We’ve received quite a few comments and emails from readers who can’t believe that FlashForward was cancelled when another ABC show, V, was renewed?
On Tuesday, ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson explained the difficult decision this way, “It was a ‘Sophie’s Choice.’ In the end, FlashForward didn’t engage audiences like we hoped. For V, I get more anecdotal calls and emails than any other show on the schedule. A huge part of rebuilding the network is about taking chances. Some shows just don’t work out.”
While that sounds very nice, ultimately the decision to renew or cancel any TV show comes down to ratings.
FlashForward premiered with a strong 4.0 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 12.47 million viewers. Viewership quickly declined though and has been steadily falling. The two most recent episodes have fallen to a 1.3 rating and about 4.8 million viewers. That’s terrible for a network show.
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Meanwhile, V debuted with a 5.2 rating in the demo and 14.3 million viewers. V’s numbers have fallen quite a bit as well but not nearly as low as FlashForward’s. After dropping to a low of a 1.9 rating in the demo and 4.87 million viewers, the last two episodes’ ratings have risen a bit — reaching a 2.3 rating and 5.69 million.
So, while both shows have indeed been struggling, V is still doing quite a bit better than FlashForward (though certainly not great). ABC tends to save one or two struggling shows each season and V was their choice this time around. FlashForward’s ratings were just too low.
V is set to return in early 2011, or possibly as early as November 2010. The four month hiatus really hurt V’s ratings this season. You have to wonder if a six or eight month hiatus will kill it altogether this time?
What do you think? Which show did you prefer? Why do you think that FlashForward’s viewership has dropped so low? Will the long break between seasons kill V?
Images courtesy ABC.
I have not been interested in the programming ABC has offered for several years, my family did not watch your net until Flash Forward and V. Now I hear these programs will be canceled and so will my interest in your network.
Well, Jeremy are you not a fan of intrigue, or is this a corp plant to satisfy the true reason for discontinuing the series. Just pump out more of that mindless reality crap, I am sure will take it’s place,, Tuning out!
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/flashforward/
never say never..please sign the above petition
I never got a chance to watch flash forward, but i did watch V and i must say i enjoyed it to the max. I look at it ever Tuesday and if i miss it i look at it on the net, there are only two shows during the week that i cannot miss. They are Smallville and V, my only complaint is that the break is way too long. I would not lose interest but still the next season of V should be out by October for the latest so the audience can remember what happened.
Definitely flash forward. So disappointed it was canceled.
Flashforward is what got me through my week. I looked forward to every Thursday night. I am very busy but i made time everyweek. I have not missed an episode since the serious first come on. I am so disappointed that it will be cancelled. I am not a TV person, and I don’t get into shows often…but this show had me hooked. There is nothing else on that will replace it! So I guess I will go back to reading books and increasing my exercise plan, because I will not be in front of the TV anymore! Unless they… Read more »
I have enjoyed watching both V and Flashforward. The question of what happens next in Flashforward has kept me on the edge of my seat. On the other hand , V has amazing special effects and a very compelling story line.I’ve loved it so much more than the original series.I don’t believe that either one should be canceled. Losing Flashforward will prove to be a huge mistake on ABC.
I have really enjoyed watching V i watched it when it came out many years ago. I look forward to the next season.
The cancellation of Flashforward is tragic. The show is dynamic, new and refreshing. I am uncertain of the reason for the hiatus, however in my opinion – that is the reason for the fall in ratings and the ultimate “death” of the show. I watch V as well. V is a good show. Flashforward is by far the better of the two.
Well honestly both shows should’ve been canceled. There I said it.
Flashforward lost momentum when the plot became a little confusion: who were the good guys and who were the bad guys? And why did a supposed bad guy suddenly seem to be in the midst of the good guys? I don’t think this plot line was sufficiently clear.
keep flash forward please!!
my husband and I wait for it every week.
love it.
I was watching both shows and towards the end V came together much better than Flashforward. Neither show was scifi gold, but there seems to be more room for improvement with V. The characters on V grew on me quite a bit in the last three episodes of the season.
bring flash forward back
V had better ratings. Duh.