It’s not often that a new show gets some people so angry before it even airs but NBC’s new TV show, Outsourced, certainly rubs some people the wrong way. Did that hurt the ratings? Will it be quickly cancelled or become a long-term staple of NBC’s Thursday night line-up?
Outsourced follows a US sales manager, Todd Dempsey (Ben Rappaport), who’s assigned to supervise his company’s call center in India. The new sitcom also stars Anisha Nagarajan, Diedrich Bader, Parvesh Cheena, Pippa Black, Rebecca Hazelwood, Rizwan Manji, and Sacha Dhawan.
Some people have expressed resentment over the show’s theme, especially considering this country’s struggling economy and unemployment problem. Others maintain that the show’s intent is to show how offices are the same, regardless of where they’re located.
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In its first week on the air, Outsourced attracted a 3.6 in the 18-49 demographic and 7.49 million total viewers. For the timeslot, it ranked in third place in total viewers but was second in the demo, where the numbers really count.
On the downside, Outsourced lost about 20% of its Office lead-in audience in the demo and 12% in total viewers. Also, about 15% of its audience tuned out midway through the episode. Those people gave it a try and probably won’t be back next week.
New shows typically lose about 15% in week two so we’ll have to wait and see how this one’s ratings hold up. For now, things look good for Outsourced.
What do you think? Did you give it a try? Were you offended by Outsourced? Was it different than you expected? Cancel or keep it?
Image courtesy NBC.
I hope they keep this show!!! I am watching the new episode aired last week and love it!!!
I love this show! its witty and humerous and in no way offensive! I hope they keep it for many seasons to come!!!
This is a very entertaining look at cultural differences and similarities. I have worked at a call center in India, and it is interesting how similar some things are. Love this show and just hope it survivies the new time slot. 🙁
My name in actuality is Michael. I did that to make a point. I realize there are those that are angry because it is a show based on an ‘outsourced’ call center, but the real thing here is this: Why be angry about a show that isn’t focused on bit on why this is in India, but is a character based show, and the interactions between a real “humble pie” man from America learning much more about a culture than they are about the novelties they supposedly sell. If you are offended by this show, then the real issue isn’t… Read more »
Love this show–it’s one of the few shows on TV that is well written and well executed. I am Indian American and find the humor on point…and some of the political commentary is quite poignant. The subtle cultural differences, beyond the obvious, that are addressed directly or indirectly, help to identify the gaps between Indian and American life.
I really hope the show stays on the air…I look forward to it every week!
I am very disappointed to see that the show has been moved. It is the *only* NBC Thursday night sitcom I watch and I DVR it every week. This new time slot is certainly the toll of a funeral bell. It’s up against some stiff drama competition on CBS/USA and it makes me sad. It was super funny and I really enjoyed it. Bad move, NBC. But I guess I’m not your demographic.
-SMG
We loved this show. I hope its back. Really like the way they bring out the differences in the 2 cultures and how they can coexist. Really well written.
I love this show. It’s actually funny. I don’t get the criticism that it is offensive because of the economy. It’s simply a fictional show like every other TV show. I think the writing is great and I hope the show stays on. I hate Office show. I would like this and Big Bang together.
i love this show! i really hope they don’t cancel it.
Great show, look forward to seeing every week.
I love this show. I can not sit through most TV shows but watched 3 in a row that were recorded on my tivo. Such a refreshing change from reality shows!
I loved it! I thought is was hilarious.
This show is so funny! My husband and I love it and is one of the few shows we watch together..I hope NBC brings it back. I love the characters like Gupta..hillarious!!!!
I LOVE this show! Romantic, funny, thoughtful…refreshing compared to what’s on lately! I’ll be very disappointed if they don’t renew it!
I was glad to see that Outsourced was the replacement for that terribly unfunny Parks & Recreation show. Now it appears the garbage show will return & this cleverly written comedy will be scrapped. If anything just find a new time slot on another day of the week. The thought of Amy Poehler’s rip off of The Office coming back is upsetting.