How is the Current TV Season Performing?

What can be said about this new TV season? Just like every other TV season, it has had its ups and downs, its successes and failures and its surprises and let-downs. Over the past few months I have spotlighted the winners and losers on the major networks as the season has progressed; and will continue to do so throughout the rest of the season, leading up to the season finales in May.

With all of the dramas returning in January from their holiday breaks and the introduction of even more new series by the major networks this month, the following are the new shows that have stood out or not held up as well as expected:

STAND OUTS:

Alcatraz

Alcatraz – While this new FOX drama has only aired three episodes since its debut in mid-January, it has exceeded expectations and provided the network with a stellar hit (so far). The two-hour series premiere pulled in 10 million viewers followed by 9 million viewers watching the third hour one week later. That averages out to 6.3 million viewers over its three hours, which ties the average of the full series run of the new drama Terra Nova, which aired 13 episodes.

Grimm

Grimm – This new NBC fairytale drama debuted back in October; and while the ratings have not be stellar, it can be considered enough of a success for the network simply because NBC is not performing at the ratings level it once was. The average rating for Grimm has been 5.6 million viewers; and is the top new series for the network; which – to an extent – isn’t saying much because no other new drama on the network has made it this far. But then again, that is saying something because Grimm has lasted where no other new show has since the season started in September.

DID NOT HOLD UP:

The Finder

The Finder – The FOX spin-off to Bones that had a lot of people buzzing debuted on January 12 and has aired three episodes to date, averaging 6.6 million viewers. Now if you compare this average to the three episode average of Alcatraz it could be argued that The Finder is doing better; but the difference lies in the individual ratings for each episode. The debut pulled in only 5.5 million viewers, followed one week later by 6.8 million viewers. The most recent episode earned a much better number, 8.5 million viewers, but can that last? It is hard to say, but for now; this is not going to win the show any favors with the network unless it can maintain that number consistently for the rest of its run.

The Firm

The Firm – The new NBC drama based on the hit box office film and, of course, the best-selling novel by John Grisham has been a complete bust for the network, scoring a disappointing 6.3 million viewers for its two-hour Sunday night premiere back on January 8. Since that time the show has moved to its regular Thursday night timeslot and has averaged a very lackluster 3.8 million viewers over the past three weeks. I have a feeling this series will be going into protective custody very soon never to be seen again.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

Smash

As an added bonus, I want to include a show for which I believe TV viewers should look forward: Smash. I am sure that you have seen the commercials or the billboards or the endless advertising in magazines for this new musical-themed series coming to NBC on February 6. Let me just say that this drama; and yes, it’s a drama not another reality series, but a real, scripted drama – is NOT Glee 2.0. The only correlation Smash has to Glee is that singing is featured in both shows. Smash is first and foremost the story of how one simple idea thrown out by a house-sitter/newbie assistant to an established Broadway songwriting team culminates in the development of what is assuredly going to be a hit Broadway show (not only on TV but quite possibly on the actual Broadway stage) and all the “drama” involved in bringing that show to life. I highly recommend you watch the pilot and judge for yourself and see if you’re not taken in by the story and the characters who just happen to sing and dance; but again don’t expect a repeat of Glee because this show is definitely not that.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BE WATCHING:

Downton Abbey

Back in September a little mini-series called Downton Abbey – yet another in a long line of phenomenal programming by PBS – surprised many by winning a record number of Emmy Awards. Thankfully, plans were already in place well before that awards show took place for a second season of the critically-acclaimed mini-series to air this year; and if you are not watching or aren’t working at getting caught up on this delightful and crafty series, you – simply put – should be. It’s not just another boring period drama with British accents. Downton Abbey exemplifies a moment in history, providing an inside look not only at that time, but a reflection of who were all once were: good, bad or otherwise. It is part soap opera, part family drama, part class conflict, part war epic. Check it out as soon as you can or make sure not to miss the next installment. You’ll be surprised how quickly you get pulled in by all the stories, intrigue, romance and exploits.

In the end, there have been winners and losers for all of the networks; but the true test of what shows won or lost will be decided in May when all of the networks make their decisions on the programming schedule for the 2012-2013 TV season. But I have to ask: which shows do you want to see come back and which – of those not already canceled – do you want to see go by the wayside? Please share your thoughts.