In a truly strange twist, NBC has ordered three additional episodes of their Monday night medical series, Trauma. The show was confirmed as essentially cancelled late last month when the network opted not to order any additional installments. What happened?
Trauma revolves around a group of first responder paramedics in San Francisco. The high-action series is populated by an ensemble cast that includes Derek Luke, Cliff Curtis, Anastasia Griffith, Kevin Rankin, Aimee Garcia, Billy Lush, Jamey Sheridan, and Taylor Kinney.
Earlier today, Hollywood blogger Nikki Finke reported that NBC was considering ordering three additional installments and that news has now been confirmed.
What isn’t clear is the reason why. Finke and several other sources are claiming that the expensive show’s ratings have improved. One only needs to look at the numbers to see that’s not true.
Trauma debuted to lackluster ratings of a 2.2 in the 18-49 demo and 6.68 million total viewers. The second week, they dropped significantly to a 1.7 and 5.36 million. Trauma’s numbers have fluctuated a bit since then but haven’t broken past a 1.9 in the demo or 5.82 million viewers.
As far as a “recent ratings rise,” there hasn’t been one. This week’s episode attracted a 1.8 in the demo (just like last week) and the total viewers were down, from 5.35 million to 5.18 million. What’s more, Heroes beat Trauma in the demo by almost 20% and neither’s figures are impressive.
This decision to order a trio of additional episodes is likely more of an indication of NBC’s other ratings problems than new-found faith in Trauma. The execs may not feel like they have enough original programming to last them until the Winter Olympics or they might not be feeling very confident about their mid-season shows.
Whatever the reason, the Trauma’s ratings are still not good and need help. While three additional episodes are a nice little gift for fans, unless the show’s ratings start rising, it’s just delaying the inevitable.
What do you think? Why did NBC order three more episodes of Trauma? Do you think they’ve changed their minds about cancelling it or just delaying the inevitable?
Image courtesy NBC.
From a professional perspective, technically, the show is crap (they would do a lot better to have a proper tech consultant as I don’t think the one they have has ever worked anywhere in a medical field, emergency or otherwise), but the characters and the adrenalin make the show. Really good special effects so for the pure entertainment value, I hope the show gets another chance.
I think that maybe NBC as come to slowly realize that they have a diamond in the rough with this TV SHOW.
I hope the NBC executives will give this show a chance to grow and mature before they pull the plug on it.
All of the characters have such good on screen chemistry, this should could go a long way if given the chance.
Perhaps NBC decided to appease the fans of “Trauma” by ordering three new episodes. The execs may have realized that canceling it was premature since they really don’t have much else to air in the Monday night timeslot at 9:00. And it has been very popular with real life emergency responders who do watch the show. I personally have seen every episode that has aired and I like the chemistry of the cast as well. I’m also glad to read about “Chuck” coming back in January and returning to it’s old Monday night slot. I really don’t see why NBC… Read more »
I’m very glad Trauma got a few more episodes, but really is that it? Just 3? The problem is the networks are just in it for the money. Period! If their investments are not paying right away, then they do what they do best cancel it. N.C.I.S. I’m wasn’t number 1 right away, but look at it now. TV’s number 1 show. Same with the C.S.I. shows, look how great their doing. And Of course the mother ship: E.R. , come on NBC renew Trauma for another season, and do something about Jay Leno already!!
I was glad to hear that there’ll be at least a few more episodes. I really like Trauma and would hate to see it go, but I expected something like that from the start. Series get cancelled too soon nowadays, sometimes you don’t even get t0 see all of the episodes that were made (remember “Heist”?). It’s be great if Trauma would get another chance and maybe a better slot. It’s got a lot of potential and is different from ER, but I’m afraid people would rather watch the same stuff over and over again than be excited about a… Read more »
I am so glad to hear there will be at least 3 more episodes of Trauma. It is a show worth saving. I hope you will reconsider its potential.
I love the show, reason why ratings are low is cause NBC has the show on Monday nights a night lot of people watch Monday Night Football. THey would have better ratings if they moved it to another night like have a medical wed with Mercy at 8pm and Trauma at 9pm ET. I like Jay Leno but he should of stayed on tonight show then you could have Trauma on at 10pm ET. The show is a good show for sure i like it. and i know alot of people that like the show too.
Glad to hear NBC ordered more episodes. The networks seem to throw in the towel to quickly on these shows. Remember- Cheers and Seinfeld had low ratings when they first aired- and look at the success they had. So good job NBC. This is a good show.
I sure hope, they changed their minds about cancelling. I love this show
Glad to hear there will be more shows for whatever reason. Come on people, spread the word and just maybe we could save it!!!
What I was saying by the word that was blocked out, was women who make bad decisions like cheating on their spouses and sleeping with co-workers.
Trauma would do better if they had ****** characters like those of Mercy. For some reason, people don’t like watching shows that have no romantic agenda. It’s a good show and it’s sad that our society is that way.
I would prefer they give Eastwick 3 more episodes to finish the story. I do not think Trauma will survive with just 3 more episodes.
I am so excited! I love this show… maybe the decline is due to the fact that it was going to be cancelled and people did not want to invest their time in a show that was doomed.
One thing I like about this site, is you tell it like it is. While I am a fan of Trauma, and I loved reading the headline that more episodes had been ordered. I’m glad you told it like it is and warned us not to get hopes up.
I do like Trauma better than Mercy and Three Rivers, but I can read the writing on the wall.