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?
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Image courtesy ABC.
“Detroit 187” was the only show I watched on ABC since “Lost.” I am very very disappointed that it will not return. The problem with finding an audience is two-fold. First, the time slot. Second, ABC pre-empted the show numerous times, not just the finale, with miscellaneous specials. How does ABC expect a new show to find an audience when the audience cannot find the show. I hope the producers of this remarkable, well-written and beautifully-acted drama will consider moving lock, stock, and barrel to another network with better taste and a greater sense of loyalty to its viewers. ABC… Read more »
PLEASE Don’t cancel it!!! Detroit 1-8-7 is the best show out there! The writing and the acting is amazing!!!
another show bites the dust, too bad, must be because of the good writing and acting. Now if it was stupid, on a 2nd grade level it would be a success, right? Put it on another night, not opposite the Good Wife! I watch both, record and play alternating each episode.
People whine that there are no quality shows left on TV, and then when something amazing like Detroit 1-8-7 comes along, they don’t watch it anyway. This is an incredible show that deserves to be renewed.
I LOVE this show! You’re making a BIG mistake! Don’t do it!
I really enjoyed this show. It was earthy, and reminded me of Homicide years ago. Maybe it could move to CBS where all the viewers are, and would probably be a hit.
Don’t cancel this show!! It’s one of the few ones on TV that are actually worth watching — it’s smart and well written with great performances. Give it a chance!!!!!!!
I love the show and I will miss it. I wish it they had more faith in it, and allowed it time to find its audience.
I have no idea why it didn’t work. I loved the show, the characters & the storylines. I’m very disappointed to see it end.
UNBELIEVABLE! This is a big mistake. Detroit 187 is positvely one of the best shows on television.
this is the reason i don’t like looking at tv now. Because when you do actually find something worth watching, the networks tend to snatch it off the air as soon as they put it on. I think networks are too quick to pull shows. I like the show it was a different take on cop shows, perhaps if you tried airing on a different day of the week, or maybe do more advertising for the show. How can you expect a show to get ratings, if nobody knows anything about the show. Many new shows today dont get proper… Read more »
This is an excellent show. Great development of real characters, snappy dialogue, compelling plot lines and a simultaneously realistic and (tough) loving view of the city of Detroit. I love it, and am appalled that it could be cancelled in favor of some of the ridiculously bad shows still on (Private Practice, for one). I agree with Joe, if it was scheduled differently more people would watch it. Sadly though, I think another contributing factor is the lack of sex and sensationalism….the writers use gritty, real-life scenarious and characters instead of falling back on the formulaic, mindless crowd-pleasers of steamy… Read more »
Wrong day of the week! It is well written, has compelling characters, and gritty realism. In my opinion schedule is your problem. Look at “Blue bloods”, this show is doing well and schedule is what did it. Try Saturday, progaming on Saturday is putrid. Now that gasoline is ridiculous more people are staying home, and they need an entertainment alternative to the crap that is now on!
A fantastic, intelligent show with great character development! Please don’t cancel.
I really like this show. It’s not just a cop show, it’s about the people working together and their problems–both occupationally and personally. It’s too bad it’s being chopped without having a real shot at being watched. I doubt I will give ABC another shot at a new series. There’s just too much on TV to “add” another series to my DVR. The networks need to understand that viewers will only “invest” so much time to a new series before they just stop watching ANYTHING new. Why should we dedicate a part of our life to a new series only… Read more »