FOX’s new action series, Human Target debuted this week with two episodes in three timeslots. The network is making a big push to make sure it’s a hit. Did they succeed?
Human Target follows Christopher Chance (Mark Valley), a handsome personal bodyguard with a talent for charming the ladies and protecting his clients at the same time. Winston (Chi McBride) is his partner and Guerrero (Jackie Earle Haley) is their tech-talented hired gun.
The show is based on a DC Comics character who assumes the identities of the client he’s protecting. Rick Springfield starred in a 1992 version but it only lasted seven episodes on ABC.
FOX is hoping this new version will last a lot longer. While the network has ordered 12 episodes for season one, based on the early ratings, it’s hard to say if the series will last any longer than that.
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On Sunday night, airing before the season eight premiere of 24, Human Target attracted an average of 10.19 million viewers with a 2.9/7 rating/share in the 18-49 demographic. That puts it in third place in both the total audience and in the all-important demo. It was a positive sign however that the audience for the second half-hour grew from the first.
On Tuesday night, FOX replayed the first episode, leading out of American Idol. The repeat drew 8.83 million viewers and a 3.3/9 rating/share in the demo. While that’s a good showing for a rerun, Human Target lost more than two-thirds of its lead-in audience. That’s not good.
Then, on Wednesday night, episode two attracted 10.46 million viewers and a 3.4/9 in the demo. That’s a 60% loss from its lead-in and Human Target also lost about two million viewers in the second half hour. That’s particularly worrisome because the show’s permanent timeslot will be 8pm on Wednesday nights and won’t have the American Idol lead-in to help draw in viewers. (Next week, it’ll be airing on Tuesday at 9pm because of the President’s address.)
While Human Target isn’t in immediate danger of cancellation, the show could easily be dropped after one season if the numbers erode. Right now, things could go either way and well have to see what happens in the next few weeks.
What do you think? Is Human Target worth watching or should the show be “snuffed out?” Cancel or keep it?
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Image courtesy FOX.
Keep this show. It is the ONLY show our family has been watching on a regular basis. Perfect for our WHOLE family!!!!!
Love it, keep it, keep it!!!!!
saw the season finale!!! It was so great! We need more seasons!!
The last episode was saving the best for last and it tied all other episodes together, with a cliffhanger that needs to be addressed!
Keep it!!!!!!
Human Target, Castle, Royal Pain, & Chuck should be continued they are great.
Keep the show going please!!! Love the show and all the casts. Mark Valley is very hand some and love his acting!!! Can’t wait for season 2!!!!
lose it.
I think it is a very enjoyable show. A little bit of bond etc its a lot better than some of the other nonsense that is on . Mark Valley has that special tongue in cheek persona that makes it go. If Fox is smart they will give Human Target the chance it deservesand let it build up which it will..
Keep it going! It’s got a rhythm and great underlying plot points to keep you coming back each week.
I WOULD WATCH IT ALL THE TIME BUT IT SEEM TO BE ON DIFFERENT TIME AND I MISS IT.
I feel Fox should keep the show. I know it’s not perfect, especially some of the acting, but it’s sort of unique (in its own way) and very entertaining to say the least. Plus the show has excellent action seens.
Besides the show already has it’s own comic book!
http://comicmegastore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_32&products_id=1231
how many shows have a comic after the first few episodes? I guess it is a new way of marketing. Either way the comic book and the show seem to have a good entertainment factor.
This show is great! There a good plot, action sequels that take you takes you to the edges for a good five minutes. It’s a keepper.
Please keep Human Target! I agree with fellow posters that the networks may not be taking into consideration the on-line viewers….Current fav shows are: House, Human Target, Lost, and Chuck. And I dearly miss Dexter!! Hope his health is better and he considers coming back
its ******* awsome better than alot of other crap thats on and its something i look forward to watching each week
I hope they keep the show going. It’s entertaining, humorous at times, and so much better than the pile of reality shows that seem to be the mainstay of the networks these days. Keep it coming, Fox.
I also watch it online and think the episodes have gotten better after the pilot. Mark Valley is addictive. This show made me check out Keen Eddie which I’d never seen and is now at the top of my all-time favorite shows! I can’t wait for each new episode of Human Target and Chuck! I sure hope Fox doesn’t cancel it like my other favorite shows Firefly, Dark Angel and Keen Eddie! I can’t believe what great shows Fox can come up with and then just walk away from. Currently 24, Human Target, Chuck and House are my favorite shows.… Read more »
I really hope they factor in online viewing .. I don’t have cable anymore, but logon to hulu every week to catch human target… we’ll see what they do though.