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.
The story line and character development are superbly addictive. The network needs to put some marketing muscle behind it to hook a larger audience. This show HAS to be given a second year to take root. I’ll pay to watch it! Send me a bill every week.
AB C should sell this show to FX. AB C is all about reality shows and celebrity interviews, and this show is too intense for their regular audience.
187 would fit right in with FX’s lineup.
Don’t waste a good thing ABC.
I am originally from Detroit which is why I watched it in the first place. Now, I love it and can’t wait for next episode. Great acting, always believeable. Best thing on TV. P.S. Fitch never would have left his cell phone at home when his son was arriving that day.
Excellent plots, superb character development, superior acting.
Each episode kept me guessing and I really enjoyed the twists.
It is SO discouraging that ABC might not give this series another chance.
I really believe it is of PBS quality and it just needed a 9pm timeslot.
ABC has to give this show a chance next year. It started off like any cookie cutter cop show, but it got better with each episode as we got to know the characters. I almost gave up on it but was glad I stuck with it until the end. I did the opposite with blue bloods, which got worse each week until it became unwatchable to me anymore despite the great cast. I hope ABC sticks with Detroit 187, but I doubt they will.
WE REALLY LIKE THIS SHOW. AND I THINK THEY DID A LOUSY JOB PROMOTING IT. BUT I KNOW SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOW GOTTEN INTO IT. I THINK IT WOULD BE A MISTAKE TO CANCE IT.
I hope Detroit 187 makes it. I just love this show. I am originally from Detroit, now living in Southern Ohio. I started watching the show due to it being filmed in my home town. I’ve grown to love this show, and I generally do not like cop shows, but Detroit 187 really caught my attention. I will be so upset if it is cancelled. ABC, do something, try a good time slot. Give it another chance!
The show was too cerebral for the average American. Perhaps if had been named “The Wives of Detroit’s Finest” or something to that effect “it would have faired better!
My husband and I are big fans of “Detriot 187”. We believe its the best new show on TV this year. The acting is really great and we like how they have developed the characters during the season. I think in the beginning it was supposed to be a docu-drama and the cameras were shaky and such. It has evolved to be a great cop show. It is typical if it was cancelled. Most American like the shallow, mind numbing reality shows and dramas that are lame and have no substance. This is a quality show. Please dont cancel it.… Read more »
My entire family waited for this show to come on every week. Best cop drama since NYPD
This is an amazing series. It is so well written and so interesting. The last episode was so good. ABC better get with the program! I love Michael Imperioli and all of the rest of the cast! I want to see more of Fitch and how his relationship with his son goes!! I may have DVRed the show, but I watched EVERY episode!
i felt that this was the best new show on tv this year. Great writing that made the chararacters real and part of the city they represent.
I hope this show is not cancelled. I love it but they move it around on the schedule so much I have trouble finding it. If it doesn’t work it is ABC’s own fault. It also goes up against The Good Wife which I watch the next day on cable “on demand”. Both are great dramas. I’m so sick of reality television and lame comedies that aren’t funny. I think if ABC cancels someone else should pick this up. It has great writing and great acting. I just want to add that it is my belief that if this show… Read more »
Love the Detroit 1-8-7
Excellant police drama show – it is a hit in our family – we seen every show – would be a big mistake on ABC and the sponsors of this show to remove it from the fall 2011 schedule – it could do with more advertising and maybe a better time slot.
we really enjoyed the show. we’ll miss it for sure!