Going into the fall season, CBS’ Vegas series was one of the new TV shows with the most buzz. Many people were expecting it to be one of the hits of the season. Has it measured up? Should it be cancelled or renewed for a second season?
Airing on Tuesday nights, Vegas takes place in the Las Vegas of the 1960s and revolves around Sheriff Ralph Lamb (Dennis Quaid), a former rancher, and his clashes with Vincent Savino (Michael Chiklis), a Chicago mobster who moved west to set up his operation. Others in the cast include Carrie-Anne Moss, Taylor Handley, Sarah Jones, and Jason O’Mara.
The show debuted back on September 25th to a 2.5 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 14.85 million total viewers. While the viewership was strong, CBS was likely expecting a much better demo number — especially considering the show’s high-profile talent, positive reviews, and the show having a strong lead-in like NCIS: Los Angeles.
In week two, the ratings dropped 20%, to a 2.0 rating with 12.11 million. In week four, they dropped another 20%, to a 1.6 rating with 10.8 million.
The numbers have remained fairly steady since then and the 15 episodes that have aired thus far have averaged a 1.7 demo rating with 10.9 million viewers.
While that demo might be enough for a show on NBC, it’s not likely good enough for CBS. Right now, Vegas is one of the network’s lowest-rated weekday series in the demographic which advertisers favor. Vegas has a lot of total viewers but so do many other CBS shows.
Last season, Unforgettable occupied the same timeslot and performed better than Vegas — averaging a 2.3 demo rating and 11.3 million viewers. It was cancelled.
The network ended up making a deal with Sony TV to bring Unforgettable back for a short season this summer and both sides likely made some financial concessions to make that happen. Word is that most of the supporting castmembers have been dropped. A deal like that is not likely to happen with Vegas.
Unless the ratings start to climb, it doesn’t look very likely that Vegas will be back for a second season.
On the positive side, the series will be back on March 19th and there are seven new episodes yet to come.
What do you think? Do you think CBS should cancel Vegas to make way for a new show? Or, should they renew Quaid and company for a second season? If you were running the network, would you change anything try to attract higher ratings?
Every time there is a new show on. It always seems like it gets the axe. This show is very well written and has a great cast. My family and I will be sorry to see it go. We hope that maybe another network might pick it up if CBS doesn’t want it anymore. Please keep …
It’s too adult and to well written for CBS. Finally a show with some meat and the
None too bright programmers at CBS decide to cancel it.
Do not cancel this show!!!!!!
I would vote to keep Vegas on. It is an interesting fast paced entertaining show!
REALLY CBS!!!…GREAT cast! One of very few great new shows. There is so much crap and spinoffs out there this was a truly great show. Sorry for my loss. The morale to this is if I like it it’s not gonna last. I’m what you would consider your “young” audience, but I don’t have that young taste….you missed the mark cancelling this show.
COME ON!!!! Please don’t cancel Vegas!!! Give it another year… with all the turmoil that we (USA) were going through this past fall and winter how can you even make a fair judgment on viewing numbers and ratings?? Take hurricane Sandy for instance… who had time let alone a home or power to watch TV… Hummm????? I’m just saying…
PLEASE reconsider! Don’t cancel Vegas.
CBS = Can Be Smart! Thanks!!
Really, finally a show worth following..at least go two seasons…we deserve that
If CBS cancels VEGAS I hope that another network picks it up. Maybe we could cancel some of these reality shows and put VEGAS in their time slots. I don’t know how you get your ratings but why not try people who live in the Midwest. . .leave the people who live on the coasts and large towns out and find out what middle America likes. This is one of the best shows you guys have to offer besides the NCIS and NCIS/LA and Blue Bloods. Although you are my favorite network I would change my options if someone else… Read more »
Can’t believe that CBS would cancel a great show like Vegas and continue to show programs like Criminal Minds. I hope NBC or another station will take this program on.
This show will continue to grow if given a chance.
BRING VEGAS BACK!!
The Schellerts of Mo
Ok CBS. Cancelling Vegas was plain cruel. A good show, great actors, and pretty fair writing.Here we are wondering how poor old Jack will handle his ****** girlfriend and now we’ll never know. A damned shame I’d say.
Please do not cancel Vegas….love this show and all the great actors on it. The best thing CBS ever did for Friday nite TV was put Vegas as a lead in to Bluebloods….two of my don’t miss shows. Please give Vegas another year!!!!!!!
Vegas is one of the best shows on TV. Leave it alone!!!!!!!
Please don’t cancel Vegas, I really enjoy this show plus Blue Bloods and the Good Wife.
We REALLY REALLY enjoy this show. Dennis Quaid and cast are a refreshing change to all the same ole crime dramas and ubsurb reality shows.
Can’t believe that CBS would cancel a great show like Vegas,, of couse we Americans opinions don’t count. I say come on FOX , let’s show CBS network what a true American netwok is,, bring Vegas back and FOX . Vegas is a great history lesson for all and let’s viewer look back in time and see what 1960’s Wild West was like,, Living in Boston for 50years and now living in Vegas I love being able to watch the series and look for icons and building of the old Las Vegas. Wake up CBS cause even the History network… Read more »