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 The freshman drama has been replaced by an ABC special with a similar name — Revenge for Real.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 have been so infuriated over the inconsistent scheduling of Revenge, that I wrote the President of ABC Entertainment. The next original show will not air until April 18. it’s almost as if the network is doing everything it can to make the show fail. My gut feeling is that the show must have originated under the former ABC president’s regime and the new one wants the project to fail so his team can promote their ideas. I’m within the target demographic and am very insulted by the network’s disrespect of the show’s fan base.
Real Revenge has to go BIG TIME. This is absolutely boring. Revenge on the other hand, has to stay. Promote the series more and you’ll see the rating got up. I love it so much and I haven’t missed one episode.
Love the show. Interesting, intriguing, caught my attention. Very DISAPPOINTED with the re-runs, the hiatus. So sad the network playing games.
Love Revenge !!
Please keep it going !!
Replacement shows don’t make it !!
I love the show. The one they put on to replace stinks. Bring back the original. Emily has more work to do lol
No news is bad news. No explanation is inexcusable.
ABC is risking loss of views to other networks.
I miss Revenge! I need to know what is happening next with the characters that I have connected to–does Emily really love Daniel? Will Daniel get out of prison. Who killed Tyler? etc. Put it back on. Revenge has a loyal following.
I hope ABC does not cancel our most favorite show Revenge. My husband and I love it. Good story, very good acting. We were looking forward for Wednesdays nights. Please do not replace Revenge. I am still struggling with All My Children replacement with Chew!
It is so frustrating to look forward to my favorite show, in this case Revenge, then have it replaced by some awful program. It’s even worse when the network does not let people know that the show will be replaced. I did not watch the replacements — after one minute I knew it was a waste of my time. Thanks for nothing, ABC!!
I hate it when the networks do this to us. It isn’t fair to the cast or the viewers. Revenge is one of the few good programs on ABC. I think the program is beng undermined and if it does cancel it will be a shame. I have seen the networks do this to many good shows. It isn’t right.
Revenge is the best show on abc! Why would they even think about canceling!
I understand shy networks but some shows on hiatus but it’s annoying when you aren’t aware that this is going to happen and don’t know when it’s going to resume. It took me 15 minutes to find out. Love the show and hope it’s renewed for a second season.
I am so sick of the Networks taking off good shows!!!!! Revenge is probably the best show on ABC. Great writing, great cast, great show. If they don’t keep it on the iar, i will boycott this network for good.
I love Revenge. My favorite series. Please bring it back.
Jeri
Love Revenge! Do not like the replacement shows.