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.
Great show and cast. Also nice to watch a series in the tropics. A nice escape while dealing with our Pac.NW winters. Hope to see a 2nd season
Keeeeeepp!!!!!! Please
Please don’t cancel Off the Map ! I love this show! I was so sad and upset that finally there is a great show on and hearing that it’s cancelled. devastating 🙁 Please please please bring it back !!
I really enjoyed this show and waited for Wednesday nights too. It can be a bit “staged” but its still enteretaining and a lot better than most shows out there.
This is by far the BEST medical drama on TV!! Not the same BORING shows like ER and Grey’s Anatomy, the aspect of the jungle makes it stand out…….a definate KEEPER!!!!!!
Mateo CAN’T DIEE!!!!
I just love Off The Map! I found myself looking forward to this show more than any other during the week. They set it up so well for season two, I would be horribly disappointed if it was cancelled.
Keep it ! I love this show soooo much!!!
KEEP!!!! I love this show! You cant just leave it off like that with unanswered questions. Because there are fans of this show and its not fair to them! 🙁 If they were not planning a second season then they should have tied up the loose ends first. I hope it comes back! I look forward to Wednesdays because of this show. They should move it to Thursdays at 8 before Greys? Why not, I think more people would tune in if they would. Please come back for a second season!!!!!
Keep keep keep. Awesome show. Can’t wait until second season starts.
Off the map is so good, I can’t ait t’il net year to see what happens!!!
This is the best new series I have seen in years.
I hope we get episodes for at least the next five years.
One of the only shows my wife and I watch. I would hate to lose it.
Keep keep keep!!!!!!!!!! always enjoy the episodes please return for season 2!!!!
KEEP!!!!! its a great show, i just think having it follow mr sunshine is sad, if it was on at 9 or possibly after a better show, it would have better ratings. PLEASE DON’T CANCEL!!!!!
Fantastic season finale! I will be so disappointed if I can’t see what happens in season 2!! If it’s a slow take off it’s abc’s fault. Look at Glee, for example. It has been so popular because they promoted that show the entire summer leading up to it. Off the Map was just thrown in mid-year, no good promotion. I know they are on different networks, but maybe abc can learn something here. Keep Off the Map, give it great promotion this summer and see what great things happen next season!