Why AMC should hand out ‘Hell on Wheels’ season 5 renewal now
This weekend, we are dealing with yet another sad reality: We still have to wait until November to see the rest of “Hell on Wheels” season 4.
We don’t typically do too much of this in-season, but we actually think that this could be a great time for the fans to open up the floodgates of support and to get AMC to make a renewal for season 5 a little earlier than usual. Why? The simplest answer is that “the show deserves it,” but we’re going to get a little more in-depth than that, with some reasons why this should happen.
1. Solid ratings – We’ve done year-to-year comparisons all season long for the show, and the series has help pretty steady in both total viewers and 18-49 this season compared to season 3. Also, the show is a solid performer in live+3 and live+7 viewing, which happens often when you run new programming on Saturday. Viewer retention is so hard these days; doing this on a Saturday is even more impressive.
2. Withstanding big changes – This show is basically the engine that could. Over the years it has undergone creative changes, and this year it withstood the exit of one of its most-popular cast members in Common. So far, the ratings have not been hurt at all by the death of Elam.
3. Creative strength – Even without Elam, this has been a heck of a great season. Anson Mount is once again wonderful, but so has the rest of the cast. Jake Weber and Jonathan Scarfe have been great villains, and the action sequences and set design are always top-notch.
4. AMC’s reputation – The network has shown a willingness to give early renewals. “The Walking Dead” got a season 6 renewal before it even premiered season 5, and “Better Call Saul” is starting with two seasons. We understand that these are larger franchises, but ten episodes in seems like a feasible amount of time to wait.
5. Viewer satisfaction – Quite frankly, it would be nice to watch the final three episodes without wondering if this is the end of the road. That may be a selfish request, but still.
As always, we welcome some of your thoughts with a comment, and head over here to see some other news, ratings comparisons, and videos. Also, sign up today to get some further TV updates shipped to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo via AMC.)
Ralph
November 29, 2014 @ 9:12 pm
Just like, “All In The Family”, the writers could develop a spinoff series based on the HOW, cast of characters. The possibilities are endless. The cast of HOW, are a great group of actors, that work well together. I think that the writers can come up with all kinds of scenarious to further the story.
Jimmy
November 22, 2014 @ 4:14 am
Best show on TV! Can’t wait each week for the next episode.
cathy
November 6, 2014 @ 7:56 pm
I am tired of all the trash on tv anymore. This has been the best program I have seen in a very long time. Very good acting and script. I could wish it never go off but that wouldn’t be realistic. Keep this going its the best especially on the weekend anymore..
Lee Roberts
November 2, 2014 @ 2:09 pm
Want, want it back. I thought specials were in its place. I will be so so sad if this is cancelled. It’s my SHOW. I can’t even remember when I even considered looking forward to a series. Please bring it back!
Karen
October 23, 2014 @ 2:14 pm
I was recently told about HOW and that I would really enjoy it. They recently had found the show and were addicted to its story, character development, cinematography, etc. They equated it to TV “crack”. I watched the first episode of the first season on Netflix and that was it….I too, was an addict. I watched the rest of season one, season two and season three in four days. I couldn’t get enough. I just paid to watch all of season four and am now anxiously awaiting my next fix. I told my husband about it and he did the same thing. He also is addicted and loves the series. It’s a truly enjoyable series that you can connect with on many levels. There is so little worth watching on TV these days, but HOW is by far a testimonial to the era and westerns. There are now EIGHT new fans and viewers from our family. PLEASE keep this show going! Bohannon has to finish the RR and AMC has to let it happen! This is a true winner, and I am telling everyone about it….more “crack” and keep it coming!
Tracey
October 22, 2014 @ 11:08 pm
Great show…..Love the authentic feel and the writing. Hope it gets renewed.
Joe Loud
October 22, 2014 @ 8:02 am
Get writing!! If you need help contact me..My wife and I were expecting another episode because the last show did not say “Season Finale” You guys have a hit…I said HIT! Why are you looking at a small group to determine what you’re going to do? Four seasons…Really? You’re still worried? Let it go…write something amazing. I know you have it in you.So…Just Get Writing
Dennis Wallace
October 22, 2014 @ 12:31 am
Keep it going. Best show on TV in many, many years.
Kathy Oliver
October 20, 2014 @ 6:05 pm
Seriously? Do they ever actually read the “fan” replies/responses? We’ve been practically begging for more, supporting in every way we can, and still they ask? They ‘tease’ us with a little, leave us pleading for more. I think “the numbers”, the growth in popularity speaks for itself. But, just in case they still don’t get it…………YES !
Anne
October 20, 2014 @ 9:17 am
Why is it that the good series get axed? TV is supposed to be entertaining but they seem to cater for the “reality” fans. Please renew Hell on Wheels – it is very entertaining.
paulette
October 20, 2014 @ 12:40 am
Please, don’t take Hell on wheels off.it the best show on tv.
m98
October 19, 2014 @ 9:42 pm
one of the few shows i like on todays tv..
Cumbria Beval
October 19, 2014 @ 7:56 pm
This is one of the best shows on TV. We’ve lost some great characters but that’s life — and the changes keep it interesting. All the actors are fantastic! For me, Cullen B. “is” the show and as long as he is there, I’ll keep watching. Are there any other westerns on TV right now? So few shows like this one — more reason to keep it going for a very long time. It just keeps on getting better. Just have to say — Anson Mount was MADE for that role.
Julie Smith Dolcemaschio
October 19, 2014 @ 4:34 pm
HoW is an amazing show. I actually discovered it on a flight and watched three or four episodes. The tag ad said ‘coming in November’ and I actually thought it was a new show being previewed on the airlines. Instead, I learned I was watching the first three episodes of season 3. Despite that, I become hooked immediately and I caught up in time to watch the last few episodes of season 4 ‘live’, along with everybody else. Common was brilliant, and Anson Mount is one of the sexiest outlaws ever. The writing is superb and so is the acting–from everyone. This show must continue.
Louissa
October 19, 2014 @ 4:15 pm
Love the show but wait to the end of the season before making a choice to renew. The writers changed Cullen just a little take him back to first season
Rex J Ablett
October 19, 2014 @ 10:10 am
Hell on Wheels always felt like a six or seven series show to me. I hope it gets that many. :)
Billie J Bowen-Shifflett
October 19, 2014 @ 4:17 am
Love this show!Cant get enough of watching it.Great cast!Always keeps you guessing and wanting more!
Patty
October 19, 2014 @ 2:38 am
Best show on tv, just renew it already!
Connie Wetzel
October 19, 2014 @ 1:42 am
YES! Please by all means, renew this great show.
Patti Molton-Walsh
October 19, 2014 @ 1:40 am
I never watch Walking Dead, but love Hell On Wheels!
Mark
October 18, 2014 @ 10:26 pm
This is the only currently running series that I watch. It’s still entertaining and very watchable, even though the writers killed off characters like Lily and Elam. Please, please, please GIVE US A FIFTH SEASON, AMC!!! This one is simply too good to cancel!
kroeg49
October 18, 2014 @ 9:40 pm
Hell on Wheels has constantly been solid with fantastic writing, directing and of course acting. Not renewing this show would be devastating to western and Anson Mount supporters.
Linda W.
October 18, 2014 @ 7:11 pm
I love this show, not only is it excellant but it is also historical!
mercky Benz
October 18, 2014 @ 6:44 pm
Love this show can’t wait for the next episodes
Harpo Monk
October 18, 2014 @ 6:43 pm
‘H-O-W’ is the gem of lead-up shows to any big sports events on HBO or SHOWTIME.. Anson Mount provides a gritty hero-antihero, along with the others who play villains that are multidimensional in their persona that show likeable qualities
Lauren
October 18, 2014 @ 5:40 pm
AMC should also pick up “Longmire” ~ then they’ll have all the audience that A&E used to have………..
Glenda
October 18, 2014 @ 5:11 pm
love the show, I hate that Elem died, but I still love the show.Love the bad guy’s this season, and as always love Anson!! Keep up the great work,
civilwarvet
October 18, 2014 @ 5:04 pm
We need Hell on Wheels to continue on and on!
Tari
October 18, 2014 @ 4:58 pm
Absolutely it should be renewed now. Why wait? It is clearly a hit and the only show of it’s kind on television. There is a solid cast with the good, the bad and the ugly all at once. I like the little side twiusts while the show remains historically accurate. So, AMC, renew now because if HOW iscancelled, we RIOT!
Mark B.
October 18, 2014 @ 4:15 pm
Love westerns and this is a great program with great characters. Hope that it’s around for many years to come.
Dee Piper
October 18, 2014 @ 3:54 pm
Love this show…but then again, loved Deadwood too, and that didn’t live to see a final season!
Angie
October 18, 2014 @ 2:00 pm
One of the best shows out there right now. It is incredibly impressive that Hell on Wheels can sustain their ratings when they were scheduled on Saturday nights where most shows go to die. Love this incredible piece of work and the cast chosen. Come on AMC – do the right thing!
GPD12292
October 18, 2014 @ 12:47 pm
Hell On Wheels is the best series to come along since Lonesome Dove. I not only watch it every Saturday night, I have all 3 seasons on DVD as well as the Season One Music CD.
Cynthia J Thompson
October 18, 2014 @ 12:28 pm
There are numerous reasons to have Season 5!!! Cullen Bohannon, Durant, Mickey, Psalms, Eva, Ruth & The Swede are solid, invested characters. We need to see them all reach the West Coast via the railroad. That means more interesting twists and turns along the way. Ruth and Cullen have more in common now than before. Something should happen in their relationship…………….that would keep HOW fans going crazy in a good way:)
bill
October 18, 2014 @ 12:23 pm
Best western since lonesome dove. Please keep it up & moving on down the line.
cee
October 18, 2014 @ 11:50 am
love the show,please keep it going! Best show on TV
Larsu
October 18, 2014 @ 11:39 am
Please keep it going!!!!
Ms Robin
October 18, 2014 @ 11:25 am
To whom it may concern at AMC: First, I would like to say hello and hope all of you and your families have a lovely weekend. Hell On Wheels came to my acknowledgement back in July during the AMC marathon of seasons 1 thru 3 and every since then I’ve never missed an episode. Well, really, I had to go buy them because I only saw part of season three during the marathon. Any who. However, although I realize characters come and go on television shows I was still a little disappointed about Elam “played by Common” exit the show. Nevertheless, I feel as though Mr Anson A. Mount is one of the Top Ten Excellent, Talented and Professional actor out there. But, lets not forget the rest of the cast in HoW because they play an important part in the show as well, they are Anson best supporting actresses and actors, without them their would be no Cullen Bohannon. I do love watching the show because to me it’s a phenomenal show and I’m quite sure other fans feel the same way I do. So, I humbly ask all of you at AMC if you would be ever so kind as to please renew at least season 5 & 6 of Hell on Wheels A.S.A.P. Meanwhile, in addition to the final analysis of who ever the promoter is that represents the show and cast needs to be fired, due to the fact of not promoting it and them enough.You need someone that is more aggressive, rambunctious, and won’t take no for an answer. Just Saying! The person or persons need to get them on talk shows like Ellen, Queen Latifah, David Letterman, etc. So, on that note I really hope you at AMC will renew the fifth and sixth season Immediately…….Humbly and Sincerely yours Ms. R.K! “BLESSINGS & PEACE”
Carla Henry
October 18, 2014 @ 11:00 am
I don’t know what is wrong with AMC. There must be a season 5 and perhaps a 6th to complete the story. Hell on Wheels is an amazing hit. It seems the “suits” get nervous when a western is popular. A&E has the same mentality when it comes to Longmire. Westerns are about heroes even dark heroes are loved and appreciated . Cullen Bohannon is a modern John Wayne. I can see the “suits” now…who’s John Wayne? Westerns are a part of our culture. Whoever is in charge needs more “true grit.” Keep it going. I know Anson Mount is moving into bigger movie rolls and I wouldn’t want him stereotyped as a cowboy. I don’t know how that could happen when he’s such a great actor. Stand strong finish the railroad and finish the job. Give Bohannon at least one dream before you destroy the entire cast in a California earthquake. OK?:)
Remember “I asked you first as a gentleman.”
Louissa
October 19, 2014 @ 5:28 pm
AMC cancel a great show called The Killing, Netflix did one more season to tie up the ends. AMC must have their reasons are the ratings the same and not building? AMC may be waiting until the end of the season and tally the ratings. I think Saturday is a horrible time for Hell On Wheels switch it back to Sunday
Gloria
October 18, 2014 @ 9:14 am
This has to happen !! This is the best show on TV. Everyone’s performance is outstanding and I look forward to watching every Saturday. I can’t wait until Nov. 8th ! I even have Hell On Wheels with Anson Mount on my phone as a background cover.
Laurie
October 18, 2014 @ 7:10 am
Hell on Wheels should be renewed for many reasons. But one of the biggest reasons is the acting in the episode “Elam Ferguson”. Hands down it is one of the best showcases of acting on TV. How anyone could watch the last few minutes of that episode with Bohannon sobbing at Elam’s grave and still have a dry eye….. They must be made of stone!!!
Blondie
October 18, 2014 @ 4:54 am
It’s one of a kind. So different the all the other shows on TV now. I don’t watch TV, but I watch HOW. Love the Era and all that goes with it. Makes me appreciate all those hard working people who managed to get the RR in place. It’s sad to look at a train track today and realize how seldom they are used, after all that was sacrificed to make it happen.Even though not all the stories of HOW are true to life they are based on the history of the RR, I never knew existed. AND….. I love Anson Mount for all his great posts of him and his wonderful canine companion. He is always true to himself and stands up for his beliefs. Post on, sir !!! I hope HOW is always around. It will be a classic for years of generations.
CamanoArtistMom
October 18, 2014 @ 4:25 am
Love this show! Everyone should go to AMC and write them.
Cheryl
October 18, 2014 @ 4:04 am
MORE MORE MORE…..NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saija
October 18, 2014 @ 3:49 am
I like the show. Keep it running.
Josie
October 18, 2014 @ 3:44 am
There is another solution. AMC should go rogue or join Netflix. ;) !
Josie
October 18, 2014 @ 3:40 am
Can they take the show to netflix? So we can binge watch?
kroeg49
October 18, 2014 @ 9:48 pm
Seasons 1, 2 & 3 are currently available on NETFLIX.
Brenda
October 18, 2014 @ 3:34 am
I have watched the show from day 1 and I love it, Cullen reminds me of John Wayne and James Arness combined, wow he is one great cowboy to me, I really enjoy the show and hope it never goes off.
Lola
October 18, 2014 @ 3:30 am
I just love this show, it is artistic and yes better with each season. Anson and his co-stars are made for this series. I stay home just to see this series and I am not a big fan of T.V. to begin with. Love it.
Rhoda20001
October 18, 2014 @ 3:28 am
Season 4 the best yet!
KerriDee
October 18, 2014 @ 3:28 am
Keep this road moving into Season 5! Just a hint though; we love Ruth, and please, if there is any romance to happen make it happen between Cullen and Ruth! Dump Naomi!
Karen Cohen
October 18, 2014 @ 3:35 am
Have to disagree about Ruth and Cullen. He admires her advice, but I don’t see him ever showing a romantic interest in Ruth. Was waiting to see how he interacted with Naomi in Season 4. Have to say they have had difficulties, but he seems to be proud to have a family.
KerriDee
October 18, 2014 @ 4:04 am
OK. Obviously you missed Season 3 where I seen he was clearly developing feelings for Ruth and Ezra. Ruth and Cullen now have more in common than ever before, and he has nothing in common with Naomi. She was a “bang in the barn”, and people are wondering why the relationship is not being taken seriously.
Brenda
October 18, 2014 @ 3:37 am
I agree KerriDee. I think they make a great couple, Cullen needs someone like Ruth in his life.
kim
October 18, 2014 @ 3:16 am
Absolutely LOVE the show. Mr. Anson Mount has had me hooked since the first commercial of the first season. I HAD to tune in to see what H O W was all about and I haven’t missed an episode since. I have turned so many friends and family onto this show and it would be sad if it ended any time soon. I’ve had my ticket to ride since the train pulled out of the station and I’m not ready to jump off till we reach the end of the line.
Donna Jean Cook O'Neil
October 18, 2014 @ 3:06 am
My favorite show on TV…acting, scenery, photography…its the best..and of course Cullen isn’t hard to look at!!
Norman Hightower
October 18, 2014 @ 3:04 am
Best show on television. Would completely destroy me if it was cancelled. One of the few shows my girlfriend and I watch together. Anson Mount is a true talent and really makes the show what it is. Renew early for the next few seasons please!
Karen Cohen
October 18, 2014 @ 3:32 am
Try Amazon Instant Video or iTunes and buy a Season Pass. You own those episodes after that.
Aimee
October 18, 2014 @ 3:02 am
Love the show! Why is this even a question? More seasons please!
Josie
October 18, 2014 @ 3:42 am
I agree
Cindy
October 18, 2014 @ 2:59 am
Love this show, but I only have it on Netflex and cannot wait to see more. I can only get into little clips online as I do not have extended cable.
lorena Burns
October 18, 2014 @ 2:56 am
I hope it never ends, best acting on TV. I can do without zombies. #1 fan love HOW and all the cast needs some new cast members though. Roll on!
Chuck Brown
October 18, 2014 @ 2:44 am
I just tweeted AMC encouraging them to renew for Season 5 now with 13 more episodes. And to spend more on advertising!
Darrin
October 18, 2014 @ 2:44 am
There just has to be ten seasons. Have to take us to the Pacific! Cullen has to see it thru. As long as Anson is Cullen. Love the cast. Do miss Common though
Judith Williams
October 18, 2014 @ 2:43 am
Cannot imagine being left hanging now. No, I wasn’t thrilled with the loss of Elam but this happens sometimes. This series has been a heart wrenching one since day one and I’m not going to walk away without seeing it through!
Joyce clark
October 18, 2014 @ 2:42 am
Love Hell on Wheels…..wouldn’t miss it….
Darrin
October 18, 2014 @ 2:40 am
I am a #1 fan of lonesome dove. Now I’m a #1 fan of Hell On Wheels!! Enough said
Chuck Brown
October 18, 2014 @ 2:36 am
I love the show. This year has been good. Maybe not great, but still really solid. It’s one of the highlights of my week, entertainment-wise. The cast is superb. I would certainly vote for another season.
Dru
October 18, 2014 @ 2:35 am
Been a fan from day one. Nothing will make me stop watching it…unless they have more of Elam the bear killer all night. Lost me that night. Love HOW!
Karla Rai
October 18, 2014 @ 2:33 am
plus bigger pay checks the earlier you get in line!
Anthony
October 18, 2014 @ 1:24 am
Ive loved the show since day 1, however season 4 has been disappointing to say the least. Time to send some writers and directors packing, hire the original crew that brought us Season 1, and Hell on Wheels could have another 5 seasons. Incorporate more action and violence and less sensitivity.
The Captain
October 18, 2014 @ 2:54 am
I’ve personally thought the current season has been one of the best.
Karen Cohen
October 18, 2014 @ 3:29 am
Agree. Great new characters. Love the development of Bohannon. Writing is still superb, with story line that never fails to surprise.
Anthony
October 18, 2014 @ 3:30 am
Personally I would like to see the old Cullen Bohannon, the one that was more Josey Wales, not the current watered down politically correct Cullen that was created to increase viewer numbers.
makhaiya
October 18, 2014 @ 3:31 am
Hell on Wheels is the best series on tv.The plot changes keep it interesting along with historical relevance. Bohannon, Durant, Psalms, Eva & The Swede are solid, invested characters. We care about what they do. Twitter really heats up after every episode as viewers analyze, dissect, praise, critique and generally chew on the show.HOW is a hellava good show with a great cast and terrific writers! Keep it up, keep it going!