Slow ratings out the gate lead to early exits for ‘Valley,’ ‘Doubt’
Question: I started watching “Ten Days in the Valley” on ABC for four episodes and suddenly it was gone. Has it been canceled? I also liked “Doubt” last season and after only two episodes, it was taken off, though I saw the rest of the episodes when they were shown later in the season. Why do the networks make decisions so early in the season?
Answer: First, about “Ten Days in the Valley.” ABC took it off the Sunday lineup after four episodes because, as one report put it, the show had “paltry” ratings and the numbers dropped over the four weeks it aired. ABC will run the remaining six episodes on Saturday nights beginning Dec. 16, with two episodes that night; one each on Dec. 23 and 30, and the last two on Jan. 6.
Now, as to your bigger question, networks expect shows to achieve a certain rating, or at least to demonstrate such a rating is possible. A lowrated start followed by flat or declining numbers is usually fatal. If that happens, the show usually is shunted aside quickly so it doesn’t bring down ratings of other shows. If there are unaired episodes, they’re usually dumped in a time slot the network doesn’t consider important, such as Saturday night — which is where “Doubt” also ended up.
Q: On “NCIS: New Orleans,” why does the character Christopher refer to Scott Bakula’s character as “Keen” when his name is Dwayne Pride?
A: Dwayne Cassius Pride, played by Scott Bakula, is nicknamed “King.” When the “New Orleans” characters first appeared on the main “NCIS” in 2014, Christopher LaSalle (played by Lucas Black) explained that Pride once made a major drug bust that cleaned up a neighborhood. The local krewe — organizations known for their colorful parades during New Orleans’ carnival season — made Pride an honorary member, a special honor that led to his friends calling him “King.”
Q: Will “The Good Fight” be back?
A: After “The Good Wife” ended on CBS, the network commissioned a sequel, “The Good Fight,” which aired mainly on the CBS All Access subscription streaming service. A second season is in the works for airing in early 2018; the first season is still available on CBS All Access.
Q: Last season there was a show called “Conviction.” But I have seen nothing about it this fall so far.
A: ABC decided not to continue the drama after 13 episodes.
Write to Rich Heldenfels at P.O. Box 417, Mogadore, OH 44260 or brenfels@gmail.com. Letters may be edited. Replies are not guaranteed.