Will the new 9 p.m. time slot give Bob’s Burgers a ratings boost?
With Fox moving Bob’s Burgers to a new 9:00 timeslot, will the Belchers finally see long-anticipated ratings boost or more of the same?
For years, Fox has been messing around with Bob’s Burgers. Most notably, the network has changed its time slot multiple times. As a fan, it can be a bit annoying as the show never seems to stay at one time for too long. Whether it be a 7:30 timeslot, an 8:30 timeslot or its new timeslot, the Belchers aren’t kept where they are for long.
Sunday nights on Fox are usually reserved for animated shows. Last year, their lineup included The Simpsons, Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers. Currently, they rank amongst some of the best in the adult animated TV game. Despite Bob’s Burgers being the youngest, the show has garnered a large following but things could get even bigger especially with a later time slot.
With the new 2019 timeslot, Bob’s Burgers is moved to 9/8c. It’s a huge step for the show as Family Guy has occupied that spot for years. Ultimately, it could end up being a disaster or a genius move for Fox but for now, it seems like a smart move. Will a new timeslot finally give the Belchers a boost in the ratings?
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First, let’s talk about why the move happened. This will come as no surprise but Fox is introducing another adult animated series to the lineup. Entitled Bless The Harts, the series is going to follow a Southern family and include the likes of Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Jillian Bell in its cast. Obviously, they’re putting a lot of faith in the star power of this series and rightfully so.
With Bless The Harts taking over Bob’s Burgers spot, they decided to bump it to 9 and move Family Guy to 9:30. For Bob’s Burgers, this holds so much potential especially since they’ll get getting the audience between Bless The Harts and Family Guy. There will be fresh eyes on Bless The Harts who will hopefully stick around for Bob’s Burgers. Additionally, Family Guy viewers might not be aware of the change just yet so they’ll stick around until the show’s over to see the Griffins.
Of all the shows in the lineup, Bob’s Burgers has the smallest amount of viewers but a new time slot could fix that. They’re in that sweet spot when all of Fox’s football games are done so most fans have watched their team already. Maybe they need something to unwind with or want to try something new. That’s where Bob’s Burgers will come in as a great pick-me-up especially if their team lost that day.
This move isn’t only just for ratings, though. With Bob’s Burgers: The Movie coming in 2020, it’s time for the network to show that Bob’s Burgers can handle a big audience. If the movie flops, then it could spell hot water for the Belchers. However, a gradual rating boost via a new time slot could be exactly what the doctor ordered. Getting just a few more eyes on the show makes a huge difference.
Next. Bob’s Burgers: When will the movie trailer be released?. dark
Overall, the new timeslot is both good and bad but has the upside for a huge reward. If ratings soar, then Fox will have no choice but to leave it alone. If they decline, then it’s time for a different tactic. Either way, the Belchers have proven that they can hold their own so this 9:00 time slot is a step in the right direction.
Bob’s Burgers returns September 29th on Fox at 9/8c.