Right on schedule, CBS has decided to ditch their new Friday night TV series, CHAOS, after just a few weeks on the air. The show stumbled in the ratings right from the start and never recovered. It’s no longer on the air but is it cancelled?
A dramatic comedy, CHAOS follows a small group of CIA misfit spies who make up the Clandestine Administration and Oversight Services (CAOS). In addition to taking on threats to national security, they also must take on redtape and typical government bureaucracy. The TV series stars Freddy Rodriguez, Eric Close, James Murray, Tim Blake Nelson, Carmen Ejogo, Christina Cole, and Kurtwood Smith.
As detailed here, CHAOS debuted to a horrible 1.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 6.53 million viewers. That was quite a bit lower than the season average of Medium, a series that CBS cancelled because of poor ratings.
In the second week, CHAOS fell even lower to a 0.9 rating in the demo and 5.73 million viewers. Last Friday night, bumped up ever so slightly in the demo, to a 1.0 rating and 5.683 million. Unfortunately, that was far from enough of a gain to save the TV series.
CBS has pulled CHAOS from the schedule effective immediately. This week, a rerun of CSI: NY will fill the timeshot — and probably get better ratings. Next week, the previously scheduled The Royal Wedding: Modern Majesty will air. Then, beginning on May 6th, new episodes of Flashpoint will take over.
The network has 10 episodes of CHAOS left sitting on the shelf. CBS hasn’t said if there are any plans to release the unaired installments. Though CHAOS hasn’t been officially cancelled yet, there’s no way that they’ll be renewing it for a second season.
UPDATE: A statement from CBS indicates that the show will return to the schedule at some point in the future.
What do you think? Why did the TV show do so poorly, even by Friday night standards? Will you miss CHAOS?
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Image courtesy CBS.
CHAOS is a great show. Of course, since it is, it has to be cancelled. That is CBS for you. CBS- Can Be Stupid
It’s a solid show, fun and entertaining. It’s just disappointing that CBS failed to air them in order. That made it hard if you watched from the beginning to understand why some characters interacted one way with others one week, then completely different the next. Just sad to see it never get a chance from the start.
I am sorry to read this as the show is very entertaining and quite enjoyable to watch! I really think the networks are too busy these days looking for the gold mine that they are not giving any programs a chance. These days, I find watching tv the same way I would if I was a drug addict. I am dieing to be able to give it up! The networks are not worth the aggrevation of having awesome shows continuously getting cancelled!
I really like the show & think that it was cancelled after just 3 episodes. That’s the problem with society everyone is looking for immediate results. So aggravating when you find something enjoyable to watch only to have it cancelled!! Shame on you CBS!! I have been really disappointed with the direction and changes you have been taking/making on a few other shows from your network also (NCIS, NCIS Los Angeles, CSI, CSI N.Y., etc. ) It’s a shame.
Come on CBS! It was a fun show to watch. Seems CBS did a poor job getting the show off the ground, then dropped it quickly. My wife and I are very disapointed.
I like this show. It looks like they are showing the rest of the episodes they had completed on saturday nights. Too bad they couldnt give it more of a chance, e.g. play it say on tuesdays when NICS etc is in reruns. They might have gotten a second season THAT way, but we are talking about the moron networks.
I really liked Chaos. Loved the characters loved the intelligence they used rather than special gimmicks.
This was a GREAT show, we DVR’d it and just have been too busy to watch it. We went to record the series, but couldn’t find it. Ended up here to learn of the cancellation. MAJOR disappointment. C’mon, reruns in place of original content??? STUPID to cancel this show. Great cast. I agree about the english guy though. But GREAT writing!
I think the show Chaos is great and so light-hearted. Can’t believe they are canceling it. Always the good ones are taken off.
I stumbled on this show, too. I don’t remember seeing it advertised. I definitely enjoyed it though and am extremely annoyed, irritated and disappointed something that was actually fun to watch was canceled– especially given all the crap that continues to air on television.
I love Chaos…don’t want it to be cancelled
I stumbled upon this show on attUverse. I’ve been enjoying it immensely as I am a huge fan of Tim Blake Nelson. Sorry to see that it was over before it started.
Right from the first showing, it was a dud. Even though I am English, I had a hard time understanding the so-called Scottsman!! The group was just not compatible!
Unfreakenbeleavable!!! the show was not advertise and when out of curiosity we start watching and getting into it the network decides to cancel it…complete disappointment……
I liked the show; very tongue in cheek with excellent acting all around.
I really enjoy the show – it’s a modern day version of Hogan’s Heroes – misfits doing good in the world…witty, intriguing, keeps me entertained! perhaps it had low ratings b/c it opened on Friday nights just as spring and summer weather came upon us. perhaps a different night 0r if they advertised it better or brought it out earlier in the season when people are more apt to be indoors watching tv…. Come CBS – give it a chance.