Ratings Progress Report: Does ‘Secrets and Lies’ season 2 have a shot at renewal?
When “Secrets and Lies” first aired on ABC back during the 2014-15 season, it turned out to be a surprise hit. The numbers actually improved as the season went on, and we started to think that the network had found its next “Scandal,” a new scripted hit that would attract viewers from all over the country.
So what happened between season 1 and 2? Well, let’s just say that ABC made a rather questionable decision. This is a network that oddly determined that it did not want the show to air during the 2015-16 season, even though the second season was ready. Instead, it was held until this fall, and by the time it premiered more than a year and a half had passed since the first season. Given that this is a show without any huge star power and with a fairly-generic title, how can anyone be shocked that the ratings are down?
In this edition of our Ratings Progress Report series, we’re going to do our best to determine if there is still a future out there for this show.
The good news – In terms of quality, we still do think that “Secrets and Lies” is a very good show, and one that does a great job of providing intriguing, entertaining television. It’s dramatic, twisted, and above all interesting. While it may go a little overboard with some of the shockers here and there, we’re okay with it just because of how juicy many of them are.
The bad news – It’s the ratings. So far, this season is averaging a 0.8 rating in the 18-49 demographic, which is an extreme drop of around 48% from where the show was back in season 1. Very few shows survive that sort of plunge, and even if that drop wasn’t there, the average alone is enough to put the series in serious danger. Sure, you can argue that ABC’s in the thick of a poor year with “Quantico” sinking and “Conviction” failing from the get-go, but we still don’t have a lot of optimism that there is a lot of confidence among executives here. Unless the ratings improve, we’re pretty worried about the series’ future.
Do you want to see “Secrets and Lies” back for more episodes? Be sure to share your thoughts below!