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?
I would like the player to continue. Maybe NBC can put it in the black hole they call saturday night.. I like a few shows, but NBC programming just isn’t that good.
I am “all in” for The Player! A clever gambling plot with great action scenes. I like the technology/computer being used as Alex’s partner. I don’t get why NBC isn’t listening to the viewers — keep The Player and find a better time slot.
I love the new show the player.i look foward to watching it every week.it will be very disappointing to see the show cancelled.i hope you bring wesley snipes back for season 2.Nbc,you got to give it a chance.its really too early to see what it could be.the show is still growing on us.i think this show can become something really really good.just make sure your writers step up there game if they want to draw more fans and ratings
I absolutely love this show. It is my favorite new show this year. Please don’t cancel -I would be very disappointed.
Great show! NBC are fools for cancelling. Move to a spot where is not in direct competition with football, and it will do well. Keep it going.
Leave the show alone its awesome. We watch football then watch the recording. It is just awesome. We won’t watch another NBC show in this time slot because you won’t cut the show any slack due to Monday night football
I like this show and will be disappointed it will be cancelled
It’s a shame this show is being cancelled, not many white guy leads anymore. Perhaps if the player were a. Female hero lead it would have better following; Maybe not enough sex or not violent enough. You have to wonder why TV Bigwigs don’ realize that the reason why males 20 – 38 don’t watch much network TV is that there are not many male role models to admire on network TV; only female leads or male co-stars in subservient roles.
Look who takes the beating for being the second bananna who is weak or anti-hero.
I enjoy the TV show – lots of action.
I must say I really love The Player. I don’t think NBC has given it much of a chance. I definitely wont be watching Shades of Blue. No a Lopez fan at all.
Show is great
I love this show please find a better time slot. I record the show but many folks don’t have that option.
It’s a great show. Keep it on. Give it more time to prove itself. The same folks who like the sports that have challenged it, will also love this.
Need to keep this show, like it better than most of the other new fall shows
NBC SHOULD KNOW THIER IS NO SHOW THAT WILL BET OUT THE ABC THURSDAY NIGTH LINE UP AND SHOULD KEEP THE PLAYER ON AND MOVE TO A NEW TIME AND DAY THIS IS A GOOD SHOW IF THEY GIVE IT TIME