Comments on: TV Ratings Tuesday: V Arrives, Viewers Follow

By: When the Promotional Well Runs Dry, Eat Guinea Pigs!!! | Simulmedia

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:36:27 +0000

[...] Nielsen ratings, one would think the promotional strategy was extremely effective. According to TVbyTheNumbers, 13.9MM viewers tuned into ABC’s version of V on November [...]

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:53:41 +0000

Like patrickkelley, I think Hitler was a great man, too.

By: patrickkelley

patrickkelley — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:50:40 +0000

You can’t compare this to Hitler. People in Nazi Germany were manipulated by Hitler, due to the concerns they had about issues they had to deal with at the time, but Hitler was not only a very charismatic leader who knew how to take advantage of people’s fears and insecurities, he was basically one of them. He didn’t come down from some alien planet one day and start mouthing off.

An entire world of people are just not going to be that accepting of a group of alien visitors in gigantic interplanetary spacecraft. Sure, there were a relatively small number of protesters and characters who distrusted the visitors, but not nearly enough. It just wasn’t a realistic human reaction. If they had spent two or three episodes where people were acclimating themselves to the prospect, then it might have worked, but this was just bullshit.

As for giving you an example of the dialogue, that’s just the problem, there wasn’t anything memorable enough to remember. It was just standard cliche’ riddled claptrap.

There was one good line in the whole episode. When the old Priest echoed the Vatican’s position that the Visitor’s were also God’s creations, the younger Priest replied, “rattlesnakes are God’s creations too.” But that line got drowned out in a flood of pretentious dialogue that was so mediocre, I had actually forgotten about it until I real about it someplace. The dialogue was actually so awful I am not entirely convinced it was ever uttered on this crappy show. I’m starting to think somebody just said that to make the show sound better than what it was.

By: Parenthood

Parenthood — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:21:47 +0000

Give me example of some bad dialogue and tell me how you would have written it better. Now
that I think about it, there was a huge scene in Independence Day, whereby a bunch of Hollywood types fawn over the ships even though they’re warned against doing it.

By: Parenthood

Parenthood — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:16:56 +0000

Oh, patrickkelley, people fawned over Hitler too. People also fawned over Bush and Obama as well. Besides, there was a huge scene with the priest and some protesters in slow motion.

By: patrickkelley

patrickkelley — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:27:00 +0000

Yeah, people were afraid for maybe three or four seconds, and by the time the next commercial break was over, it was all good. What reason did the Vatican have for issuing a statement urging earthlings to accept the visitors, that they were also God’s creatures? It was pointless. By the time the show was half over almost everybody on earth was swooning over them. You’ll never pretty up this turd. Stick a piece of cat shit in a box of chocolate ice cream, you don’t have something exotic and exciting, you have something that tastes like shit. The characters were awful, your standard cardboard cutout cliches, and the dialogue was hackneyed and obvious as well. I could throw a bunch of Scrabble letters around and end up with better dialogue than was written for this shitty show.

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:47:43 +0000

Like patrickkelley, I hate beaners, too.

By: Parenthood

Parenthood — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:26:39 +0000

Patrickkelly, there was a huge scene of people running from the ship.

By: patrickkelley

patrickkelley — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:18:10 +0000

I didn’t think it was that good. It didn’t portray people’s reactions to the sudden alien visitation in a realistic fashion, in my opinion. People acted about like they would at the news that a carload of Mexicans just sped across the border. Well, actually, they probably didn’t even act that concerned. It was silly.

By: Parenthood

Parenthood — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:40:07 +0000

I disagree, Brian. Anyway, here are 5 clips from episode 2!
http://www.visitorsite.net/ep2clips.htm

By: Brian D

Brian D — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:30:38 +0000

While I had no doubt V would be good. It has a TSCC feeling to it. I think it’ll have good upfront numbers but over time will fade dramatically over the course of 1 to 2 seasons. It’s a show more suited for the SyFy channel then ABC.

By: Adam

Adam — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:19:09 +0000

The New Heroes

By: Moonlight Angel

Moonlight Angel — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:43:45 +0000

How long until the Political Correctness Police turn up and make ABC erase all similarities to the Obama administration? Surely, they will make the Reptiles into Republicans as quickly as possible

By: Parenthood

Parenthood — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:54:44 +0000

Wow 257 comments.

By: crazyalice2

crazyalice2 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:08:11 +0000

The 1st half hour was cool but I fear that they revealed the alien plot twist too soon and I fear it will reduce itself down to simply a cop show unless it can come with some unique plot twists, otherwise, just gimme more Flash Forward and Southland

By: Parenthood

Parenthood — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:35:06 +0000

Ohiogirl, you never watched the V miniseries that aired in the 1980s?

By: ohiogirl

ohiogirl — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:01:04 +0000

I’m surprised that so many people were interested in ‘V’. I heard that it also drew interest the first time around, but then fell when the premise didn’t hold up. Thing is…did viewers watch because of word of mouth? The title ‘V’ doesn’t say much about the show. We were pre-empted here in Nashville for a Titans show that runs on Tuesday nights, and I didn’t find the rebroadcast, so I have no idea what it’s about. Looks like the family viewers that would have tuned in for Biggest Loser may have been dismayed with Abby’s unexpected departure last week,and being Voting Day, most likely weren’t in the mood for a trip to D.C. and scenes of BL meetings with legislaters, but they’ll be back next week. ‘V’ probably caught some wandering curiosity seekers.

By: capnbob

capnbob — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:28:11 +0000

I personally liked the V premiere. It was hammy and rushed but it had to be (tho 2 hrs would have been better). After that hour, there was a certain breathlessness that left me wanting more, though unsure what more there was to show since they’ve covered most of the basic V mythology in one episode. It is a gamble but one I think they had to make – we all know they are gerbil munching lizards!! Get on with it. I hope it sticks around since I think it has the right balance of action, sci-fi and mythology. It is the action that drives successful rather than critically successful shows – see Lost/Heroes (early) for object lessons. Even BSG vs Stargate/Atlantis – BSG was a vastly better piece of ‘art’ but got pwnd almost every week in the numbers. Also unlike shows that started strong but struggle to spin out the mythology in acceptable amounts (I’m looking at you Fringe), the monster of the week in V will always be a green alien lizard in a flesh suit! Keep it Simple, Stupid (ABC Exec).

Eric (Ohio) – I would pay bucks to see that show!! My notes would be to include a cylon or 2 (a chrome toaster (2003 style) and at least a 6 or an 8 skinjob, and maybe have Galactica swoop in to save the M Falcon from the Goa’uld/Borg alliance!!
Get back to me on budgets – licencing should be a snap?

By: Parenthood

Parenthood — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:12:03 +0000

The Dark Angel/ Batman/ film noir feel Makes it more MTV style! Not all modern stories have to be as bad as Transformers. There are some post-modern movies/ tv shows that are good. It can be done. This more modern version of V is good. It’s just that the look and feel is more post modern than the original was and some fans of the original don’t like that. In fact, this new V seems to be taking a page from Batman and Dark Angel in terms of visual style and the writing. For one, the changes make it more relatable to modern audiences than the original is. Audiences today expect darker look and feel to their shows than they did back in the 1970s. It’s also very unrealistic to expect the new V to be written the same way. You have to factor in that we now live in the MTV generation. So, the writing style of the original V just wouldn’t fly with modern audiences. By the way, I loved the original and rewatched it again on Syfy!

By: BIG DADDY

BIG DADDY — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:37:03 +0000

They really should change the cancel index to the can you beat leno index.

By: tom

tom — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:20:38 +0000

a good sign for V is that it did increase in audience from 8:30-9:00 so maybe it will have legs. Most shows that start out big like this usually burn out by the end of the season(battlestar gallatica the 70′s version for example) and of course the original v series didnt do well. Time will tell I guess

By: Bad Robot

Bad Robot — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:16:57 +0000

After the hiatus is over they need to reair the first 4 episodes. Ideally in a couple of 2 hour block Sunday and Monday night 8-10. Probably wont happen that way, but it would help bring people back up to speed and update any new viewers.

By: dustin

dustin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:53:05 +0000

I swear I a saw a Buy More during the first episode. . .

By: Allen

Allen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:03:29 +0000

To those who said it sucked, I wonder why you think so. I thought it was great! I’m really looking forward to next week. I’m really surprised at how much they advanced the plot. I figured it’d be several episodes (perhaps the whole season) before anyone figured out why they were here.

By: Robert Seidman

Robert Seidman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:55:01 +0000

Jeff, the sponsors aren’t interested in any of those numbers really. They are interested in the C3 ratings which are average commercial viewing (rather than program viewing) live and up to 3 days after. Are understanding is the difference between Live commercial viewing and the three days typically amounts to an increase of 10% or less.

Unfortunately those C3 numbers are not made freely available but the Live+SD numbers generally serve as a good proxy for how a show is doing.

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:45:08 +0000

V increased overall. I still think that the second episode will decline but only slightly.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:40:35 +0000

Question for Bill:
Since your the “numbers” man…please explain to me the reasons for sponsors being so interested in SD or SD+7 adult 18-49 figures.

I don’t understand the value (to a sponsor) of a Live +SD or a
Live +SD +7 adult 18-49 rating.
To me SD or SD +7 viewing means that the viewer most likely skipped through all the commercials.
Since the sponsor is ONLY interested in the number of viewers for his commercial…not the actual program…to me the only figure of any valie is the number of “live” viewers.

So it would appear to me that a program that has a much larger percentage of live viewers would be much more valuable to a sponsor than a program that has a much has a larger number of total viewers..after the SD or SD +7 numbers are factored into the final total.

For a sponsor…the more “DVR proof” a program is…the more chance that the viewer actually watched one of your commercials.
That shoud be worth something !

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:15:47 +0000

It was a lot packed into 1 hour, but I’ll keep watching–not saying it was bad at all.

By: Parenthood

Parenthood — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:01:44 +0000

My guess is next episode will get 13.5 million!

By: ABCFanatic2009

ABCFanatic2009 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:08:55 +0000

I told you guys! I predicted 12 million viewers but I Knew its going to be higher.

Robert (TVBythenUmbers) underestimated V saying its only going to get 8 millions….

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:51:46 +0000

I think V will be steady, I hope it doesnt decline but if anything the hiatus worries me.

By: igotid88

igotid88 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:39:10 +0000

hopefully V stays steady next week.

By: Christian

Christian — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:38:50 +0000

Way to go V! Looks like ABC has a hit on their hands!

By: Raider One

Raider One — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:31:30 +0000

WOW!!! Huge start! So much for those who said the premier would sink this series. V really took off, but it was really creepy.

By: derrick

derrick — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:58:24 +0000

I said 14.2 atleast i was close

By: forg

forg — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:58:01 +0000

Repost:

From Travis Yanan

V series premiere quarter hour breakdown

8:00-8:15
- 13.974 million viewers
- 8.7/13 HH
- 4.9/14 A18-49

8:15-8:30
- 14.149 million viewers
- 8.6/13 HH
- 5.2/14 A18-49

8:30-8:45
- 14.079 million viewers
- 8.5/13 HH
- 5.2/14 A18-49

8:45-9:00
- 15.000 million viewers
- 9.1/13 HH
- 5.5/14 A18-49

By: J.R. Herbaugh

J.R. Herbaugh — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:55:10 +0000

“V” didn’t air in Green Bay either.

WBAY plans to air it Saturday: “The premiere of “V” airs at approximately 11:05 P.M., following Action 2 News at 10:30. Please allow extra time for recording in case ABC College Football runs long. “V” will air in its regular Tuesday timeslot at 7 P.M. on WBAY-TV for the rest of November. “Tuesday Night Touchback” will be a half-hour and start earlier at 6:30 P.M.”

By: johnthemon

johnthemon — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:12:57 +0000

Wow, that’s pretty darn impressive, my highest guess was a 4.1 and I was on the high end of the guessing train.

Of course, next week is what matters, but still this is a good sign.

By: dj

dj — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:45:41 +0000

hey. my prediction was right. v went to 14 mill. kool

By: forg

forg — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:41:24 +0000

ABC could have won the night in the demo if not for the low ratings of forgotten or if DWTS performed a little better

By: squiggleslash

squiggleslash — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:30:23 +0000

Given the hype it’s had, I expected the numbers would be high.

I see this as a T:SCC like show – initially high ratings for the pilot, but with a huge drop afterwards. There are just too many things wrong with the concept, from the “re-invent ultra-cheesy 1980s show” (which always goes wrong, even when it’s actually done well. I thought the attempt to revive Dr Who in the 1990s was superb but they offended swathes of fans of the series, for example. Admittedly, the original Dr Who was good, but… And then there’s Bionic Woman, do I need say more?), to the obnoxious “Let’s make it appeal to those who agree with Glenn Beck” angle.

I’d be surprised if next week’s ratings are anywhere close to this week’s, and be unsurprised if the hiatus virtually kills the show.

By: Tommy

Tommy — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:10:11 +0000

If the next 3 episodes hold up well I can see ABC moving V to a 9PM slot when it returns to anchor the night. Dancing Results at 8, V at 9, and Lost at 10.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:59:49 +0000

V may get crushed in March airing against Idol and NCIS.

By: vsaint

vsaint — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:56:56 +0000

Wow, fantastic start. It has heavily promoted, ads, commercials everywhere. it felt like a movie premiere.
But it was only average and i wonder how many people will turn away. For people that watched it and are not going to watch next, You better not complain about lack of tv options. Only the generic police procedural and reality.
It was that good, but i can always watch NCIS anytime, being a procedural, what am i going to miss by skipping a few episodes?

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:44:21 +0000

I thought Flashforward would do better for its premiere but I guess Thursdays at 8 is more competitive overall. V did great and hopefully it sticks.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:38:15 +0000

Wow, that’s incredible for V. I might just check it out now, although I’m a little wary after wasting time on the nonsensical garbage that is Flashforward.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:33:39 +0000

If viewers stick with the series and when it returns, Id consider it a winner.

By: Michael J

Michael J — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:27:32 +0000

I just watched it from my DVR and it looks like ABC has a winner.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:12:43 +0000

Don J – I forgot about that. The reason it was pushed is because only 4 eps were produced. Well lets hope that V stays strong when it returns.

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:53:29 +0000

I gussed V would have 13.85 million viewers. I was very close! I loved V and is one of my new favorite shows of this season. The gain at the half hour is a good sign, so the drop shouldnt be too big next week.

I’m also glad to see 90210 still holding up well while Gossip Girl dips below 2 million for the second week this season.