Could NBC’s “Community†be saved from cancellation once again?
The possibility seemed unlikely only a few months ago. Before the fourth season began, the show runner Dan Harmon was replaced, one of its stars abruptly exited and the premiere date was pushed back almost four months. Not even the most ardent fans dared dream of renewal for a fifth season. Then, when “Community†finally returned in February, the ratings provided little comfort.
The ratings have continued to disappoint. Last night’s episode drew only 2.4 million total viewers and matched a series low in the 18-to-49 ratings category, the one advertisers watch most closely.
And yet, “Community†still compares favorably to almost every other comedy that NBC could bring back next season. It has amassed a loyal audience and the number of episodes required for syndication, and at least the ratings have not been trending downward. “Parks and Recreation†is the only other NBC comedy that can make that claim.
“Go On,†which looked like a hit last fall, plummeted as it neared the end of this season, finishing with 2.7 million total viewers for its finale. The same applies to “Whitney,†which dropped to a series low of 2.9 million viewers for its finale, and “Guys With Kids,†with three million. “Community†also had higher 18-to-49 numbers than “1600 Penn†and “The New Normal†when the latter could not benefit from its “Voice†lead-in.
Add it all up, and “Community†has a fighting chance.
