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?
Image courtesy NBC.
My husband and I look forward to this show every week. It’s our favorite show. However, we DVR it and watch it the next night because it’s on late for us. I imagine a lot of people do this. I wonder if they factor DVR into the ratings somehow. I feel so many emotions when I watch this show. It has a great cast, great writing and great directing!! I hope this show is renewed for many more seasons.
Our favorite show, love it and hope it comes back!!!
If Parenthood cancelled, that means no more hairy sex symbols Peter Krause and Sam Jaeger? 🙁
Ratings are also being affected by people downloading and seeing the episodes online. There should be a new method for the company’s to see how well the shows are actually doing
This is a great show — my favorite. My friend and I watch it every week. Great ensemble cast and fabulous writing. I hope it continues for a long time! JB
It’s our fav. We’re dying to hear that Parenthood is being renewed!!
Marilyn and Bill
It’s my favorite show. I really hope they keep it going. Great cast, great writing. JMB
This is my favorite show in several years! It is very realistic, and people who watch it can actually learn how to relate to others in a caring family. Do not cancel this worthwhile show.
I LOVE this show! I wish they wouldn’t cancel it!!!!
PARENTHOOD is one of the BEST shows on TV! I will support the companies that place commercials in that slot…anything to keep that show going!!!!
I love this show! What a great cast as well as great story lines that keep me coming back every week. There is always so much emotion. Please don’t cancel it!!!!
I will be sooo upset if Parenthood is cancelled. It is my favorite show and look so forward to watching it every week. Everything on t.v. are crime shows or reality shows. This is about family and relationships and we can relate to so many of the eposides!! I know several people that watch this show. I hope they really rethink about cancelling this.
I just discovered this show on Hulu…and I LOVE IT! I have started watching the episodes from season 1. Please don’t cancel this show. It’s amazing.
Parenthood is an outstanding show!!! Stellar cast, interesting plots and wonderful directing. PLEASE keep it! I think the inconsistency of the episodes, the night it’s on and the competition on other networks have kept many from watching. With more publicity by the fine actors I think a broader audience could be found. Don’t cancel Parenthood!
Why are there so few episodes?
Gavin » That’s all the network chose to order this time around. They probably didn’t expect many of their new shows to do as poorly as they did.