ABC has some big decisions to make as we head into the spring. In the fall, the network scaled back on scripted offerings, with just five original series on its roster.
The reason? Unscripted offerings are pulling in numbers similar to or better than pricier scripted content, which we’re sad to report could be the shape of things to come for the broadcast networks.
Dancing With the Stars is far and away the network’s biggest performer in the demo, surging 20% year to year to a dominant (by broadcast TV standards) 0.73 rating.
The numbers rise to a 0.86 rating with a week of DVR factored in.
Unscripted series tend to have lower post-airdate viewership, but networks will always favor live audiences because those shows can command more money from advertisers.
With many scripted shows on the bench, such as The Rookie and Will Trent, it’s time to dive into how the shows that have aired this season have performed.
9-1-1 – Certain Renewal
9-1-1 has cooled off considerably since its high-flying ABC debut last year, but it remains the network’s top-rated scripted show.
The Ryan Murphy-produced first responders drama averages 4.5 million viewers and a 0.39 rating in the demo.
When Live +7 viewing is factored in, the show gathers significant steam, rising to 6.5 million viewers and a 0.65 rating.
These numbers and the sure-to-be robust international sales should keep the 118 on the case for another couple of seasons.
Also positive is that ABC is actively exploring spinoff opportunities, so executives must still be interested in keeping the series around.
Watch 9-1-1 Online
Abbott Elementary – Certain Renewal
Abbott Elementary has lost considerable ground in the Live + Same Day results, dipping to 2.2 million viewers and a 0.32 rating.
However, those numbers are still enough to make it the network’s #2 scripted series.
With a week of DVR included, the numbers rise to 3.3 million and a 0.56 rating. The comedy is down, but it is most certainly not out.
Abbott Elementary benefits from critical acclaim and awards love, which means the network will not want to part with it unless the numbers crater in the coming months.
Watch Abbott Elementary Online
Doctor Odyssey – Likely Cancellation
Doctor Odyssey had every chance to be a success. With the charismatic Joshua Jackson as its star, it was destined to be the next big thing, but viewers seem to be rejecting the cruise ship medical drama.
It ranks fourth out of the five ABC scripted series in Live + Same Day results, with 3.2 million viewers and a 0.28 rating.
With a week of DVR factored in, the numbers rise to 5 million viewers and a 0.46 rating, falling behind Grey’s Anatomy’s demo tally (0.52).
Given the promotional push and big names attached on and off the screen, ABC probably expected far better numbers. As a result, we won’t be surprised if it winds up being cut short before the end of the season.
With many scripted shows hitting ABC’s schedule in the coming weeks, there’s a good chance Doctor Odyssey will be left without a paddle.
Watch Brilliant Minds Online
Grey’s Anatomy – Likely Renewal
Grey’s Anatomy has faltered in its move to 10/9c on Thursdays.
The series currently averages 2.3 million viewers and a 0.23 rating, but the week of DVR factored in sees the show climbing to 4 million viewers and a 0.52 rating.
The live numbers are concerning, but ABC would have announced by now if it was parting ways with Grey’s Anatomy.
This one won’t disappear into the night because the network will want to give it a celebratory goodbye.
ABC trimmed the budget last year, perhaps in anticipation of diminished on-air ratings, so we’re going to bet the show will be on the air for at least another year.
Watch Grey’s Anatomy Online
High Potential – Certain Renewal
The Kaitlin Olson-fronted procedural has made a moderate impact in Live + Same Day results, averaging 3.5 million viewers and a 0.30 rating.
However, the show’s strength is in post-airdate viewing.
High Potential ABC’s most-watched scripted show in Live + 7 numbers, rising to 6.6 million viewers and narrowly edges out 9-1-1. However, the show remains slightly behind in the demo, averaging a 0.57 rating.
There’s no way that ABC won’t keep this around at these levels.
Watch High Potential Online
Over to you, TV Fanatics. Which of the five ABC scripted shows that have aired this year do you think should return?
Have your say below.
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