This evening, fans of ABC’s Revenge may be in for a surprise. The freshman drama has been replaced by an ABC special with a similar name — Revenge for Real. That’s no doubt the network’s attempt to attract regular viewers to watch a news special. So, has the real Revenge been cancelled? When will it be back?
For those who aren’t familiar with the TV series, Revenge revolves around Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp), a young woman who comes to the Hamptons with a secret agenda; to exact vengeance on the wealthy people who ruined her family’s life and reputation. The drama also features the talents of Ashley Madekwe, Christa B. Allen, Connor Paolo, Gabriel Mann, Henry Czerny, Joshua Bowman, Madeleine Stowe, and Nick Wechsler.
Revenge debuted to a healthy 3.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 10.0 million total viewers. Week two saw the all-important demo fall 18% and week three dropped another 11%. Over the next several weeks, the ratings rose and fell, dropping as low as a 2.1 demo rating.
The way things were going, it looked like Revenge might be heading for the cancellation pile — like so many failed ABC dramas that had come before it — but the numbers evened off and the show’s been averaging a healthy 2.5 in the demo in 2012. While the show isn’t a big ratings hit, it certainly isn’t a flop either. Revenge’s demo average is actually stronger than that of aging shows like Castle and Private Practice.
Unfortunately, ABC has now put the series on hiatus for four weeks — a bit of a scheduling gamble that could seriously hurt viewership.
ABC News’ Revenge for Real will take over for two weeks and then repeats of a new Thursday night drama, Missing, will fill the slot for two weeks after that. Revenge isn’t slated to return until April 4th. It’s unclear if that night will feature a repeat or one of the six remaining originals.
The way things stand right now, it looks like a sure bet that Revenge will be renewed for a second season. Hopefully, enough viewers will return to watch the show after the hiatus so the ratings don’t drop and put the series’ future in jeopardy.
UPDATE: Revenge will now return on April 11th with a recap show. An original regular episode will air on April 18th and the finale will run on May 23rd.
What do you think? Will this hiatus cause the ratings to drop or do you think Revenge is assured of a season two renewal?
Image courtesy ABC.
I love this show. Wednesday night is reserved for Revenge. Guessing who, what, and when things will happen is great. Please, please, please don’t cancel this show. Thanks
Typical news based network, instead of trying to be consistent and build viewers, they hide behind a stupid documentary that tries to play off the series name that is cheaper to produce. The network heads don”t care about entertainment and never asked viewers what they wanted.
100% right
I was really looking forward to tonight’s episode of Revenge, and I am annoyed that it has been suspended for several weeks without viewer notification. I enjoy the “escape” of the program. How will we know when to watch again?
Well, it seems like the ABC people do not want viewers again. They have a GREAT program then they start bumping the program to the point that we, the viewers did not know when it would be on. They had a good thing going and then they take it away. Sorry for ABC they are blowing it. I did not watch many abc programs until Desparate housewives and brothers and sisters. I might add, they did the same thing to these two programs and that is the reason their viewership dwindles down. Maybe another nertwork will pick up all the… Read more »
I was extremely disappointed that ABC’S Revenge is being replaced by the news program. I think it was deceitful to name the replacement the same name to gey people to watch. I turned it off and will be even more upset if the original Revenge gets cancelled.
Please bring Revenge back. This other show Revenge for Real is so boring. Who cares
This is a disapointment and it will definatly hurt the shows ratings. I do not understand the point in not airing the show for a whole month. I may get used to not watching and just forget about the show!
I agree I think it was a mistake to put it on hold and really without notification. You need to bring it back. My husband has even ask what happened! Bring it back!
My husband and I love Revenge and look forward each week for Wed night and Revenge to come on. Please do not cancel this show. We know quite a few people that watch the show. it is one of the best of the season. We will be back on April 4th to see, we hope, another original show. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. We are sure you will renew for a second season.
My husband and I love the show………Almost every one we know also loves it.
When we get together with friends and family we always discuss the last one and try to figure out what will happen next.
Great series. Dont cancel a good thing.
Are you nuts!This is my favorite show.Waiting a month isnt going to help ratings
My husband and I love Revenge. We hate Wed night when it is not on. I think the viewers would be up if we always knew when it was going to be on. Seems like we watch a few new episodes, then it disappears or there are only re-runs, then you have to remember to watch on the start up date. I have many friends who are hooked on the show. It just seems like your schedule sabotages the show. Hurry and get it back on the aire.
ABC looses viewers when they put a show on hold. Look at LOST. Everyone lost interest after it being off. If ABC isn’t killing people off for rating,s which is just plain stupid and so predictable, they go on on break and loose viewers. I’ll move over to CBS. ABC needs to get new minds in thier decion makers.
The “Revenge For Real” is just as stupid as any other dopey reality show
which are not watched in our house.
Put “Revenge” with Emily back on tv.
It is a fun show, just entertaining as is.
Revenge has a loyal audience that will stick with it. Carry on!
I am VERY UPSET!! I thoroughly enjoy “Revenge” and will not watch the replacement shows. This is a good show and you want to cancel it!! That’s ridiculous. You start a good show like this one then you just drop it. They don’t have a chance. Then you replace them with some reality show or some other stupid show.
Revenge For Real is a waste of my time and I want REVENGE for taking a good evening soap off the air. Quit playing around with your audience and put the original back on ASAP!