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.
What kind of idiots work at ABC!! Hands down, Flashforward is a far better TV show than “V.” The only reason I watched “V” is because my husband watched it. He watched Flashforward as well and liked it as much as I.
I dont think V will ever air again, yes it is a mid-season replacement, but watch they are going to cancel it with no press statement.
I absolutely loved Flashforward, I hated V. I agree with some of the other comments, at least go back and give Flashforward a proper ending. I also feel like I wasted two years watching it, to just be left hanging. It makes me not want to get interested in any other TV Series like that!!
I worked on “Homicide: Life on the Street” on NBC for 7 years. Then NBC unceremoniously cancelled it without warning. Fortunately, we came back and did a special “finale” episode to wrap up the loose ends for the fans. It seems only fair that ABC do the same for “Flashforward”
Flash forward was so much better than v. It is a great show. I almost hate even watching new show because they never last, look at life on mars .
I watched both Flash Forward and V> I loved Flash Forward and cannot believe that V was picked over Flash Forward. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!
I really love this remake, I really wish the networks would finish what they start. I’m starting to not like watching anything new till I am sure they are going to keep the series going. if your going to cancel a series at least make sure it has a conclusion to the story stop leaving us hanging.
I cant believe it took me this long to find out of the cancellation of Flashforward i was hooked n believed that because of the long break inbetween season one that it would again be awhile to see the new season. But instead i find out that they cancelled the show it was ABC’s idiotic decision to break for sooo long that killed the ratings they definately needed to leave the show with some kind of sense instead of just deading it like that. ABC sucks!!
Loved Flash Forward and always looked forward to finding out what the ending would be… bummer…now I’ll never know. It shouldn’t have been left with a cliffhanger. I’m very dissapointed . V was a more modern version of the old V, story line being basically the same… so boring!!
I agree the show should be sold to another network. They should try airing it on SyFy, TNT or USA.
Tried watching both…didn’t like Flash Forward…wasn’t going anywhere. BUT I love “V”…waiting for the next season!!!!!!!!
I am a fan of Flash Forward! I was very upset when I found out the show was cancelled. My wife and I loved that show and were anticipating watching this fall. Now that the show has been cancelled, ABC should sell the show to another network so that it may get it’s proper ending (if that is the case).
I love Flashforward. Bring Flashforward back. At least end the series so, those whom have watched from the beginning didn’t waste their time watching it. Let it have a complete ending!
You need to give shows more than one season. Everyone loved lost and I didnt start watching it until its 2nd season, sometimes it takes time for people to catch on.
I do love the “V” show so much and watched it every time it’s shown. Please, please bring it back on. The long wait is killing me. Thanks.