Despite a slew of negative reviews from critics last year, ABC’s midseason drama, October Road, attracted an average of 10.2 million viewers for its six episode season. The series typically lost a large percentage of viewers from its Grey’s Anatomy lead-in but it was enough to earn Road a second year. Now that the second season has finished airing, will there be a year three?
For whatever reason, October Road hit a slump in its sophomore year. Prior to this month, the series had been averaging fewer than five million viewers. ABC had ordered 13 episodes for year two with the option of expanding it to 22 episodes if needed. With the writers strike and the disappointing ratings, the network didn’t feel they needed any more.
Last month, ABC announced that several of its series had been renewed for the fall season and, not surprisingly, October Road was absent from the list. If network executives were waiting until March to see the performance of the final three episodes, the show’s cause wasn’t helped. March 3rd’s episode attracted only 5.3 million viewers and a 2/5 rating/share of the 18-49 demographic. This week’s two hours averaged a dismal 4.7 million viewers and a 1.8/5 rating/share. Compared to last season’s finale, that’s a loss of almost 50% in total viewers.
Since it looks pretty unlikely that Nick and the other residents of Knights Ridge will be back for a third season on ABC, will we ever learn the identity of Sam’s father? Maybe.
There is talk that the CW and Lifetime are interested in continuing the series should ABC let it go. CW could certainly use the ratings as none of their present programming comes close to attracting Road’s viewership. On the other hand, Road would fit well with Lifetime’s other programming.
We’ll know ABC’s decision by mid-May at the latest. If they don’t want to continue the drama, it will be interesting to see if some other network does. Stay tuned! 
My husband and I watched October Road faithfully every week. We thought it was one of the best shows on tv. We would love to see it return for at least one more season or see a series finale.
I really liked October Road. I think more people would watch it if it was in a better time slot. Please don’t cancel it. For the faithful watchers, we do need some closure
if it has to end. What about Friday nights? Wednesdays opposite Private Practice?
It was one thing I looked forward to every week.
please bring october road back!!!!! it was a great show and i think it just came out at a time when too many good shows were still going strong. i would actually love to see it be on saturday nights—there’s nothing good on tv on saturday night. i took the first season into work and we watched it when we had the chance and we were all geared up for the third season then it was cancelled. please, bring it back.
Could you at least tell us the kid’s father? Was it Nick??????
Kind of a ripoff from Beautiful Girls, but I’m getting sick of seeing it over and over and over and over, and over, as many aas 10000 why questions.
Who’s the Daddy, Hannah Jane and Nick??????????</?//
THIS WAS THE BEST SHOW EVER HOW CAN YOU CANCEL IT
Ditto to what everyone else has said. Bring this show back!! I don’t have time to watch when it comes on but I always watch it on the web!!
AHHHH… I can’t believe the show was cancelled!!! Come on… BRING The show BACK!!! Who do I need to talk to???
ABC get a grip this is a awsome show a true feel good that people can relate to. The show had a crappy time slot and a mid season showing. By the time people caught on toin those 6 episodes, it it was off again. The familys that would fall in love with this show are getting their kids prepared for baseball and other sports at this time of year. I would love to see the numbers if it had a fall viewing. Without Tivo I would have never seen the show myself . To think your going to wrap… Read more »
I remember when I saw the first episode, couldnt resist, I knew it was a good show right away. If ABC cancels October Road, there are some really dumb big shots at ABC. I have watched all of the episodes on the ABC web site as well, maybe they dont include those numbers in the viewership, or the people recording the show. I think things have changed, poeple have other entertainment. Iregardless, the networks have to give the shows a little more time to catch on. They cancelled Journeyman, which was a good show. If you like October Road, check… Read more »
This show is great! I used to watch October Road with my X girlfriend of 6 years. We were one of the regular viewers and enjoyed cuddling up on the couch and watching it. We have broken up since, and miss watching this show. It gives me good memories of us. If anyone comes across my msg and knows if they will continue the series please let me know. Bluecrush1091@yahoo.com
Please bring back October Road. It is an incredible show….. there are so many dumb shows on!!! Please bring back the smart, funny, well written and compelling October Road!!! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!
October Road was my favorite show. I loved all the characters and storylines. They were all so real to life. PLEASE someone pick up the show and continue. You can’t leave all us fans hanging, not knowing what happens. We have so many unanswered questions…..PLEASE!!!!! BRING BACK OCTOBER ROAD!!!
i really came to like october road and i myself came from a small toand can relate to some of the issues and fell in love with all the characters. i was anticipating the show and am sad to hear it will be in danger. Please keep it running if not for tv than for the internet show.Pllllllleeeeaaaaasssseeee.
I hope the network reconsiders and put’s this amazing show back on the air. I watch very few show’s and October Road was one of them. I am a nurse and usually I am In bed by 9:30 pm but I always stayed up till 11pm just to watch my favorite show. Please put it back on or sell it to another network.
I am very disappointed to learn there may not be a third season. I loved the show from the first pilot on. Please let somebody pick-it up!