The businesspeople of Shark Tank make some pretty clever deals on the reality show but it feels like the best one apparently must go on behind-the-scenes. Despite two seasons of poor ratings, ABC has renewed Shark Tank for a third round of episodes.
On Shark Tank, entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to pitch their fledgling businesses and inventions to a panel of millionaires to get their feedback and, hopefully, a deal than can help take their projects to the next level. The panel consists of Robert Herjavec, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin Harrington, and Daymond John.
After a lackluster freshman run that averaged a 1.5 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 4.82 million viewers, Shark Tank was given a short season two renewal of eight episodes (plus a leftover from season one). In an attempt to shake things up and hopefully attract some more interest, comedian Jeff Foxworthy and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban were added as guest “sharks” to some of episodes.
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The additions haven’t really helped the series but they haven’t hurt it either. Season two debuted with a special preview on Sunday, March 20th. It attracted a 1.9 in the demo and 6.14 million viewers. That was Shark Tank’s best demo rating ever. When it moved to its regular Friday timeslot, the numbers understandably decreased.
This season has averaged a 1.4 in the demo and 4.93 million viewers. That’s not very good but it’s better than what Supernanny was getting in the same timeslot. Considering that it costs less than a scripted series and it’s airing on Friday nights, ABC’s apparently satisfied enough with the ratings to order a third season.
There’s no word yet on how many episodes ABC will order this time, when they’ll air, if they’ll continue adding guest judges or if the format will be adjusted in some other way.
One possible guest shark could be executive producer Mark Burnett. Prior to the renewal, he told EW, “If we get a season three, I’ll personally go on it — as long as its legal… I would not be able to know who the people were pitching. When I’m producing Shark Tank I’m kicking myself, why didn’t I have a shot at these ideas.”
What do you think? Are you glad to hear Shark Tank will return for season three? Any suggestions on ways to attract more viewers (other than changing nights)?
Wondering where the rest of your shows stand? Check our ABC cancel/renew page.
Image courtesy ABC.
When one of the potential refuses to back a good idea and a good product because the developer refused to produce his product outside the United States, you have lost me as a regular viewer. This attitude is just what is wrong with American commerce.