NBC had high expectations for their new Thursday night action drama, The Player. Unfortunately, the ratings have not been good and the network has now cut the show’s episode order. Has the series already been cancelled or does it still have a shot at being renewed for a second season next year?
Set in Las Vegas, The Player follows a huge game in which world events are predicted, gambled upon and influenced by a shadowy elite. Controlling the game is the “The Pitt Boss,” a mysterious Mr. Johnson (Wesley Snipes). “The Dealer” is Cassandra (Charity Wakefield) and she recruits rogue FBI agent Alex Kane (Philip Winchester). As “The Player”, Alex is driven by the need to find out who killed his wife. Damon Gupton also stars.
Debuting on September 24th, The Player got off to a poor start in the ratings, averaging a 1.16 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 4.86 million viewers. The second episode’s numbers were even worse with the installment drawing a 0.95 in the demo and 4.58 million.
Week three’s numbers were worse and then the series hit new lows in week four with a 0.74 demo and 3.99 million. Last week’s episode did a little bit better but the numbers were frankly still terrible.
To be fair, The Player has had to contend with tough competition from NFL football games and ABC’s highly rated How to Get Away with Murder. Unfortunately, NBC doesn’t seem to be cutting this series any slack. While NBC’s Blindspot has received a full season order, the network has cut the The Player’s order down to nine episodes.
They’ve also already committed the show’s timeslot to other programming. In the new year, the Thursdays at 10pm timeslot will be taken over by new series Shades of Blue starring Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta.
Though NBC has not officially cancelled The Player yet, the ratings are so bad that it’s as good as cancelled. Barring a miracle and sudden upturn in the ratings, there’s just no way the network execs will want to order any more episodes.
But, what do you think? Have you been enjoying The Player TV series? Do you think it should be cancelled or saved and given more time to prove itself?
Great little piece of escapism with intrigue , action and enough new ideas to exercise your ‘guessing muscles’ in the land of plot predictability -which were still being exercised as I kept wondering where was the next episode… having just disappeared off the channel with no indication that it had ended here in the UK… narked at the way that was done as much as I am at the loss of the show coz’ it was a a good show with a lot of potential.
Fantastic show keep it going . Great new way of looking at a action series. With a good story running in the background, wanting you to see the next episode. Let’s have another series !!!!!
What?? This program is way better than the usual reality TV drivel. Loved the story line and the characters. We were looking for the next episode but have found that it has finished. What a bad decision. This is a show we looked forward to each Friday night. Please bring it back.
I’ve just finished watching episode 9.
Easily one of the best series of 2016, unique/original storyline superb actors.
NBC should let this run!!
I can’t believe they cancelled one of the greatest action & suspense shows EVER on NBC. why don’t the execs at NBC take some of the reality crap off the air, and give us a great show back? If the show has to compete with NFL, and other higher ratings shows, just move it to another day/time slot? And I know NBC has other channels that they could move it to. I’m sick of the reality show crap. I thought NBC finally come to their senses when I started watching THE PLAYER, but I guess they just don’t realize a… Read more »
Keep the Show going & get rid of the Reality Shows!!!
Give the Player a real chance. The plot was different. The action was great.
Please bring back the show. This was such a great show. We need more of the player!!
Please bring back the Player I really enjoyed that show.
Bring it back loved the show
Please bring it back. There was not enough time to create a following. It’s a great series amazing acting, please give it another shot!!!!
Please bring this show back, I lowed the plot.