Numb3rs: CBS Cuts Season Order; Will it be Cancelled?

While some shows are getting orders for additional episodes, Numb3rs has just had its number cut by CBS. How does this bode for the drama’s chances for a seventh season?

As Friday night viewers know, Numb3rs revolves around an FBI agent (Rob Morrow) and his genius brother (David Krumholtz) who helps solve cases with mathematics. The cast also features Judd Hirsch (as their father), Alimi Ballard, Dylan Bruno, Navi Rawat, Aya Sumika, and Peter MacNicol.

The series is currently in its sixth season, having debuted in January 2005. For the show’s entire run, it’s been a staple of CBS’ Friday night schedule in the 10pm position.

In its first season, Numb3rs averaged a 3.2 rating in the demo and 11.1 million viewers. In season two, the show’s ratings rose to an average rating of 3.3 and 11.7 million viewers. Overall viewership has dropped since then. Last season was watched by an average of 9.75 million and the demo was 2.2.

Should Numb3rs be cancelled? No! Are you kidding? Maybe, I'm not sure. Yes, it's time to go. View Results  Loading ...

This season however has been a different story. Numb3rs’ numbers are way down. It’s fallen all the way down to a 1.7 rating in the all-important demo. Overall viewership has also dropped to an average of 7.9 million viewers.

If you look at these figures, it’s not hard to understand why CBS has decided to cut this season’s order from 22 to 16 episodes. In addition, the network already has a couple other dramas that can take its place, including Flashpoint — a show that’s cheaper and already proven to work on Friday nights.

What does this mean for Numb3rs’ future and its chances for a seventh season? The episode cut doesn’t mean anything in itself but the ratings that caused it certainly do. The show is already in syndication and, now in its sixth year, the show is quite difficult to produce. Unless the ratings return to their previous level, the show will surely be cancelled.

What do you think? Would you be sorry to see the show cancelled or would you like to watch a seventh season?