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 was totally upset that I missed the final episode, will they replay it
I watched every episode come rain or shine..
@DK: You can watch it here:
http://tvseriesfinale.com/articles/harpers-island-last-episode/
I taped every episdode and for some reason my DVR did not record the Final episode. Does anyone know if the final episode is available on line? or can some one burn a copy for me?
I absolutely loved this show…the entire series was engaging and entertaining for all audiences…
I loved this show so much, but I whish Cloey and Cal would have lived or somthing. They were awsome!!!!!!!
Ratings might have dropped because they might have missed the episode on TV.
I know I have for 2 episodes and whatched it online…..I also taped the whole series to whatch it the next day.
-I only hope cameron richardson will be playing on another series/movie, loved cloey.
i LOVED IT!!!!! it’s high time we got a good murder mystery on television. Television had gotten so boring until Harper’s Island!!!! I can’t wait for another show just like it
I LOVED THIS SHOW!!!!!! Would have never guessed the killer…..but the killer did have “something” in the eyes that was eerie.
LOVED IT !!!!!!
I really LOVE it!! I hope they don’t pull it either because it really is a great show. It reminds me of a murder mystery, when was the last one?? I hope they don’t cancel it either! Cross your fingers!!
THIS IS THE BEST SHOW EVER I LOVED IT DONT PLZ DONT STOP IT!
Mary Cunniham, glad you liked it, I was disappointed almost all the way through. But as one said, just because we differ is NO reason to bash each other. I called the show stupid and one called me stupid, LOL their opinion I guess. Ha ha ha ha.
But I also have reality shows, the first one wasn’t too bad but they just keep coming back and I am REALLY tired of them!
God bless all of you regardless if you agree with me or not………….
I love it!!!!! I have to have more…….SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I followed the whole show. I loved it!! I hate reality shows! Everytime a good show comes along, you people cancel it! I know it’s all about money and isn’t that too bad!
LOVED IT!!