Cancellation Watch: Tracking the weekly ratings and the cancellation prospects of the science fiction and fantasy shows currently airing on broadcast and cable networks.
By John J. Joex
In its second week J.J. Abrams’ Alcatraz slipped in the Nielsens to a 3.0 rating in the 18-49 demographic (down from a 3.3) and it had nine million total viewers (down from ten million). But those numbers are no cause for alarm because show’s usually slide in the week following their premiere. If it continues to slip in the ratings, a common trend for serialized shows, there may be some concern. But it’s too soon to make any dire predictions at this point. I’m thinking as long as this one stays above a 2.5 rating, it should be okay. I will keep a close eye on its returns for the next few weeks to see if it shows any signs of weakening.
ABC’s Once Upon A Time slipped a little from the prior week, pulling a 3.2 rating in the 18-49 demo. But those are still strong numbers for the show, especially considering the competition it had from the NFL playoff game.
Over on Syfy, Being Human slipped some from its second season debut, pulling a 0.7 rating and 1.7 million total viewers. That’s still above its first season average, though, so it is doing okay.
I will have the full ratings results for all of this week’s shows in the regular Monday column next week.
Ratings Source: TV by the Numbers
