Last season, Person of Interest moved to Tuesday nights and lost Taraji P. Henson. The show also lost a lot in the ratings. Will the numbers continue to fall or will they rise with a new lead-in? Is it essentially guaranteed to be renewed for a fifth season by CBS (because of syndication) or, could it be cancelled? Stay tuned.
On Person of Interest, a presumed dead former-CIA agent (Jim Caviezel) and a mysterious billionaire (Michael Emerson) work together to prevent violent crimes in New York City. The rest of the cast includes Kevin Chapman, Sarah Shahi, and Amy Acker.
The ratings are typically the best indication of a show’s likelihood of staying on the air. The higher the ratings (particularly the 18-49 demo), the better the chances for survival. This chart will be updated as new ratings data becomes available — usually the next day, around 11:30am EST/8:30am PST. Refresh to see the latest.
5/11 update: Person of Interest has been renewed for a fifth season on CBS. Will it be the end?
Final season averages: 1.53 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 9.42 million total viewers.
Note: If you’re not seeing the updated chart, please try reloading the page or view it here.
Due to a Nielsen glitch, some of the early ratings of the 2014-15 season were revised a few weeks later.
For comparisons: The third season of Person of Interest averaged a 2.0 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 11.83 million total viewers.
Note: Note: These are the Live + Same Day Ratings which include “live” viewing plus delayed DVR viewing, up until 3am local time that same night. Ratings marked with an “*” are the fast affiliate ratings and will be updated with the Live+SD numbers when they are made available. Typically, networks get paid for C+3 ratings which includes DVR viewing within three days of the original airing when commercials are watched. Those numbers are rarely released to the press.
What do you think? Do you still like the Person of Interest TV series? Do you think it should be cancelled or be renewed for a fifth season?
We probably watched it last night for the last time. The original plot to the series was great but this “Samaritan” baloney is sorry to say but boring garbage. Whoever is writing the show lost it after the second season. The killing off of Taraji Henson was almost catastrophic to me. The new people like Shaw was a good addition, Root is a waste of time and film. We do not like the way the show is going which is sad because Michael Emerson and Jim Caviezel work well together and Kevin Chapman adds the right edge. The story lines… Read more »
I LOVE THIS SHOW! I’ve watched since the beginning and haven’t stopped. I look forward to each episode every week. I make time in my schedule to watch it. I don’t have a DVR or TIVO, so I watch it at the regular time. The show is great. It is the only show I stay up to watch even though that means going to be at 11:15pm. Can’t say enough good things about the show. For Christmas, I asked for a “Person of Interest T-shirt”.
There is little discussion of characters, actors, episodes, story developments or ideas for the future. The lack of publicity is confounding.
Becoming a “television nonentity” cannot be good for Person of Interest and those affiliated with the show. Unfortunately, the drama seems to be exhibiting signs of rigor mortis, and is a far cry from the glorious ratings once earned.
A tragically disappointing reality, understanding things did not have to evolve this way, must be acknowledged.
Ehh..the shows become average and predictable. The ratings are right for the quality that’s being put out. I wouldn’t be surprised if they get the ax.
IMO the first two seasons, POI was a procedural with a back story, now it has become more of a night time soap opera, excuse me, serialized drama. lots of interwoven stories, nothing if anything is resolved from week to week, lots of interpersonal drama, etc etc, the hall marks of a soap opera, i.e. grey’s, scandal, dallas. So if soaps are not your thing, then you don’t like the changes, it’s as simple as that.
That soap-enjoyment factor indicator needs some fine-tuning, since I can tell by my example that I don’t enjoy the type of shows you’ve listed, but I do enjoy POI. I can see where you coming from though, but I base that mostly on my experiences with procedurals. I usually prefer to watch procedurals (and started watching POI as such) and I’ve noticed that at some point they start to get um, personal – somebody’s half-brother turns up or there are some other family issues etc. Usually those things get resolved over the episode (since it miraculously ties into / carries… Read more »
so basically to sum up what you said POI is a sorta kinda soap opera maybe. all the same. you say potato, I say potahto.
It’s telling that you equate character/story development with gratuitous revelations. However, that was obvious from your original post too. So no surprises there.
I love person of interest, I have been a fan since day one. As far as changes I am ok with them it’s no different then what life throws us every day. I look forward to watching the show every Tuesday even though I TiVo it. It seems to have more twist and turns this season.
There is no harm in representing a minority opinion. May you continue to enjoy your show. It might be prudent to encourage your friends and neighbors to watch also. Numbers count.
Regardless of the opinions, back and forth banter, passive aggressive opining and ongoing disagreements about Person of Interest, the majority of those whose standpoints matter MOST continue to express their positions by choosing not to watch the drama. The ratings clearly emphasize the deterioration of a fan base, once considerably greater. Sadly, Person of Interest LOST many fans and has not been able to garner the attention of potential fans. It is also in danger of hemorrhaging current fans, as indicated by declining viewership numbers. Clearly, nothing can be done to remedy the unfortunate situation, predicated upon the assumption writers… Read more »
!!! Correction of spelling to irrelevant in above final paragraph.
I have watched person of interest since Season 1. I don’t agree with some of the changes, nor the death of Joss. But I have continued to watch it and I think this Season the show is improving. Adding Elias is a plus. I also agree with Eva and Chuck, stop with all the
“intellectual?” negativity.
People have a right to their own opinions, positive or negative and a right to share them. I prefer discussions of Person of Interest that include both the positive and negative opinions. Person of Interest is not perfect and fans have a right to point that out IMO.
You write that you yourself prefer discussions that include both positive and negative opinions but this thread is geared towards the negative and the only „acceptable” positive opinions are those that refer to the POI before Carter was killed. That doesn’t allow for much discussion and most everyone that isn’t just chiming in that before POI was gold and now it’s … something else, gets shot down. I suppose most fans of the current POI (even if they happen to see this thread) recognized that exclusive negativity sooner and didn’t bother posting (but it still makes me happy that there… Read more »
It is not that I don’t like Person of Interest, I am just tired of fans of the current version of Person of Interest acting like people who preferred the more procedural version of Person of Interest and the original core four do not have the right to share their disappointment with the death of Carter and the massive changes after her untimely death. I think Carter makes more sense in the season four version of Person of Interest than Lionel Fusco. It is not simply bashing or negative to have a different of opinion and I would like to… Read more »
Em, I thought I’ve been pretty explicit about the enjoyment of a show being subjective and that I don’t doubt the validity of other people’s opinions even if they are contrary to mine. What I’ve observed however is that this freedom of opinions and expression extends on this tread only to those who bash POI. As you’ve pointed out everyone is allowed to do so but why theorize that I don’t respect other people’s opinions when I exercise my freedom to disagree and express an opinion that’s favorable to POI. But I saw from your post that you acknowledge that… Read more »
@ Katy
Not sure what your intent is with the emphasis on “intellectual?” negativity. Sounds like a slight to some great writers on this board. There’s a lot of people writing comments that I have enjoyed reading because their comments present a valid argument for why they are disappointed with the show. You may not like some of the comments, but people have the freedom to express their like or displeasure over your cyber foot stomping and telling them to stop.
I’ve watched this show since day one and I’m happy they are trying to recapture the early season’s so far season 4 has been a huge improvement on season 3 there were a number of problems with season 3 : Changing the regular time slot to different night and later time caused damage. Bringing two new Female Characters in as regulars this will cause resentment when you go and kill off an established and liked character. There was Way to much Shaw in season 3 that the character was been forced down viewers throats they should have kept her as… Read more »
I’m not surprised with the shows ratings considering all the changes that’s been made. I am, however, disappointed that no one is trying to fix it. Nolan should have been a better asset for the show. Instead, he turned out to be a weak link with all the bad decision making that directly sabotaged the evolution of the story. They have Caviezel and Emerson, and they are wasting them (just like they did with Taraji). Do they even know what their acting range is? They are great. And why have Jim whispering in a tone that is sometimes barely audible?… Read more »
Agreed. And sadly, I think they *are* making some attempts to “mend fences” with the viewers, but it’s too little, too late. The many (many) call-backs to earlier seasons, the renewed emphasis on Elias (who was a very popular bad guy) – they feel like attempts at damage control. Unfortunately, they are failing, because the Power that Be have, as you said, never understood why people were watching the show in the first place. It’s About Finch and Reese, and Ordinary People. (People like you …) That’s what the viewers bought in to — the uneasy, evolving friendship between these… Read more »
+1 @caseym
Exactly. These show-runners need to be fired. I can’t believe how badly they’ve sabatoged themselves. Nolan and Plageman remind me of people I’ve worked with who can come up with a good idea, but doesn’t have the imagination to keep the idea going in a positive and productive way. They also need to mature up. Trying to turn this show into an iteration of Batman is one of the many things that have damaged it. If I ever see another show or movie with their names attached to you–I will most assuredly skip it.
I love Person of Interest and despite the changes, I still look forward to seeing it every week! I want to see it renewed for another season. We are losing too many good shows!
I think this is by far the best story arc yet. There’s a real threat to the team now. Where before they were like omniscient demigods, they now are hunted by a ruthless organization with unlimited resources, and a machine that would have been as good as their own if they hadn’t modified some of its hardware.
Eliminating Joss had to be done to show that they’re not infallible, and the show is better for it IMO.
“Eliminating Joss had to be done to show that they’re not infallible, and the show is better for it IMO.” No, it didn’t have to be done. It was only done to eliminate the actress from the show for Nolan’s inclusion of the actresses that he actually wanted. If this show wanted to truly invest in infallibility amongst its characters; then some others would have bit the bullet by now. Also, if the show is so much better without her then why have the ratings consistently taken a downturn since her departure? Carter’s death, plot 180’s, and undesirable characters is… Read more »
I don’t understand why Joss Carter had to killed off? Why not Fusco or Reese?
She was killed because Nolan implemented a plan of negative effect than ran arbitrary to natural story evolution. He placed his wants above the practical in a could vs should scenario which disregarded the actors work, the story that was evolving onscreen, and audience expectations. Had he adapted his story to maintain success; she would still be a core 4, and the show may have avoided the ratings downturn that it’s experiencing now. Nolan had all the right cards in place; but oddly decided to shuffle the deck and play a really bad hand. As far as Carter/Taraji. She’s a… Read more »
Strangely they seem more invulnerable now than they were before “The Crossing”. I found the shooting in the department store highly unrealistic and irresponsible.
They were never “omniscent demigods” both Elias and Root fooled them, Root kidnapped Finch, Donnelly arrested Reese and Stanton kidnapped and tortured Reese. The Brotherhood is derivative (The Wire 2.0, they even have Marlo!) and Samaritan is a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing imo.
One year since the death of Joss Carter on Person of Interest. Fans still miss her.
http://nat-wallace.kinja.com/one-year-later-fans-still-mourn-the-loss-of-joss-carter-1661717217
What a lovely tribute!
Beautiful indeed! Thanks for sharing it.
Seems strange everyone is talking about a character who has been off the show for a year and nobody ever has anything to say about any of the folks on the drama right now. Go figure? That might have something to do with the ratings. The ones who loved Joss Carter still care and say so, and not many other people watch the show, let alone express their feelings about it. Person of Interest has become “yawnworthy”.
It does not seem fair the ratings for Person of Interest have dropped more than 18% this season, and viewership has declined more than 16%. This incredibly well written and well directed drama averaged 2.9 in the coveted 18-49 demographic and 14.41 million viewers in its second season. For indeterminable reasons, by season three, the 18-49 demo rating dropped to 1.97 and the season viewership average was a bit lower….11.83 million, but sometimes people forget to watch really great programs or decide they do not like them anymore. There is absolutely no quantifiable explanation for why anyone would not watch… Read more »
To each its own, but I tuned out because: 1) The writing sucks. 2) The characters became a joke. 3) Shaw, Shaw, Shaw, Shaw, Shaw and Shaw. 4) The show turned into a bad comic. 5) The EP’s thinking they are “gods” 6) They even “copy” former story arcs and try to sell it as new (lazy writing) 7) The chemistry between the actors went missing. It’s all about Machines now. Stupid! 8) Only the Nolan “Cheerleader” are still watching this show and to them the Person of Interest World is without flaws (of course). Well i hope the show… Read more »
I disagree with all of your points. Seems different people experience and interpret the show in a different way. But expressing the desire for a shows cancellation in reply to a self-proclaimed diehard fan is not cool and it coincidentally makes the magnanimous “to each its own” and smiley you signed off with a seem kinda fake. Now, not just in reply to your post but as more general opinion: I’ve noticed also with a number of other posters that some people are lamenting the perceived downfall of the show and wish for the show to end (partly maybe as… Read more »
Television viewers are entitled to their opinions. You are not entitled to tell anyone what do do or how to think, and you certainly cannot open cases, close cases or judge and alter the perceptions of others. If you enjoy Person of Interest, good for you. Understand, however, there are many who do NOT, and there is no reason for them to change their ideas if they do not desire to do so. Person of Interest created its own discord. As long as the show exists, such discord will remain. If you do not wish to air negativity, more power… Read more »
So we agree that viewers are entitled to their opinions. Though if you think that wishing for a show that others clearly enjoy to get canceled is an example of the live and let live approach, then we’ll just have to disagree about that. Oh, and I don’t wish to change anybody’s opinions, nor force to anybody to reexamine their dislike. I’m just surprised that people take the time and expand the energy to “criticize” a show that (at least I’ve had the impression from their posts) they don’t even watch anymore or don’t enjoy. And the free will thing… Read more »
Well Eva it seems people by the continuing decline in the ratings that people are taking your advice to stop watching Person of Interest. If you love it so much, why are you threatened by fans, some former fans expressing negative opinions? Not everyone thinks Person of Interest is the best thing since the invention of color television and what concern is it of yours what people choose to do with their time?
I didn’t realize I overstepped any boundaries. Seems my pointing out that there are people who do enjoy the current incarnation of POI and why watch it if you don’t enjoy it is somehow less acceptable than former fans posting about how the show isn’t the same as in the first seasons and should be canceled. My bad, I didn’t consider the overall tone of the thread. Of course a post that doesn’t bemoan neither the loss Carter nor the advent of a less episodic structure is going to be interpreted by some people as defensive.
What if Jonah Nolan and Person of Interest writers had told their story differently, and Joss Carter and the Shaw character became friends who coexisted as they fought various wrongs in society? Instead of killing one character so another might flourish, the backstories and personalities of both could have been developed and maybe the drama would not have morphed into the disaster it is today.
Nevermind.
It doesn’t really matter now, does it?
Injustice is difficult to forget and impossible to comprehend.
Talk about a dog with a bone. It’s a TV show. It’ not real. It’s make believe…just like an honest politician.
I think you are attempting to make a point, Chuck. What that point may be remains a (Dog) bone of conjecture.
Anyhow, isn’t it interesting to learn Person of Interest fans have reconciled themselves to being regularly trounced by Chicago Fire, and rejoice at achieving a 1.6 in the 18-49 demographic?
That’s right. A “real 1.6.”
1.6 is a number that inspires relief rather than disappointment to Person of Interest writers and producers because it is higher than 1.5. Maybe it will adjust up?
Amazing how this “make believe” television show has turned into a” very real” ratings bummer.
it’s ratings bummer because it has gone from a procedural with a back story to a night time soap opera. oh excuse me, a serialized drama
Cassie…when I think of “injustice”….I think of “very real” human tragedy. Have a hard time applying that term to a TV show. I’m sorry but, when people are more consumed about the world of make believe than the rapidly deteriorating condition occurring in the real world…I worry…even more…for our future as a country. I watch TV (probably too much) for enjoyment. If I don’t like a show…or it takes a turn I don’t like…. I don’t watch it. That my point.