With Revolution taking a break, NBC decided to try a new Monday night drama, Deception. Has it been a ratings success for the network or will it end up being cancelled like so many of their other Monday night dramas?
On Deception, a wealthy party girl has been mysteriously murdered. Her childhood friend, now a San Francisco narcotics detective, is convinced by her former partner to go undercover into the wealthy world she thought she’d left behind. The cast includes Laz Alonso, Meagan Good, Victor Garber, Katherine LaNasa, Tate Donovan, Wes Brown, and Ella Rae Peck.
The series debuted in January to a 2.0 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 5.66 million total viewers. Those were hardly impressive numbers and were less than half of what Revolution’s premiere drew a few months earlier. Year-to-year however, it was a big improvement over the ratings NBC was getting for Rock Center with Brian Williams.
In week two, Deception’s ratings dropped more than 20% to a 1.6 demo rating and 4.14 million. That was not positive — and the ratings kept falling. As we now near the end of Deception’s 11 episode run, the ratings seem to have stabilized at a 1.1 demo rating with about 3.3 million viewers.
Those numbers are terrible and certainly there’s no ratings justification for NBC to renew Deception for a second season. They cancelled shows like Chase and The Playboy Club and they had better numbers than Deception.
On the positive side, at least NBC aired all of the episodes. Unfortunately, viewers are unlikely to ever get their storyline questions answered.
But, what do you think? Should NBC stick with Deception and give it another shot next year or should they cancel it instead? Why do you think it didn’t catch on with a bigger audience?
I do think the show should be renewed. I enjoyed watching it and feel there are too many unanswered questions remaining for it to be canceled. I do think the writers should be allowed to be a little more edgy for that time slot. There were some excellent actors in the show, but something was missing. It was good to see Joanna and Julian connect after dancing around each other for the entire season. They did appear to have good chemistry. They were the only one’s everyone else was a little stiff in their relationships. There wasn’t enough time for… Read more »
I just ran across an episode last night and decided to ho to my on demand channel and start from the beginning of the season. I watched the first 4 episodes and made myself go to bed. Can’t wait to watch tonight, and already have my bff hooked. Please don’t stop at season 1!!!
NBC I think that’s part of the problem, the fact that you cancel these programs so quickly,people are afraid,like now that we will never have our questions answered after faithfully watching all 11 episodes!!! Remember even the critics hated Seinfeld at first! RENEW PLEASE!!!!!!!
I am hooked please at least give us a second season or wrap all of it I hate it when they air a show like this you get involved only to get the ax . Please dont cancel great story I have got to know what happens with all these people and he did not answer if he killed her so you left it real open on the final episode.
Please renew this show. It is well written and acted. So many more stories to unveil. NBC listen to your audience!
I love Deception. I hope and pray that it comes back on for season 2. Please let it renew.
The season started slow but the characters have grown on me. I have really enjoyed the first season. I dont think you received the ratings possible because it is a lone ranger on a Monday night, and the writing could have been better. There is a great cast here, and it has so much potential. I think you are selling this show short and to cancel it would be a mistake. You should give the show another chance, when a station is so quick to cancel a show, like the Playboy Club without giving people a chance to find out… Read more »
Well I love the show and it held my attention through the whole show. I was very upset how you ended it. So unfair to the viewers. I think you owe it to the viewers to bring it back again. Good people in the show I think. Thank you for letting me voice my opinion.
To be very honest, I’m not an NBC viewer, but happen upon this show during it’s premiere, so I was able to be a loyal viewer from beginning to the finale, and hope that you actually read and take into consideration the responses you receive from your viewers, I think it’s a great night time soap and just needs to the opportunity to be given a chance. The casting is great, I love all of the actors and would so love it if it were allow to have another season and maybe 11 more episodes. Only time will tell, but… Read more »
Please, please, please renew Deception. I still believe Sofia killed Vivian. Robert never answered the question if he had anything to do with her death. Too many cliffhangers are left. How did the first Mrs. Bowers die? Why was Edwards wife killed? Why did JoAnn’s mother actually leave the Bower’s home? So many questions and not enough answers. Please renew.
I agree, so many questions that could be given really interesting and exciting answers in a 2nd Season. What was the purpose of shooting Edwards wife, I mean really? Give the show a chance to become a hit and don’t dismiss it because it wasn’t everything you hoped it would be right away, some successes do take more time than others.
Love this show!! Please don’t cancel!!
RENEW THIS SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has a great cast – the story lines are intriguing and who doesn’t want to see Julian Bowers every week on tv?? NBC keeps airing crap and not giving good shows a chance. Also – you can’t leave us all hanging – there are still stories to be told. Don’t give up on this show!
Renew renew renew please please
Deception should be renewed. The season was slow to start but around episode 4 it took off. The cast is talented; the plot has twists that keeps viewers engaged and hardly able to wait until the next week; and the chemistry between Julian and Joanna is intense. A definite renew!
I suggest NBC re-air the season during the summer when people can focus on Deception. Once people consistently watch, they will be hooked.
RENEW! I thought it was intriguing, and loved all the twists and turns. I’d love to see a second season; we’re just getting into Sophia’s crazy story!