When Christian Slater’s TV series, My Own Worst Enemy, was cancelled last year it seemed a bit unlikely that the actor would return to the medium any time soon. Some film stars have made the journey to television in the past and, when the shows failed, they haven’t been too quick to return. But Slater hopped right back into the fray and has a new show for ABC, the forgotten. So, will this one stick around longer than the last one?
the forgotten revolves around a group of dedicated civilians that form The Forgotten Network. Led by Alex Donovan (Slater), the team donates its time to identify unrecognizable murder victims, trying to “give back the name of the deceased.” The show also stars Michelle Borth, Heather Stephens, Bob Stephenson, Anthony Carrigan, and Rochelle Aytes.
With a title that just invites snarky headlines, forgotten was skewered by many critics before the show even debuted. By and large, most viewers weren’t all that impressed either.
The series debuted on September 22nd to a decent 9.53 million viewers and a 2.6/7 rating/share among adults 18-49. While those numbers seem pretty good, upon closer examination, they aren’t all that positive.
 Loading ... |
the forgotten’s lead-in, the very popular Dancing with the Stars, scored 16.28 million and a 3.9/10 in its last half hour. The first half hour of forgotten attracted only 10.14 million and a 2.7/7. That means that the Slater drama lost over 40% of its total lead-in audience and 33% in the demographic. What’s more, 12% of people who started watching forgotten turned it off half way through the premiere. That’s a sure sign that those people wouldn’t be back the next week.
And they didn’t return. In week two, the forgotten’s numbers dropped by more than 1.8 million viewers to 7.72 million. In the all-important demographic, the show’s ratings dropped from a 2.6/7 to a 2.0/5, a loss of 23%.
As of last night, things seem to have evened off a bit. For week three, forgotten attracted 7.81 million viewers and a 2.0/6. Though it’s positive that the ratings didn’t drop for a second time, these numbers are not healthy. forgotten ranked in a distant second place for total viewers (beating the under-performing Jay Leno Show) and third place for the demo (almost tying Leno).
Unless these numbers turn around, the forgotten’s days on the schedule are certainly numbered. ABC ordered 13 episodes to start and could pull the show or prematurely cut production. But, even if all 13 are finished and aired, it’s highly unlikely that ABC will order any more.
What do you think? Is this show worth watching or is it best left forgotten (sorry, too hard to resist)? Would you cancel it or keep it?
I’ve been watching the show from the beginning and find it an interesting concept but if it’s going to survive it needs help fast! The acting is decent but the writing is horrible and the plot lines are laughable–a goth girl killed by her new friend because she’s going to move back to Iowa? A skateboard dude who is killed by his best friend, a drug-addled Hispanic kid? Really? Is that the best they can come up with? I hope the series survives though because I love Rochelle Aytes (Ok, I’m her cousin-in-law) and Christian Slater.
Coming from media background I can see both sides. On one hand fans want to be able to continue to enjoy their favourite show. On the other hand, if ratings are lower than expected, advertisers (who rely on the ratings to determine whether to advertise) either pull out or ask to pay less for an ad slot. The network will balance how much expected ad money will come in for that show (plus dvd sales) against re-runs of a previously popular show/new show replacement. In the past, shows were given longer time periods to develop, but with networks around the… Read more »
I don’t find this show as awful as some here have made it sound. It’s your basic crime drama and it’s continually kept my interest from the first episode. I just wish the networks would give shows time to develop and connect with an audience. I think once we know what happened with Slater’s character’s family, we’ll be more drawn to the show. I know my wish won’t be granted and the show will be cancelled just like so many others that I’ve truly enjoyed over the years.
Please KEEP The Forgotten. I love it. Give the show another season.
I love this show. It’s totally different. The victims talking about their lives before their death. LOVE IT. It may need a little tweeking but it deserves to be on tv. You look at actual people that are not supermodel or cutie pie guys just your everyday normal looking individuals trying to help an over worked police department with a ex-police officer who’s own life is jacked up. LOVE IT!!!
I love this show. It is very well made, keeps audience interested and I like the cast.
I hope it will not be cancelled.
I just finished watching episode 1.4…by turning it off 10 minutes before it was over. That’s not a good sign is it? It’s too bad – I like Slater. The program just seemed lack-luster and I didn’t really care what was going to happen. At least last week I was intrigued enough to finish watching.
I love this show and I am soooo tired of shows that are a little bit different getting cancelled!!!!! We loved “My Own Worst Enemy” and were livid when that disappeared after a couple of weeks. I think the time slot has something to do with it. “The Good Wife” on NBC has had massive advertising.
I agree with sharon t.This last episode moved me.i was in tears by the end of it.I think the idea for the show is unique one.these “forgotten” are not famous people,they are everyday people like us.people who the police have forgotten about.people whose families have not clue what happened to them.That makes me feel more connected to each one of them.KEEP IT!
This last episode moved my husband and I to tears as there was a football coach that was killed recently, the news was in the headlines not too long ago…….I think the show is worth keeping!!! There are few and far between any tv shows this season that keep the viewer continually interested, the comedy shows are funny, but in time that will wear off too, (sorry Kelsey G)…….and the cop/dr shows are just the same o same o storylines…….this show is something different, but because we personally enjoy it, that almost gives it a questionable future…….whoever is responsible for… Read more »
Please keep it on! I love how its so different from other crime shows! give it a chance!!!
Keep it. Finally!!! A show I like. This is different. I love Christian Slater in this.
Exciting known actresses will appear on the future episodes. KEEP it!
I LOVE THIS SHOW!
Missing vote option: * Who cares
I have this show programmed in my DVR to series record. I have really tried to get into it, but this is the third show I’ve watched and it’s horrible. I generally enjoy crime show dramas but this one makes NO sense. If the police could not figure out who the “forgotten” people in this series are, how do these regular people do it so easily? Especially while holding down full-time jobs! I definitely say cancel it, and quick!
I really like Christian Slater and I enjoyed “My own worst enemy” but this new show is a stinker. It needs canceling.
Sorry Christian, but this isn’t your come-back show. Don’t give up!