Fans of ABC’s summer drama, Scoundrels, may have noticed that the series isn’t on the schedule any longer. Has the show been cancelled?
Scoundrels revolves around the West family, a clan that’s had many run-ins with the law. Dad (David James Elliott) has been sent to prison and his wife (Virginia Madsen) is determined that she and their kids not follow him. The TV show’s cast also includes Leven Rambin, Vanessa Marano, Carlos Bernard, and Patrick Flueger (in a dual role).
The series debuted on June 20th to a disappointing 1.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 5.23 million viewers. In week two, viewership dropped to a 1.0 in the demo and 3.66 million viewers. The numbers got even worse in subsequent weeks. It hit a demo low 0.6 and, the finale attracted the fewest number of total viewers, just 2.73 million. Those are some terrible numbers for a major network, even for the summer months.
Only eight episodes of Scoundrels were produced and, to ABC’s credit, they aired them all — despite the low ratings. Unfortunately, the network has little reason to want any more. So, no, ABC has not officially cancelled Scoundrels but, it is highly unlikely that they’ll order a second season.
What do you think? Why do you think Scoundrels didn’t fare better? Is it a better show than the ratings reflect?
Image courtesy ABC.
I love the show I watched every show
The show has a unique premise and EXCELLENT cast. Ensemble shows usually take longer to grow a following (think Northern Exposure) but have the possibility of real staying power if allowed to survive their infanthood/adolescence. It would be nice to see ABC pass it to one of their cable sister networks if they don’t bring it back themselves. It might be a nice fit for ABC Family network.
I loved the show. Too bad!
They probably won’t bring it back and we’ll be stuck once again with cops shows or something about doctors. It was nice to have something different to watch on ABC. I vote to giving the show a second chance during a different night slot.
I really enjoyed this show, and the last episode is such a cliff hanger! So I only started recording it to a preview for The Gates and thought it was going to be a really stupid show. Turns out that I loved this show so much that I couldn’t wait for Sunday night, and literally fall asleep to that stupid show The Gates (what a snooze fest!). I hope they do bring it back, witty and amusing it was.
Luv this show! I hope they renew it along with the Gates. You need to put it in a different time slot during the week would be good.
I loved the show, PLEASE dont let it be cancelled!!! Im a little tired of getting into shows and they are cancelled without even a real chance, and other shows that are really bad are left on.
I really like this show!! I was not able to watch it on ABC because of the time slot, but I watched it on the web every time. If ABC doesn’t want to continue this show on TV maybe it can on the web where the faithful can watch it. I do think the poor advertising and the lame title also contributed to the lack of people watching it. Renaming the show ‘The Name is West’ or ‘Yes, I’m a West’ to show the family pride and self identity of each of the family members carry so well could make… Read more »
I loved it. The name actually kept me from watching it when it first came out. So maybe thats the reason it tanked.
I loved this show, Definitely needs to return. Maybe try a different night/time?
The show had an interesting story line and all the actors were excellent. I also agree with Aaron, and my daugther and I are thinking that the show would be better followed on a network like TNT or the CW.
Scoundrels is an awesome show!!! I think the show needs to air on a week night as well. I believe the ratings would have been alot better. It’s a great show!! Please bring it back!!
I agree with Aaron in that if ABC were to air all first eight episodes of Scoundrels on a weeknight beginning with the pilot…perhaps it would get more following!
I think poor marketing and it being on sunday primetime up against heavyweights like True Blood and entourage hurt this shows chances of ever being watched. This show is awesome hope abc continues it.
I love this show. Will be very disappointed if they dont have 2nd season.