ABC’s new sci fi drama Emergence has wrapped up its first season, and now fans will be wondering if it will be returning for a second year. It debuted back in Fall with a 0.8 rating based on same-day viewing for the 18-49 demographic, which is not a great score but also not bad for ABC during the Tuesday 10 PM EST hour. That was actually higher than what the network averaged in that hour last season. But as is typical, the ratings slacked off in subsequent weeks and the show slipped to the 0.4 ratings range towards the end of its Fall run. That’s notably below ABC’s 0.74 average for non-sports, non-special, and non-repeat programming, and I moved the show to Bubble status back in November. When it returned from hiatus in January, it improved slightly to a 0.5 rating, but then dropped precariously to a 0.3 score the next two weeks (and the season finale).
On the positive side, Emergence saw notable gains in delayed viewing in Fall, typically more than doubling its numbers and landing in the Top 25 each week based on Live+7 viewing. Below are the ratings for the show thus far comparing same day viewing to the delayed gains [UPDATE: The delayed viewing numbers will likely not help the show. More on that at this link].
| Air Date | Live+SD | Live+7 | % Gain |
| 9/24/2019 | 0.8 | 1.6 | 100% |
| 10/1/2019 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 117% |
| 10/8/2019 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 120% |
| 10/15/2019 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 120% |
| 10/29/2019 | 0.5 | n/a | n/a |
| Average | 0.6 | 1.3 | 114% |
Now the fact is that we have yet to see a clear indication that delayed viewing helps shows airing on the Big Four networks, and NBC cancelled two shows early in the season suggesting a continued focus on the same-day numbers. However, two seasons ago The Orville and The Gifted both posted moderate overnight ratings but regularly ranked in the Top 25 based on the Live+7 stats and both received second season renewals. On the other hand, just a few years back Forever aired in the very same Tuesday 10 PM timeslot on ABC to moderate same day viewing but notable delayed gains and was cancelled after a single season. The current Peak TV crunch may be putting more pressure on the networks and ABC might give Emergence more of a chance, but it is hard to say for sure.
I still consider the show to be firmly On the Bubble, but not all hope is lost. It is performing below the network’s average, but ABC currently has the second lowest ratings average among the Big Four (and it is down 20% year-over-year) and that may convince network execs to ease off from cancelling this show just yet. It was designed to only run thirteen episodes per season, so the fact that it did not get additional eps for the back half of the season is not a sign that the network has given up on the show. Ending the season pretty weak based on its same-day ratings will definitely hurt, but there is still a chance the show could survive.
It is up to the fans at this point to show their support and convince ABC to keep this one around for another season. They should definitely make a Call to Action on the social networks to bring it more attention and prove that there is a devoted audience out there. NBC’s Timeless received a second season and a series finale when fans made a strong showing of support, and that could happen again. Streaming parties would be a good idea and episodes are available on Hulu and ABC’s website. As an added bonus, those views are not filtered by Nielsen. And fans should definitely continue to stump for the show on the social networks. Emergence still has a chance at surviving into a second season, but it definitely is relying on its fans at this point to make a case to convince the network to bring the show back for another year.
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I love this show. One of the best sci fis ever. I bought it on Prime so that I could see it again, even knowing there is absolutely no resolution. Someone could have a great career writing endings to all the shows the networks cancel and leave in limbo. If only Netflix or someone had picked it up to continue it. If this show doesn’t grab you and make you want to know what happens next, i don’t know what would. It is so far above so many others that lasted lots of seasons! I would love to know where the writers planned to take it next!!
I love the show emergence my whole family did please bring it back
Please renew emergence it is a good show watched every episode and looking forward to more
Absolutely LOVE Emergence!!!!!!!!!! It has a great mix of suspense, heartful emotions and everything mixed into one amazing show! If your ratings slip now and then I believe it’s because of the inconsistency of when the airings were scheduled. Half the time, I would be excited to watch the show only to learn it wouldn’t be aired that week. Another time I was looking forward to it all week, it would be skipped again for a couple weeks. Please bring this back on a consistent basis. I cannot wait for another episode and season!!!!!
I’m heartbroken PLEASE renew EMERGENCE !!!!
I love this show! Please keep it! So suspenseful and unique… look so forward to .this. Please keep it! Love the storyline and the actors/actresses are excellent!!!
I love the show. Please renew for season 2.
I agree with you whole heartily! I watch through Hulu and streaming, because I’m retired, income from that is not that great! So I don’t have cable or regular TV. This is cheaper for me. They are not considering the other alternatives to how we watch tv these days! I’ve been watching EMERGENCE from the beginning! This show has a great following! They need to bring it back!
Keep this show ! It’s awesome
Emergence is a great show with a fascinating, interesting & great storyline & cast! Move the time slot to 8 or 9 pm & the initial ratings will be much better! People have to work the next day so of course the 10 pm time slot is not good & the initial ratings will be poor if you don’t move the time slot. I watch it the next day on Rogers On Demand. Stop sabotaging your own network!
Jenn, I’m with you on soaps, life is a soap operas who needs to watch when you live it. I’m 62 and have worked 25 yrs working two jobs and unable to watch much tv I hooked up with Hulu and Netflix and now I can watch shows I was not able to watch can now see at my own convenience. With you all the way.
Please keep emergence on tv!!!!
Bring back emergence! I love this show!
#EMERGENCE2NDSEASON
Please renew Emergeance. It’s very entertaining!
Bring Back Piper for a 2nd season Please!.
I really like Emergence! Please give it more chances! There’s not a lot besides reality crap on. I want Emergence!
Emergence is a good series. Just hope it does not go Toward The super powers Marvel heroes approach!…
Also, having only 13 episodes per year (season) creates a big gap… more continuity is of the essence to keep viewers interest.
One of the few shows worth watching on broadcast TV. Don’t cancel it.
There are so few shows that I watch, please renew this amazing show!
My husband and I just love this show. We don’t have cable so we watch it on Hulu the day after it airs.. It just seems like every time we find a show we really love, the network cancels it.. Please don’t do what you have done in the past!
Please keep Emergence. I was shocked when I heard after the last episode that the series hasn’t been picked up yet. Great cast great diversity great storyline. I like the fact that it’s not predictable. Predictable shows are boring. I stopped watching Grey’s Anatomy after its second season because it is so incredibly boring. I can’t believe that Grey’s Anatomy is still around yet ABC is contemplating not renewing Emergence. I watch all my TV via streaming services as do great percentage of viewers.
This show keeps you in suspense and it is very good! Please don’t cancel! ABC needs to stop canceling new series and leaving you in hanging!!
Pls renew emergence we watch every week and look forward to the next week.. big fans of this show.. nothing else like it on tv.. actors are Superb…this show definitely needs a second season
I think that Emergence was the best new series for ABC. ABC’s 2019 lineup was terrible and Emergence is the ony show that is worth watching, except for the news.
They need to renew Emergence. Maybe if Nielson ratings was more realistic, the numbers would truly reflect the number of viewers. People over 48 watch TV, spend money and frequently have children in their lives. Wake up and quit being so prejudicial regarding ages and TV ads.
Please keep Emergence..my fiance and I LOVE IT
Plesse renew wr love this series.
Please!!! Keep this show? Not same old boring story lines or comedy that is stupid trying to b funny. Great cast..unique story line.. can’t wait to the next episode week to week. Please keep this show!
Best new show on TV. Amazing cast and great creative story line. What a breath of fresh air!! Please keep this show!!!
This show keeps you so intrigued. I love the actors. Some I haven’t had the pleasure of that but they are all fantastic and fit there roles. Please bring it back
I have it Saved on my DVR so I don’t miss an episodic.
I look forward to Emergence every week and would be devastated if it were to be cancelled! Please renew!
I love emergence I even recorded so I can watch it during the week always keeps me on the edge of my seat I really hope that they bring it back It has great actors we need more I had not missed one episode we need emergence
Love this show! Please renew it, and we will continue watching & enjoying.
My wife & I both love this show, have watched all the episodes to date, and will definitely keep watching, if renewed!
My wife & I both love this show, and will definitely keep watching, if renewed!
Please renew Emergence!!! My husband and I are in our 60s and love it!
Please renew emergence, great show. I record it!
Love this show. Please don’t cancel.
Please don’t cancel Emergence!!! I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!! MAKE A SEASON 2 AND BEYOND!!!!
THANK YOU!!
Please keep emergence like all the actors and I really look forward to it
Love this show! I’m a faithful viewer and have watched all episodes
I really hope that ABC renews Emergence for at least a second season. I really like the show and look forward to watching it every week. It is a unique show and if I miss the network showing for some reason, I always watch it the next day on Comcast On Demand. I think the cast does a great job and I love the twists and turns of the plot. It is a show that the whole family can enjoy. I will be very disappointed if it does not return in the Fall for another season. I hate when the networks just cancel shows and leave you hanging with no closure.
Yes please! My husband and I look forward to watching Emergence every week, interesting plot that keeps you wondering and wanting more and totally different than every other show out there right now.
Loved the first season…Dont cancel …
Keep this show it’s amazing if u end it I will hate you forever!!!!
I Hope emergence is kept on air! Would be a huge disappointment! Why have even started it at all? I will def NOT watch this station ever again if they remove this show! Take off grays or general hospital, I mean how many times can they keep having the same scenarios with different people. Those shows are beyond I repeat beyond played out yet they keep them going with the same plot over and over! It would be a shame to the network to get rid of this show ! Emergence was the best show in years!!!! Absolutely one of the best and like NO other!
And Grey’s Anatomy should end too, too many seasons. I can’t watch anymore, too stupid, boring and annoying
This show is so stupid
Renew please!
This article doesn’t recognize two important things that completely undercount the audience!
1) Emergence has the third largest audience of all new broadcast shows this year when you look at +35 ratings (see latest Hollywood reporter piece on this – https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/stumptown-prodigal-son-lead-first-year-shows-35-day-ratings-1262664). These numbers do not take into account Hulu – not even sure they count ABC.com either! So many more people watching there.
2) Karey Burke, president of ABC television, noted explicitly that they are moving from reporting same day ratings to looking at +35 ratings because this reflects the new reality of how people consume TV!
And never mind that Tuesday nights, 10pm, are one of the very toughest spots on TV!
Emergence has a really huge audience. Nielsen same day ratings definitely do not tell the whole picture. And the same goes for other TV shows – certainly Stumptown is another such case.
All good points and thank you for including the link to the Hollywood Report article. However, despite what the broadcast network execs say, the same-day ratings in the 18-49 demographic tend to be the leading indicator of whether a show will be cancelled or renewed. But the information that you cite above is encouraging, and if fans make a Call to Action on the social networks, that might be enough to help get the show to a second season.
Must renew!!
Please renew
I am in my 70’s and have gotten friends tuned into “Emergence”. Please ABC picked this program up for another season. Y’all can’t keep us hanging with Piper’s eyes opening!!!
Barbara
ABC should keep this show ! This is an amazing show and it’s interesting and unique. If I ABC does cancel I am done with ABC.
Still need to watch it, always wait to see if they renew it. Most new series don’t get renewed and that sucks !
Why not renew with a few episodes to give viewers an ending to series, how hard is that ?
Please, please renew emergance. It is such a far fetched idea that can be extended. Come on ABC grow some “Beans” . Get back in the broadcast entertainment bizz.
I just watched all the episodes of Emergence on Hulu. I loved it and am looking forward to future episodes to see what’s happening. How can they not continue such an interesting show.
If ABC Doesn’t Give This Amazing A Chance I Am So Through With The Network For Good Just Like FOX For Cancelling The Passage.
Keep Emergence !!!!!!! It’s an unique and very interesting show . I’m a single woman in my 50s It’s not as good as Lost but still very good. Please give it another shot and see how it goes.
Thanks again
I agree totally. Post your views on the Facebook page.
I’m a young man at 50 years old I usually don’t stay up past 10 and weeknights but because of emerge I have I’m not use to shows like that but I enjoy this one you need to bring it back just cuz your run by Disney doesn’t mean you have to cancel it bring it back give it a chance it took Roseanne out of the Conners and you brought that back so give emerge a chance CNS took MacGyver off for a while and look at its back on do the same thing for emerg bring it back screw Disney who cares what they think we all want emerge back. You just can’t leave us hanging snot right.
Malie, I totally agree with you on both sentiments, “Emergence” is a good show that should be renewed, even if it might need some reshuffling of the writers, to give it more suspense/mystery/plot consistency, but the casting and acting is superb, the show concept is also smart.
Also, I agree with your comment on FOX’s past show “The Passage”, it was not given the time and support needed develop a strong viewer base.
Why are you capitalizing every word? That must be such a hassle.
Please keep emergence on TV
Give Emergence a second season. I want to see if Piper can come up with an idea to save Jo’s dad from cancer and to see them become more of a family.