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?
This show is great and shouldn’t be canceled. The characters are funny and he reminds me of Columbo. You keep so many shows that have no appeal but cancel the one show I really like on your station. Maybe Fox is doing something wrong because no way this show couldn’t get more viewers with the right advertising.
Backstrom was my favorite show and I am really sad to see it go. I believe they should give it at least one more season.
I can’t believe they cancelled Backstrom! I don’t know how they figure out ratings, but this is wrong! Do they go by “Nelson” boxes or something? If so, redistribute those boxes to People with a 1/2 a brain! They should give at least 1 more season, or at least with an occasional movie. Obviously I am very disappointed.
Big mistake cancelling Backstrom. Should have given it another 13 episodes to build an audience. The polling audience may have been too young. There are still many of us that enjoy watching television series.
Loved this! Can’t believe another programme I have really enjoyed is not going to be renewed. Loved the cast especially Rainn Wilson as Backstrom. I loved the fact that this was so much different than all the other crime dramas that are on the t.v at the minute. Please reconsider and bring it back.
I’m so disappointed that Backstom got cancelled. It always made me laugh. I usually watched this show over all the others on my DVR.
Nooooo. This show is great, how about considering the baby boomers when looking at ratings. I suppose you’ll keep some mindless sitcom instead.
Cancelling Backstrom is a mistake. He reminds me of Columbo, but in a younger version. I’m so tired of getting hooked on a good show and then they cancel it so they can add another reality show. Please renew Backstrom.
And another favorite bites the dust! Love this show. I believe us Baby Boomers are being ignored. Phooey
What about the 49+ demographic? All my contemporaries love the show. We think it’s the best thing since Columbo!
I LOVE!!!! BACKSTROM…..my favorite tv shows are crime/mystery/dramas…..NCIS is the greatest – of course …. HOWEVER BACKSTROM is just as great ….great writing,
totally refreshing realistic out the box characters. I will sorely miss this series.
Nooooo, I love this show. Bring it back!!! I always looked forward to seeing the show..
Again another favorite of mine is being canceled! Do you only cancel the smart, well-written shows? The cast is excellent! I have enjoyed every show and looked forward to each one! Hopefully if you aren’t smart enough to renew it another station will pick it up! Please reconsider cancelling this show!!
Whoa Fox, don’t give up on this show. I love it and I think it would do better on another day or time slot. Rainn Wilson is great and the rest of the cast is fantastic. Please reconsider I think you are making a big mistake.
Keep Backstrom! I’m so disappointed that it was cancelled. I love the cast and characters, especially Valentine…… I don’t have TV at home but I always look forward to watching Backstrom when I go to my fiancèe’s house. It was our favorite show.