After just two weeks on the air, ABC has decided to pull Happy Town from the schedule. The TV show will be back but, for how long?
Happy Town follows the residents of a small town in Minnesota. After being plagued by kidnappings years ago, it seems the mysterious “Magic Man” has returned to start a killing spree. The cast includes features Sam Neill, M.C. Gainey, Geoff Stults, Lauren German, Amy Acker, Steven Weber, Ben Schnetzer, Sarah Gadon, Jay Paulson, and Robert Wisdom.
The series got off to a poor start two weeks ago with a 1.7 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 5.25 million viewers. Last week, for episode two, viewership took a nosedive to a 1.2 in the demo and 3.79 million viewers.
To no surprise, ABC has pulled Happy Town for the remainder of May sweeps. After tonight’s episode, the series goes on hiatus for two weeks and will return on June 2nd.
While this wouldn’t necessarily be a sign that the show will be cancelled, the ratings are. They’re terrible and there’s every expectation that they’re just going to get worse — especially with warmer weather coming and people spending less time in front of the TV.
After tonight’s episode, there are just five episode left. With numbers like these, fans of Happy Town will be lucky if the network shows the rest of them, never mind a second season.
Next week’s episode will be replaced by an edition of Primetime: What Would You Do?. On May 26th, ABC will present the network premiere of the Transformers movie.
What do you think? Why isn’t Happy Town performing better? Is it just not a very good TV show or are viewers just missing the boat?
Image courtesy ABC.
I love this show. It seems like the major networks never give shows a chance to get a fan base before they start messing with their time slots. I usually just wind up watching it on-line so I can be sure to catch all of the episodes. Summer shows are usually only around one or two seasons (with the exception of cable networks like USA and FX) so why not let the viewers just enjoy it for the full season! I loved Harper’s Island and even liked Swingtown. This one has the potential to keeps us guessing right to the… Read more »
Sorry, but the show is too similar to Stephen King’s Needful Things. Besides, ABC launched Happy Town in the wake of LOST’s series finale. ABC viewers–those who followed LOST and are likely to watch Happy Town–probably needed to get over that emotionally-draining ending before taking on a new multi-character, dark-fantasy drama.
I agree with Toni. Keep it as a mini-series. It doesn’t seem like a show that would have a second season.
I looove this show! It would be a sad day if it were to be canceled.
If ABC was looking for something to fill the Lost void, they did a terrible job promoting this show. It is wonderfully creepy, harkening back to Twin Peak era. But the only way I have been able to successfully find it is on the internet. Why would any network premiere a TV series & April/May when loyal viewers are watching their favorite season/series finales? sounds like sabotage to me.
Great show! Like Twin Peaks, but they dragged that on for far too long. Should have modeled this one after the 13 episode ‘Harper’s Island’. At first I thought that is what they were going for.
I think the producers need o get busy and try to find another network to pick up the show for next season before the fans lose hope (and interest).
I think the show never got a chance. When the show dates keep getting changed it is hard to find. The gaps between episodes are so long, it’s hard to remember the plot. Keep it as a summer filler and people will watch it because it is something new.
I Like Cake, Oh And I Like, Whatever Show We Are Talking About
Are you crazy, it’s a great show ! Twin peak – ish I love it !
should just be a mini series
I love this show! Me and my husband tape it and watch it. I will be upset if they cancel it. So many twists and a very good plot!
This is a great show its just with all the fall shows ending people are leaving the tv but there are already fans of the show.
Give it a chance – Lost started slow and look what happened
Lost started slow? It averaged 18 million viewers the 1st season. check your facts
PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL THIS SHOW!! THE STORYLINE IS SO EXCITING!! CRAZY!! AWESOME!! LONG LIVE THE MAGIC MAN!! HAHA CICERO IS THE TIGHTEST BIRD EVER!!