mercia12591

I feel the same, very nervous about Season 2's direction if these numbers continue.

Reign's ratings were fine in the first half of the season, hence the early renewal, but now... CW could be excused for feeling they may have jumped the gun on renewing Reign.

ds44

Actually the 100 had a built in fanbase because it was a popular teen YA series. It started at 2.8 and .8 and has been bleeding out week to week. It's also only had 4 episode while Reign has had 18. You can't compare it. None of the new shows outside of the originals are doing very well.

makeitreign

The show never fully rebounded after 1x08. it was on the rise and they killed the momentum. The show has had some spikes since then but also some ugly lows. The triangle should've never happened. The show was on the rise without it. But after going for it, they split the fanbase, once Mary chose there was going to be a drop, regardless of who the choice was. I know I wouldn't been out if she had chosen Bash.

mercia12591

Exactly this. And now the other half of this fandom is crowing and demanding the tri back, well actually not the tri per se, just their couple. It sucks

makeitreign

Going back to the triangle would be a major step back for the show. The show is just far more compelling without it. But Benna is on the rise so I'm not that concerned.

mercia12591

I agree, but it worries me that these last two episodes, the best episodes of the series so far, does not reflect that viewers are happy the triangles gone, but rather the opposite.

Yes, I like Benna/Kennash and I even like Bash now, I hope these writers stay their course.

Freckles87

Ratings have nothing to dow with Frary or Mash or the triangle, guys.

firewall

The triangle or lack of triangle has no bearing on the ratings. It's the shtty lead-in of TVD coupled with a lack of promotion/awareness. I will, however, agree that the legitimization arc gave us the weakest episodes of the series at a crucial time for retaining viewership. People got bored, gave up and never returned. Now, with TVD dying on the vine, Reign is struggling.

At least we have season 2. I'm not going to worry until we see what the ratings (and episode quality) are like next season.

seratops

I couldn't agree more - I think the last two episodes were so so well written, which is why I'm so disheartened by the numbers!

I'm not so worried about the triangle --- my impression from the way things are going is that Laurie has a pretty specific idea of where the show is heading --- and honestly, much to my dismay, I think her plans are way bigger than MF. It's all about Mary (longterm anyway). But I don't think we have to seriously worry about any triangle action.

What I'm worried about is what this means for scheduling next season. I really do believe that the network loves Reign, but spring ratings often predict fall ratings which is why I'm so hung up on these numbers. Also, could determine how much money and time they're willing to give PR...

kategrinstead

TFTNT, Bree!

Here's something that gives a better idea of what CW sees as "ratings" right now:
wrong in all the right ways

40 percent of their viewership coming in through legal streaming sources is A LOT, which was something cited in their rationale/press release for giving so many shows (including Reign) early renewals.

I don't know if I've said it here or on the main M/F thread, but metered market ratings from Nielsen aren't the be-all-end-all anymore. There's a lot more to the game with IPTV. In November, I wrote up a short piece that I posted on Tumblr (before the renewals were announced), but the IPTV/traditional TV tensions are still relevant.
The Ratings Game & Everyone’s Favorite Shows - Just Call Me "Smitty"

If you're really worried about making sure the CW knows you're watching, I recommend two things. 1) Educate yourself about what ratings actually mean and what else is being used to make network decisions these days. 2) Watch episodes on their website (even with all of the commercials) or through another legal streaming source. DVR numbers, while great, don't really count for much because the viewer isn't the captive audience member advertisers want.

This, too, is a great article for understanding some things -- even if it's about BATB:
“Did BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’s Rabid Fandom Seal its Show’s Fate?” | The TV Watchtower

Bottom line: Don't freak out. We at least have another season. Ratings are down all over the network for a number of reasons. Let's wait and see what the CW does for promotion next year.

mercia12591

I want to believe you, but tbh that's not how the fandom, especially the currently dissatisfied side, sees it and I don't think that's how the CW sees it. They live for triangles because they think it generates buzz and viewership.

If CW did not think triangles work they wouldn't be so fond of them, which is why these numbers bring me down.

Look don't mind me, I'm a natural worrier. I LOVE REIGN rn, everything about it is damn near perfect, except these ratings...

drunkalice

I cannot think the triangle seriously has to do with ratings, guys. It would be like assuming that people watch the promo and decide whether to watch or not according to its shippy potential. It's just insane.
If I were the CW I'd just set a better promotion for next year, maybe try to gain some credibility as a period drama by taking better care of the costumes too. Maybe change the lead (or is this the TVD final season anyway? no idea).

mercia12591

Thanks for this Kate.

Alice, TVD has one more season after this one.

lilywang69

Kate, that's a great post. Thanks so much for sharing those links with us, this was very informative!

seratops

Love it Kate thank you!