Why wasn’t Pitch a home run? Recently, executive producer Kevin Falls spoke with Entertainment Weekly about the struggling FOX TV series.
The sports drama, which follows the first female player for a Major League Baseball team, stars Kylie Bunbury, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Ali Larter, Mark Consuelo, Dan Lauria, Mo McRae, Meagan Holder, and Tim Jo.
During the show’s brief first season, it notably struggled in the ratings. Over the course of 10 episodes, the series earned an average rating of .83 in the 18-49 demo and only 3.032 million viewers—low for a primetime network drama.
When asked about the low ratings, Falls said it might have something to do with baseball fans not wanting a woman at the center of the show:
That’s a good question. I wonder if people thought — I mean, if people who are baseball fans, thought, “Well, I don’t believe that they would be able to throw a baseball, I don’t believe a woman can be a starter in the major leagues,” if those people didn’t show up or if people thought it was going to be a show about sports, people who don’t follow baseball or sports thought it was going to be a sports show, or they checked out the novelty in the pilot. I don’t know, it’s confounded us because I think we have like a 93 percent Rotten Tomatoes [score]; most of the views of the pilot were extremely positive. We feel, and I know that the studio and network feel, like we delivered as a series creatively and we have a baseline of fans that really are not necessarily a strong wide viewing fan base, but they always come back and we get the +3s and +7s, they always kind of end up being the same number. The question is whether you can build on that number and we were hoping that we could. We certainly would’ve loved a different spot on the schedule, but that’s [something] every show can say that’s struggled, so I wish everything was better. But honestly, I don’t know, because between the critical reviews and the content and quality of the show, I don’t know. We struggle with that because we are so happy with the show.”
While FOX has still not announced whether Pitch will have a second season, Falls is hopeful:
I realize the numbers are what they are and it could end up being the final factor, but I do know that even as early as last week, there were discussions about putting it on in the summer. I know that there’s been no final decision made on the show, that they have a love for it a great deal. So we will see what happens.”
What do you think? Did you watch season one of Pitch? Why do you think the show didn’t catch on with many viewers?
People are tired of being spoon fed man hating propaganda. Saying words like “mansplaining” makes you a sexist *****. Not edgy.
I like the show and would love to see it renewed. I think it’s well done and certainly not pure sci fi! I’d prefer to see them emphasize the game a bit more though. Some episodes don’t include any action on the playing field.
“Pitch” sadly, is another one of those shows that’s had critical acclaim but zilch popularity. It’s too sophisticated for the least common denominator.
My husband and I both like the show. It asks an audience to suspend disbelief more than some others, but it is worth the effort. It may need some tweaking but is essentially solid in all production qualities. Hope it is renewed.
I wonder if anyone else here is tired of worthymagic chanting about ratings all the time. I’ve seen some shows with good writing/acting and have low rantings. Low rantings doesn’t always equal bad show the other factors sometimes.
A week lead in and being scheduled against actual sports on Thursday night damaged the ratings.
I hope Fox will bring it back on a different night next fall, Put it where Scream Queens is now and it will take off.
The lead actress is weak. Needed a stronger actress not a first timer. That is the main reason the show has low ratings. But, the supporting cast is very good.
She has been on a few other things. How do you know that the reason of low ratings just on her whatever
I definitely agree that they should air re-runs in the summer! I was wondering if the time of year for the actual baseball season had something to do with its viewership. They may have shifted into football mode rather than care to watch a baseball series. They may pick up more viewers if they run it again in the summer.
My husband and I fell in love with the show after discovering it one night. He is a huge baseball fan and was fascinated by Ginny and how she made it to the Majors. I am not a baseball fan, but loved the characters and story. Please give it another year and more advertising. I think it’s charm will catch on with more viewers once they have given the show a chance. People just need the opportunity to find it.
baseball fans not wanting a woman at the center of the show -the sexism card? really? if they are playing that card then they have ABSOLUTELY NO CLUE as to why the show failed and THAT is why is failed, they have no clue
I think it’s a fabulous show! It’s one of the best shows to come along in a long time! I’m going to be VERY disappointed if it’s not renewed for another season. I’m already, addicted to it, and can’t wait to see what the new season has in store. The writing is awesome, with stellar acting!
Pleeeeease! Don’t cancel this show.
I thought it was one of the best shows ever! I want more! The characters and storyline were so rich! The time spent developing them made my loyalty soar and engaged me as I was eager for the next episode! I discovered it on Hulu and then tuned in weekly! Maybe Hulu and Netflix would take it on if Fox isn’t willing to continue. I suspect viewers on those are more discerning of quality as they binge watch shows! I read very few negative comments. I suspect most were ADD and easily get bored and comment negatively due to an… Read more »
I thought the series was fantastic well written and well acted I hope they will do another season
You mean because it was a lousy show that nobody was watching? With lousy ratings? It will eventually be cancelled or sold to Amazon or Netflix.
We watched maybe half the season and it bored us to tears. It wasn’t BAD–just not worth the time.