There’s lots of data that the networks look at when deciding whether to renew or cancel a TV series but the ratings are the main ingredient. (Wonder if your favorite’s already been renewed or cancelled? Visit our NBC 2011-12 show page.
Which NBC shows are in danger of being cancelled or are hits? By looking at the chart below, you can see their current season ranking, ratings averages to date, and their letter grade in the all-important 18-49 demographic.
These charts incorporate final ratings data through Friday, June 1, 2012.
| Demo rank | Scripted NBC TV shows | Demo grade | 18-49 demo rating (actual) | Viewers in millions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Office (renewed) | A++ | 2.8 (2.77) | 5.39 | ratings |
| 2 | Smash (renewed) | A++ | 2.3 (2.27) | 6.74 | ratings |
| 3 | Parenthood (renewed) | A- | 1.9 (1.93) | 5.13 | ratings |
| 4 | Law & Order: SVU (renewed) | A- | 1.9 (1.91) | 6.87 | ratings |
| 5 | Whitney (renewed) | A- | 1.9 (1.87) | 4.45 | ratings |
| 6 | Up All Night (renewed) | A- | 1.9 (1.86) | 4.45 | ratings |
| 7 | Parks and Recreation (renewed) | A- | 1.8 (1.84) | 3.73 | ratings |
| 8 | 30 Rock (renewed) | B- | 1.5 (1.54) | 3.49 | ratings |
| 8 | Community (renewed) | B- | 1.5 (1.54) | 3.42 | ratings |
| 10 | Grimm (renewed) | A* | 1.5 (1.53) | 5.02 | ratings |
| 11 | Are You There, Chelsea? (cancelled) | B- | 1.5 (1.48) | 3.76 | ratings |
| 12 | The Playboy Club (cancelled) | C+ | 1.4 (1.37) | 4.15 | ratings |
| 13 | Free Agents (cancelled) | C | 1.4 (1.35) | 4.08 | ratings |
| 14 | Prime Suspect (cancelled) | C- | 1.2 (1.19) | 4.61 | ratings |
| 15 | Awake (cancelled) | D+ | 1.1 (1.08) | 3.34 | ratings |
| 16 | Harry's Law (cancelled) | D+ | 1.1 (1.06) | 7.79 | ratings |
| 17 | Chuck (ended) | C-* | 1.0 (0.98) | 3.44 | ratings |
| 18 | Bent (cancelled) | D- | 0.8 (0.83) | 2.37 | ratings |
| 19 | Best Friends Forever (cancelled) | F | 0.8 (0.78) | 2.68 | ratings |
| 20 | The Firm (cancelled) | D-* | 0.7 (0.65) | 3.11 | ratings |
| Demo rank | Non-scripted NBC TV shows | Demo grade | 18-49 demo rating (actual) | Viewers in millions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Voice (renewed) | A++ | 5.0 (4.99) | 13.14 | ratings |
| 2 | Fear Factor (cancelled) | A- | 2.4 (2.41) | 6.08 | ratings |
| 3 | The Biggest Loser (fall) (cancelled) | B+ | 2.2 (2.21) | 6.21 | ratings |
| 4 | The Biggest Loser (spring) (renewed) | B | 2.2 (2.18) | 6.44 | ratings |
| 5 | Celebrity Apprentice (renewed) | B- | 2.0 (2.03) | 6.30 | ratings |
| 6 | Betty White's Off Their Rockers (renewed) | C | 1.6 (1.62) | 6.14 | ratings |
| 6 | Who's Still Standing? (cancelled) | C | 1.6 (1.62) | 5.98 | ratings |
| 8 | Fashion Star (renewed) | C- | 1.6 (1.56) | 4.45 | ratings |
| 9 | The Sing-Off (cancelled) | C- | 1.5 (1.52) | 4.56 | ratings |
| 10 | Dateline (Fridays, renewed) | C-* | 1.3 (1.27) | 4.98 | ratings |
| 11 | Dateline (Sundays, unknown) | D- | 1.0 (1.04) | 4.87 | ratings |
| 12 | Who Do You Think You Are? (cancelled) | D* | 1.0 (1.03) | 5.41 | ratings |
| 13 | Rock Center with Brian Williams (renewed) | F | 0.9 (0.88) | 3.54 | ratings |
| 14 | Escape Routes (cancelled) | F* | 0.3 (0.26) | 1.08 | ratings |
Summer 2012 ratings report card.
Original ratings data ©The Nielsen Company. All Rights Reserved.
A couple of notes about these charts:
The averages included in this chart are based on the final numbers, not the fast affiliate ratings that are typically reported the next morning. The final numbers become available about a day after the broadcasts or in some cases several days later. The charts will be updated as the new data becomes available.
Keep in mind that the demo numbers (not total viewers) are what’s most important to advertisers. Therefore, that’s how the networks measure success. Advertisers pay more for ad time on a show that has a higher demo rating versus one with a lot more overall viewers.
Demo numbers are reported by Nielsen using the 10ths decimal place (2.4, for example). We used to report averages that way but it ends up being hard to see any movement week to week. It can also be a little misleading since a show with a 2.35 average and a show with a 2.44 average will both round to a 2.4 rating.
In these charts, we’re including the demo average rounded to the 10th (2.4) as well as the 100th place (2.41) in parenthesis so you can get a better idea of how the average has been affected by the latest episode’s demo rating.
The letter grades are relative (kind of like grading on a curve) and are based on the individual network’s demo performance (either scripted or non-scripted). All of the networks have very different gauges for success right now. (A successful show for The CW would get quickly cancelled on CBS.) Our system for coming up with letter grades isn’t perfect but it should still give you an idea of where the different shows stand.
*The grades for TV series that run on Friday and Saturday nights are weighted a little differently, to compensate for airing on little-watched nights.
What do you think? Are surprised by any of the ratings? Are any of your favorite shows in danger of being cancelled? Which should be doing better?
I Love Love Grim. Takes me back to the scary movies i watched as a kid only mucg much better. I can’t wait to watch it on friday nights, with a cup of coffe and no light s on, its great. please don’t cancel GRIMM its a great show.
AWAKE! …better each week, excellent writing/acting … please, please keep this show!
Awake is a GREAT show and a huge favorite among a large group of my friends, church congregation and co-workers. Please don’t cancel it! I venture to say I believe this show’s rating will come up again!
Please do not cancel Awake. You guys keep cancelling all the good, thought-provoking, truly entertaining shows. Why are you keeping the shows that dumb us down?
If my comment added to the others here backing up NOT cancelling The Firm, here it is! I’ve loved the show since the first episode and never miss it. Every actor on the show is solid in their character’s role and given another season, I’m sure that they would develop even more depth. The various plots and twists to the hour’s show are always like the older type thrillers that seem sadly missing these days with most being more action than plot. I’ll be very disappointed if it’s not on the fall line-up. Josh Lucas and Molly Parker are both… Read more »
I’m worried about The Firm too. I LOVE it. It’s sad to see the ratings so low.
The Firm is getting better and better!! Really enjoying it! Have lots of friends
who watch and enjoy it as well. PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL IT!!! Perhaps part of the problem is that the network isn’t doing anything to help the ratings… no advertisements,
no press… no wonder the ratings are down! There is a solid following, just no chance to get new viewers because the network isn’t supporting the show. It really is great, and as stated, it keeps on getting better every episode.
Any cancelled show on NBC is still better than watching Dateline or Who do you think you are or Rock Center with Brian Williams. I’d even watch The Firm NBC cancels shows with potential (ie Prime Suspect) and leave on crap. What people find entertaining is beyond comprehension.
Shows like The Firm, Prime Suspect, Harry’s Law, Dateline, and Rock Center are at the bottom of the lists!?! Shows how unintelligent so many tv viewers are these days!
Harry’s Law – nothing has been as entertaining while incorporating prevalent social issues as this show. It’s current, emotional and direct with today’s issues. We laugh while facing and discussing what’s important in our lives now. We so enjoy the laughter while recognizing the serious nature of life’s issues.
Show killed itself,they added too many characters
My wife and I look forward to watching Grimm; actually t’s the only show we watch together. I think the concept is novel and the show moves very fast and is engrossing. We really hope NBC picks it up for next season.
My friends and I all love the firm. I am usually out on Saturday night so I have to view it on demand.
I only watch two shows on NBC and they are Smash and The Firm. My husband and I really enjoy both these shows and can’t believe The Firm would not be renewed. Please consider renewing this show!
At the end of the season, it would be interesting to see a report card on the shows without being separated by network.
Please don’t take The Firm off the air. I love it. My sister (who lives in another town) try to find it every week. We call each other and talk about it.