NBC recently debuted one of their new Summer shows, The Listener. With lots of negative reviews, how did the first episodes perform in the ratings? Is the show worth keeping or should the network listen to critics and cancel it?
The Listener is a Canadian drama that revolves around a young paramedic (Craig Olejnik) who has the ability to listen to people’s inner thoughts. He tries to help those in need while trying to figure out his own place in the world. Others in the cast include Ennis Esmer, Colm Feore, Lisa Marcos, Mylene Robic, Anthony Lemke, John Fleming, Lara jean Chorostecki, Arnold Pinnock, and Paulino Nunes.
The show has already run in several countries around the world and began airing in the US on June 4th. NBC aired the first episode at 9pm and it ranked in fourth place for the timeslot, attracting just 5.25 million viewers and a 1.5/4 rating/share in the 18-49 demographic. The 10pm episode garnered a few more viewers (5.34 million) but lost a bit in the demo (1.4/4).
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Many critics crucified the series and even fellow NBC employee Greg Grunberg may not be crazy about it either. The actor, who plays a mindreader on Heroes, tweeted, “New ‘original’ NBC show about a guy who can hear thoughts… called, uh…The Listener? Uh, no wait, I know this. BRAIN FART!! Genius!!” On Tuesday, he retweeted a fan’s note that said, “wht is ths ‘The Listener’ crap. thr’s alrdy a show abt a mindreader on tv, its called heroes, & @greggrunberg is all we need.”
The peacock network can’t be pleased with Listener’s lackluster performance, even for a Summer series. If NBC was footing the bill exclusively, the show would certainly not be back for another season. But, because the network is simply purchasing the broadcast rights from Canada’s CTV, the show’s much less expensive for them. If CTV decides to produce another season, it might make some sense for NBC to pick it up.
What do you think? Is the show work watching or should it be cancelled already?
Image courtesy CTV.
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205 Comments on "The Listener: Poor Reviews and Ratings; Cancel It or Keep It?"
Plz start the new season of the listener
Barf. The characters are weak as are the plots. Very boring. So many really great shows that actually engage one’s intellect have been cancelled while meaningless, mind dumbing ones like this get renewed. This show needs to go away.
Does anybody know if you can buy Season one in Canada. I’ve looked on the internet and there is suppose to be season one out, but i can’t find it anywhere. Anybody know?
Season 2 is back on in Canada! it’s definitely not the original, but exciting all the same!
I so dont agree with you Beth, its a really great show. oh, and BTW, jessica, where can i watch it online?
Awful show!!
I have purchased Season 1 on DVD and I would also love to purchase Season 2. Please put it back on the air and release Season 2.
I recently saw a rerun of this show on tv and I loved it! I have since watched all of the episodes online! It is a great show and is just begginning to twist in the plot! Bring it back on air!
I would love to have this show come back on I feel it should come back. I think it’s even better then heroes. I think it even has a good plot to it too. Please bring it back I love it..
screw Heroes and the poor reviews! The Listener is a great show and if people would just give it a chance they would agree too!
Hi Chealse, I agree with you completely !!! this is the best show i ever seen !!!
I’m angry that they did not let us at least see the end of the first season!!!
What can you do to return the series?
Im so mad! They could have at LEAST finished the first season, just because it got low ratings doesnt mean other people loved it! I was obsessed with this show but then they just flat out canceled it. Now I have to watch it on youtube or other websites, I hope they bring it back soon, fingers crossed for a second season. 🙂
I can’t believe they canceled this show!! I am so upset!! I also did not hear about the show until it was in danger of being canceled.
Well considering they got rid of medium which is doing great on CBS, I should n’t be surprised!! Please CBS take this up too!! It fits very well with medium and ghost whisperer!!
you definitely need to make more seasons. i loved that show