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?
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I love Rookie blue and can’t wait to watch it again… I wish it was in the fall or winter to fill in the place of some of the crappy shows that or out at this time!!
I LOVE THIS SHOW. THE CAST IS EXCEPTIONAL. THE STORYLINES ARE GREAT PLEASE KEEP IT ON THE YEAR. I WISH IT WOUL BECOME A REGULAR SERIES. CONGRATS TO THE CAST, THEY ARE THE BEST. LOVE TO YOU ALL
Andy’s father is an alcoholic, her mother left when she was just a child
Sam saw his father for the first time when he visited him in prison
Between the 2 of them they have enough story lines without breaking them up to create one.
Rookie Blue is the best show that’s been on TV in a very long time, & I’m so glad it’s been renewed. I love the romance & drama. (especially Sam & Andy) The only thing that would make the show better would be to drown out the background noise while they’re talking. I understand it’s a noisy city & it’s a police show, but it’s very frustrating when you miss a lot of the dialogue. I thought it was just me or my tv, but it only happened with Rookie Blue & Combat Hospital, & they’re both on the same… Read more »
Great show. Wish we didn’t have to wait so long for season three. I could watch it every night for sure if that was possible. Each week leaves you wanting to know more.
GREAT show!!! Can’t wait for the third season!
I love love this show! My husband and I can’t wait to watch the show together every week! I can’t wait for the return if season 3! I like Sam and McNally but loved Luke and McNally! Interested in seeing what “drama” unfolds next season:).
This is one of the best shows on t.v. in my opinion! I missed the first season, but my friend made me watch the second with her. I’ve been hooked ever since. I am very excited to see more of Sam and Andy. I’ll be counting down the days until next season’s premier!
This show appears on Thursday, at 10pm weekly where I lived. I missed the first season, but luckily, caught on to the second season and have consistently watched it since. It’s an interesting, good (not perfect), and attention grabbing show. I stuck to it because there is nothing much to see on this particular time slot and the fact that I got interested in couple of the stars on this show and want to see how far they could go with their story. Yes, I would like to see this show make it on ABC. Good Luck.
I watched most of season 1 and then forgot about it at some point. I did like it though…
Will have to find and watch from the start again.
I love this program! The more I watch it the more I like it. It’s the best cop show on TV.
One of the best shows on television. I hope it continues for a long time to come and also that Flashpoint continues.
i LOVE this show – keep it going
Rookie Blue is by far the best show on tv. I wish I didn’t have to wait so long for season 3 to start, I could watch it every night. I love Sam and Andy together, they are perfect. Keep up the great work, I was on the edge if my seat tonight.
EXCELLENT show. Very interesting and action packed. would like to see more
about McNally and Sam and how their lives work out as they continue to work
as police officers….possibly getting married.