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.
Please give “The Listener” a chance. This a great show! It has a good story concept with a great leading character (Craig Olejnik) who is caring and wants to help people. We need more shows like this.
Please keep this show! The first episode might not have gotten a great review but for basically all shows the first episode isn’t that good because your just getting into it. But if people just watch it they would see how great this show is. They should definitely NOT cancel this show. It is a great show with good actors and an awesome story line. Please don’t cancel this. There’s too many great shows being cancelled now a days like Pushing Daisies. Don’t cancel this one too and break even more hearts like you guys already have.
omigosh! i love this show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PPPPPPPPPPPLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE dont cancel it! Great actors, good plot, and phenomenal lead character. DEFINITELY worth keeping!
I love this show. the characters are refreshing and there’s a background we have yet to learn all about.
Please do not take away yet another good program and replace it with reality crap.
This show could be a winner if there was better advertising – the actors are good as is the story line – although predictable at times, it still keeps ones interest tweeked.
Give it another try maybe on a different day and time slot
this is a good show but hasn’t had any media hype for it – I chanced upon it one night and got hooked right away – the powers that be should take a second look at the time slot and give it another go
Maggie
I LOVE The Listener… I thought for once there was a Canadian-made Show that I really liked. Most I find boring… I got a friend to watch and she also got hooked. My son watches it with me too. Give it a chance to build its fan base!
I stumbled upon The Listener from Hulu.com and I have to say I love the show for alot of reasons.
How many shows you see now a days with one person using physic powers to save other people, strangers in that matter. I say keep the Listener going and take a chance with it and see where it will go.
no offence, but no one would like to watch Law & Order over and over again. they are just re-runs. so please, i love this show, KEEP THE LISTENER!
PLEASE. leave The Listener on NBC. It was getting really good. give this show a chance.
Please don’t cancel the Listener. Give the show a chance.
Please don’t cancel this show… Every show that I like ends up getting axed… Please don’t get rid of The Listener!!! PLEASE!!!!
KEEP THE LISTENER. I LOVE IT. WHY DO THEY CANCEL ALL THE GOOD ONES AND KEEP THE CRAPPY ONES.
I love this show! Too bad it wasn’t given a chance. But the one thing that I don’t like about the show is the character of the female cop. Not very believable, and waaaay too much negativity (very annoying). Other than that, really enjoyed it.
The Listener has fast become my favourite show. I can’t believe the network is canceling it! The never gave it a chance!!!!!!!!!! Keep the Listener.