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.
Harper’s Island is one of the best shows on Saturday night TV. For once there is a good horror show on that keeps you guessing throughout! Shame on you CBS for sending this GREAT show packing. Haven’t we had enough CSI ? this was a great change. I won’t be watching any thing on CBS now.
Boo Hoo.
this is an awsome show! how can u say its not entrertaining, its my favrite show EvR!!!
u guy’s r crazy. this is the best show i have seen in a long time. like jason my god! was that not the best killer we shaped our judgment on what a scary movie should be.
i like watching the show. at first it was quite interesting but now you can guess what will happen. and things start to make you mad. and yes karen makes a good point the guns and the missing people do get annoying.
I have to agree with Calvin # 104 its getting to be like Jason, A little on the ridiculous side. People shooting at him & missing or the guns are not going off. Just like people disappearing & no one notices or says anything about where they are until several episodes later. It’s like the writer didn’t remember to include that person. Then oh yeah we better put something in about so in so who went missing 3 episodes back,with some brief mention of them or nothing at all. If the networks decide to continue with this show they better… Read more »
@sd: The two hour finale is next Saturday, 7/11/09.
I agree, this is one of the best shows that I have watched in a long time. Criminal Minds is fing garbage!! I haven’t been able to enjoy or become ensconced in a show since ‘Sex and the City’ R.I.P. while I really love CSI it hasn’t been quite as good since Grissom left. I hope that this show is continued or something of the sort, I love love love it!! Can’t wait to see the finale.
when is the 2 hour finale and love the show
I like this show…makes you think. I think they made a mistake making the killer Wakefield…I thought it was supposed to be a whodunit? I had figured Jimmy for the killer…when is the finale on? I taped it last night and was a little pissy to find the season premiere…I am sick of liking a tv show only to have it yanked eg…Cashmere Mafia, Lipstick Jungle and Dirt…why don’t you pull the stupid shows like I’m a celebrity…what a piece of crap! These reality shows (save big brother) are getting too much. Whomever is making the axe decisions ought to… Read more »
I like the series. I hope it continues. The writting is a little suspect. Why would’nt you know some of your closest friends who came to an island with you on a boat suddenly started disappearing. Even with that said, I really enjoy the show. Please keep it coming.
i dont get y you guys r such **** ups cause im tired of trying to figure out if the ******* show is on all ******* day i have been waiting for this **** storm to start and u guys r ******* with my ******* head.. why dont u go back to the **** hole u came from and stop trying to ruin my life.
they won’t make a second season.. how could they?
it’s still incredible. we’re sad when it ends. it’s the most suspenseful, thrilling tv show i’ve ever seen.
two thumbs up.
Harper’s Island is one of the best shows ever I was sad that they changed the time slot becuase I’m usually out with my family on Saturday nights however I can’t wait til Sunday mornings to watch it on demand.. I wish this could be an ongoing show lasting longer than the 13 weeks scheduled, I love the characters and the suspense great plot…I really hope that the mini-series gets released to dvd so I can watch it all over and over again…We need more stuff like this on tv not all these stupid reality shows…..
My husband and I watch Harper’s Island every week (when it is on, LOL!) and are always disappointed when the episode is over….we could watch it hours on end!! It will be sad when in concludes and we have nothing to watch on TV again!! It would be great to have another series on next season!!
mary Says:
June 28th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Even though it is silly, it’s the best entertainment we’ve had in a long time. Tired of all of “reality”. It reminds me of 10 Little Indians.
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Ok I will give you that, I hate the reality shows. But if Harper’s Island don’t improve I will not care for another season. Guess it takes more to entertain me then most of you. I am that way with a lot of programs, one season and I have had enough. I do love NCIS 🙂 That is my favorite program.