Tonight marks the season finale of NBC’s Parenthood. The ratings are down so will it end up being the series finale as well? Will the show be cancelled or return for a fourth season?
Parenthood debuted back in March of 2009 as a mid-season replacement series. The first season’s 13 episodes ended up averaging a 2.6 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 6.38 million total viewers. The show was on the bubble but ended up getting renewed.
NBC didnt wait until mid-season to bring it back and season two kicked off in September 2010. With a full 22 episode season, the show’s averages dropped to a 2.1 in the demo and 5.34 million. Parenthood was on the bubble once again but, once again, it ended up being renewed.
This season, the ratings have dropped once again. The third season of Parenthood (not including tonight’s numbers) have averaged a 1.9 in the demo with 5.13 million. Based on the lower numbers at the start of the season, NBC only ordered 18 installments this time around.
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Ordinarily, one would expect that Parenthood would be on the verge of cancellation once again. However, because the rest of NBC’s schedule is in such sorry shape, Parenthood’s ratings actually look pretty good by comparison.
Out of the 17 scripted programs that have aired on NBC this season, Parenthood has the sixth highest demo ratings, beating out shows like Community, Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, and Grimm. On our NBC ratings report card, Parenthood registers a firm “B.”
Based on the season numbers and the fact that Parenthood is co-produced by Universal Television, NBC’s own production company, it’s almost guaranteed to be back for a fourth season.
But, what do you think? Do you think Parenthood should be renewed or cancelled? How long should the series reasonably continue?
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Parenthood is one of the best shows out there. It is my one show I look forward to. It is a show that covers good and bad without being raunchy but is up to date. Please don’t cancel this show.
PLEASE..don’t cancel PARENTHOOD! This is one of the best shows on tv. I am so sick of reality shows. This show is outstanding. Well written, acted and delightful to watch. I think it needs an earlier time slot and perhaps a different day. But don’t tinker with something great NBC. The rest of your shows are unforgetable….stay with a true winner and forget the demographics. People are watching Parenthood!!!
Great show. Awful time-slot. I am not sure who thought that it was a good idea for it to air at 10pm EST; the show would do much better at 9pm. Everyone I know that loves the show (and I have several friends that do) has to record it on the DVR because it is on too late.
I just love this show – one of my all-time favorites and one of the few network shows I watch. The season finale had me in tears. Please don’t cancel it.
I love parenthood! do not cancel please!
I love Parenthood is a show that my husband and I watch together and we really enjoy it!
Please don’t cancel this show – there are so very few really good ones left!
Please renew Parenthood. It’s the best family show on TV. It’s well written, directed and produced; and the acting is superb. I love the way it conveys thoughts, feelings, etc. in a very subtle way. It touches the heart. You don’t have to be a parent to appreciate the quality of this show.
Do not cancel Parenthood! It is the only intelligent “non-reality” show out there that is not a sit-com! Adults are tiring of reality shows!
PLEASE renew Parenthood!!!! I LOVE this show!!! Best drama in ages!!
Love the show never miss it but maybe they should consider moving to a new
day there is too much to compete with on Tuesday to get great ratings
Renew if the title is changed to ‘Relationships’ and 86 ‘Parenthood’. Now like with Crosby and Jasimine, the whole thing with Julia and the adoption, and Sarah with her ex husband and wondering if she should have a baby with the guy from the event, these are all relationships and it’s not just parenthood. Obviosuly this isn’t gonna happen, but I think a few people will see my point.
I love it please dont cancel it
Best show on tv next to 30 rock. Acting and writing are amazing
Please don’t cancel Parenthood. It is simply one of the best family dramas.