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?
FFs the show has only just started, the problem with these retards is if it dosen’t make high ratings instantly or with in a few shows they cancel it f*&^%$g bean counters are the problem.
NBC should have given the show a longer run and a chance to develop a following. Writing and plots were better than plenty of stuff on the other stations.
I can not believe they are not bring the player back. It was just getting really good, they should give it more time, bring it back, it will catch on!!!
I really was enjoying the show and hate that you are thinking of cancelling the series.I think if the networks decide to cancel a show that they should at least run 1more episode to bring a finally to the series.
This is so typical of the networks. Cutting a program without exploring other time slots or because of ratings. I know rating places a big part but we are surrounded with reality shows that are the worst programs to exist. A fast pace, action filled series is refreshing. Don’t give up on this series. It is an awesome show.
NBC never remembers its screw up with STAR TREK TOS. Not to mention, how many other shows (like STAR TREK and STARGATE SG1) that went to cable and ran for multiple seasons WITH spinoffs.
The player is a great show and shame on NBC if they have really cancelled it. We’ve been inundated with reality shows that I don’t care for and an action series with good writing and a plot is refreshing. Please have the network reconsider its action!
Save “The Player”, this was one of my regular shows to watch. Normally would watch online versus TV, but always made time to watch the show. Loved the 3 main characters, and liked where the story line was going. Heck at least let them finish season 1, so they can end the series and tie up loose ends.
love this tv show….. is worth to saving it.. It is my one of my favourite TV shows.
Save the player…Sometimes we have to put everything on the line TO win something!
Love this action packed series. Bring it back. Lots of people watch it and love it. Give it more time. You probably don’t see the ratings cause so many people per it.
AzHIw We love the player, bring it back
I truly love The Player please do not cancel!
I had gotten really attached to this one. It was a total shock that it didn’t make it. I really hope they reconsider. Save The Player!!!!! Or at least as respect for the viewers do a finally.
We really enjoyed the Player. The cast is great. Keep the show clean, no gory stuff, add more action and keep the show. Thursday is a good time slot after Heros. Give it more time. Shades of Blue more like having the blues, sad.
My family loved this show, but as always, the good shows are usually removed for other trash of reality shows.