The alphabet network has pulled the Bob Saget sitcom after just four episodes. The show was attracting nearly 10 million viewers, so what’s the problem?
Surviving Suburbia centers around Steve and Annie Patterson (Bob Saget and Cynthia Stevenson), heads of a typical suburban family. But, unlike the idyllic sitcom dads of the past, Steve has a cynical view of everything around him. Others in the cast include Jared Kusnitz, G. Hannelius, Jere Burns, Dan Cortese, and Lorna Scott.
Originally slated to air on the CW, ABC picked up the sitcom for a midseason run. Suburbia debuted on April 6th to 12.16 million viewers and a 3.2/8 rating/share of the 18-49 demographic. The second installment slid to 11.25 million and a 3/7 in the demo. The most recent installment (on April 27th) hit a series low of 9.91 million and a 2.4/6 rating/share. While the decline certainly isn’t positive, the series still attracts more than many other shows on network TV. Why pull it?
Suburbia has the enviable fortune of airing out of the very popular Dancing with the Stars. Unfortunately, the sitcom doesn’t retain enough of that show’s audience. The most recent episode lost 50% of Stars’ viewership in both total viewers and the targeted demographic. That’s not good and ABC is likely convinced it can do better.
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In fact, Suburbia was preempted this week and so Castle directly followed Stars. The schedule change helped give Castle a nice little bump in ratings.
As a result, the network has pulled Suburbia for the remainder of the May sweeps period but has said that the sitcom will return on Wednesday, May 27th. The show is still scheduled to conclude its first season on July 1st but, because of the scheduling changes, there will still be a couple episode left unaired. ABC may or may not air them at a later date.
Though Suburbia’s renewal is certainly still a possibility, this doesn’t bode well for the sitcom’s chances for a second year. ABC will announce its 2009 – 2010 schedule on May 19th. What do you think? Is it worth saving?
I think the show is wonderful. It just keeps getting better and better.
Particularly like the kids and scooter lady. The episodes are intelligent but funny and sometimes slapstick but very charming. I have a good laugh every time I watch.
I would love to see the characters develop over the years.
This show is a piece of crap.Bob Saget is more of a DORK here than he was on Full House(which was a piece of crap in it’s own right)the sooner this show goes up in flames the better and hopefully we’ll never see Bob Saget ever agian.
I love this show. It keeps getting better and better. The last 2 episodes had me rolling and everyone who watched with me loved it too. I think I especially like it when Henry has a big part. He is so much fun to watch. His timing is great and he interacts perfectly with everyone. This last episode was hysterical when he confronted the neighbor about the basket. Oh, and did anyone happen to notice his dimples. How cute is he?? I hope ABC sees the diamond in the rough and brings it back for a second season. Not a… Read more »
OK, So the show tonight was fantastic!! I know that this is one of those sleeper shows. I mean Henry and Courtney were awesome. Anne and Steve had great chemistry and I laughed out loud. Everyone was in the moment. Just loved it. Keep it ,let it develop. Funny funny stuff.
I have never left a post regarding ANYTHING before! I normally HATE sitcoms, but I absolutely LOVE Suburbia!! PLEASE bring it back!!!
I HOPE THEY BRING BK THE SHOW. I FEEL, UNDER THE HORRIBLE CIRCUMSTANCES WE EXIST (BAD ECONOMY, HIGH COST OF LIVING, HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT, ETC….), WE LOOK FORWARD TO COMEDY SHOWS, LIKE SURVIVING SUBURBIA, TO HELP US REMEMBER WE ARE STILL CAPABLE OF SOME LAUGHTER. I WAS DISAPPOINTED TO LEARN IT WAS PUT ON HOLD, WITH ONLY A POSSIBILITY OF ITS RETURN. IM TIRED OF BORING REALITY SHOWS TAKING OVER SOME OF THE QUALITY SHOWS SUCH AS THIS ONE. SHOULD YOU BRING IT BACK U ASK? YOU DEFINITELY HAVE MY VOTE…. I REALLY ENJOYED THE SHOW AND FEEL IT SHOULD BE… Read more »
ABC needs to keep this show…It’s absolutely hilarious, Bob Saget and Jere Burns make a great buddy duo and Cynthia Stevenson is probably the only wife character in a sitcom I’ve enjoyed since Carrie in King of Queens. This show has real potential. Given a proper weekly timeslot and this show could consistently bring in at least 10-12 million. Don’t play it off your stupid reality dancing show people watching Dancing with the Stars aren’t the people who are gonna watch this show. They’re not gonna stay tuned to ABC because their such LOYAL ABC viewers. Im sure as soon… Read more »
I have never EVER sent a reply about anything (like to think I have a life) but I went in search of this sitcom to see what happened to it because for the first time in YEARS (Friends, Sienfield) my husband and I laughed! This is well written, well acted. Do NOT cancel this show….from Charlotte NC!!!
I love this show. It’s actually a very good family show. It seems as though TV doesn’t want good family shows just trash. Everytime I get interested in a new show it gets cancelled. I guess this is why I don’t watch much TV.
It’s a good show and like a lot of other good shows it won’t be given a chance. Who knows what influences the people who make programming decisions? Certainly not quality or potential. Most sit-coms need a growing period , but too often an inconsistent schedule, lack of promotion, and too few episodes to develop a following kill a promising show before it has a chance to develop a fan base.. I caught Surviving Suburbia on its second episode, was impressed and then couldn’t find it again. Now I hear it is being cancelled. I have finallyy reached the point… Read more »
Keep it. Promote it. Do the right thing ABC. My friends and I love the show.
I vote to keep it. I am so sick of reality TV. The only thing I want more of is the younger cast members. I like all of the teen characters. The reason is that if you watch some of the other shows, you find surreal characters, like in Gossip Girl. These characters are believable as normal teens that are easy to relate to. The relationships they have with the adults are fun to watch. Henry is definitely underused. I think his character will lend credibility to the parent’s characters. Give it time to break itself in. So in short,… Read more »
What’s the problem, keep the show! You have to be kidding me that The Big Bang Theory, Old Christine and Rules of Engagement are on and there is any question about SS. This show is so much more entertaining. Keep It!!
This was such a cute show… in fact, a show that I enjoy, as well as my 6 year old daughter. There’s not many shows like that anymore! For those who don’t like it, stop complaining about it, and just don’t watch it. You can’t expect to like EVERYTHING that comes on TV.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! Finally something funny on ABC! How much reality tv can we watch? Survivng Suburbia is such a funny show! The cast are great together. I love the kid who plays the son – he is a riot! PLEASE DON’T CANCEL THIS SHOW!!!!