Beckett and Castle will be back on the case next season. Their TV show has been renewed for a fifth year by ABC.
Though the demo ratings for Castle have been on the decline this season, ABC has given the go-ahead for another round of episodes. Airing on Monday nights, Castle’s fourth season averaged a 2.3 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic with 10.71 million viewers.
Year-to-year, the demo is down by 15%. Interestingly, the total viewership is almost exactly the same. That would seem to indicate that the show has picked up older viewers (Dancing with the Stars has also been declining but skews older) but lost some younger ones — potentially to NBC’s Smash.
On our ABC Ratings Report Card, which measures the relative demo performance of shows on the network, Castle has a “C+” grade. It’s #12 on the demo list of scripted shows but ranks #2 in terms of total viewers.
 Loading ... |
Though the ratings were enough to put the show “on the bubble,” it realistically wasn’t in any danger of being cancelled. ABC hasn’t had much luck finding successful new hour dramas this season.
More importantly, Castle presently has 81 episodes and that’s not really enough for a full syndication package. Last June, TNT picked up the cable rights to for Castle so ABC Studios has additional financial incentive to keep the show around.
ABC announces their 2012-13 schedule next week so we’ll know by then if Castle will stay on Monday nights or pop up on another evening instead. Either way, you can expect it to return next fall.
What do you think? Are you glad that Castle has been renewed? Are you still enjoying the show or do you think the quality has started to drop?
Image courtesy ABC.
When does season five come out on DVD
Probably next fall.
Only show I watch with regularity, other than maybe NCIS. Actually, to be honest, am absolutely hooked on this show, to nearly the point of obsession. Have bought the prior seasons online, and indulge frequently. Too long of a wait til September. I have never done that with any other show. Smart writing, great talent in front of and in back of the cameras. Sheer joy, truely. ABC has shown great savvy and smarts in keeping this one going. Believe it should be around a very long time. ABC, are you listening?
Love Castle! It’s my guilty pleasure and I never miss an episode. Not since Friends ended several years ago have I attached myself to a show. I shut everything off when Castle is on so as not to miss a minute of it. I hated that Capt’n Montgomery was killed off. I think he could be brought back. The funeral was a cover up and he is in hiding, under witness protection or something. I like the new captain, Iron Gates but not as much. Penny is a great actress and brings a lot of flavor to the show. I… Read more »
Castle is a very well-written series. I sincerely hope it will return, but would like to see it in an earlier time slot, say the 9:00 p.m. time frame. Hopefully, the tandem of Castle and Beckett will realize their love for each other. Ditto, getting rid of reality shows!
It is the only TV show I look forward to watching each week.
I agree with lynn and Fran.. We should get abc to pick up unforgettable!!!! I can’t believe CBS canceled it! So stupid!
castle is great, always was will be and is going to be. ABC better air a billion more episodes. Period.
I love the show it’s amazing I never HAVE to watch a show never get HOOKED u know…but this one I run home to watch
thats right
I like every one in the show EXCEPT..the new Captain..I never liked her in 24 and I think she sucks in this show..she is not believable, I think the other captain was great and I hated that you killed him off, and made him a bad guy…how about getting rid of this one…
I am glad you are bringing it back tho..but please without her…
I was very pleased to hear Castle will return this fall.
It is well written and the Actors are great.
Congrats and Thank you for renewing.
CASTLE IS ONE OF THE FEW TV DRAMAS THAT HAS MATURE SCRIPTING ALONG WITH SUBTLE COMEDY IN THE DIFFERENT CAST MEMBERS. I PERSONALTY HOPE THE WRITERS WILL NOT SPOIL THE CHARACTERS BECKETT AND CASTLE AS WAS DONE ON THE TV DRAMA “BONES”
THE FRUSTRATED ATTRACTION BETWEEN BECKETT AND CASTLE, HAS BEEN JUST THE RIGHT TOUCH. TO KEEP THE INTEREST GOING FOR ME.
castle is my favorite show. like the format hope it stayes on the tv my age is 58
could not have said it better
We totally agree with everthing Lynn said . We look forward to those shows but Castle gives us the joy of humor . Everyone is so perfectly cast–KEEP THEM COMING!!!
I’m so very happy CASTLE will be returning. It’s the best show on t.v. The show has a great cast and an awesome writer that keeps us guessing every episode. Great Job!
Castle is fun, intelligent, and essentially one of the best programs. DO NOT CANCEL! Please get rid of the REALITY junk! All channels are crammed with brainless nonsense. Who cares about the antics of bachelors and ettes? That is not reality! Body of Proof, Unforgettabe, Revenge, all KEEPERS!