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.
I just finished watching the season finale on hulu and was thrilled that it didn’t leave us hanging, but feared because of that it might not be returning. So googled it and found this link. I pray that this show continues. It is one of only two programs I watch. I too have a child with Aspergers and this show represents it perfectly. I believe it is making people more aware of a very real and invisible disability. I just think the producers are doing an amazing job and the actors are fabulous! Please keep this show coming back. I… Read more »
I love this show please don’t cancel. How more real life can a show be? I have an autism spectrum disorder child and I can truly relate and a screwed up family that models this show so much. Leave it please…
I’m so disappointed to learn that it might be cancelled. No, please don’t cancel, NBC! It’s a great show.
its on my top 5 list for i dont miss a show then i buy the dvd im 57 yrs old and love this show its family
I have been checking my DVR for the latest episode every week and am disappointed that there have been no new episodes. I have very few shows that I watch regularly but this was one. I think it’s great. I love all the different issues that each of the characters is having to deal with. It is incredibly entertaining and much better than any reality show. I hope it is renewed for many more seasons.
Love this show, keep it on
I beg NBC, please don’t take this show away. It’s the most normal, enjoyable, real show on now. It would be a shame to take it away. There are so many fans!
please come back for a 4th season!!!! i love parenthood!!!! it is amazing!!!!
The story lines are so engaging with a great mix of funny, touching, honesty. The characters well-defined and very believable. I want MORE. We need shows that are non-violent, with really compelling situations that you care about and look forward to seeing how they deal with them. I am eager to pick up where the camera pulled back and left us with the worry that they were tieing up loose ends and closing for good. PLEASE Bring us a new season to enjoy. PLEASE!!! Carol in nyc
I love Parenthood. I’ve been looking all over for it. I miss it!! I love all the characters. I agree with everything that Jamie said and couldn’t have said it better. Please bring the program back very soon.
Keep parenthood on TV! This is a wonderful show. Smart, bright cast about real life. Not many shows out there like this one! DO NOT CANCEL!
Parenthood is one of the best shows on TV for my age group. Please don’t get rid of such a great show!
Parenthood is great. The cast is awesome and the story lines are real life. lease keep the Braverman family going.
Yeah! I so miss it. Please renew this show!
This show is so fantastic!! I love the cast, the characters are so realistic and fun! Pleeeeeeease don’t cancel this show! It only proves the lower intelligence of the masses who would rather watch a moronic reality show like Jersey Shores to something deeper like Parenthood….i really love the show and hope that it stays on for years to come!