Ratings debate: Does The CW’s ‘Ringer’ have a chance?
We’ve covered a good many CW shows in our ratings debate articles over the past two weeks, and the final one that is still firmly in danger of getting canceled was one that actually entered the fall season surrounded by hype — “Ringer.”
Why it should go – The numbers don’t lie — and the “Ringer” numbers simply are not good. Before its cancellation, this was a show that was drawing 0.4 and 0.5 ratings in the 18-49 demographic — numbers as par as what “Nikita” was getting, but that series airs on Friday nights and does not have a successful series a la “90210” as a lead-in.
You also cannot blame The CW for a lack of promotion, as it and the star in Sarah Michelle Gellar were given plenty of opportunities — with the show even getting a number of repeat airings throughout the week after the quick “H8R” cancellation. There is also an issue here when it comes to Gellar being more expensive to keep now than some of the network’s other stars — and reports are that she is pregnant, and the show would have to find a way to work that into the story.
Why it should stay – “Ringer” was a high-quality series in particular as it neared the season finale, and if it actually gets some attention during the summer and on DVD, a second season could potentially draw some better numbers.
With the show’s ratings and Gellar’s salary, it would be a gamble — but when you look at The CW’s ratings as a whole, shouldn’t they try to take at least one game here?
What will happen – We’ve tried to spin it as if “Ringer” has a chance, but unfortunately it is the most likely out of The CW’s bubble shows (“Hart of Dixie,” “Nikita,” and “The Secret Circle” included) to be canceled. It simply couldn’t find an audience, and it really doesn’t have any justification for the low numbers other than people simply not watching.
Maybe the show will get a chance again in a few years if it becomes a cult favorite on DVD — but the network cannot assume that this will happen and renew it for the fall.
Photo: The CW
samantha vnuk
May 14, 2012 @ 6:05 pm
Please do not cancel this show it was so amazing and unique. I did not find the show complex I found it refreshing, such a great show…!
Dahwoman Joyce
May 13, 2012 @ 4:21 pm
I loved this show. it was drama at its best. I waited for it to come on. Im very sad they are removing it. Please say it aint so!
d. hill
May 12, 2012 @ 6:27 am
ringer should be given a second chance we all love it down under in australia and sarah michele Gellar is great as an actor loved her in Buffy
Xmas
May 8, 2012 @ 4:34 pm
Well, Ringer was getting great numbers for its ten first episodes. Then it went on a 2 month break and plunged. But still, Ringer finale drew more Nielsen Viewers than the new episodes of Hart of Dixie, The Secret Circle and Nikita that week and it was after a 90210 repeat! Still has a chance. It is the 4th best selling CW series of all time on iTunes US, the #1 CW show in Canada and is already airing all over the world
Donna
May 7, 2012 @ 5:54 pm
Ringer deserves a second season. It has a global following – wasn’t promoted well by the CW – and Sarah Michelle Gellar is a gem. The CW doesn’t know what they have, and they should! A little show called BuffyTVS that no one thought would make it. SMG has a loyal dedicated following. The show is like no other. Suspenseful, well written with a stellar cast. Ringer should get a SEASON 2.