ABC has some big decisions to make as we head into spring. In the fall, the network scaled back its scripted programming, with just five original series on its slate.
What’s the reason? The amount of unscripted content is similar to or better than the pricier scripted content, and we’re sad to report that this may be the future of broadcast networks.
“Dancing with the Stars” was far and away the best-performing show in the network’s demo, with ratings soaring 20% year over year to a dominant (by broadcast TV standards) 0.73.
Taking into account DVR for the week, the number rises to 0.86.
Unscripted dramas tend to have lower ratings when they air, but networks will always favor live audiences because the shows can make more money from advertisers.
With many scripted shows like “The Rookie” and “Will Trent” now on hold, it’s time to take a deeper look at how the shows that aired this season are doing.
9-1-1 – Some updates
“9-1-1” has cooled significantly since its debut on ABC last year, but it remains the network’s most-watched scripted show.
The Ryan Murphy-produced drama “First Responders” averaged 4.5 million viewers and a 0.39 rating in the demo.
When taking Live +7 ratings into account, the show gathered huge popularity, rising to 6.5 million viewers and a 0.65 rating.
These numbers, along with the inevitable strong international sales, should keep the 118 popular for a few more seasons.
What’s also positive is that ABC is actively exploring spin-off opportunities, so executives must still be interested in keeping the series around.
Watch 9-1-1 online
Abbott Elementary School – Certain Updates
Abbott Elementary fell sharply in Live + Same Day results, falling to 2.2 million viewers and a 0.32 rating.
However, those numbers are still enough to make it the network’s second-largest scripted series.
If you include a week’s worth of DVRs, that number rises to 3.3 million and a 0.56 rating. The comedy has failed, but it’s certainly not over yet.
Abbott Elementary has benefited from critical acclaim and love, which means the network won’t be willing to abandon it unless the numbers drop significantly in the coming months.
Watch Abbott Elementary School Online
Dr. Odyssey – Possible Cancellation
Dr. Odyssey has every chance of success. The show starring the charismatic Joshua Jackson is destined to be the next big hit, but audiences appear to be rejecting the cruise ship medical drama.
In live+same-day results, it ranked fourth among ABC’s five scripted series with 3.2 million viewers and a 0.28 rating.
Factoring in DVR traffic for the week, viewers rose to 5 million and a 0.46 rating, lagging behind Grey’s Anatomy’s demo record (0.52).
ABC could have expected better numbers given the promotions and the presence of big names on and off screen. So we wouldn’t be surprised if it gets cut short before the end of the season.
With ABC lining up a number of scripted shows in the coming weeks, Doctor Odyssey will likely lose its oars.
Watch “Ingenuity” online
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ – Possible Renewal
“Grey’s Anatomy” is having a tough time adjusting to Thursday’s 10/9c broadcast.
The show is currently averaging 2.3 million viewers and a 0.23 rating, but after factoring in DVR for a week, the show climbed to 4 million viewers and a 0.52 rating.
The live numbers are concerning, but if ABC was parting ways with Grey’s Anatomy , it would have announced it by now.
This one won’t fade into the night because the network will want to give it a celebratory farewell.
ABC made budget cuts last year, perhaps in anticipation of declining ratings, so we’re betting the show will stay on the air for at least another year.
Watch Grey’s Anatomy online
High potential – some updates
The Kaitlin Olson-led show made an impact on Live + Same Day, averaging 3.5 million viewers and a 0.30 rating.
However, the show’s strength lies in its post-air ratings.
High Potential ABC’s most-watched scripted show on Live+7 rose to 6.6 million viewers, narrowly beating out 9-1-1. However, the show still lagged slightly in the demo, averaging a 0.57 rating.
There is no way ABC is not going to keep it at this level.
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?
Tell me what you think below.
