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 have it with these networks canceling good shows. What rates do they need to keep a good show on, American Idol ratings??? Cause that is insane, not everyone in the country is going to like the same thing but if it’s getting good rating leave it alone, it is just greedy on their end. And it might be helpful if you don’t stop running it mid-way then bring it back & then keep changeing the day & time it is on, thats just poor judgement. And when they cancel it they replace it with crap!!! They canceled Third Watch,… Read more »
They should put the show back on because i love it so if you take it off i will be very mad so if it’s cancelled i will make myself not graduate from high school
I agree this is one of the best shows on television. Real writing, great actors- love the entire concept. It would be crazy of this show was cancelled!
pls —–parenthood is a billiant show !—- the cast is part of our family ——
all of our friends feel its the best tv series —–pls bring it back —-the ratings will get better——it is so typical of todays “middle america”
thank you
This show is great, very well written around family in general. I am African American and i see so many things in this show that remind me of my family good and bad. Also, the things they deal with on this show are so now and current, real family life lessons. NBC reaches every year to find a show that grabs on to people. This show is it.
OMG! I love this show! I hope it comes back! I have to dvr the episodes because of my work schedule and I watch them constantly! Please bring it back!
Love this show!!! I will be so upset if it get canceled!! Please bring it back!!!!!!!
Best show on TV, hands down!
Great show! The only show I’ve consistently watched since Dallas. I agree with the commentary – it deals with real life situations, in a fresh and meaningful way. I would be sad to it cancelled.
LOVE, LOVE this show!! In my opinion it is the best show on TV!! I would be devastated if it got canceled. My husband loves it too. Awesome cast, great writing and you can really relate to the stories. Sometimes I feel like I am watching my own life! Please renew it!!!
It’s like a good book; I can’t wait to get back to it every week, and I miss it all week. I agree that this show is “welcome to my world.” There are so few quality shows for and about the family. We really need this one. Please!
Love the show, it’s real family situations. And nothing out there compares. Please keep it!
Parenthood is not only a show that depicts real family issues but ideal relationships that we all strive for as parents raising our children. No one family is ever perfect, nor should it be, however, this show gives us hope that we can raise our children to love one another and be there for each other, even if they have different priorities, desires or needs. This show gives us that each and every week. It helps me re-evaluate my relationships and helps me appreciate what I have and strive to make better the things I can.
We love the show, it is the most realistic program on television with something that all can relate to. Please keep it, as it truly is the best!
Best show. I’d be heartbroken!!! Please keep it!!