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.
Please keep the show! My husband and I love it!!! It’s the only show we watch together and love. It’s realistic unlike so many others…real life.
Keep the show!! My whole household loves it!
This is the only show my husband and I sit down and watch together. It has fantastic writers and actors. I can’t say enough good things about it. We look forward to it each week!
Love this show! One of the best shows on television these days! Am looking forward to another season.
My dad and I ,ade Tuesday night 10pm a tradition. Awesome show that i recommend to everyone. DONT CANCEL!
I am a teenager and this show is amazing!
It appeals to ALL age ranges. Its fun and appropriate!
I am sick of watching crap shows with sex and parties all the time!
Keep wholesome shows on the air!!
LOVE this show- I want to be a Braverman. PLEASE DON’T cancel one of the few decent shows left.
Please, please renew this show! We absolutely love it! I don’t understand how silly shows like Hart of Dixie & reality shows are renewed time & time again, especially with the over-saturated reality show market & great family shows like this are questioned by the broadcasts. Please keep it!
I just started watching this show as a recommendation from a friend. We have two children with autism and it’s really refreshing to see a show tackle an issue such as autism. It’s a bit fluffy at times, but I really appreciate the fact that they are willing to face a challenging issue that so many families are living with daily. I really have enjoyed this show and hope to see a 4th season.
How can the ratings be low???? This series rocks!!!! There is something for everyone here. I have watched this show from day one, haven’t missed a single episode and if they cancel this show I’ll be lost. So happy Jasmine and Crosby finally got back together, but am sad Julia and Joel didn’t get their baby. Want to be entertained, WATCH PARENTHOOD, keep this show on the air please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love this show. We have watched from the very beginning and love it. One of the best on TV!
I didn’t even know about the show. But I thought it was very well done. Perhaps part of the problem is that it wasn’t well promoted.
Love it, love it, love it. You feel so related to the Bravermans…they could be any of our families, not any Hamptons’ richies or polititians. Especially for us with kids, it gives some pointers on how to raise them. The way they’re dealing with Max’ Asperger is brilliant and educational. Real problems, real emotions, real lifes.
This is a great show-
Maybe they should try a different time slot?
I think so many people would love it!
Reminds me of thirty something– a decade later—
Lisa
I only watch a few TV shows and Parenthood is a series that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I hope it is back next year. Soooooooooooo tired of the stupid reality programs. Most all of them are a total waste of time.