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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.)
NBC
Thriving:
Did we mention this was NBC? OK, fine: FOOTBALL. And THE OFFICE is holding on pretty well. And PARENTHOOD‘s 2.2 looks OK compared to the competition.
Did we mention this was NBC? OK, fine: FOOTBALL. And THE OFFICE is holding on pretty well. And PARENTHOOD‘s 2.2 looks OK compared to the competition.
Struggling:
UP ALL NIGHT – Yeah, it got a back-order. Also a 2.1 rating last week.
WHITNEY – NBC can’t afford to waste its one cushioned timeslot after The Office. Right now, Whitney is doing a barely adequate job of retaining its lead-in.
Holdovers – THE BIGGEST LOSER, COMMUNITY, PARKS & RECREATION, SVU
Dying:
FREE AGENTS: With FOX threatening to cancel THE SIMPSONS over a salary dispute and this one heading for the cemetery, let’s hope Hank Azaria has held on to some of his voice-over millions.
PRIME SUSPECT: The network will try a double-pump for 3 weeks, with repeats in the Playboy Club slot, but so far no one seems to care.
Holdovers – HARRY’S LAW, THE SING-OFF
Dead:
THE PLAYBOY CLUB
GRADE: D
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