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).
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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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