CBS has announced that they’re pulling Harper’s Island series from its high-profile, post-CSI timeslot and sending it to a primetime deathslot. However, the network contends that the move doesn’t diminish their faith in the series.
Harper’s Island revolves around a group of family and friends who come together for a wedding on a secluded island. Before the nuptials can commence the wedding guests are slain, one by one, by a mysterious killer. The show’s ensemble cast includes Elaine Cassidy, Christopher Gorham, Katie Cassidy, Cameron Richardson, Adam Campbell, Richard Burgi, Jim Beaver, C.J. Thomason, Victor Webster, Jay Brazeau, Dean Chekvala, Matt Barr, and Harry Hamlin.
The premiere of Harper’s aired on April 9th, opposite NBC’s new Southland series. The show won the timeslot in total viewership (10.49 million) but was second in the 18-49 demographic with a 2.7/8 rating/share. However, when you look a little closer, those numbers aren’t as positive as one might think. Harper’s lost over a third of its CSI lead-in audience and almost as much in the coveted demo. On top of that, about 10% of Harper’s audience tuned out midway through the premiere episode.
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The second week, Harper’s dropped to an average of 8.17 million viewers and a 2.2/6 rating/share. Last Thursday’s installment fell once again to an audience of 7.45 million and a 2.0/6 in the demo. With this steady decline and consistent loss of the CSI lead-in, it certainly didn’t look like Harper’s was long for this world.
It’s no shocker that CBS has sent the 13-episode series to Saturday nights at 9pm beginning this week. Repeats of Criminal Minds will fill the timeslot for the immediate future.
But CBS has put a positive spin on the decision, based on the DVR and online viewership numbers. Kelly Kahl, the network’s Senior Executive VP of Prime Time, says, “The preliminary DVR and online streaming data suggest a passionate audience for Harper’s outside its current Thursday time period borders. This move gives us an opportunity to improve the time period on Thursday while experimenting with more original programming on Saturday, and continuing to serve an audience that is clearly engaged in the ongoing Harper’s Island story.”
Though this season of 13 episodes was always intended to conclude the mystery, the network was hoping to bring the show back for a second season, with a different cast and mystery. Though this move doesn’t completely close the door on that possibility, it’s highly unlikely. After all, when was the last time a show that was exiled to Saturday nights ended up returning for another season?
Image courtesy CBS.
I watched the first three episodes and enjoyed them–because I love a mystery–but I’m darned if I know what the heck is happening half the time! I’m pretty smart-high IQ, good education, etc–but I still haven’t figured out who all the characters are, and, like Michael said, is everybody so busy they haven’t missed these people?– I would thijnk some of them might get the idea that wandering around alone in those woods might not be a good idea!
I really enjoy the show. Of course some of the things that happen on the show are hard to believe, but isn’t that why we watch tv? To be entertained and escape reality.
It is for me anyway.
Please keep it on – I’ve really enjoyed it and was disappointed to see it won’t be on tonight. I enjoy it so much more than the reality stuff that is just as scripted. Its only 13 episodes and those of us who enjoy it would like to see how it ends
We dig Harper’s Island! Keep it at least for the 13 episodes!
PLEASE KEEP IT ON – If you choose not to renew it – I will be sad, but will understand. .But, I am watching – was shocked when I did not see it on the Thursday scheduled – and went searching for it – that is why I am here. At least show these 13 episodes so we know who did it. I need to know who did it!!! I Tired of watching shows that get yanked early. Guess I do not fit the mold of normal viewers – but I cannot watch another reality show – ever. If this… Read more »
I say let the 13 episodes air—you owe that to the loyal viewers.
But I wouldn’t renew it…Twin Peaks it isn’t.
Michael…. Pay Attention… Some of your complaints are fine others are stupid… The uncle “sent” a text message saying he hooked up with a wild one and would see them at the wedding. They think the cousin who was killed in Ep 1 on the propeller didn’t show up for the wedding. The time period that the priest has been missing is maybe a day at most. Most cops won’t search for a missing person until they are gone 48 hours. The Dog girl I might give you. However, given that it has only been less than a day on… Read more »
what in the world is wrong with you network people??? keep it up and i’ll turn you off. doubt i’ll be the only one, to boot.
Where is the “eleventh Hour” show? Please bring it back!
I am soooo tired of getting into a good show and it gets cancled. I was not expecting to like this show (esp. being on CBS) but it wasn’t bad. And was pretty gory, I was suprised how much I enjoyed it. But when most of the USA wants reality, reality, reality, most scripted shows don’t have a chance.
Keep the show on?? I say kill the entire cast and the writers. Doesn’t anybody find it odd that nobody has noticed the Uncle is missing, the priest is missing, the girl with the little dog is missing, the cousin still has not been heard from….. If the writers and producers want us to suspend belief that much, we should start seeing the cast of Lost turn up
Dang it CBS! Keep Harper’s Island! We may not be in the right demographic or own DVR’s but we love the show and watch it every week. There are a lot of us out there that aren’t represented that will spend cash on your advertisers products so leave it on and let it finish! Please!
Keep the show on the air !!!
I like watching the show. I can’t wait to see who the killer is. I hope they don’t pull it off the air.
It is a good show. My wife and I like it. I just hope they finish it and don’t pull the same crap they did with that Pirate reality show. They got some people watching it and then pulled it and showed the rest online only.