On the Bubble
No, not Criminal Minds! On the bubble means a show is facing cancellation; the California Chronicle has an article today about two CBS shows, Without a Trace and Cold Case. Both of these shows have solid ratings - about 12 million viewers a week. Other networks are lucky to scrape up half that much for their big shows. So why would they be in danger of cancellation? Because the current wisdom is that it’s better to end a year early than a year late - both shows have lost millions of viewers over the years. Without a Trace topped out at 18 million, and Cold Case pulled in over 15 in its glory days.
This “audience erosion” coupled with the expense of making these shows - about $2.5 to 3 million per show - means CBS is looking for cheaper options that might pull in more viewers. Industry analyst Brad Adgate says, “It’s always good to bring in new shows and new hits.”
According to the article, canceling these shows would free up air time for new shows, such as the NCIS spin-off and a new medical drama called Miami Trauma.
It’s a chance the networks seems willing to make, even if it alienates fans. Adgate says, “Networks do it all the time. Sure, there’s a big risk involved and you’ve got potential backlash from viewers who are loyal to these shows, but no TV shows last forever.”
I just thought I’d bring this up because some of you may be fans of other crime shows - and to point out again that no word has been put out about axing a CM actor. CBS is facing budget issues with these shows and is looking for a way to cut costs - but there is no mention of that affecting CM.
Update: Also, here’s a look at the Nielsen Top 20 shows for April 13-19 from the AP.
Listings include the week’s ranking, with viewership for the week and season-to-date rankings in parentheses. An “X” in parentheses denotes a one-time-only presentation.
1. (2) “American Idol” (Tuesday), Fox, 24.38 million viewers.
2. (1) “American Idol” (Wednesday), Fox, 24.11 million viewers.
3. (3) “Dancing with the Stars,” ABC, 19.46 million viewers.
4. (4) “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” CBS, 15.72 million viewers.
5. (7) “Dancing with the Stars Results,” ABC, 15.24 million viewers.
6. (11) “Two and a Half Men,” CBS, 15.03 million viewers.
7. (9) “Desperate Housewives,” ABC, 13.85 million viewers.
8. (5) “NCIS,” CBS, 13.56 million viewers.
9. (13) “CSI: Miami,” CBS, 13.38 million viewers.
10. (18) “Without a Trace,” CBS, 13.23 million viewers.
11. (18) “House,” Fox, 12.19 million viewers.
12. (7) “The Mentalist,” CBS, 12.18 million viewers.
13. (15) “CSI: NY,” CBS, 12.14 million viewers.
14. (9) “60 Minutes,” CBS, 12.04 million viewers.
15. (17) “Survivor: Tocantins,” CBS, 11.64 million viewers.
16. (27) “Rules of Engagement,” CBS, 11.6 million viewers.
17. (X) “Bones,” Fox, 11.01 million viewers.
18. (20) “24,” Fox, 10.86 million viewers.
19. (12) “Criminal Minds,” CBS, 10.58 million viewers.
20. (28) “Amazing Race 14,” CBS, 10.3 million viewers.
April 21st, 2009 at 8:01 pm
And the ratings for the week with the guy form Twilight in it went up a lot. CM was in the top 10 according to my issue of Entertainment Weekly(I’ll admit I subscribe.) I think it was number 7 or 8 of the week. Probably because of the Twilight guy. I think it’ll be similar with the guy from Moonlight, if the preview up at E! is any indication. All the comments are from Moonlight fans who haven’t ever seen CM and plan to tune in.
April 21st, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Very much looking forward to the episode with Alex O’Loughlin (aka the “vampire guy”), The Big Wheel. Loved MOONLIGHT (and was heartbroken when it was cancelled). I am a CM fan as well and I hope that Alex will win over the fans with his portrayal as the “unsub”. I’ve seen a preview and it looks excellent! He will touch your heart, I guarantee it!
As for shows “on the bubble” I feel that pain of the fans. That being said, I hope that THREE RIVERS will be given a spot next Fall. An intriguing story line (especially with the loss of ER), and then there’s that hot lead, none other than Alex O’Loughlin! Do you see a trend here?
April 21st, 2009 at 10:34 pm
well CM did pretty solid that wk considering it was a re-run up against American Idol.
I don’t think they should cancel 2 shows that still have high ratings at once esp. while they are taking a risk and letting go of 5 writers on CM. That screams MISTAKE all over it. Do they really want to become the next NBC?
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:49 am
If shows are to be cancelled so be it. It is only TV after all and a person can always find another show “to love”.
Bring on Miami Trauma! I would also like to see Three Rivers or The Eastmans get a chance as well.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:18 am
To Mollie,
False, the ratings with the guy from twilight were the second lowest of the season in both viewers 13.63 millions and demo 3.3 only the episode 2-11-09 had less viewers 12.48 millions and 3.0 demo. So no, bringing kids who are popular with teenagers don’t bring any ratings surge to CM. BTW here is my source for CM and any shows ratings for this season:
http://pifeedback.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/853108451/m/136109261/p/3
April 25th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
CBS needs a new medical show. Miami Trauma looks like a fast paced and adrenalin packed series . There are enough cops and lawyers on TV now sitting around talking to suspects.Bring on the sirens!