After low ratings, the peacock network has pulled the plug on the series about a telepathic paramedic.
The Listener debuted on June 4th on NBC. Initially produced for Canadian networks, the drama revolves around a young paramedic (Craig Olejnik) who has the ability to hear other people’s thoughts. Through his job and abilities, he seeks to help those in need in any way he can.
Others in the cast include Lisa Marcos, Ennis Esmer, Mylene Robic, Arnold Pinnock, Anthony Lemke, Lara Jean Chorostecki, John Fleming, and Colm Feore.
On NBC, the show got off to a rocky start in the ratings. The two-hour premiere brought in 5.32 million viewers and just a 1.4/4 rating/share of the 18-49 demographic. Summer viewing expectations aren’t very high but it didn’t bode well that the program landed in third place in total viewers and the demo.
Things didn’t get any better for the later episodes. Last week, Listener’s numbers hit a series low with 3.3 million viewers and a tiny 0.7/2 rating in the demo. Even for Summer viewership, those numbers are quite poor for a major network.
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As a result, NBC has decided to end The Listener’s run prematurely. Next week’s episode will be the last to air on the peacock network and repeats of Law & Order will fill the timeslot after that.
The remaining five episodes of Listener are expected to be streamed online in August. The 13 episodes have already aired in many countries across the world and will continue to run in Canada.
Word is that the first season ends with plenty of unresolved mysteries. There’s been no news about the possibility of a second season for The Listener as yet but, if there is, you certainly won’t be seeing it on NBC.
What do you think? A good call by NBC or were you looking forward to seeing more?
Image courtesy NBC.
I loved this show! I’m so tired of watching Law and Older and CSI, no matter what city they take place in its all the same stuff over and over. With this show it showed more then just the crime it showed Toby’s life and how he lived with his ability. I also don’t care about reality tv shows any more ether because after awhile it all turns out the same way as the season before. REALLY HOW MANY LAW AND OLDER, CSI, AND REALITY TV SHOWS DO YOU NEED IN AMERICA!?!?! I couldn’t for the next week’s episode of… Read more »
I loved watching this show!! I found his story to be so interesting. I am finding that television stations are ending the new shows prematurely and ending those shows that we’re a fan favorite! It’s just not fair there are certainly other shows that could very well have been taken off air before this show!!
I can’t believe NBC would do something so stupid. That show was the best on here since ER’s first 6 or 7 seasons. How could they cut it? I hate all the stupid repeats. We have all seen Law & Order a million times. It’s old. No one wants to see that crap anymore, and for those who do, they can go buy the seasons on DVD. NBC should give The Listener a chance.
I am very disappointed in NBC dropping Listener. It is a great,show. Interesting, different and upliting. NBC’s lack of courage and loyalty saddens me once again.
This is a great show. It needed to have a chance. I am so disappointed. I think nbc made a mistake.
Without any warnings.NBC you suck,i loved that show.Much better then all your Repeats.
No! They can’t cancel this it’s only been on for a little over a month. I loved this show. Who cares about critic’s ratings! I wanted to learn more about Toby, his ability, and most of all his past. They canceled this show for the same reasons as ABC canceling “Pushing Daisies”. One bad review and they’re out, leaving thousands of devoted fans let down, furious, and sad. This is crazy!
Bring back the listener! I absolutely loved it. It’s something different for a change. Most shows are about sex and violence and this show is finally about helping other people! Why can’t we have a show that leaves you feeling happy for once!
PLEASE bring the Listener back! It is such a different and intriguing show! Give it a chance! I DVR-d every episode and miss it!!!
I love this show! I found it on hulu.com and have watched all thirteen episodes back to back. Great premise that deserves time to develop and attract an audience. Does every show have to have reality show ratings????? One of the reasons I usually watch cable is because the big four networks never have anything new and innovative – they only want to copycat existing hits. The Listener deserves a chance!!!
I cant believe they pulled probally one of the better shows they have ran.I am getting sick of nbc starting shows and then deciding to pull them without even giving them a chance.I have decided to stop watching nbc and find a station were at least they complete their shows
i was wondering what happen to the show it was actually a interesting show it sucks they took it off so soon
this is just another reason why nbc is a weak ratings network, they get a great new show and then pull the plug. thumbs down nbc
this show was a fantastic new idea and it came out just as i was losing hope in tv shows all together on acount of how stupid most of them are getting. i was shocked when NBC cancelled my new favorite show. i had to search the web and find the rest of the episodes online but it left off on a cliff hanger, i really wish they would make a season two and bring it back to NBC it was a great show.
I absolutely love the show and really want to see a second season. I didn’t know about The Listener until I chanced upon it on hulu last week. I didn’t see ads on NBC or I totally would have watched it from the start. They can’t cancel after the cliffhanger season finale I just watched. I need to know what happens next.