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.
 Loading ... |
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.
The antiquated ratings system does not truly reflect how many people are watching a show. The advent of DVRs and Tivo has made it possible for people to watch at their leisure. Are these people being taken into account when ratings are taken? I don’t believe so. Too many good shows are canceled because a few Nielsen families with bad taste are dictating what stays on the air.
I LOVE this show. It is my absolute favorite! I cannot imagine it being canceled.
Save it! Great show. Find a way to make it work.
Damages is one of the greatest shows to air on tv in a LONG time. It’s sad that FX has done such a horrible job in promoting it. Because of the ongoing storyline and numerous plot twists, Damages is not the type of show that viewers can simply ‘jump into.’ They would have to start from the beginning of season 1 to truly appreciate it and become a supportive fan. I think this is also a big part of why viewership is so low. SO SAD!!
I’m hoping they save Damages!!! I can’t understand why no one is wathing this GREAT show. Glenn Close is at her finest and I still can’t believe they killed off Tom!!!!! I’m on the phone every week with my brother and my Mom to talk about the show. I laready am losing Jack Bauer, I can’t lose Patty Hewes too!!!!!!
“Damages” is the best thing to hit television in decades. It’s an amazing show that, if it could be promoted better, I would think that it would have a 10-fold increase (at least) in viewership. It’s wonderful…the only show of the week that is a “can’t ever miss”. Glenn Close is incredible. But actually, the acting & especially the writing is just top notch and the best I’ve ever seen on TV. I love “Damages”. Tonight, I just watched Season 3 Episode 13 for the 4th time. Television just does not get any better than this! My hope is please… Read more »
Did I see the same season as everyone else???? THis show has continuously gotten worse, hence the ratings. Why was the fact that Patty was shot not brought up the whole season????? An awful 10 episodes and two pretty good espisodes to finish. Will not watch again.
Johnny…you found out in the season 2 finale why she got shot. There is no reason to go over that again. Go and watch the episode.
I HAVE ENJOYED DAMAGES FOR 3 SEASONS. I KNOW THAT IT WILL RETURN NEXT SEASON. MONDAY NIGHTS ARE SPECIAL FOR ME, BECAUSE DAMAGES WILL STIMULATE MY BRAIN.
I LOVE DAMAGES, ITS RIGHT UP THERE WITH LAW AND ORDER! HOW CAN YOU TALK ABOUT CANCELLING THIS PROGRAM? MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IS GLEEN CLOSE ( PATTY HUES). I LOVE IT , LOVE IT , LOVE IT.
This is a truly remarkable show and one which engages one’s brain! But it is well worth that effort! Why is it that the inane shows survive and the ones which require some thinking don’t?
One of my favorite shows. I certainly hope it will be back again. The writing and acting is superb.
Damages is one of the best- if not the best show on TV.
It is an example of how TV shows have the potential to be better then any movie.
The continuity of the show and writing is superb!
Please keep the show on TV.
I don’t know how they make sense of it economically-speaking, but Damages is great television! Acting and directing are top-rate. I hope it stays on at least another 2 seasons!!
We LOVE DAMAGES!!!! It never fails give us a great series with something to sink your teeth in and always try to figure our what comes next…and they want to cancel…..
RATTINGS? How do the networks r4eally know who is watching the shows? NOBODY CONTQACTED OUR HOUSE HOLD, OR ANY OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS ? Do we not have any nelson/ratings in Florida????
Hope they continue DAMAGES…..We love it……
This is a great, great show. The main reason is no one knows about it! They have to promote it on other channels and show re-runs of past seasons so you can figure out what is going on. It is so frustrating such crap is on TV, do we really need a 15th year of Survivor, etc ? My whole family is hooked on Damages. I don’t want to spoil in, but the season 3 finale let some key pieces to the show die…so maybe this is it…