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.
I started watching because i was bored and got hooked. The characters are good the storyline is intense and its a keeper. what NBC needs is better marketing for the show
As a retired EMT/firefighter, I look forward to this show. NBC – please do not cancel this show. It was riveting from the beginning and the characters diverse. We are getting comfortable with each of them and want them to stay on.
PLEASE DON’T CANCEL THIS SHOW NBC!!! I love both the comedy and the drama- Love the cast- especially Rabbit… i look forward to this show every week- it would be such a shame to cancel this entertaining show…
I think Trauma rocks, and it more than fills the void that was left after ER ended – it’s high energy and edge of the seat fun . . I was devastated when I heard the news it was canceled, even my 85 yr old mother loves it . . I hope NBC decides to keep it coming . . because the shows the last few weeks have rocked . . and now with Nancy’s Dad on board in the ER; I’ve got to see what happens there . . keep it coming !!!!
Trauma is getting better and better every week. the cast is fantastic and the story lines are off the chart!! its the best medical show on tv! dont cancel it!!
I love Trauma for the characters. Since when do we expect the medical subject to be completely correct. If that was the case we wouldn’t watch the CSI shows or other medical shows.
i love this show and i sure hope that it isn’t canceled, i hate reality tv, i am hooked on trauma and so are my friends. PLEASE DON’T CANCEL THIS AWESOME SHOW!!!!!!
I really hope they keep it. It’s one of the best medical shows since third watch and ER.
I really hope they keep it. It had a slow start but now I am totally addicted to it.
The show has definitely been getting better and better as it goes on. I love the characters, and this show is not another cookie cutter medical drama (try CBS’s new Miami Medical). Give it another chance!
NBC would be making a mistake for not continuing the series. NBC has a hit but are unaware that it is realistic, exciting and suspenseful. Great cast and Writers. Keep the Series going at least for the Second Season. Loyal Audience.
Cheers,
From Canada.
intelligent show with great emotional stuff. i never know where its going but i alwsys look forward to the next segment. I really hope it stays on— the characters are real, and the situations are riveting.
I love this show!!!! Trama is a great show. Action packed on the edge of your seat great charaters….
Get rid of the reality shows, leave Trama alone….
I love trauma! Yes I have read the reviews from my fellow emts and medics, no its not reality god knows we don’t need another reality show! But I think that’s what I love about it. Nbc. If we remember
Debuted another “little” show that hit the bottom of the ratings the first year and was gonna be cancelled then miracously became the biggest show of the decade, I’m talking about cheers. Nbc learn from the past its a great show leave it alone!
I agree with others.. it started out slow but it’s gotten better and better. No more reality shows please! Keep this show alive. With the internet just judging TV ratings isn’t enough. This show has lots of fans!! Yipee Rabbit and Nancy!!! I have my dad hooked on the show too!