‘Hell on Wheels’ season 4 debate: If renewed, should the show stay on Saturdays?
In an effort to keep the press going for “Hell on Wheels” in what we hope is a subtle prod at AMC to renew the show, we’re back with another piece talking about a key subject related to the show: Its airtime. Back when we first heard the news that the series was going to be taking a trip over to Saturday nights, we admit that there was one thought that entered our head right away: This show’s not going to have a chance at survival. This is a night where programs go to die, and it’s thanks to everything from people being out with their friends to audiences in America being conditioned to believe that nothing new is on that night. (We say America specifically because in Britain, Saturdays are actually a popular TV night.)
But, “Hell on Wheels” fans proved this year that they are no ordinary fans. Not only did the show not die this year on the Saturday night spot, but it pretty much kept all of its audience. This is one of many reasons why it should come back, and you can read more about that here.
What we want to ask in this article is this: If the right decision is made, should Saturdays continue to be the night for the show to shine? We think so, if for no other reason than that viewers already know to find it there, and that word could spread a little more now that some folks are used to it. Plus, there is not that burden of expectations or competition on the series by airing on this day. The audience who loves this show finds a way to check it out, whether it by doing so live here or recording it on a DVR. Sure, they could move it back to Sundays, and while there is an opportunity there for larger numbers, there’s also a very high chance that it will be buried by the billion other shows on that night, and viewers already have their DVR schedules fixated on those shows.
Could you consider another night here? Sure, but we wouldn’t do it. AMC doesn’t program any scripted programming outside of weekends right now, and there’s no real sense in going from Saturday to Friday, another night with a small viewership. Keep the show where it is, and also keep the Western theme around it. With the cliffhanger the way it is, not continuing the story at this point would be beyond frustrating for fans. Plus, AMC clearly has money to keep it going… they can roll it around in barrels Walter White-style thanks to “Breaking Bad” and “The Walking Dead.”
In case you missed it, check out our article here about why “Hell on Wheels” and four other shows should be renewed. (One of them in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” already has.)
Photo: AMC
kanedog337
November 5, 2013 @ 6:55 pm
I absolutely love this show. I’ll watch it no matter what night it’s on. I hope AMC keeps it going. I would be so disappointed if they cancel it.
hughdrummond
October 31, 2013 @ 5:14 am
It’s the perfect night and time for it to run. I already have a great respect for this Western, right up there with Deadwood and, if anyone is old enough to remember it, Gunsmoke. I totally went through my childhood, teen years, and twenties watching that old show. It was considered the first adult western ever. First it was on radio and then when it went to television it was only 30 minutes long. After five or six years it went to 60 minutes. Believe it or not, Burt Reynolds got his first gig as a Gunsmoke regular. The other thing, Gunsmoke was as Saturday show for half of it’s tenure on CBS and then went to Monday’s later. Anyway, the best time for most Westerns seem to be on Saturdays at 9. I have a feeling that Hell on Wheels could very well top Gunsmoke in it’s popularity. I don’t think it will run for two decades, but the episodes have me on the edge of my seat.
Hell on Wheel Fan
October 30, 2013 @ 4:53 pm
Love the show watched for the first time this year and I watched all 3 seasons. It needs to come back.
Reno Lori
October 29, 2013 @ 4:02 pm
Really? I can’t believe that a decision is necessary for whether to renew this show or not. It is an amazing show! I hate to think of not having a season 4.
cat
October 22, 2013 @ 3:48 pm
I would watch Hell on Wheels any day, any time. Please bring it back and MORE episodes
samperi
October 22, 2013 @ 3:39 am
Just bring 4 . The fans who are real need it. You cant leave a brother hangin
kerwin abels
October 21, 2013 @ 9:50 pm
I hope they renew it for another season
Ditsey Broad
October 21, 2013 @ 4:25 am
I would watch no matter what night it airs on. Since some shows air twice a week why can’t it air once during the week and Saturday night?
Bootsy
October 20, 2013 @ 5:02 pm
Stellar reasoning. I hope AMC was knocked backwards by the ratings for HOW this season (including whatever that abbreviation is that they can still track, involving later airings/recorded viewings/subscription viewings.) How could they not be? How could they not be laughing a little, at how that worked out for them? How could they not be reminded of the ratings (on Sunday nights) for early seasons of both Mad Men and Breaking Bad? At this point, I think it’ll be a shock if HOW is not renewed. And foolish.
Hope that there’s no negotiating currently going on involving AMC wanting to cut the budget through releasing actors and trimming storylines, a la’ what happened with Mad Men a few years ago.
HOW should get even more money, honestly. They’ve earned it. Lots of advertisers on Sat. nights could attest to that. Keep those breathtaking sets and brilliant actors, all of them.
Phoenix Justice
October 22, 2013 @ 8:57 pm
I think AMC was smart in making Saturday nights a “themed destination” night by putting a western movie before the airing of Hell on Wheels. Now let us see if AMC will be smart enough to renew Hell on Wheels.