Remember last year when NBC touted Monday nights as "Bionic Mondays"? The network had a can't-miss evening of entertainment--at least according to the advertising--anchored by new series Chuck, the sophomore season of the smash hit Heroes, and the super revved-up Bionic Woman remake. It was the night that would help bring NBC back up from the bottom of the pile, regain some swagger, and usher in a new era.
Well, maybe not so much.
Bionic Woman was canceled after tanking with viewers and critics, Heroes redefined "sophomore slump" and then some, and Chuck, as lovable as he is, was hit hard by the writers strike. Flashing forward to this season, things don't appear to be much better for NBC's Mondays.
Heroes and Chuck hit all-time lows for ratings this past Monday (8.2 million, 4.0/9 for Heroes and 5.8 million, 2.3/8 for Chuck), according to The Hollywood Reporter, which should be a red flag for NBC. (Heroes averaged more than 11 million last season.) And before you point out that both Monday Night Football and Major League Baseball playoff games were also on that evening, it should be noted that CBS' comedy block of Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, and The Big Bang Theory were all up over the previous week and all outperformed Heroes.
The real shocker of NBC's Monday nights is the continuing slide of Heroes. This past Monday's episode seems to have been the last straw for many critics, who are jumping ship as if the superhero drama has "Titanic" written on its side. Says The Chicago Tribune: "That's it, Heroes, I'm done" (and that's just the headline). The New York Post: "I fear that Heroes has traveled beyond the point of redemption." And Time: "I may be on the verge of giving up on Heroes, if I haven't already given up on it somewhere deep inside."
It appears as if many Heroes faithful are doing the same. Heroes is consistently one of TV.com's top shows (it's number one again today), but seeing this precipitous drop-off for what was supposed to be the drama's rejuvenating season can't really be blamed on digital video recorders, live sports broadcasts, or a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top.
We desperately want Heroes to find its way back to season-one quality, but we're getting a bit frustrated, too. That scene where future Sylar's son dies is the most unintentionally funny bit of television in recent memory (oh little boy, we hardly knew ye). Cheese factor 10, captain. And don't get us started on Maya, the new Mohinder, and Matt Parkman's spirit trip. Where are you guys in your Heroes watching?
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umm .. I seriously think Season 3 isn't that bad. at least it's still very entertaining to me. I mean .. there were episodes in Season 1 that are just purely AMAZING like better than movies. I haven't seen really amazing episodes in Season 3, but still think it's well written and entertaining. I really think one of the biggest reason that it's getting low ratings is because of the writer's strike. that created the big gap between season 2 and 3 and a lot of people just lost their feelings/interest in it. I sort of lost it, not as attached and remember the things from previous seasons. But without that, I still think it's a very tight show/story. lets just hope the writers will come up with some AMAZING episodes later on.
Maybe, I should start watching Chuck on Monday's. I mostly watch it online (On NBC), because I watch GG at 8 aswell (and I like watching it online, than on the tv). As for Heroes- once you miss an episode, you might aswell give up. It's just way too hard to follow. I rarely watch it anymore. If i'm bored over the summer, I'll watch all of season 3, but until then....we'll see.
oh come on. Critics are just too lazy to think while watching a show. If everything isn't spelled out in big letters saying exactly who we're with and what day it is and everything they freak out. The fact of the matter is, they're too weak to follow Heroes, and it is because of the weak that Heroes will fall.
Heroes got a little messy, so what? I still enjoy it, is true they have to be careful with the storylines now, but hey its a superheroes show. And by the way anyone who watch smallville and say this show or Chuck should get canceled is simply out of his/her mind. THere are plenty of shows to cancel before these two (Smallville, Terminator, Reaper...). For those who dosen't know that (you can do a little research if you want) Heroes is the #1 american show in a lot of countries. Is not like season 1? Agreed. Season 2 was the worst season? Agreed. But season 3 can be fixed easily, and is not really that bad. (not even near of season 2). This things are a matter of taste anyway. (Sorry about the english i am not american).
Heroes is going worse here in OZ, its one of if not the lowest rating prime time show on the channel its on. This season is really awful and people cant keep up with it anymore
ok i dont agree with any of you. I think that you are too harsh, the season two agreed, wasn't the greatest, but season three far makes up for that. Peter Petrelli is one of the best characters I cannot possibly imatgine why anyone would want to dispose of him. I am a true Heroes fan, and though I agree season two wasn't as good as season one (not saying it was bad cough* writers strike) Which for those of you that don't know is the reason season two was so small. If there wasn't a writers stirke, we would have already seen season two and three. and would now be on four. because season two and three were supposed to just be one season combined. I mean you can't really expect all the loose ends to be tied up in eleven episodes. Season 1 had over twenty episodes. If it would have ended at eleven then we would all hate it too. So blame the writers strike. Sorry this is so long, i'm just sick of reading about people giving up on heroes. HEROES IS AMAZING!!!!
People say Heroes has to many charatcers now and you can't follow but lets look back at season one. In season one there were about ten differnet charatcers right that had their own story on their own adventure now these ten characters didnt even know about each other but that wasnt hard to follow. Now there are bout 6 or 7 more characters that are all on the same journey right with the same characters from season one but they all know each other and are all together but thats hard to follow? Anyway and what kills me is that everyone was on Peters dick when the show started now he is the worst character man Heroes must suck ass. What could help Heroes become the show you clamed to have loved? Thats a stupid question cause then the show would be pradictable and then you wouldnt want to watch either.
This season certainly has a different feel, but I'm sticking with it.
I have given up on Heroes. Am now a Chuck fan.
I feel the same way. I don't think the episodes are bad, but I absolutely hate the direction that it's going in. It's up against Prison Break and I'm enjoying that much more.
I watched the season premiere, part of the third episode, and that was it. There's just too many characters and too much going on. I get tired of trying to remember what's what and I don't like the angle where half of them are villains. The whole point of superheroes to me is that there's a clear-cut line (usually) between good and evil; there's a superhero and supervillain. If I want the real-life shades of gray I'll stick to RL. Heroes lost this viewer.
o well
IT SUCKS! And I'm not from America!
It sounds to me that most of the people hating on Heroes should read a book cause this is TV its ment to entertain not test how smart you are its mindless entertainment its Lost all over again "Im to smart for this show so I cant watch it so let me watch a show about a geek cause I wish that could happen to me!" RIGHT! Keep dreaming stop watching heroes and read a book cause if you really dont like the show stop talking about it you just sound like someone waiting to find a reason to watch again.
HEROES IS NOT GETTING CANCELED IT IS LOVED WORLD WIDE JUST BECAUSE PEOPLE IN AMERICA HAVE COMPLETELY LOST THERE MINDS CAUSE NOW THE SHOW "SUCKS" RIGHT! CHUCK IS "THE BEST SHOW ON TV" RIGHT! ANYWAY YOUR DREAMS ARENT COMING TRUE ITS STILL THE BEST SHOW ON TV HEROES ISNT GOING ANYWHERE CHUCK WILL FALL FIRST CAUSE NBC IS STILL MAKING TOOOOO! MUCH MONEY SO HEROES FANS DONT FEAR CHUCK FANS ON THE OTHER HAND KEEP PRAYING!
Weird. I have been feeling that this season has been lacking in some aspect. I am not as into it as I was in season 2 and 3. Not sure what is going on, but I hope they clean it up. Wouldn't want this canceled after 3 seasons.
Some people tell us "there is a lot of potential for heroes", yeah Always on superheroes does. But on this season... the writer dont connect the points... I hope season go for better... but I do not see the series in that direction.
after the horrible season 2, i made a point not to watch season 3...especially as there are far too many better shows currently on.
Heroes sucks. Total lame piece of trash. Everyone is better off watching the last of somewhat tolerable comedy sitcoms on CBS, but HIMYM being the exception.
I DVR both shows but haven't watched any of the Heroes episodes yet. My wife likes to be able to watch multiple episodes so we usually let them pile up before watching. Same with Lost.
I think season 3 of Heroes still has some potential as long as they start producing some storylines or characters we can care about again. Season 1... Great Season 2... Good start, horrible finish Season 3... Undecided
More people should watch Chuck, it's an awesome show. I'm still following Heroes, but I don't watch it the instant it's done recording now a days like back in Season 1.
i didnt think season three was so bad, i didnt even think season 2 was that bad either, there is a lot of potential for heroes, they should offmaya and mohinder and there should be more of nathan and peter, howcome he is a villain now????
Give up hope, even getting rid of Mohinder, Maya and Peter would do no good. Mr. Tim Kring would be bring in even more characters who would just seem useless. I liked the original intention of having a revolving cast-list because let's face it these characters are getting old. Then again the show wouldn't be in this place if Mr. Kring knew how to write an intelligent episode that knew how to please the viewers who tune into this show every week, instead of wasting 50 minutes and muddling something of interest in the like 5 minutes. Seriously, what's the other 50 minutes worth?
I love Heroes, but the writers really need to step their game up, some characters need to die, aka maya & Mohinder, maybe peter. But I'm keeping hope that season 3 will get better!!!!! Don't Give UP On Them!!!!
I love, love Chuck. Don't cancel! I still watch Heroes but I feel it's getting worse and worse.
CBS won again last night, check it out at thrfeed.com, you heroes fans will be happy to note it climbed up a bit. Sadly for Chuck there was no progress there.
LOL, I must be really out of touch, I love Heroes, and personally I didn't feel season 2 was bad, IMO it all fits together nicely in the development of the story. Season 3 is off to a great start, and looks like it'll be a more high-octane season, so I'm good with Heroes.
I like Heroes, and I like the 3rd Season as well. A friend of mine is on your critics side, but his statement was: "This season starts to fast, to many new characters, to many stories at ones." So I think he and maybe others (of you) are overwhelmed by the many twisting plots. For me it is one of the greatest shows on TV. And something you have to follow with attention. I hope it will be continued, and I think it will slow down a bit.
Critcs who laugh at children who die? What am I supposed to think?
I love Heroes, but must admit parts of the show is graining on my last nerve. The Nathan and Tracy stuff is great. Angela Petrelli is great. The Slyar stuff is very interesting. Watching tonight's episode Claire made me smile again. But how Mohinder and Peter been acting...oy. *cries* heh
I'm glad to see critics agree with me. Heroes is getting real bad, real fast.
Oh my god move something from monday to some other day, dumb executives
I hope chuck defently does not get canselded
I hope chuck defently does not get canselded
I think this season is better than season 2, but season 1 is still tops. Here is to hoping that they get their act together sooner rather than later
I hope Chuck doesn't get canceled!
Monday is the most competitive night on TV, But like I always say, I DVR shows I want to watch most and watch live 2nd most, sometimes I wait till I get 3-4 eps together and watch, I know I can not be the only one doing this.
... On a side note I just got done looking over Weds Nights line up... Knight Rider? Pushing Up Daisies... The New Chrissy (or whatever that show is called)... America's Top Model... Not only would Heroes and Chuck destroy the competition... Its would bring more people to the Network again... Lets be honest would the world even notice Knight Rider missing? I don't think so.
There were years (About 20 years) when Monday Night was one of the two worse nights for TV... The other being Weds. night... When I would prey that something other then MNF would come on... Don't get me wrong... MNF was good but it was for only 17 or so weeks... The other 35 you were S.O.L... Well, in the last 4 or so years Monday has turned into the new Thursday night... MUST SEE TV!!! Its bad enough that Heroes is on Monday Night... But then you also have MNF... Then you have CBS' Comedy (Yes, I think the shows are funny)... And you also have One Tree Hill, my girlfriends favorite show (And my Guilty Pleasure).... All on one night. Whats a boy to do.? You can only DVR so many shows at one time... I don't have but one DVR... And thats still more then most Americans... I have a suggestion... Why not take Weds Night which in my book is still a crappy night and turn it into a "Semi" Must See TV night? Take whatever Turd show NBC are pushing on America on Weds Night and put those on Monday... And take Monday Nights block of shows and air them on Weds Night... Whatever they do they cant wait another season... It needs to happen soon before they lose a whole season of fans!!!!
Chuck is a GREAT show but Monday is a tough night in my house. We have two DVRs going just to catch all my Monday faves! If NBC would move it to say Wednesday at 9pm, it would probably do much better.
Chuck is fun, but Heroes is just bad. Bad writing, bad acting, bad plots, bad characters, just bad everything. It's a shame because Heroes was fun in season 1.
This is just sad. I forsee only two outcomes: 1: The show will get cancelled. 2: It will be dumbed down so those who have given up on it due to not being able to understand it will come back. Neither outcome is good in my opinion.
Oh Heroes. Why can't you have a super healing power like Claire's? Then you would never die. But if the writers are tanking the show then it can't be helped. Unless they get new writers...
I hope that Heroes doesn't get cancelled as I am a dedicated UK Fan of both Heroes and Chuck. I was hyped about Heroes after seeing an episode of Heroes on the Sci Fi Channel. I only got to see the first two episodes and thought that they were better than the second chapter to which I only seen bits and pieces of weren't that good so I am catching up a bit on the storyline gap of the end of season 1 and the whole of season 2.
I really really hope they leave Chuck alone because I love it so much. Sadly, I can't watch Chuck since it's the same time slot as HIMYM and The Big Bang Theory and I only have one TV. Moving it to another night would help. I know there are so many people that love Chuck, so don't disappoint us NBC.
i was afraid this day has come... *Knox feeding on my fear and whacked me
The first season of Heroes was AMAZING! The second season was good, but no where near as good as the first. But so far i am really liking the third season of Heroes. There are some storylines that i do like, for example, the future story line that Angela (Christine Rose) saw was great. I do like the Tracy Straus story line. Meredith (Jessalyn Gilsig) helping Claire (Hayden Panettiere) is a good story line as well, but that is about it. Sylar (Zachary Quinto) going good, i dont really like it. I never really liked Maya (Dania Ramirez) nor Mohinder (Senhil Ramamurthy), and i am still shocked that they are still alive. Matt (Greg Grunberg) on his spirit quest is getting ridiculous! Is Tim Kring asking for the show to get canceled? Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) is really getting on my nerves. UGH! I really like the show, and i think that the writers and the network are the only ones to blame.
Heroes is a mess. The public isn't stupid (save for the reality show viewers) as you Heroes fans are stating, its the fact that the show has become a jumbled mess and no one wants to watch that. Lost is the perfect example that if you keep the story fresh and challenging people will continue to follow it. But if you tease the audience with lame plots ripped-off from movies (The Fly anyone?) and constantly keeping dumbing down characters never letting them mature or grow, people will drop off week by week.
It's a shame, I love Heroes, I agree with the writer about some of the storylines this season, including the above unmentioned "Hiro - Daphne" story, which is boring me to death... But I think that overall is Heroes still one of the best shows on television, a show that keeps on delivering exciting action week after week. Take away some of the stupid storylines and move back onto the right track and Heroes will get their viewers back. Please don't disappoint more people, I don't want Heroes axed. It's my weekly peak of tv-entertainment...