Written by: Michael Hickerson (SoSF Staff Journalist)
Two weeks into the fall-TV season and it feels like we’re getting repeats.
Not repeated episodes of the new fall crop of television shows, but repeats of the news surrounding the new genre-related shows. A report in this morning’s USA Today discusses several shows that could already be in ratings trouble, including NBC’s “The Bionic Woman” and “Journeyman.”
In their second weeks on the air, both shows suffered big drop-offs in the audience share. “The Bionic Woman” suffered a 26% drop-off in ratings from its premiere episode and some critics and experts exect the show to drop even more this week. USA Today’s television critic, Robert Bianco, slammed the show in this morning’s Critics Corner saying the show would be better served to drop all the characters it has and rebuild the series around Katie Sackoff.
“Journeyman” also suffered a drop in the ratings from the first to the second week. But it’s audience increased from the second to the third week, according to reports. However, NBC may not be pleased with the lack of audience retention from “Heroes” and speculation is already flying that the Peacock Network could pull “Journeyman” and replace it with “Medium” early next year. (“Medium” is scheduled to return on Sunday evenings once the NFL season if over, but as we all know, network strategies are never carved in stone).
And on the CW, “Reaper” may or may not in trouble. The show is generating the same audience share that “Veronica Mars” did in the same time-slot last year. Given the promotional push and critical acclaim this show has received, this could be good or bad news for the Kevin-Smith produced series.
We do have some good news for genre fans, though. CBS’s vampire series “Moonlight” only suffered a six percent decrease in audience share. Also, ABC has its eyes on the numbers for “Pushing Daisies.” After a strong debut last week, the Alphabet Network will be looking to see if the numbers drop in this week’s second showing of the quirky show. Last week’s numbers were the best ABC has received in the 8PM Wednesday time-slot since “Lost”‘s first-season. NBC’s “Chuck” seems to be holding its own in a tough Monday time-slot.
“Journeyman†should be called “Quantum Leap: We Got Time Travel Working! (sorta)â€Â
“Bionic Woman†has been done before as well (obviously). Bring on the next batch of shows, ’cause I don’t see these two lasting long.
For the record, I actually enjoy “Journeyman†and have watched all 3 episodes. I’d like to see it stick around, if only for one full season (if it’s lucky.)
Tonight’s “Bionic Woman†will decide if I continue watching this show. First 2 episodes have done nothing for me.
Bionic Woman’s second episode lost my interest, honestly, I enjoyed the pilot mostly because it was a bit campy mixed in with some fun action, the second episode seemed to lack a bit of both and wasn’t working for me.
Journey Man is a great show but the 10pm time slot doesn’t work for me. I don’t own a TiVo so the only way I can catch an airing is when an affiliate re-broadcasts the episode or if it’s on Comcast On Demand.
I agree from the very start I felt that Journeyman felt way to much like Quantam Leap. I’m glad that Moonlight didn’t suffer so badly it is a good show that has potential. Lets see if it can keep it up. I’m also going to have to agree that Bionic woman did kind of lose me during the second show.
At this point, I don’t think it would bother me too much if Bionic Woman gets the ax. I’m not sure I can say the same for Journeyman: I’ve really been enjoying it. Yeah, it’s a little “Quantum Leap” and “Tru Calling”, but there’s enough of a difference for me. You’ve got to admit, it’s got one of the most unique love triangles you’ve ever seen!
I wasn’t too impressed with “Bionic Woman” from the Get-Go, but “Journeyman” is gold. I love the Monday Triangle of Chuck, Heroes, and Journeyman, best solid night of TV for me in a long time, especially without flipping channels.
I kind of like Bionic Woman, but I won’t be heartbroken if it gets canceled, so long as they are allowed a proper wrap up.
I like Bionic Woman, it’s maybe a bit like Alias buts it’s better than most of the other tripe out there.
Last night’s Bionic Woman wasn’t bad. And why? Because Katie Sackhoff was in nearly every scene playing her delicious evilness. 🙂
I agree that Journeyman needs to continue. It is enough unlike QL that is deserves a chance. McKidd is superb as usual and Mark is correct about the love triangle being one that has never been explored before. I want the show to hang around so I can find out why his first wife…..–SPOILER–.
I read that the second ep of Bionic Woman was two episodes combined to one…and it kind of showed, don’t you think?
Bionic Woman is just a bit frustrating. So close to being a good show, but just pedestrian enough to be, well, frustrating. The trainer guy with the dog in the bookshop – he might as well have had leaves, he was such a plant. The Hannibal Lecter-ish dad could be interesting, if we ever see him for more than a minute.
And yeah, count me in for the Katee Klub.
If it wasn’t for Katee I wouldn’t bother!
Robert Bianco has a point. I thought the same thing about Katee Sackhoff but I didn’t want to say it.