Despite ever falling ratings, ABC’s not willing to give up on Pan Am — at least not publicly anyway.
At today’s ABC portion of the Television Critics Association Press Tour, network president Paul Lee reflected, “When it opened, it really brought a good audience to it.”
He then noted, “I think there’s a lot of goodwill toward the show. It’s a great cast. We have new and original shows right through the end of February and it’ll be in contention past that.”
Lee chose not to focus on the fact that, while Once Upon a Time and Desperate Housewives saw big gains following the winter break, Pan Am hit a new series low. The freshman series drew just a 1.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 3.96 million total viewers.
The recent airing brought the season average down to a 1.9 in the demo and 6.16 million, registering a “D+” on our ABC report card. Aside from Body of Proof, it’s the least watched show on the network that hasn’t been cancelled yet.
ABC initially ordered 13 episodes but then asked for one more. Only four episodes remain for this season, and likely the series. It’s slated for February 19th.
What do you think? Is ABC still considering a future for Pan Am or is it all but officially cancelled?
Image courtesy ABC.
It’s great show. It’s a pity if they don’t keep it. It’s the only show I watch on ABC.
It’s the only show I watch on TV. I love it but think ABC gave it a horrible time slot. It’s after Desperate Housewives which only has people still watching it that are huge fans because everyone knows this is the last season so it isn’t bring any viewers. Maybe the 8 o’clock slot or just an earlier slot on another night. I watch it on my DVR since it comes on so late. Hope ABC works it out to keep it.
I love the show. Not all shows find their audience in their first year, but don’t give up on it yet. Many people watch it online as well. Are those numbers being counted?
It will be such a pity if “Pan Am” does get cancelled. I think it is going to be one of ABC’s biggest regrets, if so. It has everything which makes a successful series: an incredible cast, period costumes and sets which are RIGHT ON, interesting story lines and subplots which leave one hanging and waiting for the next episode and brilliant directing, locations and cinematography. I agree that the shifting and irregularity of the show’s airing so soon after its premiere were probably responsible for the shift in viewers. I tuned in a couple of times when it wasn’t… Read more »
I love Pan Am! This Neilsen rating system is antequated. Nobody I know participates. Nobody I know watches live television except for sports. People who watch commercials don’t own DVRs and I don’t know why advertisers think there dollars are being spent wisely toward an audience who hasn’t even joined the 21st century. They aren’t going to buy your product! I think product placement within shows is key now, and I also think that they should put chips in cable boxes, directv boxes, etc and activate them if the customer wants. Then I’d bet that more shows like Pan Am… Read more »
I love PanAm and I don’t think it is geared to anyone or any age in particular and this is what makes the show so great. I am in my late 20’s and i absolutely love the show. It’s got a great cast, great story lines, It always keeps your on your toes. I love the 60’s. I love the look, the clothes, the hair and that era. I look forward to watching this show every week. I will be very disappointed if this show gets cancelled. There already was one show I loved that got cancelled so please keep… Read more »
I am really enjoying Pan Am. I have not missed a show. Please ABC, do not cancel this show. If anything, market it more.
`PAN AM needs to stay it is a great show and my favorite show. It is the best show on ABC. On any network at that. Do not cancel!!!
I love it and it need’s to stay on the air…
I think this is a great show… I watch it every week. Unfortunately, I DVR it, as very rarely do we watch TV live anymore.
The latest episode did away with those much-maligned flashbacks, thank goodness, but I can’t help but think it’s too little, too late.
I agree 100%. It lost momentum! It’s ABC’s own fault.
On for a few…, Off for a few
It’s a great show. I hope it stays.
It’s ABC’s own fault. They played the show every week, then they took it off for a few weeks, then they put it on again in December, and then took it off until Jan. 8. It lost momentum as it had a week where the ratings went up, then the show wasn’t on for a few weeks. The show’s fantastic and I hope they give it a chance. Maybe a mid-week time slot, around 9:00. Remember, the shows geared to those who remember the early 60’s and they’re all in bed on a Sunday night at 10:00 ready to go… Read more »
the show is excellent…..but it had a low start and after the first couple of episodes I stopped watching. Then I was doing some paper work and had Pan Am PVRed and put it on with nothing better to watch and WOW it was getting better and better and now I love it. But, sad to say I think that they will announce that they have cancelled it. It is too bad that the first few episodes didn’t have more punch.
Now as for another viable day for Pan Am. Monday at 8 wouldn’t be too bad if you think about it. On CBS all you have is “How I met your mother and 2 Broke Girls”, ABC doesn’t really need a two hour long episode of “The Bachelor” that’s just ridiculous. I don’t know what’s on NBC at that time normally but I don’t think it’s much. So I do not see where there would be much in the way to stop viewers from watching. Sunday is a hard time for television shows, people want to come home and relax… Read more »