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 The freshman drama has been replaced by an ABC special with a similar name — Revenge for Real.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.
PLEASE BRING REVENGE BACK! I will not watch the “replacements” during the hiatus and neither will my family and friends who are fans. I don’t know who you are surveying. Everyone I know that started watching the show LOVES IT! GIVE THE SHOW A CHANCE!
Revenge is our getaway from our reality to someone else’s (Emily’s)real life-like problems with reality. It seems to be more believable than any of the other ‘reality’ shows currently still airing like Lost, The Bachelor, Survivor, etc..
It should continue to gather more viewers and become one of the top shows.
We all want this show back. what are you people thinking…there is no way it had bad ratings… at least 20 of my friends love this show..we all look forward to watching it…by the way none of us are watching revenge for real… poor substitute!!
Ok I really hate that I have to wait 4 weeks to see the best new show of the season. I too tape every episode so that I don’t miss one. Seriously “Revenge” for real isn’t even close to the real show. BRING IT BACK PLEASE
I have really missed watching Revenge. I can hardly wait for Thursday nights to roll around so I can watch Revenge. I don’t like the replacement revenge and I have never watched it and I won’t. There are way too many true crime shows on tv and frankly I’m sick of them. I hope that Revenge (the series) is renewed for a 2nd season. I know a lot of people that watch it that are loyal to it. I don’t know where all the figures come from in the “demographics” but they do not count all the loyal viewers.
Kill this show and I don’t watch any for that night on this station … who suggested
replacing this show should be replaced …. someone’s nephew?
My parents and I love this show. We get together each week and watch together. Bring it back. Its a great show.
Keep it please ABC – we love this show!
We love the show. Keep revenging!
Put it back on jeez!!!
MY FRIENDS, FAMILY AND COWORKERS ALL LOVE THIS SHOW. IT COULD BE ON A HOUR EARLEIR. I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT IT HAS BAD RATINGS. THE TIME SLOT IS JUST TOO LATE FOR WORKING PEOPLE. BUT THE SHOW IS THE BEST SHOW ON T.V. PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL REVENGE.
Was enjoying this show at this time slot feeling cheated now, not interested in Real Revenge
I really hope the series will retune for a season 2… I really love this show, and I know it’s getting big outside USA!!!!
Please make a season 2 🙂
Keep Revenge…I am not watching the replacement shows either. Why does the network have to mess around with the good shows!!! Put Revenge back on and SOON!!! PLEASE!!!
What is your real reason for the hiatus? You messed up this scheduling as usual.
I really like “revenge” I record the show so -I don’t miss any episode. I don’t like rvenge for real I want ” revenge” back. I’m sick of the so called reality tv, it sucks and it is far from real.)