NBC’s new sci fi series Debris is currently struggling in the ratings and could be heading to cancellation. But the fans could still save it.
What Is Debris?
Debris premiered on NBC on March 1st and follows a group of agents exploring strange phenomena occurring after pieces of debris have fallen to Earth from space. A destroyed alien spacecraft was detected traveling through the solar system and wreckage from that has landed on the planet, usually in small fragments. The debris appears to have strange powers and governments are concerned that it could fall into the wrong hands and be used for nefarious purposes. CIA agent Bryan Beneventi (played by Jonathan Tucker) and MI6 operative Finola Jones (played by Riann Steele) are assigned to lead a task force that searches for and recovers pieces of the debris while also investigating effects on the people and area near where it lands. The series was created by Fringe alum J.H. Wyman and has a similar feel to that show with the episodes focusing on investigations of strange occurrences related to the debris while also building on a larger story arc. Also in the cast are Norbert Leo Butz, Scroobius Pip, and Anjali Jay. It currently airs at 10 PM EST on Mondays.
Why Is the Show Struggling?
The premiere episode of Debris drew decent numbers for a broadcast network drama these days, especially one airing in the 10 PM EST hour. It had a 0.59 rating based on same-day viewing for the 18-49 demographic with 4.4 million total viewers. That is on the lower end of what Manifest was pulling in the same hour last season, but still not bad for this current, ratings-challenged year. However, Debris took a notable drop to a 0.36 score with its second episode, which definitely had to raise the concerns of network execs. It improved above the 0.40 level for its next two episodes but slipped to a new low of a 0.34 score this past Monday. And it is regularly losing over half of the lead-in audience from The Voice each week. The early Live+7 delayed viewing numbers are not giving it much lift either. For its premiere, the show only improved by 51% to a 0.89 rating, much lower than the boost Manifest was getting from delayed viewing last year.
The ratings are not disastrous at this point, especially during a season where viewership has been down due to a lack of new programming because of the pandemic-related production delays. But still, the numbers are not very promising, and NBC execs have to be underwhelmed by what they are seeing. If the Live+7 numbers were giving the show more of a boost, the network brass might be more willing to give it a chance, but that is not the case with the early returns. I have moved this one to Bubble status, and I am currently watching for signs that the network has lost faith in the show (such as rescheduling it to Friday nights).
What Can the Fans Do to Help Debris?
Debris might be down, but it is not out yet. The networks may be leery of cancelling shows in the current pandemic environment because there is more involved these days with ramping up new shows that would act as replacements. But then the broadcast networks are the broadcast networks and cancelling shows with low overnight ratings is a reflex for them. So fans need to take action now to prove that there is an audience for the show and to convince the network to keep it on the air.
First off, fans need to get on the social networks and get Debris trending to bring it more attention. Live-tweeting during the Monday broadcasts is a good way to get things started. But watching live and/or on DVR will do nothing to help the show’s ratings unless you are a Nielsen family. Fans need to watch the show online, as those views are counted without the filter of the Nielsens. And there are three options for online viewing: NBC’s website/app, Hulu, and Peacock. A particularly good strategy would be to drive people to subscribe to Peacock to watch the show because that appeals directly to the bottom line, which would definitely get the attention of network execs. Online viewing parties are a good idea as well as that helped Timeless (another NBC show that struggled in the 10 PM Monday timeslot) and could do the same for Debris. In addition, an online petition at someplace like Change.org could help and you can vote for the series in our Save My Show poll (those stats will be shared with the network).
We have seen shows saved in the past by fan efforts, and Debris could be the next one to avoid cancellation because viewers rallied in support. But any action needs to happen now and needs to make plenty of noise because network execs are already looking to Fall 2021 and deciding which shows to slot into the schedule. Debris could avoid becoming yet another one-and-done sci fi TV casualty and live on for a second season if the fans make a stand now.
Are you watching Debris and will you lend your support to the show? Chime in below with your comments.
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I wish that they would keep Debris. It is very entertaining and I enjoy it very much. One season is not enough time to give to this show. They need to give it a chance.
This show has started in a similar manner to Fringe, a very slow beginning, with weekly phenomena, and no discernible path, then, suddenly, picking up the pace as it starts to reveal more of the inner details of what is happening. It’s a shame so many cannot follow a good story. It’s week after week of no progress! They want all the answers in 43 minutes, and then complain it’s not interesting enough. Patience, comprehension, and attention are quickly fading qualities in viewers.
And, as far as lead ins? Who actually expected the audience for The Voice would be the best opener for Debris? Stupid planning by the network.
I agree with you wholeheartedly!!
This is one of the most ridiculous shows, I have ever watched. It never solves anything. It goes from one scenario to another, like it is trying to find it way. The main characters are good, but the plots are STUPID
I really hope they don’t cancel it. The last say 10 episodes have each been really intriguing and the chemistry between Finola and Bryan has developed which is what I was hoping for . Do not cancel this show.
Cancel it. Tucker is lost talent here.
Ok the 2nd season. It’s a good show. Good lord, give it a chance for crying out loud. It would be great if the audience sees the creators of the debris, namely the aliens themselves.
I think Debris is a very intelligent and intriguing Science fiction show. I didn’t think there would be any exciting chemistry between Finola and Bryan when it came to them as CIA agents who are partners. Luckily I have been proven wrong. We are really not given a clear picture yet as to whether this “ debris” falling from the sky is threatening or beneficial to humanity and earth. People are always portrayed on television as terrified of aliens or the unknown and we don’t know who the occupants of the debris was and or were. Don’t cancel this show because of ratings. It’s really worth a second season !
I’m enjoying this show immensely. Those that say the writing needs to amp up… agreed. The leads are good actors in their own right, so give them better scripts and that will take care of a lot. Even if you cancel, you still owe us a conclusion!!
I love Debris! It keeps you on the edge of your chair wondering what’s going to happen. Please don’t cancel the show. It’s worth saving for season 2.
I love Debris! It keeps you on the edge of your chair wondering what’s going to happen next. The only thing I didn’t like was the last 3 episodes where it was like watching Ground Hog Day. Kept repeating story line over & over trying to get characters back together. Please don’t cancel the show. It’s worth saving for season 2.
Yes! It started out kinda weak put as time progressed the plots and twists and turns was being revealed. Now I don’t that NBC would cancel the series after juicing up the show with episodes 9 & 10. COME ON NOW! LET BE FAIR! Can we just get along here. Can DEBRIS go out with style and grace like TIMELESS, another go series that was kicked to the curb. PLEASE! reconsider. DEBRIS FOREVER!!!!
give it another year nbc,it takes time.It is worth it
My husband and I love Debris. I hate the thought of another good show being cancelled! Keep the show on!!!!!!!!
WATCH FROM EP 5!! The first 4 eps of debri sucked!! I stopped watching, BUT, i, after a week, i decided to check out one more ep, i was hooked, so far, frm ep5 up to the latest, ITS BEEN FANTASTIC!!
I dont know what’s up with Sci-Fi shows on why they dont last….This one has an endless amount of imagination that can be thrown into a plot/show. I just hate to get into a good show to find out its on its way to be dumped. There’s lots of Sci Fi Fans out here….GIVE IT A CHANCE!!
I’m really enjoying this show..I’m a SyFy fan and this fits perfect into my TV time. I would be very disappointed if it was cancelled.
Keep the show. The X-Files didn’t find its footing in the first season. Neither did Seinfeld. Let the show have a chance.
I really like this series. The concept is compelling and the production values are competent and pretty high. Could the writing and plot improve? Yes, but the innovations and science orientated examination of multi-dimensional phenomena keeps me interested. I want it to continue.
Want more. Great show x-files and warehouse 13
Why is it so challenging for s Sci Fi series to survive? I was a big fan of Fringe, and it looks like this will also fail w/o given it an opportunity to succeed.
I think it’s terminal. The concept is good, but the writing has been poor and the storytelling has been lacking. The characters are not charismatic enough to engage me at all. It comes across as a poor facsimile of ‘Fringe’ with some of ‘The Whispers’ mixed in.
I started out loving the show, but it’s become one of those I just fast-forward through boring parts… Episodes 9 & 10 leave me wondering if I’ll watch it again. Hard to comprehend what’s actually going on; and the repetition in the episodes is just boring. I hope the writers can revamp & save it!
I thought episodes 9 & 10 were among the best! I hope this show doesn’t go away, I find it very intriguing.
I hate it when you start a new show and it gets cancelled due to “poor ratings” and the viewers who have been watching it consistently are left hanging without a viable conclusion. Makes me not want invest my valuable time to watch ANY new show until its’ run is complete and the storyline is complete. Better to binge-watch after its’ run is over. I’ll bet there are a lot of TV viewers that feel the same way. Are you listening, networks? I’m still here hopelessly pining for a conclusion to Dark Matter..
I too, agree on Dark Matter. An excellent series from episode 1.
“What Can the Fans Do to Help Debris?”
Do a soft reboot, get better writers, and better leads. The two we have now are boring and have zero chemistry. Plot holes and a sometimes painfully slow pace are killing this show.
Yes I agree- the show is not working and needs a real dynamic writing staff to re-launch it. Ditto with actors playing leads – no chemistry, but also the parts as written are very boring and static- wow a mannequin could play Bryan 🙁 and that is not the actor’s fault.
I am really enjoying this show! The complexity of it all reminds me of DEVS Hulu series.
Well, it’s definitely not The X-Files. 🙂