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.
 Loading ... |
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 really like the show and hope it will return for a 4th season.
Love the show, true entertainment, true life! My feeling is we need more of this type of programming on tv, let’s see it continue!
I love this show! Every time I really get into a show, it gets cancelled! Keep it on! People can really relate to this one.
Definitely renew!! The fact that this show airs a 10 on Tuesday nights is probably the reason the ratings are down; that is rather late for people who have to get up early for work and school. This really is a great show. Funny, genuine, and quirky. It has a wonderful message and a lovely portrayal of the up’s and down’s of family love. A solid 10- amazing compared to most of the crap on TV these days.
My favorite show. Very smart writers and very talented cast.
Please don’t cancel!
Please don’t cancel this amazing show. Can’t wait for a fourth season. It’s one of my most favorite tv shows! you guys have no idea how many people all over the world are watching these shows online!
eva (austria)
I love this show and have brought in more viewers.
If ratings are low, maybe a new time slot is worth trying.
If not…I will cry. It is my all time favorite family show. So real,
situations that we can all relate to….and a fabulous cast.
I love it. I make purchases based on advertisers.
Love it. Renew!
Must have season 4. I watch nearly nothing on tv. Don’t need another lawyer or cop show or nothing. Good family day-to-day feel-good stuff is good enough for me.
Please, please renew Parenthood!! It’s my favorite show on TV, and something that the whole family can watch!!
My favorite show!!! Please don’t cancel. Perhaps a different time slot??? There has to be a reason people wouldn’t watch such a great family show.
Parenthood is one of the best shows on TV. I find it hard to believe NBC would cancel a show of that quality and leave on some of the absolute horrible shows they are now showing. How did the network at one time had shows like Cheers and Sienfiel and Fraiser get so far off track. Do the excutives at NBC actually think respondible viewers would rater watch Grimm than Parenthood.
Love this show. There is nothing else like it on TV. Anyone growing up in the 60’s and 70’s can relate to the adult sibling relationship and how it all works with the parents. Keep it on!!!