ABC has decided to run the season (likely series) finale of Detroit 1-8-7 this Sunday, March 20th, at 10pm. The freshman drama is airing on a special night because it was pre-empted by a 20/20 special featuring an interview with Charlie Sheen a couple weeks ago.
Detroit 1-8-7 is, of course, highly unlikely to return for season two. The TV series’ ratings have been terrible and just about anything else the network has put on in its place has performed better. It’s currently averaging a very disappointing 1.5 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 5.64 million viewers. That makes Detroit 1-8-7 the lowest-rated scripted series still on the network. Tuesday’s installment registered just a 1.2 in the demo.
Here’s the finale description from ABC:
SEASON FINALE
FITCH FACES OFF AGAINST HIS RUTHLESS NEW YORK ADVERSARY, ALBERT STRAM, WHILE HIS LIFE, THAT OF HIS SON AND THE REST OF THE SQUAD HANG IN THE BALANCE, ON THE SEASON FINALE OF ABC’S “DETROIT 1-8-7” Michael Imperioli’s Real Life Son, Vadim, Continues in His Guest Starring Role as Fitch’s Son, Bobby
“Blackout” – Fitch’s past comes back to haunt him when his old New York nemesis, Albert Stram, makes his presence known in Detroit just as the veteran detective is enjoying spending time with his son, Bobby. Stram’s not so subtle threats shake the usually unflappable Fitch. Meanwhile, the other detectives are called to the scene of a horrific homicide to find an entire family brutally murdered. Fitch tries to put the pieces of the puzzle together and it leads him to a devastating conclusion. With his back against the wall, Fitch asks Washington to protect Bobby, then leads Longford and Mahajan on an extremely dangerous mission to trap Stram; but which side of the law will he come down on in order to save his family and those in the squad? Meanwhile, Longford has second thoughts about his retirement; but is it too late? It’s a crucial turning point in the lives of all the detectives, on the Season Finale of “Detroit 1-8-7,” SUNDAY, MARCH 20 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Note: This program replaces “Brothers & Sisters: Call Mom” which moves to March 27.
“Detroit 1-8-7” stars Michael Imperioli as Detective Louis Fitch, James McDaniel as Sergeant Jesse Longford, Aisha Hinds as Lieutenant Maureen Mason, D.J. Cotrona as Detective John Stone, Jon Michael Hill as Detective Damon Washington, Shaun Majumder as Detective Vikram Mahajan, Natalie Martinez as Detective Ariana Sanchez and Erin Cummings as Dr. Abbey Ward.
Guest starring in “Blackout” are Vadim Imperioli as Bobby (“Oprah Winfrey Presents: Mitch Albom’s For One More Day”), Megan Dodds as Jess Harkins, Tommy Flanagan as Albert Stram, Carl Lumbly as Vincent Lawrence, Tessa Thompson as Lauren Washington, Troy Winbush as Deputy Chief Johnson, Clifford McGhee as Tyrell Hayes and Jason Wells as Wendell/personnel director.
“Blackout” was written by Jason Richman and directed by Kevin Hooks.
“Detroit 1-8-7” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.
This episode of “Detroit 1-8-7” will be available on ABC.com the day after airing on the network for users to watch online. For more information on “Detroit 1-8-7” please visit ABC.com.
What do you think? Why do you think this TV series didn’t catch on? What worked? What didn’t?
Image courtesy ABC.
Love this show but would like to see a bit more action.
They never gave this excellent show a chance, moving it and preempting it. The actors were great, and the storylines got better and better. This kind of show with an ensemble cast always takes time to get an audience.
Shame on ABC for not sticking with it.
Love this show, hope it stays on.
One of the best shows on t.v. Don’t cancel it!!
So disgusted! I love this show. Damn!
I agree with most of the other posts here. Detroit 1-8-7 is a terrific show (it is the only series that I never miss). ABC did not promote the show, moved it around, took it off the air for weeks at a time. This show never had a chance. I will be extremely disappointed if this show is cancelled, but it seems likely. If that happens, I hope that one of the cable networks picks it up. This genre of TV shows seems to be dying out for some reason.
Very disappointed in ABC for not promoting Detroit 187. They could have marketed the program on the same ticket as a highly rated show to lead in to the program, such as Modern Family which is so popular.
This is a great show. It is written very well. One thing I truly admire is the show seems real. Some bad language, but tastefully and realistically done. It would be a terrible loss if you cancel this show. There are so many “awful, reality shows” that are a waste of time to watch. Please keep this show going.
What’s wrong with ABC!!! This show is great. Let’s get take the reality shows off. I have to agree with another who said they will stop watching ABC – I’m done..
if ABC cancels this show, it shows how stupid they are. This is a great show better than any CSI, etc on Tv. .This show is so realistic. Hope they bring it back
Excellent show….it’s amazing that with so much network junk that this show can’t survive.
This show is always excellent, (as was “Life on Mars”) with terrific acting and writing. It deserves a permanent, consistent spot in the line up. Those of us who know and love great acting, by actors who use their craft beautifully (now including Michael’s talented son, Vadim) appreciate being able to watch a wonderfully crafted show. Of course, the idiotic tv execs never cater to us – just the dolts who love the horrific “reality shows”.
Please give us another fine season of Detroit 1-8-7 !!!!
I love this show! I was born in detroit, grew up just north of detroit, I work quite often in detroit, and I attend many venues in detroit. This show is very well put together with an awesome cast and awesome acting. The story line is well though out and the actors put everything they have into it. If ABC cancels this show I will be very disappointed and will most likely stop watching ABC shows. If you want to kill a show, try greys anatomy. The storys jump all over the place, all the cast does is complain about… Read more »
My husband and I really looked forward to watching this program each Tuesday night. We were very disappointed when ABC would pre-empt the program for some other programing. It would be a real shame if ABC dropped this from their 2011 fall lineup. We thought the story line, plot, characters, and acting were excellent. We especially enjoyed Fitch! ABC should reconsider and bring back Detroit 187.
Top rate show and great cast. ABC never gave this show a chance. Always moving it around and pre-empting it with other shows. I felt it got better and better with each episode. I believe that the show and the cast should be given another season with a permanent date and time. It is hard to watch something when viewers can’t find it. ABC seems to do this a lot with their programming. Give it a chance…………