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 The freshman drama has been replaced by an ABC special with a similar name — Revenge for Real.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.
Why ABC when you have good shows do you talk about canceling them. Revenge, Body of Proof, Once Upon A Time, Castle, and Missing are my go too shows. They are so much better than the brainless reality and comedy shows.
Put Revenge back on! So much better than some of the dumb shows the ABC have broadcasted now ….. & first time in years I’ve actually watched an ABC show & looked forward to seeing the next chapter…..come on ABC Get Your Act together!
ABC FINALLY get great shows like Missing, Revenge and Body of Proof and screw with the schedule making the fans scramble to figure out when or if they are coming back. So ABC which is a network I NEVER watched before will cancel these great shows and put ignorant shows that suck on in the fall. I’ve read some of the previews. AWFUL! Network studios must the the average Americans are stupid but they have it turned around.
Who’s brilliant idea was it to put on Charlie’s Angels again??? And the Playboy Club (sexist) and Pam Am. BORING!
Putting Revenge on hiatus is a typical stupid move on network tv. You really have to wonder if they are smoking wacky weed or seriously trying to get shows to be sucessful. And the idea of Body of Proof and Missing being cancelled is just another example of their stupidity. And they wonder why cable is gaining in the ratings?????
I’m a busy mother of 3 and rarely have time for tv, but Revenge…I can’t get enough of! I love being intrigued in their crazy world…this show draws me in! I told all my friends to watch it, but now it’s on hiatus. It was my escape! So bummed…Don’t cancel ABC! Give it some time for friends to tell friends.
I sound like a whiner, but why is it that every good show that is introduced gets either cancelled or held back indefinitely? I finally find a (new) show that I can sink my teeth into and then it gets pulled out from under me! I, too, love the show REVENGE and so do look forward to it’s (hopeful) return. Revenge keeps you wanting more and it’s amazing how Emily/Amanda can perform all those feats of humiliation, without getting caught! Enough of Gray’s Anatomy, House and Bones! They’ve outlived their stay on the TV scene………..let the new kid on the… Read more »
I LOVE this series. It’s annoying not knowing when it will be on. What idiots are responsible for scheduling and knowing their audience interests? Obviously not too much thought was given to how this would impact viewers. AND.. really? You seriously thought a new show named “Real Revenge” would make us happy? Whoever is responsible for this, please just quit your job and stop annoying the viewing public.
I really believe that the television networks have seen how much cheaper it is to produce a “reality” show than something with a story. Be that as it may, go ahead and replace this truly riveting show with yet another junk show…I won’t watch!
I love Revenge! Please don’t cancel this show. I t is so different. TV has too many law and justice shows. Hope this ABC show will catch on like another ABC show, Once Upon a Time.
Please keep this winner around for another season.
I love Revenge . Cant wait for the next episode. I do not like revenge for real cancell it.
I love Revenge, and cant wait to see it again.
I am a viewer who doesn’t like getting jerked around. Either do a series, or end it right away…. At least have the courtesy to END it…. Not…just try to hook you and then… play with you. It makes me want to get interested in CBS or NBC shows, since I can’t count on ABC. ‘nough said.
I love Revenge! I can’t believe ABC has stopped this series, I look forward to every Wednesday night hoping to see the next episode, just to be let down again. What a mistake, I think this is the best new drama on TV and would really appreciate it if they would at least finish the season instead of dropping it right at the most gripping part!
I love Revenge! People at work talk about it. Putting it into hyatis was a dirty trick. Cable tv doesn’t do that …. Like Dexter you get a complete story each season. If Revenge doesn’t get finished I will not watch ABC again. Revenge is a gem so get on with it and do it right! I bet you will get nominated for several Emmies for this jewel of a tale.
ABC you have a lot of loyal viewers, me being one of them. I am just about done with ABC we don’t need reality shows. we want REVENGE back. This is JD signing off until then.
Can’tt wait for the return of Revenge! I look forward to this show every week. Hopefully,talk about it being cancelled can’t be true. One of the best new dramas on tv. Here’s looking to many more seasons of this great show!!