The “visitors” are back — with a vengeance. ABC’s remake of V, the NBC mini-series and show of the same name, kicked off (and kicked butt) last night. The numbers look really good but, most importantly, will they last.
The current incarnation of V begins as spaceships appear in the skies over 29 international cities and a benevolent leader, Anna (Morena Baccarin), tells the people of Earth that they come in peace. Several humans doubt the aliens’ sincerity and FBI agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell) learns that the aliens have been among us for years, infiltrating governments and businesses. The series also stars Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Logan Huffman, Lourdes Benedicto, Laura Vandervoort, and Scott Wolf.
The new V pilot has gotten some mixed reviews but any negativity didn’t seem to discourage TV viewers from giving the show a try. Last night, the premiere scored the highest premiere ratings of the 2009-10 season. V averaged 14.3 million viewers and managed a 5.2/14 rating/share, beating out NCIS in the demo.
But, will it last?
As you may have heard, there’s been quite a bit of backstage upheaval. Series production was put on hold after four episodes so that producers could work on improving the scripts and realign them with the pilot. Not a good sign.
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ABC later announced that the first season would be split into two parts. Four episodes will air in November and the rest will start airing after the Olympics in March 2010. The network claimed that this was being done to promote the series as more of an “event.”
Yesterday, it was reported that Scott Peters had been replaced by Scott Rosenbaum as showrunner on the series. Writer/executive producer Jeffrey Bell, who’d originally been brought in to be the post-pilot showrunner, is expected to leave the show altogether.
Based on last night’s ratings, viewers seemed to like what they saw and stuck with it since viewership grew as the hour progressed. Based on that, the audience looks ready for more but it remains to be seen if the show will be able to meet their expectations.
What do you think? Do you like this new version? Will you tune in next week? Is ABC’s strategy of breaking up the season a good idea or will it kill any ratings momentum (ala Heroes, season one)? Cancel or keep it?
Image courtesy ABC.
I was wondering if I was just missing it, now that I know they stopped production on this show, it sucks. I loved the way they did this show, the effects were alot better, the actors are better looking, especially Diana 😉 WOW! gone are the corney effects of the eightys, and the constant rerunning of the fly overs by the shuttles they used. Great stuff, Guess I will have to wait till March to get my Diana fix!!! Its gonna be a long winter!!!!
Waitng on march with baited breatheROFL ;-D
Wow,this is so lame compared to the original.
And no original cast members either,talk about BIG mistake.The actors move like robots LOL
The 1984 version is 100 times better..
I love V
Yes I’m old enough to have seen the original which was something else superb but this show isn’t the same its a remake with different stories and ideas whilst keeping true to the original concept.
Please keep it on the air.
But splitting it into 2 parts is a mistake I won’t be able to remember the first 4 episodes when March comes round!!!!!!!!!!! silly idea it will lose fans
Keep V ! its awesome . i was sad to hear its being broken up, and if anything- waiting until March is whats going to kill the show . people are excited to see it right now everyweek and in a few months well all get over it and forget V was ever playing . HURRY IT UP AND COME OUT WITH THE NEW EPISODES !
The show has potential, but there has been WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too many commercials. I counted the other night and there was 33 minutes of show and the rest was commercials! There seemed to be a commercial every 8 minutes and I found that made the show VERY hard to follow! I think a lot of people will lose interest, if they split it up the show…what a stupid idea! lol….
24 is by no means in the all-time greats. The last two seasons have been sub-par. I see better storylines in Tom Clancy inspired video games and the Call of Duty Modern Warfare game series.
I like this new V. Love the original but this new one doesn’t suck either. It should run as long as it can. God I miss Babylon 5.
Love the show, hate that only 4 episodes will show. If you enjoyed the original you love the remake. Keep it…
“V” is awesome…A great remake of the old story with a modern feel. Characters are well developed and the plot is excellent. ABC has put on a GREAT show….!
The writing and acting are excellent…. it is going to be another show along the lines of the all time TV Greats such as “LOST” “24” and others with great writing that takes time to develop…. but once it gets going it takes on a life of its own… Shows like this take an investment in your intellect and time to let it go deeper and get you through it, but ususally well worth it in th end. I guess that rules out 98% of America. Sheesh. We’re such dumbsh*ts in this country of ours anymore. Maybe real “V”‘s should… Read more »
i love this show. I just saw the third episode and I’m hooked. I barely watch TV at all and this is going to suck.
keep it; or go to the syfy channel, which is unfortunatly owned by nbc
Why would ABC possibly be foolish enough to cancel a show that is as interested as this new “V” series. It is what the USA needs to be watching at this difficult time taking place in America at this time. There are too many stupid comedy shows on as well as CSI makeovers. Give us a break. We demand something that is not boring. I hate it when the hour is over. Get rid of all the stupid dance shows as well.
I agree with number Susan #2. This show (v) is very bad. Cancel and save Eastwick!
this show is junk. the fbi agents act like kids playing cops and robbers, and nothing about the aliens follows any real theories. its all just crap crap crap. why did they have to remake a perfectly good show STUPID
Wow. I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two episodes. I am very sad that I will have to wait until march to see anything after the fourth. I had no idea what it was about and do not watch any television. I will be awaiting this series and really hope it is not canceled.