Unfortunately, Detroit 1-8-7 been struggling almost from the beginning. ABC’s freshman police drama debuted with a mediocre 2.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 9.34 million viewers. Things quickly went down hill from there. The last original episode mustered just a terrible 1.0 rating and 5.05 million. Now it’s the lowest-rated scripted show on the network.
Despite those dismal numbers, at the recent TCA press tour, ABC chief Paul Lee was still pretty optimistic. He said, “We haven’t made our decisions yet on second season. I’m not saying I wouldn’t have liked it to have stayed with high numbers, because it’s an extremely high-quality show… It’s a really gritty, brilliantly written show which we’re very proud of. So do we hope it comes back. We’re not going to make those decisions probably for another two to three months, I have to say.”
Regarding the chances for a second season of Detroit 1-8-7, star Michael Imperioli is a little less optimistic. He said, “You know, we’ll see. I’m not overly confident about it. I think the show’s good enough. There are a lot of stories to tell. I think it will only get better in the future, but that has to do with a lot of factors that are out of my control.”
He continued, “I’ve been disappointed that it hasn’t done as well in the numbers… I don’t think that a lot of people really know that we’re on the air. I think that the people who do know really like it. We do have a lot of loyal fans. Primarily, it’s in the demographic — 18 to 49, whatever. I don’t know how that works that we’re not doing as good. We had some good overall numbers for a while, but you know, these things are hard to predict.”
Looking at it philosophically, Imperioli added, “[The ratings are] out of our hands. We’re doing the best we can do. The work has been really good. So I’m not complaining.”
What do you think? Will Detroit 1-8-7 be renewed? Should ABC give it a second season and a second chance, even though the ratings are poor?
Image courtesy ABC.
the show continues to improve with each episode. its a great show…with exremely good writing. TO THE NETWORK EXECS….PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL THIS SHOW!
best show on on Tues night
My husband and I LOVE Detroit 1-8-7—we watch a lot of TV, and this one is top notch!!! We’ve gotten several friends to give it a try and they, too, enjoy it. Don’t give up on this one–move it to a different time and see how it does.
Thank you!
Of course, another show I love going down the tubes…I think it was the TIME SLOT. I couldn’t always watch it (got home too late from work). Was about to catch up online, now this. That figures…
WHAT A GREAT SHOW,I HOPE ABC KEEPS THIS ONE ON!
Love the show and would hate to see it go. Just when one thinks there’s hope for US produced episodic TV… it looks like it, too, will be pulled! ABC has done a very poor job of promotin this hsow. I have promoted it more than they have because everyone I tell about it, are now big fans! ABC, please do your network a favor and promote this show! If you keep pre-empting it, even the new fans will lose track and give up tryin to track it down! And if you’re not going to keep it, then buy the… Read more »
my favortie new show of 10/11. please keep it! it gets better each week
I don’t know if it will do the slightest good to add my 2 cents, but others have cited the gritty realism reminiscent of Homicide Life on the Street, the really good writing, and I would like to point up the ensemble cast; Michael Imperioli is supposed to be the “star,” but all the other cast members are outstanding, many of them veterans, and the show works because it doesn’t just revolve around one character, however interesting. I sincerely hope ABC doesn’t cancel the show, because like Homicide, it needs time to find its audience. I know, though, that network… Read more »
I really liked it, and was disappointed when i heard it was on the chopping block! There is more reality with it than any of the so called “reality” shows so lets get real with season 2!!!!!!
“Detroit 1-8-7” is my favorite show of the season. I mourned the end of “Homicide: Life on the Street” back in 1999 and didn’t think I would see a police procedural that would equal or surpass it…but I am wrong. The writing and acting are simply superb and more viewers need to become aware of this hidden TV gem. I fervently hope ABC will give “Detroit 1-8-7” a 2nd season and time for it to build its audience. When the seminal “Homicide” debuted, its ratings were also very low and it teetered on cancellation, but NBC apparently recognized that it… Read more »
This is an excellent show and one my husband and I never miss. It is compelling, funny, irreverent, and touching. Each week of watching the new episodes simply makes you a stronger fan of Detroit 187.
Great writing–needs a better day and CONSISTENTLY shown–otherwise hoe do you GROW the audience
Please bring it back! best show ever.
I absolutely love Detroit 1-8-7!! What a phenomenal cast. The story lines are wonderful. Michael Imperioli never disappoints. Please keep the show on the air ABC. I know a lot of people who are just now starting to watch it and love it as much as I do. Big mistake to take it off now without giving it another chance. It’s a high-quality show. I’m not looking forward to “Body of Evidence.”
I do not watch a lot of TV but I am faithfull to this one. It is one of the best shows that I have seen in years. I have found my new “Law and Order” but 10 times better. Please give another chance or promote better.