Combat Hospital: ABC’s Latest Medical Drama; Cancel or Keep It?

Last year, ABC had some success with Rookie Blue, a cop drama that’s produced north of the border, in Canada. It’s already been renewed for a third season. This summer, the network began airing another Canadian show, Combat Hospital. Will it find the same success as Rookie Blue or be cancelled after one season like their last medical series, Off the Map?

Combat Hospital (formerly known as The Hot Zone) revolves around the life and work of a group of doctors and nurses from various countries at a military hospital in Southern Afghanistan. The cast includes Deborah Kara Unger, Michelle Borth, Elias Koteas, Terry Chen, Arnold Pinnock, and Luke Mably.

The TV series debuted on June 21st to a less-than-impressive 1.2 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic and 5.32 million viewers. It was in second place in the timeslot, being handily beaten by The Voice on NBC. The second episode of Combat Hospital dropped 8% in the demo and the following week fell another 9%. Week four then dropped 20% to a 0.8 demo rating.

The ratings have gone up and down a bit since then but the show is only averaging a 0.9 in the demographic and 4.0 million total viewers. While viewership is typically lower in the summer months, this performance is not good at all. ABC has several new shows running and Combat Hospital is currently tied with Friday’s Karaoke Battle USA for last place.

Based on the ratings, there’s simply no reason for ABC to want to renew Combat Hospital for a second season. The 13th and final episode of the season (and likely the series) is set to air on September 13th.

But, what do you think? Do you like Combat Hospital? Should it be cancelled or renewed? Is it worth watching? Cancel or keep it?