ABC’s ‘Castle’ season 7: Is there reason to worry over ratings?
Early on this season, we were worried upon looking at some Monday-night ratings about whether or not “NCIS: Los Angeles” was going to survive three crime shows all airing at exactly the same time.
However, after looking at some of the final ratings from this week, we’re starting to wonder whether or not the show that should be worried for now is “Castle.” The series has always skewed old, but Monday saw it in law place among the three Monday night shows courtesy of a 1.5 rating in the 18-49 demographic. That’s not the sort of numbers that we’re used to with the show.
Is there a caveat here? Sure. Some markets lost ABC programming due to Monday Night Football, and it may have been a 1.6 or 1.7 without it. Still, this is a part of a conversation we need to be having with this show soon. It’s just about at a time when many actors ink new deals, and given rising production costs, there will have to be discussions about whether or not the show is worth the price tag anymore. “Grey’s Anatomy” has faced this issue for years, but it also has the luxury of higher ratings. No other scripted series on ABC right now is really in a similar boat.
Does “Castle” probably have at least another year or so in it? We think so, but we also feel like there may need to be some more attention given to the show’s ratings in the weeks ahead than there has been. This could be one of the most important stories worth watching out for.
For something a little different, head over here right now to preview the next all-new episode of “Castle”! Also, you can sign up if you want to get some further updates on all we cover right now via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo via ABC.)
Jack Strawb
December 7, 2014 @ 7:30 pm
Too many episodes have dragged, and the wedding failure followup was disappointing.
Too bad the writers haven’t figured out to stay far, far away from the plodding episodes that have plagued Castle since its inception. You know them. They’re the ones in which you don’t recognize the killer at the end, and don’t care. The series lives when it uses strong plots, as with Alexis’s kidnapping, or the 3XK episodes.
asdf
November 12, 2014 @ 5:52 pm
I think the amnesia storyline has caused some attrition among viewers. There was a pretty clear drop-off around when that plotline started up.
warpheads
November 15, 2014 @ 11:35 am
Agreed. I feel like they re-wrote the entire show and have taken it in an entirely different direction and did not do it well. Don’t like it.
William
October 26, 2014 @ 1:57 pm
I agree. ABC does nothing to promote the show. They had better wake up. Blacklist and NCIS are promoted all the time.
LeeWill
October 22, 2014 @ 6:24 pm
ABC needs to promote Castle like it promotes Forever, DWTS, and ALL it’s other shows. No late night or morning shows, nothing.
Grey
October 22, 2014 @ 6:55 pm
There’s usually one 30 second spot during “The View.” A show no one is watching any more. :-| And a couple of weeks ago I was shocked, and I do mean shocked, to see a quick ad during a NASCAR race. Really, ABC? NASCAR? I’m a woman and I enjoy NASCAR but that’s not the show to be promoting “Castle” during.
kay
October 22, 2014 @ 12:42 pm
I agree with canz girl. ABC goes on ad nausem about DWTS. They never mention Castle. Too good of a show to end.
Ron
October 22, 2014 @ 11:21 am
Talk about production costs. Didn’t Katic just sign with a new rep. When it comes to new contract negotiations I would assume her asking price will be more in line with her star status.
Canz girl
October 22, 2014 @ 2:01 am
It might help if ABC promoted it.
Grey
October 22, 2014 @ 6:50 pm
And with discent and alluring ads! 30 second spots once or twice a week during some really off programming hours doesn’t help the show and I think especially with this last episode may have hurt it! I know it’s dependant on the stars wanting to parcipate but how about some new ads with Nathan and Stana like they use to have during past seasons? An example the “Castle’s Active Imagination” spot (look it up on youtube if don’t know it). “Castle” is the type of show that can very easily welcome new/first time viewers if the ads are right. You don’t have to be a long time fan to enjoy the show. Sometimes I really do feel like ABC is treating it like an unwanted red-headed step child who is only tolerated it because it’s a good “utility player.” Mean while “ShondaLand” shows get all the love and the money. Not fair.
Canz girl
October 23, 2014 @ 2:58 am
Can’t turn on ABC without watching How to Get Away with Murder promo – know it’s a new show, but geez what about Castle once in a while getting pushed during prime time!
Jough Dough
October 22, 2014 @ 1:04 am
Castle is currently the best crime show on Television. The best to come this way in DECADES!!! It’s got years to go, it’s just beginning.