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 love flashforward and V is dumb!!!!!!!
just found out that Flashforward is going to be canceled! this is so sad, my husband and I looked forward every Thursday for it:(((( if I knew that sending humorous emails to ABC officials would’ve kept FF on TV would’ve done that
another network pick it up I mean………………..
I like both V (also loved the original) & Flashforward……………..the latter is the best show I’ve seen for a long long time so perhaps another could pick it up and have a crack with it! I think the 1st 10 shows were pretty slow but after the break (which really annoyed me) the latter episodes were full-on go – I couldn’t wait for each one to air!!
Come on someone give it a licence……………………
I have decided to Boycott ABC. This is a stupid decision. Flash Forward was by far the best show on TV in a while. I never missed it and could not wait for it to tape so it is the ONLY show I actually suffered through commercials to watch. I would pay for this show to be a webisode as someone suggested. I have already removed Brothers and Sisters, Extreme Home Makover and Grey’s Anatomy from my DVR. I am so done with this network of idiots. Has anyone seen some of the previews for the new shows? Ridiculous.
I’ve been watching both FlashForward and V and while I like both shows FlashForward, is by far, the better show. The break ABC gave FlashForward killed the shows ratings and it will be the same when they bring back V after a long break. I say, cancel V and bring back the far more interesting FlashForward. And someone needs to fire the VP in charge of TV programming at ABC.
V is a terrible show! It is boring and dumb and no compelling actors are on it! Why renew is beyond me!
I don”t watch alot of tv shows period. But I really enjoyed Flashward. I am quite disappointed in ABC decision to cancel the show. i wonder if the ratings take into account people that DvR the show that is what we do. That is what i and alot of my friends that work alot do. Then we watch it when we have time.
We loved the show, can’t believe they can’t even finish the story. I was a faithful viewer and couldn’t wait for the next episode. V is ridiculous.
Flash Forward is much better than V. I tried watching the first season of V but got bored with it. They should have left V in the archives with the original movie that come out many many years ago. I for one will be sure not to tune in to V. Thursday nights used to have the best programming line up. I had 3 hours worth of my favorite shows set on my DVR just so I didn’t miss a thing. Wake up ABC…we want our show back
I can’t believe all the good shows go. You would think they would give the season finale a better ending if they were going to cancel it. I loved Flash Forward! Every time a good show comes along they get rid of it. Like October Road, Eli Stone, What about Brian, etc. ABC is making me mad what is the point of watching television anymore?
It may be all about personal views, but mine is that Flash Forward is too predictable. I watch it with my girlfriend and watch V in my alone time. I’m constantly stating what the next scene is going to be and I’m right, 90% of the time. V, we already know the story, and it looks great. Plus, in this age, who doesn’t think aliens are cool?
Flash forward was good, but good luck continuing the story. I think 1 season was perfectly fine.
**** V.. FLASHFOWARD ALL THE WAYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Flashforward was fantastic, never missed it!!! Kept you coming back for more and it was getting better as it went on! It wasnt given much of a chance. Fantastic characters and plot, you never knew what was going to happen next and to end the series in that way(were you never knew who lived and died etc)was a total disgrace!! Please bring it back!!! Too good of a storyline to waste. PS, V is absolutely rubbish. Come on whoever decided V over Flashforward you really need to get some braincells working!!
Once Again, a good show bites the dust, and a mediocre soma filled show for the brainless masses survives. ‘V’ vs Flash Forward. The former a cliche ridden show, with bad writing, poor plots, clueless/careless conspiring clutzs that limps along on sex appeal, while the tightly written, crafted show Flash Forward is sacrificed.
Stargate vs Enterprise – trash vs craft
It’s probably time to cancel my TV service. The swill being served these days just isn’t tasty enough…