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 The freshman drama has been replaced by an ABC special with a similar name — Revenge for Real.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?
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Image courtesy ABC.
Once again, ABC seems to be returning to their “formula” of creating a good show, then playing games with the schedule for a couple of seasons, complaining about how “the viewers” aren’t responding (perhaps because we can’t find it and/or so much time passes between episodes that we have a hard time remembering what actually happened last) and eventually killing it off just when it’s finally finding its footing. Way to go, ABC.
I absolutely love this show!. And I am in the 60- 65 age demographic…..I adore Emily Van Camp and Gabriel who plays Nolan.
I am anxiously awating this show to return.
Come back! We are waiting…..
So, the 4-Week “Hiatus” is now set to be 6 weeks long. We’ll have to wait and see if ABC sticks to its new 4/18 return date for Revenge. What is the story behind this? Where is your follow up ?
And what will ABC use to fill the two extra Wednesday night time slots? “Missing” is such a lame and disappointing show it would be a suprise to see it air for 4 original episodes – let alone 4 originals plus 4 repeats.
love the show hope it returns soon
I looked forward to Wednesday night just to see Revenge and when it was replaced without any warning, I was totally disappointed. Finally, a good series keeping your interest high and then ‘poof.’ gone. Every TV series has a beginning, a stoey and an end. For the powers that be to just decide to scrap Revenge SUCKS! Oh well … sour grapes.
ONE MORE COMMENT SINCE ONE MADE ABOUT THE WONDERFUL SHOW REVENGE….WATCHED THE TOUCH AND MISSING SERIES AND LOOKS LIKE SOME WRITERS ARE GETTING IT TOGETHER….HAVE MISSED 24 SINCE WENT OFF AND NOW SUTHERLAND BACK AND ASHLEY JUDD IS ALWAYS GREAT IN ANYTHING SHE DOES…..THANK YOU….THANK YOU….THANK YOU
This has been the best series since the Sopranos…why has TV went so crazy with all of these foolish Reality shows. Why would you even think about taking off Reveneg it is just so compelling and the cast is wonderful….Get your act together and get it back ….back….back…PLEASE….PLEASE….PLEASE
I love the program…..hurry up April 4th.
LOVE The SHOW…Way to bring a Drama back that is GREAT….Please BRING IT BACK
This was one of the best new shows on TV. I will continue to watch it when it returns, but I am not liking them taking it off the air for 4 weeks.
I don’t understand why a hiatus is built into the first season of a good show. You’re going to make us wait 4 weeks for another Revenge episode; please don’t make it a repeat show. Let’s get on with the original episodes. You already have them ready to go. Don’t keep us waiting. You dilute the fan base with interruptions in the schedule, and it doesn’t do anything for the new shows you’re trying to float in their time slot. Be fair to both types of shows, and to your fan base. Show the Revenge episodes and stop stringing us… Read more »
I love Revenge but I do get quite aggravated when the episodes are interrupted – especially this time for four weeks!!! If this is what I can expect from it I may not continue watching. After so long I tend to forget the details and it is just not worth the hassle. It seriously detracts from the series with this on again/off again airing.
My husband and I love Revenge. We looked forward every Wednesday and was greatly disappointed from last couple of weeks. I hope they are bringing it back soon. I have not gotten over the shock yet to see Chew replace my favorite All My Children. Please do not do this to Revenge. It is the best show on TV.
Kinda sounds like the Spanos family trying to organize a professional football team (San Diego Chargers). Everytime they draft a winner they’re too cheap to pay them the money they deserve so they end up going to another team and winnng a Super Bowl Ring. Hee heee. They’ve always been the best farm team in the NFL. LOL!!
Revnge is a great show and I have really enjoyed it. Truth be known it’s been the only glue I’ve had for ABC for well over a decade. I’m over Netoworks. Especially if they can’t see the forest or smell the roses.
I can hardly wait for Revenge to reappear on abc. I love the show, its cast and plots, not to mention that the cast is loaded with beautiful people. It’s a modern Count of Monte Cristo, with its betrayal, loss of the person most loved in life, years of exile and suffering, (OK, maybe not as many as the Count or quite so hard) and a return loaded with money and a plan for revenge. Come on. The complications and the twists keep us wondering how Emily/Amanda is going to get out of this one. It is my favorite show;… Read more »