The numbers are in, and for ABC's burgeoning reboot drama, V, the news is more than good. Currently, the report is that approximately 13.8 million viewers tuned in to watch the updated take on Earth's struggle against the human-disguised Visitors. (Sans the snappy red jumpsuits and blublockers.) The show dominated its hour with a 5.0 and 13 share, handily defeating CBS' NCIS. (Mark Harmon and the goth chick are in tears.) While in the network vs. network context, CBS may have ultimately won the night cumulatively, V's toppling of its own "mothership" (heh, heh...) show of the NCIS franchise, spoke volumes. The numbers will also cement V as the clear winner in the Fall TV race, being the season's highest-rated new series debut.
What will this mean for the show? Whether it was the possible political undertones or the surely massive budget that the show entails, ABC did seem to hold the show at arm's length. While seemingly dragging its heels with the show, first by breaking the show's run into 4 episode "pods," and an unexpected switch-up with the show-running team, they may now be a little less apprehensive about the series. Besides the aforementioned numbers, and among other statistical accolades, V also (and perhaps, most importantly) won the night in the much-coveted ages 18-49 viewership, and was the highest-rated dramatic series debut in the 8:00 timeslot since a show with which it is constantly juxtaposed...ABC's Lost.
The comparisons to Lost will definitely not go away anytime soon. With the home-stretch of ABC's iconic sci-fi drama just around the corner, fans will be looking for a new series to which it will pass the baton. While other "baton-contender," ABC's FlashForward seems to be slowly gaining some momentum, V hit big right out of the gate, and now with its success, should have proper backing. Its obstacles, however, are pretty clear: Will it be able to maintain this momentum after having its season carved-up and cut-down? With its hiatus beginning after merely its FOURTH episode, will it return with fanfare or nonchalance in February?
Therefore, while I'd love to sit here and have a long and detailed discussion about how the show will attempt to evolve, while avoiding the creative roadblocks that unceremoniously deep-sixed the original at the end of the 1984-85 TV season, this new show probably still needs to find a way to anchor itself before worrying about that aspect.
I, for one, hope it can find some lasting support.
Comments
Displaying 1–18 of 18
vferg
I agree completely with you @chocosquirrel I knew that the show was going to change its ways just from the teaser I saw for it... Its not relying on suspense and mystery which would have worked REALLY well for this show... The whole first 4 episodes should have been all about peoples reactions to this event and not having any contact with the aliens at all like in the original. Actually right after you found out who the aliens were in the original I really didn't care about the show anymore, and I only watched bits and pieces of this new series but I can say right off the bat this show looks uninteresting to me. Action packed maybe but im not a fan of ABC's shows, stories, twists, and cinematography.
Spybreak
I think if done right it might work. I never knew about the old series but then SciFi had a marathon of the old show a day before V aired so I watched that. Wow, lol this is a lot better but I can never tell about a series until I watch a few episodes. I just have to say, what's with the shaking of the city when the ship flies near it but when its ontop of the thing its all peaceful?! Man being a nerd sucks when watching a tv show, that's all I could think about in the beginning lol.
Jmcfarland519
I live in Nashville and they pushed it from Primtime to Midnight on the local station, EPIC FAIL!!!
GreatAlmghtyPoo
Lizards from space. I thought the original was kinda hoakie and im pretty skeptical about a re-make of a television show from the 80's.
Brookida7
I watched V last night & enjoyed it. It's nice to read that it did well in the ratings.
Oinkness
What is it a true blood spinoff? Why did I not hear about this? I'll have to download it... I don't watch TV on Tuesday nights... where is it on?
MacPhisto
I was a big fan of the original with Marc "the Beastmaster" Singer and Robert Englund, and I thought this was a great remake. It looks so far like they're staying fairly close to the storyline of the original, but I do have to say, the whole political terrorism slant on it was an interesting twist. Oh btw did anyone have a chance to catch the marathon of the original V on Syfy all day yesterday? I unfortunately didn't notice it until after the fact, so I'm hoping they run it again!
ac13bx
It was a bad remake. Seems like they put the first four 80's episodes into 1 hour last night. Thumb me down if you like, I'm sure alot of you didnt see the original.
cornixt
The high ratings mean that the trailers were good, not that the show is. The second show is where you'll find out if anyone is sticking around becuase they liked it. I recorded the first show last night so hopefully it will be good.
Is this another show that takes the title and a single plot point from a show and changes everything else? Why not just call it something else and save cash on the licensing?
azmorpheus
I watched it and am glad it was not just a rehash of the 80's series. I am happy with the new direction of the story so far, I hope it continues to impress.
Displaying 1–18 of 18
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