As the second season of Rookie Blue winds down on ABC, production season three is about to begin.
You may recall that ABC renewed the Canadian cop drama for a third season back in mid-July, just three weeks into the summer season. At that point, Rookie Blue was doing considerably better than it is today. Back then, the season low was a 1.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic. These days, the show’s hovering around the 1.1 range and one week hit a 1.0 in the demo. That’s a decline of nearly 30%. If ABC was producing the show themselves, they’d likely be rethinking their early renewal decision.
ABC hasn’t said when they plan to air season three of Rookie Blue but, especially given the ratings, next summer seems very likely. Here’s the press release:
HIT SERIES “ROOKIE BLUE” STARTS PRODUCTION ON SEASON 3
William Shatner Guest Stars and Peter Mooney Joins Cast as the New Rookie Recruit
Toronto/Los Angeles September 8, 2011 – Independent studio, Entertainment One (eOne) and Thump Inc. are pleased to announce that principal photography has begun on the third season of the original series, Rookie Blue. The series airs on ABC in the U.S., Global Television in Canada and internationally on Universal Networks International’s pay-TV channels.
Kicking off the third season, international icon William Shatner will guest star in the opening episode playing Henry McLeod, a belligerent drunk driver with a haunting secret – and with a serious grudge against the police.
Also, 15 Division will welcome a new rookie, ex-soldier Nick Collins (Peter Mooney – Camelot, Murdoch Mysteries), to round out the rest of the team including Andy McNally (Missy Peregrym), Dov Epstein (Gregory Smith), Chris Diaz (Travis Milne), Traci Nash (Enuka Okuma) and Gail Peck (Charlotte Sullivan), as they navigate the emotional trials and tribulations of their professional and personal lives. Plus, one of the rookies will get a major promotion and Andy McNally’s mom will make an appearance.
“We’re thrilled to be back at work on Season Three,” said Tassie Cameron, Executive Producer and Showrunner. “It’s so exciting to get to keep exploring these characters, and to get to watch them grow and learn on the job. Everything’s much more complex for the rookies this year, both professionally and personally – which is great territory for our third season.”
Following a record-breaking inaugural season last summer, Rookie Blue returned this summer with solid ratings when it premiered on June 23. For ABC, Rookie Blue ranks #1 this summer on Thursday against its broadcast competition in the 10pm hour among Adults 18-49 For Global, ,Rookie Blue returned this summer with solid ratings when it premiered on June 23. With 1.5 million fans (Ind. 2+, national) tuning into its season two opener, this bulletproof series is Thursday night’s #1 drama (Ind. 2+ and A18-49).
This original series was developed by Thump Inc. and produced in partnership with leading indie studio and distributor, Entertainment One (eOne). Rookie Blue is executive produced by award-winning Tassie Cameron (Flashpoint), Ilana Frank (The Eleventh Hour, Would Be Kings), Noreen Halpern (Hung, Call Me Fitz), John Morayniss (The Firm, Haven) and David Wellington (The Eleventh Hour, Would Be Kings).
Source : BBM Canada PPM Data National – 5/30/11 – 8/28/11 (3+ Airings / Excludes Sports)
ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT ONE
Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a leading international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content. The company’s comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the U.S., the UK, Ireland, Benelux, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Through established Entertainment and Distribution divisions, the company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, family programming and merchandising and licensing. Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 20,000 film and television titles, 2,500 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to watching the next season? What could ABC do to attract a bigger audience?
Image courtesy ABC.
I liked this show a lot until last night. I turned it off at the lesbian kiss and will not watch it again.
The background noise is so loud I can’t hear what the actors are saying. I like the show but miss a lot because of the background noise.
Barbara
I ONLY WATCH 4 SHOWS A WEEK AND ROOKIE BLUE IS MY VERY FAVORITE SHOW. I THINK THE FACT THAT IT ISN’T NECESSARILY TRUE TO LIFE MAKES IT MORE APPEALING. I HAVE NEVER LOOKED UP THE SITE FOR A SHOW BEFORE JUST TO SEE HOW SOON I CAN WATCH THE NEXT EPISODE. PLEASE DON’T TAKE MY SHOW OFF
please dont cancel . i really like this show.
I watched the show last season, thinking the acting might improve, however this season it was worst. I’m through with the show, glad it will be canceled. Bring back new episodes of Alcatraz and Finder. I would bet another network will pick up at least one of these shows and it or they will be hits.
Rookie blue could be a great show, however the actors are terrible, especially the lady cop, her attitude does not become a Police Officer. She needs a personality change or replaced. I’ve seen High School plays with better acting.
I would love to see Rookie Blue come back on T.V. I recorded it every week and always looked forward to seeing what would happen next, especially between McNally and Sam. Very interesting and real to life, Rookie Blue should be a keeper!
I LOVED this show. It came and went. I only saw about 10 episodes and could no longer
get it. All my TV is OTA now. Is it still in production? I see USA has a ripoff of it now, just
like they ripped off Cold Squad. Canada is producing some good stuff. I wish these shows were more available to the US. I really liked DaVinci’s Inquest as well. So is Rookie Blue
still in production?
Please bring it back. tons of college kids were watching it, as everyone I asked about it loved it, great cast
that show was fantastic, my daughter, a Syracuse University alum. works with her sorority there and ton of sorority girls LOVE the show,it is so good, please keep it on. well done, and please be careful of ratings, they don’t always come up the correct way
the cast is awesome, even my husband likes it..been waiting for it
Rookie Blue is one of THE BEST shows on tv and my family cannot wait for it to return. I am a 55 year old women, husband is soon to be 67 and daughter is 15; we all LOVE this show. What idiots are out there saying that you don’t have the ratings??? In the age of technology/reruns/satellite/internet, etc. how can you determine what the real demigraphics are??? The actors are totally believable and loveable…every one of them!!! Don’t screw with your fan base….you tick us off and we will revolt and won’t purchase any products from your advertisers; and… Read more »
I can’t wait until the return of Rookie Blue. I am hoping that it will not be canceled.
I love Rookie Blues I have been waching for the new season to come out ,got mad when i thought that rookie blues was being canceled, please keep in on its a great show
I AM NOT IN YOUR AGE DEMIGRAPH. i RESW=ENT THAT mY HUSBAND has bought NEW APPLIANCES THIS YEAR A AMERICAN MADE CAR FORD AND I RESENT YOU NOT CONSIDERED AS APERSON OF INTERESTED IN THIS SHOW.
WE BOTH HAVE ENJOYED HAVE ENJOYED ROOKIE BLUE IT HAS IMPROVED EACH SEASON PLEASE DO NOT RIGHT OFF OLDER PEOPLE.WE STILL CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY A GREAT DEAL.
I am really looking forward to the return of Rookie Blue!