In a surprising move, considering its relatively weak ratings, FOX has picked up Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles for a full second season. No official word yet behind why they did this, but we have several bits of speculation:
First, executives are said to enjoy the show. They like it and believe it can still find an audience.
Second, American Idol returns in January and gives FOX shows a huge boost. That may start a word of mouth based on the quality of the show.
Third, Fox recently ordered two more scripts beyond its original order of 13. Perhaps they were so strong that FOX picked up the rest of the season based on those.
Fourth, Terminator: TSCC was originally not listed on the midseason schedule. Monday nights were going to be 24 and Dollhouse. However, Dollhouse has had a few early creative stumbles. Perhaps FOX decided to keep Terminator:TSCC in the mix “just in case.”
Finally, Terminator: TSCC does well in the 18-49 key demographic and does exceptionally well with online viewing and DVR recording, two methods that Nielson ratings do not account for yet.
Ultimately, the fact is Terminator: TSCC will be around for a full second season and this is good news for fans.
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yes, I hope they count more of the online viewer, and keep shows around with that in mind.
I’ll still watch them online, I just don’t have cable any more because of costs.
also, maybe tv rating standards are just too high. maybe most people just don’t have the same time available in the evenings that they did 10 years ago. are they basing the staying power of a show on a out dated system?
Comment by RebeccaS — October 20, 2008 @ 10:01 am
Your comments are right on the money, Rebecca. Entertainment Weekly says a FOX source reports that advertisers like the show. So even if the ratings don’t seem to accurately reflect a show’s reception quite right, advertisers have access to additional info.
Comment by chrispiers — October 20, 2008 @ 12:01 pm