Cinerant

Well, That's Not Good

In the write-up for last night's overnight ratings: "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" averaged a decent 8.6/14 for NBC but lost a significant number of viewers in its second half-hour.

Ouch. That's not good.

The numbers are fine. Nothing the size of a "Lost" or a "Desperate Housewives"-sized phenomenon, but reasonable ratings. However, losing a signficant number of viewers in the second half-hour is a bad thing. A really bad thing.

Why? Because the point of a television program is to keep viewers watching. One of the things that has kept a number of programs on the air is the fact that they build viewers. They may start out with a small number people watching, but more and more come to it during the course of an hour. If you're gaining an audience, then it means that people like what they're seeing. If they turn away however, it means they aren't interested and they probably won't be coming back for a second helping, which means more viewers for the advertisements and product-placement next go-around.

So what does this tell us?

It could mean any number of things, but here's probably the top 3:

1. Despite what Hollywood thinks, most of America isn't enamored with Aaron Sorkin or his writing.

2. The audience came for Matthew Perry and when he wasn't in the show until approximately the 20 minute mark, they left.

3. The show is too "Hollywood." It feels like you have to be in the know to get it, and people didn't, and they weren't interested. (I'm still formulating a thesis on this one and I'll wait to unveil it till next week after the second episode.)

NBC's long road to the top is exactly just that--a loooooooong, difficult road, which isn't going to be any easier probably with the premiere of the too dour for words "Heroes" next week.

Now if only they had a show about mirrors....

posted by cinegod @ 10:08 AM