ABC continues to try to replace some of their aging hour-long TV series. Once Upon a Time will be renewed but how about The River? Cancelled after one short season?
The River revolves around the search for beloved TV host and explorer Doctor Emmet Cole (Bruce Greenwood) some six months after he and his team went missing down the Amazon. His wife, son, their crew and a documentary team go after them on a rescue mission. As you might expect, they find more than they expected and the trip is fraught with danger. The cast includes Joe Anderson, Leslie Hope, Eloise Mumford, Paul Blackthorne, Thomas Kretschmann, Daniel Zacapa, Shaun Parkes, and Paulina Gaitan.
The paranormal/horror series got a double-episode launch on Tuesday, February 7th. The first hour averaged a 2.6 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 8.35 million total viewers. The second hour drew a 2.3 demo rating with 6.83 million. Those demo numbers were better than what Body of Proof’s been getting but were still disappointing.
Looking at the half-hour breakdowns, you can see that the ratings steadily declined as the two hours progressed. Between the first half hour and the last, The River lost 15% in the demo and 26% in total viewership. That certainly wasn’t a good indication that those people would return for week two.
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And, they didn’t. For the third episode, The River’s demo fell a whopping 26% with a 1.7 rating with 4.96 million. Several shows also saw declines that night but The River was easily the biggest loser of the evening.
After just three installments, The River averages a 2.0 in the coveted demo and 5.9 million viewers. It ranks 12th on the list of ABC scripted shows for this season, just above already-cancelled sitcom Man Up!. The River also receives a “D+” on the ABC network report card. Unless the next episode attracts at least a 2.0 rating, the season average and grade will drop even further.
Based on this early performance, it looks certain that The River will be cancelled after one season. The network only ordered eight episodes so there are only five produced installments remaining. The last is expected to air on March 20th. Given that this is an ongoing mystery series, it seems highly unlikely that the story will be wrapped up by the finale.
But, what do you think? Have you been enjoying The River? Do you think it deserves to be cancelled or get a renewal for season two? Cancel or keep it?
Image courtesy ABC.
SAVE THE SHOW
Theres Magic *
Leave the river on TV it is a great combination of paranormal action and mystery it most definitely shouldn’t be cancelled
Save the show !!! Waited All Year Long … I even have the DVR set to be waiting to recording. Pls don’t cancel. Come Back!!!!
The river is my favourite show!!!!! They have to keep it running!! There is nothing wrong with it. I never watched it when it aired, but watched it on shaw on demand because I was always gone whenit was on. Save the river!!! WAY TO GO, THAT’S ME! RENEW IT PLEASE!!! ABC, YOU SUCK FOR CANCELLING IT!!!!!!
KEEP, KEEP, KEEP this show! It was awesome. My entire family was hooked on it and can’t wait to see the next season!
I absolutely loved the show, would so watch seasons to come! keep it
First ABC cancels my show pushing daisies, which was awesome then it was GCB which was so funny since I have family in TX who are just like them n now cuz they feel that no one watches the River it should be cancelled too. NOOOOOO!! I’m getting sick of you ABC n canceling every show I love watching. I’m sure ur going to do the same to once upon a time too for no reason as well. Stop getting rid of things me and my friends love to talk about. KEEP THE RIVER GOING!! Otherwise I will have nothin… Read more »
Come on! I’ve been waiting for such a good show since “Lost”! How can you cancel it especially after the last episode! Me and my friends we got into conclusion that is just not worth getting attached to new shows on tv and is better for greedy network officials to start and finish all seasons and than download them and watch them with out worrying if the show will be cancelled…..I made mistake with “Terra Nova”, but that was only b/c my husband who was in Iraq told me about this show..dinosaures and stuff…I laughed at him to watch such… Read more »
I think TV networks need to understand JUST because they think no one is watching…we are. Just not necc. at the time the show airs. With DVR and Hulu, people can easily watch a show a week after it airs. But that does not show up on their ratings grade or whatever. It is annoying. I love watching these shows on Hulu and get so annoyed to get addicted to them and what to know what happens only to find out…cancelled.
I love The River!! Its a different kind of show. I was unsure about it before it started because the previews did not pull you in. I was hooked by the first episode though and so was everyone else I told about it. I really hope to see a second season.
Keep the River. Loved it.
This show needs to stay on the air. it is so good! i love the river. there isnt alot of shows like this!
Keep The River. I really like this show.
Keep The River its the best intense show that I have ever seen!!! Haven’t watched a show yet that kept me at the edge of my couch!!! Recorded every episode!! PLEASE KEEP!!
SEASON 2 PLEASE !!!!