If you follow the ratings, you know that FX’s Damages is in big trouble. There’s been a lot of talk online that the show might be saved by DirecTV or another buyer. Is that a realistic possibility?
Damages revolves around a tough-as-nails NYC attorney, Patty Hewes (Glenn Close). She takes on tough cases and will do just about anything to make sure her clients come out on top. Prominent castmembers have included Rose Byrne, Tate Donovan, Ted Danson, Zeljko Ivanek, Noah Bean, Anastasia Griffith, and Philip Bosco.
The show’s been running for three seasons on FX and has garnered its share of critical praise. Unfortunately, the ratings have diminished over time. The series premiere drew 3.7 million viewers and FX renewed it for two seasons. They likely regretted that decision since the second season’s debut attracted less than half of the first, with 1.7 million.
Season three kicked off with just 1.5 million and viewership has been much dropping lower. This week’s episode attracted only half as many viewers and that was an increase from last week’s. With numbers like these, it’s no surprise that the show is headed for cancellation.
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However, Sony isn’t ready to give up on the show and is trying to find another outlet to share the costs with USA. One of the possible buyers being courted is DirecTV who, by partnering with NBC, has helped to prolong the life of Friday Night Lights.
At the recent advertiser upfronts, FX wasn’t promoting the show. However, FX President John Laundgraf confirmed that talks were indeed taking place between Sony and DirecTV. He said that, though they’re pleased with the show creatively, the show isn’t cheap. He hopes that the studio succeeds and said, “If Sony can find the right partner, we’ll be happy. There’s no question — we love it. It brings a lot of cache to our network.”
Unfortunately, if you look at the numbers, the deal doesn’t make much sense for DirecTV. Friday Night Lights, which has always been touted as being a fairly economical series to produce, was attracting more than six million viewers on NBC before the DirecTV deal.
Damages is regarded as expensive and attracts much fewer viewers. On top of that, Damages’ numbers are dropping nearly every week. Doesn’t seem like a very promising prospect does it?
What do you think? Is it realistic to expect that Sony and FX will be able to find a way to renew Damages for season four? Should they?
Image courtesy FX.
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70 Comments on "Damages: Will the FX Series Be Cancelled or Saved?"
I loved this show, totally addicted to watching it. Glenn Close is a fabulous actress. My husband and I have always loved her acting, singing, etc. . Now that the show is finished I will have to fill the void somehow. Great entertainment-Patty Hewes.
I love this show and the script is very well written. I hope it will continue for another season.
I’m sure I feel the same as millioms of other viewers…If FX doesn’t dind a way to complete at least Season Four I will no longer support FX.
four
big mistake taking it to direct tv,,,I have watched all 3 seasons ,I am not a direct tv subscriber,and now not an FX viewer
SAVE IT!! Granted the demise of Tom was a blow but the show and writting is consistantly high caliber the acting is superior a joy to behold. the show is a challange and it is riviting.
SAVE INTELLIGENT TELEVISION!!! PLEASE
I just started watching this show because a friend gave me the dvd. It is awesome and I do not think the writers can keep up the unbelievable intrigue. The cast is amazing! It is quite possibly too good for TV!
love this show, can’t wait to see what happens this year. please don’t cancel, i love love it and since i don’t have direct tv! you have to bring it back to cable t.v please…….
damages is the greatest we have been waiting all 2011 for its return,love, love, love it. I dont know how anyone wouldnt win picking up this on any network…Please bring back…
The is one of the best shows on TV. We have been waiting for Damages to view which is usually Jan/Feb, but have been disappointed and now even more that it won’t be showing until July 2011. We love the show and think the writing is fabulous as are the actors. We would hate to lose this show…it’s one of our very favorites!
We have been waiting for Damages to view, but have been disappointed and now even more that it won’t be showing until July 2011. We love the show and think the writing is fabulous as is the actors. We would hate to lose this show…one of our very favorites
I hope they DON’T cancel my favorite show…One of my other show was flashfoward and then &^*(* canceled it after getting everyone hooked..
Its the same here hook you and then cancel…..wth even have shows?
I agree with all of you, if they have more advertisement of the when the show would be on and if there was a way to catch up on line or netflix, I think it would get more viewers. Please Direct TV save our show!
I like the show Damages and I know it was picked up by DirectTV but it is showing reruns, is there not going to be a season 4?
@Christine Dowling: Yes, sometime this summer.
I love Damages. I am really sad about the ratings but what can we do? The show is great and it’s true we should be able to catch up easily. G. Close is fantastic and last season was terrific I can’t wait. Hey producers you should also read people’s comments you know…
Damages, compexity of plot notwithstanding, is one of the most fascinating and worthwhile TV Series ever. Viewing figures might reflect the aforementioned complexity of plot but isn`t that the truth when a show like BBC`s “Strictly Come Dancing” achieves public acclamation for a “show” that has two sets of “judges” – one professionally qualified, the other” the public”. Damages surely is so well acted and absorbing that if Reason operates anywhere in the TV executive mind it must be allowed to continue into further series way beyond Four and Five. Horray for Damages. Thank you.