Sarah Michelle Gellar‘s Ringer may have been cancelled back in May, but it was one of the hot topics at the CW’s press tour.
Reflecting on the decision to cancel the twisty thriller, CW president Mark Pedowitz said that the show’s “fans are still writing me, they want it [back] desperately”, but noted the show’s low ratings were compounded by disappointing results on DVR and social media — two ‘emerging’ platforms which can and have made the difference for other serialized shows:
“It was a combination of the complexity of the stories. It was not performing as well as we hoped it to on the digital/online station and the social media station.”
However, rather than being deterred by complex stories, Pedowitz is approaching the challenge a little differently:
“One of the things you learn about the level of these serialized shows is less may be more. Twenty-two [episodes] might have been too many. So if there’s a consideration to redo it, we’d probably go anywhere from six to 13.”
In other words: cable season. In many respects I do think this is the way forward for many serialized network shows. For the more heavily-serialized shows like Ringer, it could mean tighter story with less breaks (a factor that often kills momentum and viewer retention). For the less fully serialized offerings, shorter seasons should mean less room/pressure for standalone episodes that do nothing or little to develop the main story/characters, thus keeping the story focused and progressive.
On the other hand, it’s interesting to look at the likes of Alcatraz, Awake and Terra Nova — all cancelled last season with around 13 episodes and perhaps could have done with more to potentially find maturity and grow viewership (a point recently touched on by TN‘s Jason O’Mara).
On the other other hand, it’s probably no coincidence that they all saved their best for last. They might have struggled doing 22, particularly in a network environment. With only 13 they had too much ‘filler’, so can you imagine 22? (that more episodes could come in another shortened season).
In conclusion, there are cases for and against any scenario, but I think it also depends on how much ‘serialized freedom’ the network is prepared to allow the creators to tell the story within a certain frame of episodes, not to mention the financial implications of 22 vs 13 (or what have you).
Generally speaking, shorter seasons are certainly worth pursuing, particularly if the episodes are highly-focused and not watered down.
It’s going to be very interesting to see what the networks do over the next couple of seasons. I think the one to watch this season is Fringe — 13 episodes, final season, serialized freedom. Let’s see what happens.
I am tired of networks ending series without finishing the story. A good story has a beginning, middle, and an end. If a network plans to end a series, they should have the decency to plan an end to the storyline, not just leave it dangling in the middle of the story.
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I agree i definetly wanted to see what became of both the sisters story and they just left everyone hanging which is not cool they need to make another season at least to have 6 episodes or something just to tie all the loose ends im sure the ratings would go up if they did this WE WANT RINGER BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I didn’t catch this series on tv, rather I just saw the entire series over the past 3 days on Netflix. It was one of the best series I’ve seen in a long time. I hope they decide to bring it back in some format. Even a mini series would be good. So many of today’s series are dumbed down to the point of being ridiculous, but this one had so many great twists and turns it was delicious! Loved, loved, loved it! And hope to see it back in any form that makes sense
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I thought it was great I saw all of it on Netflix very good and interesting series
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I loved this series! I live in Norway so I saw the whole season on Netflix. It’s a shame if you don’t concider to release season 2! I got very excited and hooked when I saw the episodes, and it ends with no end… that’s not right! Bring ‘Ringer’ back with a decent ending before closing it down!!!
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I am very disappointed in the cw. Although you have some good shows, the way you left ringer makes me not want to watch anything you have on. I don’t want to get into another show only to have no idea what happens. You should take a note from the show Robin Hood.
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we seriously and desperately need ringer back.cause its soo cool
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WE WANT RINGER BACK…..really wanted the storyline to continue
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Season 2 is needed! I need to see more!
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I love this show wish there were more seasons I agree tired of network not finishing the story.
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I cannot imagen why such an interesting series could be cancel its Storie line is so fresh ,i loved it they definitely have to bring it back.
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This is unacceptable, you dont have the right to cancel a show before you end the story, I am not going to watch anything on your network from now on; this is so disappointing!
I hate you
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I hate that just bc a show does get the ratings they want they just cancel them. They should ask the viewers.
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After watching some episodes of Ringer, I loved it. But a story without a conclusion? That’s sad. I am tired of those unreal series. Moreover, the Ringer series is simple. People who do not like it wouldn’t understand how it feels. Nobody ‘good’ sets out to become ‘bad’. Great series!!!
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