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.
Although I’m very glad that there will be 3 more episodes of Trauma, I would adore having another season of what quickly became one of our favorite shows. The interactions among the actors are great, and we have already put this show above others we have been watching for years.
Please don’t cancel one of the best shows introduced this season!!
Please,
I love this show. The action and relationships between the actors is unbelieveable. I realize the scenes are not true to life, however, what on television really ever is. As far as I am concerned, this show could will survive if given the chance.
I agree fully with no names medic 557. Nancy does need to be more likeable in a show with a lot of men I only like the female pilot. Nancy annoys me! Not sure fully why. I also agree that the medical parts are unrealistic. I would never do CPR like they do as I like to do compressions on their chest not their abdomen. How hard is that? And they would have surely all been fired for carrying out procedures above their grade so to speak. However lets give it 3 more episodes. This show is watchable if you… Read more »
I am so disappointed with NBC for cancelling Trauma. Maybe you need someone who is real to take over some of the big boys decisions. Obviously Trauma has following. If you read the comments a lot of viewers seem to be upset over the cancellation of a great show. I think it may be a good idea to take this one back to the big boy board and re evaluate your decision. Listen to your audience, they are the ones who make shows exceed, or fail, Give this show a chance to reach others, you put this show up against… Read more »
I like the show and have watched all of them so far. Having watched the show, NBC gave an indication the show was not coming back before the public found out one of the male paramedics was gay and the character did not fit negative stereotypes of gays. The show is set in the series in San Francisco after all. NBC and political groups realize that this is an ideal show that could “potentially” bring to light in a low key manner gay issues. I have also read that NBC is also planning yet another spinoff of the Law& Order… Read more »
I just want to say that I am addicted to the show. I am in the medical field as well and currently have been taking trauma care courses and I find the show strikingly accurate. It coincidentally has been reflecting my course topics week by week. The interventions done in the show are accurate, whether or not the people who oppose believe it or not. Emergency care varies and different facilities have different protocols. Just because what you see on Trauma does not directly reflect how you would respond on scene, does not mean its wrong or inaccurate. In a… Read more »
Yes! and you did put it in a BAD TIME SLOT. It’s as if you didn’t want it to SURVIVE.
I am sooooo tired of these reality tv shows. this is a very good show you need to give it a chance. It seems like today’s TV is about SILLY SHOWS THAT MEAN NOTHING AND HAVE NO MESSAGE. YES I’m A 50+ yr old person. and I am sick and tired of the networks appealing only to the YOUNG. GIVE IT A CHANCE!
We have come to enjoy Trauma very much. It is important to have likeable
characters the viewers care about. Being up against Dancing With the Stars
was a horrible time slot. Perhaps now more viewers will give it a try. We
have grown attached to the characters and hope NBC will reconsider!
This show is great. it reminds me of Emergency in the 70s. Some people today want hype, special effects,etc. But this show is showing how paramedics work in extreme situations that they normally don’t do in real life sometimes. Yes, I beleive they should have professional medical experts on staff for the show to bring it more realism, but this TV show is very entertaining to me and other people. Great Job NBC to get 3 more shows, I hope it continues next year.
This is a great show & deserves more time. I don’t agree with any of the negative comments at all. I think the cast is great and very believable. I also like Mercy, but Trauma is my favorite by far.
I have really enjoyed watching the show and would be disapointed if it does not have a chance to show its potential. I enjoy the chemistry the characters have with one another, the action, and stories, and I do hope that it is given a chance.
Why is the network in such a hurry to scrap this show ? If they had anything better they would have put it on in the fall lineup . What happened to tryiny a show on different nights against shows before pulling the plug?
Every Monday morning I wake up and smile because I can’t wait til 9:00 pm because I know that Trauma will be on. I can’t remember the last time I tuned in to watch a show from the very beginning of their first season. I have been captivated by the story line and the cast. I’ve always had lots of respect and love for Derek Luke who plays Boone. I’ve seen every movie he’s been in and was delighted and excited to see that he was a part of the main cast. He’s a true talent. What I enjoy most… Read more »
I love Trauma as a TV series. It is a well written action packed program. NBC needs to give this show a chance. Unfortunately, these days, what doesn’t make good money right from the start is often cancelled. If NBC were smart, they would continue showing this program through the December repeats on other networks. It might attract many new viewers to this program.