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.
I LOVE this show!!! I agree i doesnt have what it takes to show with heros bones house but for the summer i think it is a homerun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s a drama guys.. it takes a few eps to get started. From what I hear about Europe, the show really took off after episode 4.
For the record, I’d take Toby over Parkman any day =D. At least he’s got the “honestly nice guy” look.
I’d say KEEP. To anyone with a critical rating: have any of you ever made it past the first episode?
It only takes 2 episodes and then it does get better. They should see how it pans out and finish airing the season. It’s only in the States where it’s not doing well. The rest of the world knows better.
I’d even give it a better rating than ABC’s Legend of The Seeker.
Thank GOD, 4 shows a week with a similar premise gets really old. these writers must sell thier scripts to each other in starbucks.
Try Originality Once in a while
I tried this show… it failed. This show is terrible. I fell asleep during the Pilot– what does that tell you about the quality?
Thankfully it will still appear overseas where the first season is already finished.
Poor Greg Grundberg. I guess he thinks Heroes invented the concept of mind-reading guy.
If people only had one hour a week to watch TV then his snark wouldn’t seem so petty.
I’m not saying Listener is a great show but it certainly works for an hour a week. Plus you know that the writers won’t continually have to invent a bizarre new “power” to move along next week’s plot line.
KEEP IT!!! It’s a solid show with good writing. Cast is pretty easy on the eyes too.
Nooooooooooo, no la cancelen, yo la amo…
Kellie’s right, think about it, how many shows can anyone think of that would have lasted even one season if we canceled it after three episodes!
This is a pretty good show. I can’t stand how a show is on for 2-3 episodes, and everyone starts talking about canceling it. Come on! Most of our best series would never have made it in the climate that has been created now, especially by our main networks. Give these shows a shot! I think this one may just get better and better.
Listener is a good show and the actor is great.i’ve been watching it every week ,every spisode here in Japan and i like it.Hope to see more episode and season,Coz i really love craig and lisa.Hope the producer will continue the good work.
This is a great show…it just lacked P.R. I hadn’t even heard about it. I just happened to read it’s title and premise and was hooked. An Edward Cullen minus the fangs… and in Toronto…I’m in! Olejnik is not only sexy as hell, but delivers a believable performance. The writing is great and the cast in general is awesome…love Oz’ character too.
I Love this show. If stays I will keep watching and I hope it stays. I think it will get better with time. It just needs more time, but I think its already a keeper!!! More people need to no about this show.
For only having 3 episodes out, I think this show will do much better as time goes on. There really wasn’t too much advertisement for it as far as I saw. However, it was totally worth my time to watch it. : )