Robert's written quite a bit about Damages and his doubts about the show's future, and we've had weekly reports of its low ratings on the site, but when permanent rose colored glasses wearing Variety admits "don't expect "Damages" to return to FX next season. Or anywhere else." it's time to stick a fork in it, because it's done.
Here's the less than cheery season ratings news Variety passes along:
So far this season with one episode remaining, "Damages" is averaging 1.3 million total viewers (down 46% from season one) and 431,000 in the demo (off a hefty 62%).
Sadly, this sounds about right. I always thought talk of a DirecTV deal was ridiculous. Who would want to pay for a fraction of Damages ratings when they are so low?
It truly pained me to know that there probably was not a chance for Damages if the ratings did not improve this season. The writing on the wall was there as soon as the numbers started coming in at the beginning of S3.
Its a shame. The second season was a disappointment and even though I think this season is strong, the audience just never came back.
I still love it. Ted Danson is fantastic. It's a very strong ADULT show.
The second season was an awesome season, the same can't be said for the third season which is actually a big disappointment.
I agree, Josh, Damages never regained it's audience from some of ridiculousness of S2. I still watched and bought S2 but it did not compare with 1. I think this is a strong season. I think that Martin Short, Campbell Scott and Lily Tomlin have been excellent additions. One thing about Damages is that if you miss an episode or two, you have a hard time catching up or at least that's feedback given to me. There are so many minute details to pay attention to…I am just saddened that we are at the end of the road.
This will be another great show the ridiculously wrong and outdated neilsen ratings causes to be knocked off the air. The families that do have neilsen boxes should have them removed from their homes immediately and they should come up with a better solution.
Don't know what show you are watching but the 3rd season blows away the 2nd season.
I don’t expect Damages to get good ratings, but I can’t for the life of me figure out how it does worse than Mad Men. I mean, how could anybody find Damages duller than Mad Men?
I don’t expect Damages to get good ratings, but I can’t for the life of me figure out how it does worse than Mad Men. I mean, how could anybody find Damages duller than Mad Men?
I agree that the second season really hurt the show. I can't even remember the ending of it. Season three however is incredible and seems to setting up fourth season with the latest revelations. Can't see how it can all get resolved before the season ends.
I love the complexity of the show. Missing even one episode will leave you confused as to what is going on.
It definitely has its merits – but it feels alittle out of control this season and less “real” in its drama. It’s time has come and gone.
It definitely has its merits – but it feels alittle out of control this season and less “real” in its drama. It’s time has come and gone.
The writers knew this was coming; next week's 90-minute finale looks like it's going to wrap up some old mysteries: most notably, Ellen will finally tie Frobisher to the death of her fiance in season one. Maybe the narrative closure will help DVD sales (i.e. “Damages” as a completed story, like “The Wire”), though I'm not sure if “Damages” will get the same word of mouth.
The third season might be the best written of the series. It's slower, but it's much clearer than one and especially two.
1.3 million total viewers? It sounds off. As far as I remember, its first airing’s average was less than 1 million.
Robert or Bill, do you know where 1.3 million comes from? 2 airings of the same night? Cumulative of all the airings in one week??
1.3 million total viewers? It sounds off. As far as I remember, its first airing’s average was less than 1 million.
Robert or Bill, do you know where 1.3 million comes from? 2 airings of the same night? Cumulative of all the airings in one week??
Seriously? Get a grip. I like Damages but the simple truth is that almost nobody is watching it.
Time to break out the bingo card.
1.3 million total viewers? It sounds off. As far as I remember, its first airing’s average was far less than 1 million. Robert or Bill, do you know where that 1.3 million comes from? 2 airings of the same night? Cumulative airings of one week??
1.3 million total viewers? It sounds off. As far as I remember, its first airing’s average was far less than 1 million. Robert or Bill, do you know where that 1.3 million comes from? 2 airings of the same night? Cumulative airings of one week??
1.3 million total viewers? It sounds off. As far as I remember, its first airing’s average was far less than 1 million.
Robert or Bill, do you know where that 1.3 million comes from? 2 airings of the same night? Cumulative airings of one week??