Ratings Bubble Report: Does ‘Grimm’ season 5 have a better-than-grim shot at renewal?
“Grimm” is one of those network shows that is hard to classify. Its live ratings have never been altogether great, but at the same time it flourishes in DVR viewings and streams. Also, it gets a little bit of a pass because it airs on Friday nights.
We are now getting to the point where some of its problems could all be rising to the top. The show has already met its syndication threshold, and while it has devoted fans, its ratings are not at the level that most major networks would accept. Does it have enough in the tank for a sixth season? This is something we’ll be investigating further in the latest chapter of our Ratings Bubble Report series.
The good news – As we’ve said, streaming and live+7 data for this show is pretty great. It’s never been a show that a ton of people watch live, and due to it being somewhat under-the-radar to begin with, it can maintain these ratings without too heavy a promotional campaign. NBC can keep it on Fridays (where its ratings are never good to begin with and the network has struggled to figure the night out), and it can continue to satisfy its fans for at least another year or two. Also, it keeps them with a bona fide genre show in their catalogue; with “Heroes: Reborn” ending, they’re going to be lacking that elsewhere.
The bad news – The ratings have gone down steadily the past few years. Season 5 so far is down over 20% in the 18-49 demographic from season 4, which was down almost 18% from season 3, which was down 14% from season 2. (The second season actually performed better than the first, so season 3 is where the bleeding started.) With the current trajectory in mind, could a 0.8 or a 0.7 rating become the new normal in a sixth season? That may not be something NBC wants to risk, even with good data in other measures. Live ratings are still where most of the money is made.
Renewal odds – Moderate to moderately high. Ultimately, there’s still a lot of time left this season for “Grimm” to show improvement (season 5 returns on January 29), and we also think what the show has going for it is at least one more year without having to renegotiate anything. Why not keep the show for one more season 6, then promote season 6 as the end if you’re concerned about live ratings?
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Amber
January 19, 2016 @ 11:53 am
1. No one watches live TV shouldn’t even be an issue anymore. 2. Juliette should have stayed dead 3. Even more disappointing is the fact that it no longer follows any fairy tales.
Lara Newton
January 18, 2016 @ 11:10 pm
I hope it is renewed and has a seven year run. There are stories within the story that need this amount of time to work themselves out, and the main characters are all very interesting people. I don’t have the prejudice against Juliette that some have, and my sense is that a majority of viewers don’t (we are just less vocal and tend to post comments less often), but I’m not really sure about that. In most TV shows with a male main character this occurs — sniping toward his love interest. If Adalind were to become a serious live-in girlfriend (which I hope does not happen), that same energy would be directed toward her. Many viewers want the male lead to be available for brief flings and for flirtations, but have trouble with long term relationships. Isn’t that the way of our world? I was pleased that Grimm took a big risk, presenting a male lead with a live-in girlfriend from the beginning. Wow!
But anyway, I hope Grimm stays with us for a while. I like the story and would be happy to see it develop and get resolved without being rushed.
Jenay Carriere
January 16, 2016 @ 8:47 pm
I enjoy Grimm without all the Juliette scenes. I simply cannot enjoy her story lines, which at times seemed more front and center then Nick’s, who is suppose to be the main character. A subpar actress that was given more SL then a main character is a bad move. Last season more of the same with her becoming a hexenbeist. Then the writers decided to burn the trailer and kill Kelly for dramatic effect. Sure kill Kelly but burn the trailer just no. Monroe has gotten married and become less the funny sidekick partner. One of my favorite characters by the way. Now I have to endure another whole season perhaps more of Juliette and I will be using TIVO for this show. Just so I can fast forward through all of her scenes. I seriously could not stand her whining and she constantly though Nick was cheating on her and she couldn’t accept him being a Grimm.Why do we need her back
Danae
January 15, 2016 @ 1:28 pm
With juliette again alive the ratings will drop yet more and more. Is what happen for mix real life with the business. not proffessional
Joyce
January 19, 2016 @ 2:18 am
“not proffessional?” Gee, I always thought it was “proffessional” to be able to spell correctly. Oh, and green doesn’t suit you, dear. Bye now. Come back when you are “proffessional” (and can spell).
Danae
January 19, 2016 @ 10:34 am
Yeah. Not professional. Is not a great coincidence that BT is dating with Giuntoli and her character can not die? ??? so predictable…And defend this poor character not even suit you haha. Maybe I”m professional or not you will never know. The main of fans hate Juliette return. But you know that. Ah and if you are blind and do not know that you will learn this in the ratings!! ??Bye.
Joyce
January 19, 2016 @ 8:52 pm
Get your own life. It sounds like your whole world is tied up in what the “beautiful people” are up to. Sad. (BTW, it sounds like your heartthrob David is taken, so you best move on.)
Danae
January 19, 2016 @ 9:09 pm
lol XD
Ty
January 15, 2016 @ 4:15 am
As a huge fan of the show myself, I’m guessing that ratings started going down because of some of the storylines with Juliette. Personally, I never minded any of that and think the show has consistently gotten better each season. Some episodes are certainly better than others, but I think “Grimm” has done very well to introduce new storylines, a few new actors, and new Wesen as well. The CGI has also improved, and most episodes are definitely worthy of rewatching again. (I’ve probably watched the last episode “Wesen Nacht” at least 8 or 9 times.) I don’t think NBC really promotes the show all that often on TV, so for it to be doing as well as it is on Friday nights after 5 seasons is impressive. Plus, the cast and crew recently filmed their 100th episode, a great accomplishment for any show. It’d be a huge mistake for NBC not to renew the show, which probably has 2 more seasons to finish telling its story.
Ken Kerns
January 14, 2016 @ 11:29 pm
There is still a lot of original episodes to get through in this season to know if there’s enough creativity left in the tank for a season 6, but I’d like to see it happen, even if it’s an abbreviated 13 episode swan song.
Michael Goldman
January 14, 2016 @ 10:20 pm
If this was 3-4 years ago. Grimm would be a goner considering its ratings. However, It’s finishing its 5th season and NBC can get decent money for syndication. NBC is having a good year this would be their pity renewal. Thank goodness for this live+3 and live+7 crap that they didn’t have years ago.