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.
PLEASE keep Off the Map. It is such a refreshing approach to medical emergency tv series.
Is it my imagination or does it seem that medical programs are waning in US tv popularity with Off the Map, Trauma and others have not been as popular and are being dropped during or at the end of the first and only season. I am getting so sick of the reality TV series that have taken over the TV ratings. I hope Private Practive and Greys stay a long long time.
Love this show! Please, please, please keep it!!!!!
I love this show. For me the story lines are great. The mixture of Doctors working in a place like they do and the romantic twists and turns are magic. I have not missed one episode yet. Please work on keeping it on the air.
Off the Map is the most refreshing new show on ABC. Definitely keep it on the air; would be such a mistake to cancel. Love all of the newcomers on the show; they are terrific!
Love this show! Please keep!!!
LOVE OFF THE MAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KEEP IT, KEEP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
mAKES ME NOT WANNA GET INVOLVED IN SHOWES ANYMORE BECAUSE THIS WILL BE THE 4TH SHOW NOW THAT I’VE GOTTEN INTO AND THEN WAS CANCELED. SUCKS.
I love “Off the Map”. It has become my favorite show and I look forward to it every week. Please don’t take it off the air.
I love this show! Please keep it. Maybe a better time slot would help….
I don’t think the world would miss this show if canceled. The acting is poor. The premise is poor. The stereotypes are horrible! Last weeks show the one actress started to “cry” and it was the worst crying scene I have seen in years! Don’t even get me started on the fact that the show actually justified in some form growing the plants that make cocaine and the only legit response the DOCTOR gave was…”I grew up on just say no.” How about, “I understand the economic hardships for your family at this time, but do you know that this… Read more »
I hope they keep it! This has come to be one of my favorite shows and I would be SO SAD if it was cancelled!
I love the show!!!! PLEASE KEEP IT !!!!!!
I think Off the Map would fit really well in the newly vacated Supernanny time slot for next season. It doesn’t have an enormous amount of viewers but there is some loyalty. That is perfect for Friday nights.
PLEASE keep off the map! At first I thought the show was a little bit weak, but is growing better and better with interesting story lines, gorgeous scenery etc. I look forward to watching it every week. I also really hate it when I get all hooked on a show, and next thing you know its cancelled. Such as with Flashforward, Eastwick etc.
Off the Map is refreshing and does not follow the typical tired medical format. I don’t understand network TV and their rush to judgement on shows that really don’t get much promotion. Probably why I increasingly find cable networks more stable and more enjoyable.
PLEASE KEEP OFF THE MAP. I hate it when new shows start and I really like them a lot and the next thing you know they are cancelled