Tuesday night, FOX debuted a new drama for the Summer months, Mental. So, did the premiere’s ratings make the network crazy-happy or just drive them crazy?
Mental revolves around an unorthodox psychiatrist who becomes the Director of Mental Health at a fictional Los Angeles hospital. Created by Dan LeVine and co-executive produced by his sister, Deborah Joy LeVine, the series stars Chris Vance, Annabella Sciorra, Derek Webster, Jacqueline McKenzie, Marisa Ramirez, Nicholas Gonzalez, and Edwin Hodge.
The series premiered on Tuesday night and finished in third place for the 9pm hour with 5.8 million viewers and a 2.1/5 rating/share among the 18-49 demographic.
Those numbers aren’t that impressive but the drama did build on its lead-in, a rerun of the popular and very compatible House. There was also very little drop off between Mental’s first and second half hours, indicating that most watched the entire episode.
So, while Mental didn’t have a great debut, it wasn’t bad either. As we enter into the Summer months, viewership tends to fall off so the network may be okay with these numbers. But, will people return for subsequent installments? Will FOX give the show a second season once all 13 episodes have aired? We’ll have to wait and see.
So, what did you think? Is the show worth keeping or should it be cancelled?
Image courtesy FOX.
The premise of the show seemed interesting, but the actual quality of the show seems to be lacking. The cinematography and visuals are sub-par compared to most other hour long dramas I have seen, the acting – at times – is weak, the dialogue and story lines are simple and often bordering on cheesy, and overall, the show just isn’t compelling. A show that deals with mental illness could really be great, both for entertainment value, and also in highlighting important issues in society, but Mental isn’t living up to its potential so far. Perhaps some changes can be made… Read more »
Keep it Anything is better than “Reality” shows.
please keep the show . I think it’s great,.
My vote is to keep it, though I have to agree with the posts that cite poor production value. Otherwise, it’s interesting and something to watch on Tues. Though I won’t be beside myself if it’s cancelled. And the reason for keeping it shouldn’t be that it provides insights into mental illness. It, like House, is completely exaggerated.
Please continue show. Society needs to learn everything they can about mental illness. Keep up the good work.
good show…KEEP IT!!!
Loved the show. How can you compare this upbeat, happy, adorable character (Dr. Gallagher) to miserable, obnoxious and unhappy House? I stopped watching House because I can’t stand how obnoxious and mean he is. If I want obnoxious and mean, I’ll just tune in to the news. I want happy, upbeat stories that bring messages of hope and show doctors who care for their patients, not just see them as a medical challenge/game.
I really like this show – seems to be a shame to lose that and the Unusuals. Both have better than average premises and and who needs another “reality” show, ugh!
keep it !! it’s a great show !!
please don’t cancel this;
I love it !!
the psychiatrist is a little unorthodox, which is nice; and he’s willing to try anything to help his patients.
also, Annabella Sciorra is good in her role…
Mental is great. Keep it. thanks
This is definitely a keeper. The main character jack is so refreshing, and while it does seem similar to house i’d say its definitely worth watching. Besides, if you’ve seen the graphics for the other episodes (especially the water phobia) and the way they portray these people, it is definitely an interesting viewing.
This is a good show, nothing like House. Those who compare and criticize just want to criticize. You cannot compare it; it is not fair. House is an established, awesome show. This is brand new and needs time to grow and come into its own. It just seems like the networks are unwilling to let shows do this any longer. They cancel them before they have had a fair shot. Maybe this show will get lucky. I hope it does.
Keep it…this is a refreshing new show that i would watch and chris vance is a very sexy doctor that can shrink my head anytime!!! kudos for Mental
I thought it was horrible. The actors were bad, the writing was way to obvious, and the attempt to be House-like was sad. Even the filmography was bad with poorly lit scenes and odd camera angle jumps. I hope they don’t try to put all 13 episodes up. Also, the lead actor is too young to be a whiz-kid “house-esque” character.
KEEP IT! Different side of the medical profession and very enlightening!