>
The third week of a network season is a critical one. Ratings erosion after a series or season premiere is expected and even acceptable, because it’s understood that not every viewer drawn by hype and marketing will be a satisfied customer. But a continued fall in Week 3 can be a sign of trouble, and if that decline is from a number that wasn’t great to begin with, the trouble could be serious. That being said, let’s take a look at where the networks stand as they begin this crucial week. (Note: since only 2 networks debuted their Monday schedules on the season’s first official day, we’ll include the next Monday in our review of the week.)CW
Thriving:
Holdover – THE VAMPIRE DIARIES. That’s it.
Struggling:
THE SECRET CIRCLE, RINGER, HART OF DIXIE – All are essentially identical in the ratings, with 0.8 or 0.9. These aren’t good numbers, but the latter 2 are even or better compared to their lead-ins:
Holdovers – 90210 and GOSSIP GIRL, which are respectively at 0.7 and 0.8. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is there, too.
Dying:
H8R – But not soon enough.
GRADE: C-minus
About the Author
More articles by Mitch Salem »
