Ransom canceled after three seasons; season 4 hopes over
While we know that there were some hopes for a season 4 to come to fruition on CBS and Global (which broadcast the show overseas in Canada), we have to consider those hopes dust at this point. In some ways, this cancellation is both surprising and unsurprising at the same time. Let’s talk first in terms of the series’ ratings — Ransom was fairly steady on CBS in both viewers and the 18-49 demographic in season 3. It held onto most of its audience and you would think that this would be enough for the network to want to keep it going!
Yet, the truth is that Ransom operates on such a different model than the vast majority of other shows out there that it’s long been almost impossible to predict. Its success is measured by so many factors and so many countries and with it airing on a Saturday night, most of its ratings expectations were somewhat different than what you’d see almost anywhere else on TV in the first place.
In retrospect, , the most important thing we can say about Ransom is that it allowed us a chance to see a different sort of procedural drama. The show’s account put it the best — this was a series all about watching people solve conflict in a different way — with “words instead of violence.” It wasn’t about action sequences or gunplay or typical police procedure. This was a show more about strong arguments, understanding social dynamics, and making sure crises were resolved before they escalated further.
Could season 4 land somewhere else?
It’s unlikely. Given the complicated model that Ransom had in the first place, we don’t know how you make that work again elsewhere. Also, its ratings on CBS were as good as they were (and they weren’t great there) because of the network — it’s hard to see it transferring somewhere else in America where it gets the same sort of numbers without significantly more promotion to go along with it. Our feeling is that we have to accept things as they are.
What do you think about Ransom being canceled, and did you enjoy the show through its first three years on the air? Be sure to share in the comments. (Photo: CBS.)