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 The freshman drama has been replaced by an ABC special with a similar name — Revenge for Real.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 and look forward to watching the next series. I do not like watching reruns since this show keeps you guessing and I want to know the rest of the show.
I love this show. It always leaves you with wanting more. I think it would get better ratings if it had a better timeslot. No, please do not cancel!
disappointed ‘revenge’ is not on. i will come back apr 4th. not interested in ‘revenge for real’.
DO NOT CANCEL THIS PROGRAM. Just like Dynasty it took until season two for it to take off and become a #1 show.
Nothing but positive comments about this show? Hmm… What does that say??? Bring it back! Should of NEVER stopped it… Not even for the 4 weeks! #REVENGE
I am hooked on Revenge. Love the show….and can’t wait to see more. Please bring it back.
Asley Jud? The show is the same as a movie she made long time ago. She is old and Revenge viewers are not interested in old ladies. At least I am not.
I also love this show…its a lot better than most shows…
revenge is one of the few shows i care for besides suburbatory, wed is my night to watch my shows and im am always so excited that day because i see 9pm get closer and then i have been seeing revenge for real? i didnt even stay to watch it.. i shut off my tv in discust! wth is going on! revenge should not be replaced by something like that.. there are so many fans out there! i mean isnt 10.0 mil enough for everyone? bring it back! please!
It’s a wonderful new show and I look forward to Wednesday nights. I’m just upset that I have to wait another four weeks before seeing it again.
I watched the series in a hit or miss fashion until the last few months of episodes and then I was hooked. Like “Twin Peaks” and “Lost” I became hopelessly addicted and could not get enough of watching ALL episodes! I can’t wait for the start of the new season!!!!!
bring back my favorite show on TV. For pete’s sake. Make sure Sanada is on regularly. He’s worth watching.
its a great show. i look forward to it every week. please don’t cancel & bring back for another season!!!
Love! Love this show! Hate the hiatus though but I will wait patiently for it to start again.
REVENGE IS MY FAVORITE SHOW! I LOOK FORWARD TO WEDNESDAY NIGHTS. REVENGE IS THE NEW “DALLAS.” PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL!!! WE ARE WAITING FOR THE NEXT EPISODE!!! DONT LEAVE US HANGING!!