ABC has been searching for new hit dramas to replace their older ones for some time. Lost went off the air in 2010, Brothers & Sisters was cancelled last May, and Desperate Housewives is ending next spring. Last season, Body of Proof was the only new drama that held any promise and ABC renewed it. In retrospect, was that a mistake?
Body of Proof stars Dana Delany as Doctor Megan Hunt, a former neurosurgeon who became a medical examiner after a serious car accident. Megan can be difficult to work with but won’t give up until she gets answers and expects the best from herself and her co-workers. Others in the cast include Jeri Ryan, Nicholas Bishop, Geoffrey Arend, Windell D. Middlebrooks, John Carroll Lynch, and Sonja Sohn.
The show debuted in late March 2011 to a 3.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 13.94 million viewers. In light of the failures of ABC’s other new dramas, this one looked very promising. The rating numbers fell off pretty quickly for subsequent episodes but the first season still ended up averaging a 2.3 rating in the demo and 11.13 million viewers. Performance-wise, Body of Proof was in the middle of the pack as the eighth most-watch show of ABC’s season (out of 18 scripted series).
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Last season ended with a disappointing 2.1 demo rating and this season didn’t start off much better, registering a 2.2 with 9.4 million viewers. The numbers have gotten even worse and the show has hit a series low of a 1.8 in the demo on three occasions. The seven episodes that have aired so far this season have averaged a 1.9 in the demo and 9.45 million, a decline of 17% in the demo when compared to last year’s average.
The show is currently the lowest-rated scripted series on the network. Though total viewership is fairly positive, unless the demo ratings get better, it’s hard to imagine that we’ll see ABC ordering any more episodes or a third season.
On the positive side, ABC only aired nine of the 13 installments that were produced for season one. Since the show started so late in the season, execs chose to hold the remaining four until season two. Combined with a typical second season order for 13 installments, they have 17 episodes for the 2011-12 season. Given the current numbers, that’s likely as close as Body of Proof is going to get to a full season order.
But, what do you think? Is Body of Proof still worth watching? Should ABC stick with it or just cancel it already?
Image courtesy ABC.
Body of Proof is a quality show that has not gotten much promoting from the station. We are finding it now. Facebook has a campaign to keep this show going for a 3rd season. I don’t know how ratings are decided but the older viewers are the ones that buy the products in the ads. We are tired of the reality and silly scripted shows . We appreciate this show so at least give it a chance – maybe on a different day or time slot.
Please Please Please don’t cancel Body of Proof. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this show!!!!!! I watch it all of the time. They just need more new episodes and not so many breaks in between airing new episodes. I BEG you ABC, don’t cancel this show!!!!! While I”m on the subject, don’t cancel General Hospital either ifyou’re thinking about doing that. I have NO intereest in Katie Couric!!!! She is awful!!!!!!!
My favorite show. I think the personal side did not work well. It is more interesting to be view like a regular forensics show. The characters are strong enough to carry the show without the overlay of husband and child and triangle.
Yesssss!!! Please renew Body of Proof!!! I love this show and watch it every week!! So refreshing to have a show like this!! Dana delaney is fabulous as Dr. Hunt!!!! Please renew !!
Don’t cancel Body of Proof! The good programs keep getting cancelled – the poor programs get renewed!?
We need a 3rd season. Body of Proof is hands down the Best show on TV right now. Dana Dalany plays an AMAZING lead roll:)
Please don’t cancel this show it is the only one I watch on ABC!
Please don’t cancel this show- it’s really good.
There are not very many shows that I care to watch on TV. But this is one of the best in my opinion i won’t have anything to watch on Tuesdays if this is taken off.
One our favorite shows. Please,please don’t cancel!!
wonderful show. Big mistake if you cancel.
To: ABC
Please renew Body of Proof for a 3rd season.
Shows that feature strong, sexy, intelligent, professional women should be encouraged and renewed.
This is the best show ever! Come on abc give it a decent lead in and watch it soar!!!
Yes, do not take it off the schedule line up. Exhilarating, great drama! Keep it going! It is a great show!
Yes, bring it back! Best show on TV!!!