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?
This show is simply amazing. I live in the UK so I cant watch it lovw but the amount of people watching it here oa amazing too. This ahow seriously needs to stay on.
Please give the player another chance i love this show put on a different night
Please don’t cancel this show. The acting and action is so good. Why take away a show this new show right away at least give it another time spot. You can’t except a new show to compete with Thursday Night Football. Change the time and see how it does with less competition. I would like it to be on a Tuesday night or have it come on before Blacklist allowing Blacklist to be the ending of a power house tv show because Blacklist drains with it’s powerful storyline and acting allowing The player to grow its fan base and to… Read more »
This show is amazing Wesley snipes is bad as Alex is bad ass the story line is intriguing… The action is great im glued to the TV more people need to watch
I love The Player!! It keeps me on the edge of my seat! Don’t take it away before we find out if Alex finds his wife!
It’s a great show, but NBC need to reschedule it.
I love the show! Why cancel is filled with action justa good show in all! Please don’t cancel it’s worth saving!
Noo! Don’t cancel The Player, give it a chance! First of all, Thursday’s belong to Shonda Rimes’ shows. You’ve set The Player and The Blacklist up against the toughest competition, and TNFootball. How about a moving to a different night before throwing the Player away?
I like this show too (Loved Strike Back) but, the only way this show will survive is if the crowd that was watching Thursday Night Football decide to tune in to The Player when Elementary starts back next Thursday. I still think it’s to late though.
well, I should say I am surprised but I am not. I love the player..but seem like, me liking it, is not good enough. I wish they would just chill and give the darn show a chance.
I will never watch an NBC show again if you cancel this and bring Donald Trump to SNL! Outrageous!
Are u serious? The player is nice in its own way don’t even think abt cancelling it
This show has gotten better with each episode. It deserves a chance to prove that it deserves a season 2. I’m enjoying it a great deal.
Please dont cancel it!
It is very different;which is nice!
It is better than how it is described!
There is always action!
Here’s an idea;
put the Bindspot n its timeslot on Thurs & the Player on Mon nites!
I actually prefer the player to Blindspot. I think it’s definitely the day and time which is causing it to suffer. 🙁
Show is amazing!!!! Right up there with blindspot