow to the lagging quality of TV programmings on the air today. It a sad statement on today’s human intelligence where shows like the Kardashians, and Duck dynasty can run for season after season but shows with actual acting and plot lines get cut after one season. I have come to u derstand that the days of a show being put to air for its content have been cast aside for shows that are nothing but platforms to support high paying add spots. And just who do you monitor for a shows ratings? I have never been quarried… Read more »
AMEN!!!! You are sooooo right…
What a bunch of idiots at fox. Instead of trying a different time slot, they cancel the best show they’ve had in years. But oh nooooooo they’ll put crap like empire on. Good riddens fox I’m watching the other networks now.
It did not get a chance to gain a following – loved it – clever & interesting & funny – Bring it back !!!!
My wife and I found Backstrom to be not only very clever but also hysterically funny. We’re not big fans of many shows and are sad to see it go. Bring it back. Please.
My husband and I love this show.. We are tired of all the good ones just ending. Backstrom is a keeper.
Why can’t you give it a second chance? It was a great show and it waste spring when it finished up. You need to start it in the fall or early winter when people are in the house more.
CANCELLED??? Fox you’d better wake up and return this show! If I had seen this last May that you had cancelled this show, I would have written, telegraphed, called, and shouted from rooftops! You really messed up this time. You should have kept this show and let the “numbers” come up. And up they would have risen! Shame on you… I would say more but you did give us “EMPIRE” and did renew that! wonders of wonders…. bring it back. Brackstrom was a good show, you should have continued it.
YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You had it up against so many established high rated shows. You have to start out slow. This was a fabulous show. So much talent the writing superb.
How very sad and upsetting that Backstrom has been cancelled after just one season. It is a BRILLIANT program, giving viewers mystery, heart-felt interaction between characters, laughter, and is very thought-provoking. So many REALLY good programs are killed, while other stupid, childish fluff goes on for years! My wife, son, and I would very much like to see Backstrom return and given a second chance. The entire cast is perfectly fitted for their roles, but especially Rainn Wilson. As disgusting as he can be, he is still so lovable!!
It was an amazing show. Runs much deeper than the average vrime series. All the characters had a special aura, they were all very distinctive and characteristic. Maybe because they are based on a book. USA just isn’t ready for darker and smarter show.
It reminds me of the show House instead of a renegade doctor we have a renegade cop very on PC does everything to shick nobody likes him but they all respect him I would love to see another series to give him time to build
Bring back Backstrom! It was funny, entertaining, a great cast and such a treat to watch considering so much reality and uber drama on TV.
So sad to find out that there won’t be a second season. I am sick and tired of seeing ads for reality shows and singing competitions. Backstrom was funny, interesting, and different. I loved the characters. I am left with so many unanswered questions. I will never find out who Nadia is hiding from. This was a huge mistake. It should have been given another chance. I think that if more effort was put into advertising the show, then it would have done better because I didn’t know about the show until I saw my dad watching it. So sad.
I loved watching Backstrom. I am so tired of all the so called reality shows. This show was funny. Please bring it back.