The aliens came and, despite some ratings challenges, they are staying — for at least one more season. ABC has renewed the V TV show for a second season.
Like the original, the new V revolves around the arrival of aliens to the planet Earth. While the visitors profess that they’ve come in peace, their ulterior motives slowly become clear. The cast includes Elizabeth Mitchell, Morena Baccarin, Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Logan Huffman, Lourdes Benedicto, Laura Vandervoort, and Scott Wolf.
The series got off to a strong start in November with a 5.2 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 14.3 million total viewers. At the time, it was the highest rated debut of the 2009-10 season. Unfortunately, a large percentage of those viewers didn’t return for the second week. Episode two brought in a 3.8 rating and 10.7 million.
Week three dropped yet again, to a 3.1 in the demo and 9.26 million viewers. Thankfully, the ratings decline evened off from there. Unfortunately, due to some backstage issues, ABC put the show on hiatus for several months.
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When V returned, the show’s ratings were understandably lower than they had been. Still, the drop could have been far worse than it was — attracting a 2.8 in the demo and 7.03 million viewers. The numbers later slipped to a low of a 1.9 rating and 4.87 million.
But now, in the final weeks of the season, V is starting to show a little growth. Last week’s brought a 2.1 and 5.37 million. This week attracted a 2.3 and 5.69 million. These increases seem to mirror the growth in its lead-in’s viewership (Lost) but they are increases nonetheless.
While it would seem that ABC should realistically cancel V, the network has a tradition of showing some faith in one or two struggling programs each year. It would seem that V is one of those shows. According to executive producer Scott Rosenbaum, ABC has renewed V for a second season of 13 episodes.
Will this gamble pay off? ABC has had mixed results in the past. Samantha Who? didn’t work out while Castle has grown nicely. With an ongoing sci-fi storyline, V isn’t exactly the type of show that’s inviting to new viewers. Perhaps the network has a plan. Time will tell.
What do you think? Are you glad to hear that V has been renewed for season two? Are you surprised? What would you do to boost viewership?
Image courtesy ABC.
I just watched the entire season 1 on the DVD release. The show started slow, nothing really special going on, same old bad alien plot as many other shows. But towards the end of season 1 something new happened, more alien emotions, even with the queen, and new plans as well. That’s what made me decided to watch season 2. The show needs to bring in some new elements, surprises, break away from old traditional ones. Or ppl are gonna get bored.
I was a regular viewer last season and still would be ,but ABC.com or Hulu are not showing full episodes.I’m not able to view the show at the regular network time,so I was watching online. It’s a great show and I hope to see it grow in popularity.
Love the show and I’m happy that ABC has brought it back. I know most folks are looking for that ‘invasion war’ to break out. Writing is great. Acting is great. Hope ABC challenges whatever number guru calls the shots and renews for a third season. Give the show that ‘niche’ timeslot instead of doing the unthinkable and watch the viewer numbers climb.
I love love love this show.
I love this show, Morena Baccarin should get an emmy for her performances as should the entire show! I’ll boycott ABC for life if they cancel this show!
I just started watching the old shows online…very good indeed. I vaguely remember the original…anyway glad to see its going to be picked up for Season 2. It needs to be advertised more, good acting, good stories etc…instead dumb shows or reality TV gets picked up for the umpteenth time…I want to be entertained and that’s exactly what this show does great. Please keep V going ABC!!! Do not alienate your viewers.
I am excited that they brought it back. This show is one of the better ones out there. I hope they quit looking at the dollar sign and see that this is what so many people want to be involved in. I have talked with many people who say they enjoy the show as much as myself.
V is one of my fav, shows its one i look forward to each week.
its pretty radical for its style but i love the show cant get enough!
need much more and more availibility to episodes..please please keep it coming dont leave us on a cliffhanger on the visitors tv show, it would be a mistake…:)
i Love the show. I bought the original series on DVD and the first season as well. The remake has been imaginative and touches on so many issues, which most good sci-fiction does. Been looking for the online episodes because of an irregular schedule. Definitely will buy the second season when it comes on DVD.
I agree it needs better promotion.
I dig the show! It’s good entertainment. Hey, ABC don’t pull an NBC!
I am very happy that V is returning… I loved the original series and even though this one has a complete life of its own, I am still enjoying it… however ABC.com for reasons unknnown has decided not to show full episodes which makes it very dificult to keep up should you miss an episode and do not have a DVR or Tivo or similar recording device… There are thousands of fans that are very disappionted and ABC should rethink its position and allow full episodes and they might be quite amazed at how their ratings will soar.. Anyway that… Read more »
Great show. Needs to be promoted more .
I love the program. I am a 63 year old woman and will DVR the program if I can’t see it at its normal time. Keep it on!!!
i really enjoy the new series have watch the original and i think the new one is better hope they keep it going and not leave it in the air like many series,
The show is good. I think ABC haven’t managed to get the word out and shove it in people’s face like FOX does with House for example. I thoroughly enjoy it!