ABC recently unveiled a new medical drama, Off the Map, which was created by Jenna Bans and is co-executive produced by Bans, Betsy Beers, and Shondra Rimes. All three ladies have been closely involved with Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. Will Off the Map be as successful as these other medical dramas or be cancelled after one season?
Off the Map follows six doctors who move to a tiny town in the South American jungle to help the residents and man an understaffed and under-stocked medical clinic. The cast includes Caroline Dhavernas, Jason George, Jonathan Castellanos, Mamie Gummer, Martin Henderson, Rachelle Lefevre, Valerie Cruz, and Zach Gilford.
This new TV show debuted on January 12th to a 2.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic (the number that really matters) and 7.57 million total viewers. That was the night of the President’s speech in Tucson which caused some disjointed viewing in some areas. ABC decided to rerun the series premiere on the following night to give it more exposure, displacing Private Practice.
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Despite that extra coverage, Off the Map dropped by nearly 9% in the key demo in week two. That’s not bad percentage-wise but the debut number was pretty low to begin with. The series attracted a 2.1 rating in the demo and 5.79 million viewers. Last night’s episode dropped 14% to a 1.8 rating and 5.06 million viewers.
After just three weeks, Off the Map is near the bottom of ABC’s demo rankings of scripted series, tying struggling No Ordinary Family. That’s not good at all and since Off the Map’s ratings haven’t stabilized yet, they may keep falling.
In the past, the alphabet network has renewed one or two struggling freshman series for a second season. Unless the ratings start going up, that looks like Off the Map’s only hope for survival. There are 13 episodes in season one and, for now, the finale is scheduled for April 6th. Time will tell if that ends up being the season or series finale.
But, what do you think? Do you like Off the Map? Should it continue or would you just cancel it now?
Image courtesy ABC.
Keep it, keep it, must keep it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
keep the show. i love it
KEEP IT!
FAVE SHOW:)
I hope you keep the show. My roommates and I absolutely love it, in my opinion it’s been far better than grey’s anatomy this season– I’d watch Off The Map over Grey’s and Private Practice any night!
I love love love off the map. My schedule is booked solid but every Wednesday I look forward to watching it.
I absolutely love this show and look forward to it every Wednesday. Keep it!!
Please don’t cancel this show. If ABC can bring back Bachelor Pad, they can certainly bring back this show! I need my weekly dose of OTM. I am tired of good shows being on the chopping block, without giving them a chance.
One of the most impressive shows of the 2011 season lineup. We have always been faithful ABC Fans. To drop The show Off The Map would be to drop us as viewers on a regular basis. There are few shows geared towrd the Female fans during the Basketball season and this show came in at #1 in our house. We are faithful followers of Greys Anatomy and Private Practice. Private Practice was one of the slowest shows to get off the ground and get the characters to mate with the storyline. Off The Map had us off our seats and… Read more »
I can’t wait till Wednesday night, “Off the map” is one of my favorite shows! I’m in the medical field so I can appreciate and relate to the show.
I love this show honestly if it was before/after Grey’s Anatomy that would be AWESOME!!!
Please keep this show. This is one of two shows i will not miss. ABC needs to give this another chance. Its an awesome story each week. If you arent watching this, you should be.
I’d rather watch Off the Map then Greys / Private Practice any day…KEEP IT!
Love, Love, Love this show.
Must keep Off the Map!!! It’s a great show, it just needs more publicity!
KEEP! My husband and I LOVE the show! We find ourselves wishing it would go on for a couple more hours. PLEASE keep it on the air!