Starring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall, the original Odd Couple TV show ran for five seasons on ABC. A later version called The New Odd Couple was cancelled after 18 episodes. How’s this new version doing? Will it see a second season?
On CBS’ version of The Odd Couple, endearing slob Oscar Madison (Matthew Perry) is a sports-writer and uptight neat freak Felix Unger (Thomas Lennon) is a photographer. They’re two former college buddies who become unlikely roommates after the demise of their marriages. Other castmembers are Lindsay Sloane, Wendell Pierce, and Yvette Nicole Brown.
Airing on the night of the Two and a Half Men series finale, the newest Odd Couple debuted to a very healthy 3.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 13.57 million viewers. In week two, the numbers fell by 10% in the demo and 18% in viewership. In week three, the ratings grew a bit.
The fourth installment hit a new low with a 2.5 in the demo and 10.24 million. Last week’s took a big dip, hitting another new low with a 1.9 demo rating and 8.7 million. It’s worth noting that all of the CBS shows were way down last week.
While it seems that Odd Couple’s ratings haven’t quite settled in yet, it appears that the sitcom is a safe bet for renewal. If the numbers continue to go way down, it could be headed for cancellation but that doesn’t seem likely.
In short, CBS still needs new sitcoms. The McCarthys will surely be cancelled and they dropped The Millers midway through its second season. They’ve already renewed four comedies for next season so that leaves them with two half-hour timeslots open for 2015-16 (and that’s presuming they don’t want to add more sitcoms back into the schedule).
While Odd Couple’s ratings retention from its Big Bang Theory lead-in could be a lot better, the new series is currently the network’s second-highest rated show in the demo. It doesn’t hurt that it has a couple name actors in the cast which helps sell the series to new viewers (can a mini-Friends reunion be far behind?). Renewal looks like a safe bet.
But, what do you think? Do you like The Odd Couple on CBS? Would you like to see it cancelled or renewed for a second season? Would you make any changes?
This was the stupidest show on tv & it’s being put back on tv? Who is mathew perry with to get that show back on the air again?
BRING BACK #THEODDCOUPLE! LOVE THE CAST!
I have supported Matthew’s shows: loved Mr. Sunshine, GoOn was getting there and MLP’s guest stints on West Wing and The Good Wife were stellar! I just can’t get into The Odd Couple. I tried several times, but there was too much yelling ‘Oscar”, too much of an ensemble that really doesn’t seem cohesive. Exceptions are ‘Felix’ and ‘Emily’ who both steal the show. Thomas Lennon is fantastic as FU and Lindsay Sloane is an added hem. Matthew, I am sorry to say that I cannot get into your role as OM. And hearing that Teri Hatcher will be your… Read more »
Probably one of the worst versions of The Odd Couple and there have been quite a few. It is as if Beavis (Perry) and Butt-head are playing the parts of Oscar and Felix. It just isn’t very funny. The earlier versions are still funny, but this just seems forced and is missing most of what was good about the original. Sorry!
Looking forward to the return of the new “Odd Couple”. It is well acted, and well written. Get it back on the air. Give the actors’ time to settle in as well !! – David
This show is awesome really it is < I waiting for season two so please hurry up.
Thank you
The new odd couple is awesome,it is so funny I watch reruns from my dvr!! Please keep going next year. Thanx
keep the odd couple
I ABSOLUTELY love this new show, and am very bummed out that it’s now October 2nd, and it’s not on!! PLEASE bring this show back!!! I LOVE sitcoms that make me LAUGH hysterically!!!!
I love the new version of the Odd Couple. Perry is meant to be flat and Lennon is just a guy that annoys you but you have to love him. The supporting cast delivers the punches that the show needs. I want the show renewed. PLEASE!!!
keep , love it
I love the new version of the Odd Couple. It is hilarious and Matthew Perry does a great job as a modern day Oscar- PLEASE KEEP ON!! Thanks
I think Mathew Perry’s odd couple is hilarious. Please keep it on!!!
I love the sarcastic banter. If you pay attention, it is hilarious! Perry’s acting leaves much to be desired. He is flat with the delivery of his lines. However, I love it and hope it is renewed.
Have any of the writers watched the Klugman and Randall series? They are completely missing what the essence of the show was about. Besides the names Felix and Oscar how does this resemble “The Odd Couple”? I was really looking forward to the series. However, the new show has little dramatic comedy writing. It seems like just one snarky sarcasm after another resembling many other sitcoms. They are missing Felix driving everyone crazy, Oscars messy bedroom, Murry the cop and playing poker with the guys. I noticed that they have used a few of the ideas in episodes from the… Read more »