Tonight, The New Normal finishes its season on NBC with the marriage of Bryan and David, as well as the birth of their son via surrogate Goldie. Will the sitcom be cancelled or will it be back for a second season so viewers can see how this family continues to develop?
The New Normal, as you’ve probably heard, revolves around a pair of gay men (Justin Bartha and Andrew Rannells) who want to start a family. They hire a surrogate (Georgia King) who helps them fulfill their dream, while they help her realize her own. The sitcom also stars Ellen Barkin, NeNe Leakes, Bebe Wood, and Jayson Blair.
With strong lead-in support from The Voice, The New Normal debuted on September 10th to a 2.5 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 6.88 million. The pilot had already been released online so that may have tempered television viewership for the debut.
The following night, NBC aired the second episode and the ratings held steady. Considering the state of the rest of NBC’s sitcoms, a 2.5 demo rating was very good.
Unfortunately, that didn’t last. The sitcom’s ratings declined over the next several weeks. And, once The Voice completed its fall season, New Normal’s numbers really collapsed. Two weeks ago, the series reached a new low — registering a meager 0.7 in the demo and just 2.11 million viewers.
Last week, thanks to the return of The Voice, New Normal’s ratings bounced up 86% to a 1.3 in the demo with 3.32 million. Though the percentage gain is impressive, the show’s ratings are still terrible — even by NBC standards.
Though NBC has few bright spots on its schedule, its clear that the peacock network has no ratings incentive to renew The New Normal for a second season. Thankfully, the cast and crew seem to have given the sitcom’s storylines some sense of closure in tonight’s finale.
What do you think? Would you like to see The New Normal return for a second season or should NBC cancel it to make way for something new?
late bloomer to the show, just happened upon it on youtube.. so just watching it now… October 20/14, am on episode 9, and am so sad to hear it didn’t get renewed 🙁
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!
Ellen Barkin’s character is hilarious, saying what alot of small minded people are actually thinking n bringing it to the forefront or out in the open for all to see how ridiculous n judgemental thinking gets you nowhere.
Justin Bartha, what a hunk ! too bad he’s straight! or is he? lol, he sure plays it well!?? either way …eye candy!
LOVED the show and hate the voice and all those other sow looking for a new rock or country singer. All the ones that won were promised 1 album and were never heard from again. These shows will not find another Elton john or Michael Jackson and the celebrity dance offs are ridiculous,too. Bring back the New Normal!
please renew the new normal.
Absolutely! NeNe Leakes and Ellen Barkin are two great reasons to renew!
Also, we need to see more shows that feature same sex marriages!
Would love to see season two!!
One reason to renew. Elllen Barkin!
Yes season 2 please i love the show
I loved the New Normal because it was a story line that support DIFFERENT lifestyles and not many shows supports that. Not only was it funny it was also everyday life.. PLEASE bring it back…
I really liked The New Normal because that is what it is about. New things. A loving Homosexual Monogamist Couple. I am a 43 year old female Hetrosexual. I have a 10 year old son. It is up to God and only God to judge the things we do & the people we love wether it is right or wrong. This show was funny. It showed all sides, racism, homophobics, ignorance, typical behavior, but it also taught us how to overcome our ignorance, learn about others, patience, friendships and trust. David and Brian were such a loving, devoted, humorous, couple.… Read more »
Please renew!the show was so funny,season 2 please