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.
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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?
Image courtesy CBS.
I like Numbers. Why cancel? I liked Flashpoint too, but if you put it, in place of Numbers, you’ll probably show it’s reruns, not new episodes.
I think it would be a huge mistake to take numbers off the air i watch the episodes every friday i own all the seasons that are out so far on dvd that is one of the few shows that i look forward to every week ill even watch repeats over and over. the characters that are there seem like family to me i was sad to see megan go but the rest of the cast are my favorites. i really dont want to see them pull the show off the air. all of the friends and family i am… Read more »
I was raised in a home with NO tv. Was I sorry? No way! Although we have tv’s in our home now,I am not just picky about the shows my children watch,but myself! See, I have standards. Standards that include Moral values! The Mentalist and Numbers are two of my favorite shows. Not just because they stimulate my thinking, but also because they have what few shows these days have anymore! Cleanliness! They offer a stimulation of the mind without perverting the show! Why cancelle? because people would rather see more nudity or a self-centered,mind numbing dimwit fight over why… Read more »
This season has improved, but last season dragged on quite a bit. Ratings were down as a result, and that’s the bottom line. I’m curious if the numbers (pardon the pun) would rebound if given a bit of time and a full season, but I think that as they get away from the central formula of the show it creates too many distractions from the plot and leaves out some of the details to make room for personal areas. Bringing Larry back and focusing on how his life is out-of-sorts is also ill advised, although I’m sure they are hoping… Read more »
Why were my previous comments edited? Sara Meyer is NOT a good representative, and SURELY should not be the target audience for a show that is intelligent since she clearly lacks the cerebral energy to complete a thought, much less speak or type in correct English. Please don’t base your decision to keep it based on this dimwit, base it on those of us who have a brain in our head and appreciate a great show, great story, and the effort it takes to make a show that requires intelligence to watch.
I watch very few shows. Most of the ones I do follow are ‘situation dramas,’ such as NCIS, NCIS-LA, the CSIs – and Numb3rs. The characters are like families, who care about and support each other. I do give CBS kudos for ‘Undercover Boss,’ as it reflects the same family values and support. I personally cannot stand Survivor. I believe it sends the wrong message to people – young and old – that you should grab every thing that you can for yourself, because you can and let everyone else be damned. If CBS thinks that another grab-it-all reality show… Read more »
Love Numb3rs – would hate to see it cancelled. Friday night is not the best night of the week for shows (football nights in the fall, date night other nights). We Tivo and watch later. It is a show with a brain and heart. DON’T CANCEL IT!
Numb3rs is one of the most addicting shows on television currently. The cast is fabulous and works seemlessly together to the point that I forget it is television. The plot lines are interesting and make a person think, not simply sit on the couch and stare at the television. I agree with other opinions, I was bummed when Megan Reeves (Diane Farr) left the show. Yet the show still moved on to interesting plot lines and some very adrenaline filled shows. For most shows once they reach six or more seasons viewer numbers may drop. Perhaps the writers need to… Read more »
I believe that cutting the number of episodes for any of the series that are on TV spells doom right off the bat. Rerun after rerun is a killer in itself. 22 episodes were good but not enough either and 16 was insulting to the show and the viewers. Flashpoint is not my idea of a good replacement but my opinion doesn’t count as I am just your average viewer. TV is definitely not for people who like to be entertained by well written, attention grabbing shows whether they are drama or comedy, in this day and age. It is… Read more »
Please don’t cancel Numbers. It is one of the better shows on TV. I DESPISE all the reality shows that are on TV these days. At least Numbers offers some challenge to the mind and the characters are great. I hope that it will NOT be cancelled.
I really think Cbs is making a huge mistake canceling numbers it needs maybe a boost but not canceled they canceled Without a trace one of the best shows on T.V They should bring that back and keep numbers. I also heard that Cold Case might be on the chopping block. IT is so well written and the actors are so real. These T.V. Executives have to make right decisions for the viewers other wse viewers will go to cable only,
Bring back Numbers Now. Bring Back Without a trace?
I really like Numb3rs – That is all I have to say.
Aw come on!! My husband and I are addicted to this series any episode we can . We are late comers to the viewing mass but hope, hope, hope we can see it go on. We look forward to our “fix” every night but don’t watch the 10 pm slot. We Tivo every episode. Please keep this intelligent, entertaining and instructive program on.
Are you kidding? It is one of the few shows I look forward to each week. It has a plot. The reality shows and game shows have got to go. The good drama shows are going to the premium stations( pay for view). Wake up, CBS.
I loved the show for series 1-4 but feel that it’s not as watchable now – Series 6 isn’t getting my full attention. In the UK it has, in the last couple of weeks, moved from a 10 pm slot to 11 pm. This may be because here it was clashing with Desperate Housewives, or it may be low viewing figures, I don’t know.
I think the loss of Megan after series 4 has had an effect?
I Really don’t think that they should cancel numb3rs at all its one of my favorite shows everyday I go online to watch the show cuz its so addicting and it makes my day and makes me learn everyday about math i think this show should go for another season cuz its so addicting i mean bunch of my favorite shows are getting cut but i think if you move it to A different day that it would get more ratings so please considered that!!
DON’T CANCEL IT!!! =(
As others have said, counting Friday night viewers doesn’t give a true picture of the popularity of Numb3rs. I go online, or record the program for later viewing one-third to half the time because of conflicts with my schedule. Numb3rs and Mentalist are must sees at my house, and among many members of my extended family.
CBS has gained increased respect from me for providing programs that stimulate my mind (don’t insult my intelligence), rely on good writing and story development instead of violence and gratuitous sex to hold my attention.
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