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 love Trauma and in a way its just like ER just with paramedics. I am gonna be so mad if they decide to end it.
I Agree with Celie,
Trauma is the best! I watch it religiously. The writing and acting is superb.
Completely love the show and went into shock when I saw it is going to be canceled. That is crazy! This is an amazing show and I look forward to it every week. I would give up every other show I watch if it would save Trauma!!!
This is currently the best drama on TV. Cancel Mercy, if you need to cancel something, but leave Trauma alone. It’s terrifically cast and written, with high production values. It’s as good, in my opinion, as ER.
I really like Trauma, I don’t care if medical professionals find it inaccurate, any drama based on any profession is inaccurate. Evem if it’s a show about bartenders. The show is there to entertain. If you want medical information watch Discovery Health. I’m looking to kick back and enjoy actors instead of reality T.V.
I really love the show. Please don’t cancel this. This is another ER but from a different angle. The last show I saw was when I was in the hospital recovering from major surgery. This show has a great cast and good story line. Don’t take something that is worthy off the air and replace it with “garbage”. This is definitely a show worth watching.
As one of the first certified paramedics in my home state, and one of the first to ride a medevac chopper…and a former student of Dr. R. Adams Cowley (those in the profession will know who that is…the rest of you, Google :D)… I can say that Trauma was one of the few TRULY realistic shows on TV. NBC…if you have to cancel a show, cancel Mercy…it bears absolutely NO resemblance to a real hospital ICU experience. But, then again, the VP of programming at NBC isn’t real bright…he replaced Jay Leno with Conan O’Brien (a total disaster)…the only GOOD… Read more »
Trauma was a great show! We are Derek Luke fans! Please bring the show back!!!
I rarely get “hooked on shows” but I can honestly say “I am hooked”.. Please, don’t cancel this show!! It’s such a great show!! I love this show!!!!!!!!!
Trauma is the best show on NBC! Please dont cancel it! Its sooooo good and realistic!
I was very dissapointed when my show was not on. It was a date with my daughter and my son in law to watch. The Monday that it was not on we were discussing I hoped is not to have a political messages. I was addicted to Trauma. I love Trauma better than Mercy. Bring Trauma back!!!!!!!
I personally loved the show. I frankly hate everything else that’s on, but Trauma was certainly a fresh story with exciting new actors. I’ll be sorry to see it leave.
this show was to me up there with ER if not better! It was a very good show and that just means that NBC will be losing more rating bc thats one station i will no longer be watching because they are cancelling all the good shows theres nothing really good to watch on there now
i really love the show , me being in the medical field myself and the fact i use to be a paramedic makes the show all that much more interesting to me and i sincerely hope that nbc brings it back . it was the best show on tv next to csi on thursday nights. please listen to the fans nbc and bring it back……………………………..
I hope they changed their minds about cancelling and the new episodes will give it more of a fan boost to catch on. Networks are too quick to cancel new shows it the ratings don’t jump to the top from the beginning. What a shame!
One of the best shows on this season!!
Being a paramedic I can say this, I LOVED the show trauma. For as much as others might think that it isn’t real life…it is TOTALLY real when it comes to how it is. If it’s cancelled it will be on less reason for me to return to NBC.